Agenda and draft minutes

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

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

The Chairman invited all participants at the sub-committee hearing to identify themselves. The attendance was as follows:

Councillor Hinder   – Member for Boxley Ward

Councillor Joy   – Member for High Street Ward

Councillor Springett   – Chairman and Member for Bearsted Ward

Jayne Bolas   – legal advisor

Poppy Collier   – committee clerk

Mr Carey Jack   – Spokesperson for the applicant and Chairman  of the Harrietsham Village Hall Trust

Mrs Susie Jack   – Applicant and Treasurer of the Harrietsham Village Hall Trust

The objector to the application was not in attendance and no information on attendance had been received. The panel decided to proceed with the hearing as the objector’s representations were included in the papers and it was not necessary in the public interest to adjourn the hearing for attendance.

The Chairman explained the sub-committee procedure and ensured that each party had a copy of the hearing procedure document.

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

It was noted that no draft conditions had been agreed between the applicant and any of the other parties.

Mr Carey Jack confirmed that he would act as the spokesperson for the application.

The legal advisor provided a brief outline of the application and all representations received.

Mr Jack was invited to provide opening remarks on the application. The panel heard that the Harrietsham Village Hall Trust took on the Village Hall in order to preserve it as a village asset. Investment into the Hall by the Trust, such as a refitted bar area and other improvements, had led to an increase in demand for use as a party or wedding venue, and regular events such as film clubs. Since the Trust took on the Hall temporary event notices had been used up to twelve times. Only two representations were received to this application and one was withdrawn after discussion. A meeting was offered to the second objector but was refused. The Hall was used for many events that were beneficial to children including roller discos, reduced hire rate for children’s parties, and a regular children’s film club. It was stated that there had not been an issue with litter or noise disturbance or with the Police and no complaints had been received. Mr Jack explained that the additional hour for sale of alcohol on weekend evenings would ensure that the Trust members and volunteers who manned the bar in the Hall would not breach licensing requirements by selling alcohol past 11.00 p.m.

The Chairman invited the hearing panel to ask questions of the applicant. In response to questions Mr and Mrs Jack stated that:

·  It was expected that the number of events held in the Hall would increase in line with demand. However due to number of regular, recurring events there was a limited number of spaces left for additional events. These would mainly be Friday and Saturday as week nights are used by clubs.

·  Having an on licence would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

10.03 a.m. to 11.38 a.m.