Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed those present to the meeting and introduced the other members of the Sub-Committee and the officers in attendance.

There were none.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

The Chair informed those present that she had been copied into an email from another councillor regarding Pipley Barn Cafe, querying the licensing application. She added that she had only acknowledged receipt of the email, had not discussed the application and had disregarded any observations made in relation to the application. The Chair indicated that she had an open mind in relation to the application and would not make her mind up until she had considered the report, all relevant factors contained within it and heard all points of view at the hearing.

There was none.

These were approved as a correct record.

The Chair explained the procedure for the meeting to all parties who were present.

The parties confirmed that they understood the procedure to be followed for the

hearing.

The Senior Licensing Officer outlined the application from Charles Simpson to the Sub-Committee. She explained that it was for a new Premises Licence for Pipley Barn Café, Brockham End, Lansdown, Bath. BA1 9BZ.

She said that the application proposes the following licensable activity:

The Sale of Alcohol for consumption on and off the premises:

Monday to Thursday 08:00 – 21:00

Friday to Sunday 08:00 – 23:00

The application proposes the following opening times:

Monday to Thursday 08:00 – 21:30

Friday to Sunday 08:00 – 23:30

She informed the Sub-Committee that twenty four representations of objection had been received from interested parties within the statutory period, all expressing concern that the applicant’s proposals are likely to have a detrimental effect on the Prevention of Public Nuisance licensing objective; three of these representation of objection also make reference to the Public Safety licensing objective.

She confirmed that none of the Responsible Authorities had made any representations relating to the application.

She reminded those present that matters such as Planning, Parking, Traffic and Highways were not matters that could be considered by the Sub-Committee.

Charles Simpson stated the case for the applicant and was questioned by Members and the interested parties present.

He said that since submitting the application he had been made aware of a planning permission restriction on the hours that the café is allowed to open, and while he had been opening 10.30-17.00, the planning permission limits the hours to 9.00-16.00. He said that he has now changed the opening hours to 10.30-16.00 to bring it into compliance.

He added that he would still be seeking a licence to allow him to serve alcoholic refreshments to guests of the bunk barn to the hours specified in the application, which are until 9.00pm Monday to Thursday and 11.00pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. He stated that they are not currently operating the bunk barn, but this is only due to current Covid-19 restrictions.

He said that Pipley Barn is designed and set up to accommodate up to 19 guests and that they plan to reopen the accommodation as soon as possible, though it was unlikely to be this year. 

Councillor Mark Roper stated the case on behalf a number of the interested parties and was questioned by Members and the applicant. He said that the local area surrounding the café was a tranquil outdoor space that was seen as an essential resource for local health and mental health needs.

He also stated that they objected to the applicant’s proposal of 4 events per month as the site was not suited to large events.

He said that there had been a growth in activity on the site since the date for representations had closed. He added that the interested parties he was representing would request the sale of alcohol to be restricted to 09:00 to 16:00 to bring it in line with the current planning permission which details the café as being ancillary to a bunk barn.

Decision and reasons

Members have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.