The Chairman requested that all those persons participating in the hearing identified themselves as follows: -

Chairman – Councillor Springett

Committee Member – Councillor B Hinder

Committee Member – Councillor Joy

Legal Advisor – Mr Robin Harris

Democratic Services Officer – Mrs Caroline Matthews and Miss Oliviya Parfitt who was in attendance as a training exercise

Applicant – Century Buildings (Rochester) Limited

Representing the Applicant – Mr Steven Ross Hutchins

Other parties – Mr Robert Baker and Ms Louisa Beddoes

All parties confirmed that they were aware of the Sub-Committee hearing procedure and that each party had received a copy of the hearing procedure document.

The Chairman explained that:

·  The Sub-Committee would allow all parties to put their case
  fully and make full submissions within a reasonable
  timeframe.

·  The procedure would take the form of a discussion led by the
  Sub Committee and they would usually permit cross 
  examination conducted within a reasonable timeframe.

·  Any persons attending the hearing who behaved in a
  disruptive manner may be directed to leave the hearing by the
  Sub Committee (including temporarily) and thereafter the
  person may submit to the Sub-Committee in writing any
  information which the person would have been entitled to give
  orally had the person not been required to leave the hearing.

The Sub-Committee confirmed that they had pre-read all the papers and any other documents contained in the report regarding the hearing.

The Chairman enquired whether any draft conditions had been agreed between the applicant and other parties from which there had been 1 objection.

Other parties confirmed to the Chairman that they wished to formally withdraw their objection. This was due to a discussion between themselves and the applicant, in the presence of the Legal advisor, prior to the meeting. During this discussion, the consequences of a Shadow Licence, as applied for, was explained and the other parties’ concerns mitigated.

The Chairman asked the Legal Advisor that the committee would still need to determine the licensing application.

The Chairman invited any questions or statements from both parties.

The applicant’s representative stated that there was none.

The objectors thanked the applicant for explaining the implications of applying for a shadow licence, as stated above, prior to the meeting.

The Chairman then invited questions from Members of which there were none.

The Chairman confirmed that the Sub-Committee would approve the Shadow Licence application. It was noted that the Applicant’s Representative would receive the Notice in writing, within 5 working days from the date of the meeting.

The Chairman stated that there was a Right of Appeal within 21 days of receiving the written answer to the licence application.

The Meeting concluded at 10:50am.