There were no disclosures by Members and Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED:  That the items be taken in public as proposed.

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

Councillor Mrs Wendy Hinder – Chairman

Councillor Bob Hinder – Committee Member

Councillor Mrs Denise Joy – Committee Member

Mrs Debbie Matthews, Hospitality Manager, Leeds Castle

Mr Jo Lynch, Commercial Director, Leeds Castle

Mr John Gibbs, Noise Consultant for Leeds Castle

Robin Harris, Legal Officer

Caroline Matthews, Democratic Services Officer

The Legal Officer advised that one of the original Committee Members had been unable to attend and the Substitute Member had also been unable to attend.  Therefore one of the other Licensing Committee Members had agreed to substitute.  This would, however, mean that there was a husband and wife team serving on the Sub-Committee and Mr Harris asked the representatives of Leeds Castle if they had any objections to which they replied they did not.

The Chairman asked all parties to confirm that they were aware of the hearing procedure and that each had a copy of the procedure document.

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

The Legal Advisor briefly outlined the application for a premises licence
on behalf of Leeds Castle Enterprises Ltd in regard to the premises known as Battel Hall.

The Sub-Committee noted that the only objector had not confirmed his attendance and as he was not present Members could decide to postpone the meeting until another day or take his original objection into consideration whilst considering this application.

The Sub-Committee determined that they would carry on with the Sub-Committee meeting and would take the objector’s original representation into consideration.

The Legal Officer advised that other than the original objector who had made a representation based on public nuisance, no other objections had been received from any other members of the public or the responsible authorities. 

It was also noted that draft conditions had been proposed and the applicant had agreed them but the objectors had not.

The Applicant was invited to give his opening remarks.

Mr Lynch, the Commercial Director of Leeds Castle Enterprises, addressed the Sub-Committee. 

He advised that:-

·  Battel Hall had been completely restored

·  The Organisation would not be looking to hold large parties there night after night.  Part of the building had accommodation in it to provide guest rooms for those attending events or holiday lets.

·  Although small wedding parties could take place there, the Organisation would be selective both in terms of the clientele and any other proposed activities taking place as they were sensitive to the local neighbouring properties.

·  13 events had already been booked for the first year, some during the day.

·  All events would be operated under strict guidelines and would have staff present for the duration of the event and car parking stewards would be in attendance to enable guests to have a safe exit from the venue. 

·  Should there be more vehicles than could normally be accommodated, then the cars could be accommodated inside the Leeds Castle  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.