Agenda item

4.1

The Chief Licensing Officer submitted a report to consider an application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003, in respect of the premises known as Crawshaw Farm, Ughill, Sheffield, S6 6HU. 

4.2

Present at the meeting were Carly Whitfield and Gemma Cook (FGOWI Ltd, Applicants), Clive Stephenson (Licensing Strategy and Policy Officer), Marie-Claire Frankie (Solicitor to the Sub-Committee) and John Turner (Democratic Services).

4.3

Marie-Claire Frankie outlined the procedure which would be followed during the hearing.

4.4

Clive Stephenson presented the report to the Sub-Committee and it was noted that representations had been received from a member of the public, who had indicated that he would not be attending the meeting.

4.5

Carly Whitfield stated that the application was being made in connection with the organisation of a recruitment event, to be known as the Gradstock Festival, to which a wide variety of companies and university graduates would be invited to attend.  As well as the main aim of the event, which would involve graduates talking to representatives of the various companies in connection with potential recruitment, there would be leisure activities, including the screening of films, live music, recorded music and bar facilities, and attendees would have the opportunity of camping on the site.  In response to the member of the public’s objections, Ms Whitfield stated that no licensable activities would take place at the location identified by the objector.  All the activities would take place in a large field, to which a number of visits had been made by an officer of the Council’s Environmental Protection Service and a representative from the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.  It was not envisaged that there would be a large number of vehicles accessing the site, and for those people driving to the event, it was likely that they would park their cars on the site, and leave them there until the end of the weekend.  Any evidence of drink driving would be dealt with by the security staff on the site during the weekend.  There were public transport links off the A57 (0.7 miles) and in Stannington (3.2 miles) and, in addition, arrangements were to be made for attendees to travel to the event from the City Centre.  Rodside Road had a speed limit of 60 mph, and was wide enough for two vehicles to pass.  In terms of potential noise nuisance, Ms Whitfield stated that the nearest residential properties were approximately 550 metres to the South and 900 metres to the North of the site.  She added that she had attempted to make contact with all residents living within the area, and most of those she had made contact with were very supportive of the event.  Despite her efforts, Ms Whitfield had not been able to make direct contact with the objector, but had left her contact details with him, for him to ring and discuss any issues.  To date, she had received no contact from him.  Noise regulations had been implemented into the applicant’s operational plan, with any live or amplified music ceasing by 23:00 hours, and any other recorded music played after that time, being restricted to a reasonable level.  The event was viewed predominantly as a recruitment fair, with the music and other leisure activities being classed as fringe activities.  Although Crawshaw Farm was a working farm, none of the residents living nearby had raised any concerns with regard to the welfare of the animals.  Ms Whitfield added that she had contacted the Peak Park Planning Board, and none of the activities planned as part of the event contravened its policies or regulations.  Ms Whitfield concluded by stating that the Environmental Protection Service were happy with the proposed sanitation arrangements, and that medical cover was to be provided by Lincolnshire Medical Services.

4.6

In response to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee, Ms Whitfield stated that the capacity for the event was approximately 5,000, but with it being the first year, it was not envisaged that there would be anywhere near this number of people present, and that they were expecting a maximum of 1,000 students.  The bar would be open from 18:00 to 24:00 hours, where customers would be required to pay for their drinks and there were no plans for any special offers or discounts.  It was intended that once the evening entertainment had finished, people would be given time to finish their drinks, then be encouraged to return quietly to the camping area.  It was confirmed that the nearest residential property was approximately 500 metres from where the licensable activities would be taking place.  Ms Whitfield stated that she and her colleague, Gemma Cook, had been involved in working on events for a number of years, and their company, FGOWI Ltd, which started trading officially with effect from 2012, had been responsible for organising two to three large events a year. Ms Whitfield stated that they would not be targeting specific companies to attend, but would be inviting a wide variety of companies.  Ms Whitfield had spoken to two residents personally, who lived near the site, and had spoken to others on the telephone.  The site had not been used for any events of this size before, just for private wedding receptions.  Ms Whitfield concluded by indicating where the camping area would be located on the site plan.

4.7

Clive Stephenson reported on the options open to the Sub-Committee.

4.8

RESOLVED: That the public and press and attendees involved in the application be excluded from the meeting before further discussion takes place on the grounds that, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, if those persons were present, there would be a disclosure to them of exempt information as described in paragraph 5 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended.

4.9

Marie-Claire Frankie reported orally, giving legal advice on various aspects of the application.

4.10

At this stage in the proceedings, the meeting was re-opened to the public and press and attendees involved in the application.

4.11

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee agrees to grant a Premises Licence in respect of Crawshaw Farm, Ughill, Sheffield, S6 6HU, in the terms now requested.

(The full reasons for the Sub-Committee’s decision will be included in the written Notice of Determination.)