Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: Town Hall, High Street, Maidstone

Contact: Poppy Collier  01622 602242

Items
No. Item

12.

Disclosures by Members and Officers

Minutes:

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

 

13.

Disclosures of Lobbying

Minutes:

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

 

14.

To consider whether any items should be taken in private because of the possible disclosure of exempt information

Minutes:

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

 

15.

Report of the Head of Housing and Community Services - Application for a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for Parts of Mote Park, Maidstone pdf icon PDF 103 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman requested all those participating to identify themselves, as follows:

 

Councillor Grigg   – Chairman and Member for Loose Ward

Councillor Joy   – Member for High Street Ward

Councillor McLoughlin   – Member for Marden and Yalding Ward

Jayne Bolas   – legal advisor

Poppy Collier   – committee clerk

Chris Ingham   – Spirit of Rock Ltd, Festival Director

Mesh Rupparelia   – Spirit of Rock Ltd, Health and Safety

John O’Sullivan   – Spokesperson for the applicant and Spirit of Rock Ltd, Director

 

It was noted that the objectors to the application were not in attendance, two having indicated they would not be attending and no response from the third. The sub-committee decided to proceed as the objector’s representations were in the papers and it was not necessary in the public interest to adjourn the meeting.

 

The Chairman confirmed that all parties were aware of the sub-committee hearing procedure and that each had a copy of the hearing procedure document.

 

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

 

Mr O’Sullivan, spokesperson for the applicant, advised that no draft conditions had been agreed between the applicant and any other party.

 

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

 

The Chairman invited Mr O’Sullivan to provide opening remarks.

 

Mr O’Sullivan advised that Spirit of Rock Ltd purchased the name of the Ramblin Man Fair after the liquidation of the company which had organised the event the year previously.  Mr O’Sullivan had twenty five years’ experience in producing classic rock and progressive rock awards. Mr Ingham had published classic rock and metal magazine brands. Spirit of Rock Ltd had worked to rebuild relationships with companies which had been involved in the festival previously, and to involve the local community by employing students from Mid Kent College. The festival had engaged the services of the same suppliers, security firm and traffic management company as previously used. The classic rock audience was described as being between the ages of 35 to 60 years old. Mr O’Sullivan had acted as a licensing officer on behalf of a local authority for a festival held in London targeted at the same audience, and witnessed no issues.

 

The Chairman invited questions from sub-committee Members.

 

In response to questions Mr O’Sullivan explained that:

 

·  The cleaning firm employed for the upcoming Ramblin Man Fair was also used for the Glastonbury Festival. Side streets would be checked for litter.

 

·  The senior management team would be staying on site during the festival in order to be responsive to any issues that might arise.

 

·  The Directors had worked previously with festivals held within residential areas in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, and so were experienced in noise management and communication with residents.

 

·  Households in the vicinity of Mote Park would be leafleted with information in advance of the festival. The organisers were working with the council to agree the areas that should receive the leaflet. A manned phone line  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

16.

Duration of meeting

Minutes:

10.01 a.m. to 12.13 p.m.