Agenda and draft minutes

The Democratic Services Officer drew attention to the Emergency Evacuation Procedure.

Councillor Ann Morgan had sent her apologies to the Sub-Committee. Councillor Shaun Hughes was present as her substitute for the duration of the meeting.

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

(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 4.4 Appendix 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 Officer or a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

There were none.

There was none.

The Sub-Committee RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 20th February 2025 and they were duly signed by the Chair.

The Chair referenced the procedure that would be followed during the course of the meeting. Those that were present confirmed that they had received and understood the licensing procedure.

The Public Protection Officer (Licensing) introduced the report to the Sub-Committee. He explained that an application had been received from Whitbread Group PLC, Whitbread Court, Porz Avenue, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 5 XE for a new Premises Licence for a new Premier Inn hotel, Beazer House, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3BA

Councillor Toby Simon referred to section 3.2 of the report and asked the officer to check the wording and amend if appropriate with regard to the non-standard timings in relation to New Year’s Eve / New Year’s Day.

Tim Shield, solicitor for the applicant, addressed the Sub-Committee. He stated that the premises would be a new build hotel that would be situated between the river and the railway line. He explained that the site is a former office block that has planning permission in place for the construction of the hotel.

He said that in line with the many other hotels in the chain the premises would offer a family friendly environment and would also cater for tourists and business customers.

He stated that no representations had been made by any of the Responsible Authorities and that only one objection to the application had been received from a member of the public.

He explained that regulated entertainment had not been applied for and that films would be available on demand by customers to watch in their rooms only.

He referred the Sub-Committee to the plans that had been submitted in the application and said that the reception area would be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and that entry after 23:00 would only be via a hotel keycard.

He stated that the premises should not be considered as offering vertical drinking as the ground floor area would be mainly setup for dining / breakfast.

He said that the applicant does not have a history of premises that cause problems and was one that relies on having good relationships with its nearby residents. He added that it should be noted that the objector lives beyond the railway line to which the premises will be situated. He said that the applicant would work with the residents should any problems occur.

He explained that the hotel was due to be built with enhanced insulation to protect customers from hearing outside noise to ensure their offer of a ‘Good Night Gaurantee’.

In response to the earlier point raised by Councillor Simon he confirmed that the non-standard timings expressed in the report were correct.

He said that with regard to Late-Night Refreshment there was no outside area that had been designated.

Councillor Toby Simon commented that he felt that the provision of Late-Night Refreshment seemed unnecessary without an outdoor area being allocated and asked if the applicant would consider removing this from their application or stating that it would be for indoor use only.

Tim Shield replied that he would take advice from the applicant regarding this request.

Councillor Shaun Hughes said that as there was no regulated outdoor area it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 130.

The Public Protection Officer (Licensing) introduced the report to the Sub-Committee. He explained that an application has been made under s.17 of the Licensing Act 2003 by Jeremy Davis, 19 The Brow, Twerton, Bath, BA21EA for a new Premises Licence for Snake Meadows, Bath Road, Saltford, BS31 3JS.

Councillor Shaun Hughes asked for confirmation that the maximum capacity of any event would be 1,200 people including staff, performers and all other attendees.

The Public Protection Officer (Licensing) replied that this was correct and that the figure had been reduced from 2,000 in the original application whilst in the consultation period.

Councillor Toby Simon asked for confirmation that the licence being applied for would only be used on only two Saturdays in a calendar year.

The Public Protection Officer (Licensing) replied that this was correct.

Andy Morse, Event Planner, addressed the Sub-Committee on behalf of the applicant. He explained that the event was being organised alongside members of the Bath Hot Air Balloon Club and that they had previously held charity events using Temporary Event Notices.

He stated that they have worked with the local community in Saltford, the rowing club and school on previous events.

He confirmed that the licence was only being applied for to use on two Saturdays in a calendar year.

He explained that they have been working on an Emergency Management Plan in conjunction with the Council and that this was 85% complete. He said that they also have a Traffic Management Plan and have held meetings with the Fire Authority and Environmental Health to discuss issues relative to noise.

He stated that a security company would be employed at the events to oversee the safety of all attendees.

He said that two evacuation points had been established on the site and that an Emergency Services Plan had been compiled to maintain a sterile route for access.

Councillor Shaun Hughes asked for confirmation that the bands at the event would be as stated in the application.

Andy Morse replied that they would be and said that events would not always have alcohol or music in place.

Jeremy Davis commented that one event was planned to be held with music and the other one would be solely about ballooning.

Councillor Hughes asked if these were to be seen mainly as family orientated events.

Jeremy Davis replied that they were.

Councillor Hughes asked if anyone under the age of 18 would be able to purchase a ticket for themselves.

Jeremy Davis replied that he would need to check the ticket criteria.

Andy Morse added that the event will have a Safeguarding Process in place, all staff would be DBS checked, any alcohol sales would only be through a registered company and said that Jeremy Davis had obtained a personal licence as part of the organisation process for these events.

Councillor Hughes asked what the capacity of the car park would be for the events.

Jeremy Davis replied that it would be 500 vehicles.

Councillor Hughes asked how parking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 131.