Agenda item

5.1

The Chief Licensing Officer submitted a report to consider an application, under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1982, for a Static Street Trading Consent at The Abbey Pub Car Park, Chesterfield Road, Sheffield S8 0SH (Ref No.50/15).

5.2

Present at the meeting were Michael Knights and John Gregory (Applicants), Derek Kershaw (friend of the Applicants), Georgina Hollis and Martyn Wragg (Licensing Enforcement and Technical Officers), Paul Barber (Solicitor to the Sub-Committee) and Jennie Skiba (Democratic Services).

5.3

Paul Barber outlined the procedure which would be followed during the meeting.

5.4

Georgina Hollis presented the report to the Sub-Committee and it was noted that representations had been received from Greenhill Neighbourhood Watch Group and one local resident and were attached at Appendix “C” to the report.  Invitations to the applicants, interested parties and objectors were attached at Appendix “D”.  The objectors did not attend the meeting.

5.5

Michael Knights stated that he and has partner were very excited about this new business venture and were keen to get it up and running.  He added that they had invested in the oven-fired pizza oven, which was environmentally friendly as it burns smokeless fuel and there was no odour emanating when cooking.  He further stated that they had already been granted planning and licensing applications for trading at the Devonshire Arms, Dore Village and now wished to expand to the Abbey Pub.  He added that it was their intention to create a different experience for families to enjoy.

5.6

In response to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee and officers, Michael Knights stated that the trailer and oven unit takes up approximately three car parking spaces, thereby leaving plenty of spaces in the pub car park.  He added that it was intended to use the fridges inside the pub for the purpose of keeping the dough fresh and to use the play area belonging to the pub.  He further added that they would also offer a take-away service, but did not envisage any problems with litter and were willing to clear the area if necessary.  Mr.  Knights went on to state that the brewery and landlord were willing for the business to operate from the premises as the set-up costs were quite expensive and it was hoped to develop the business further by offering “pizza parties” and “festivals”.  He added that the landlord hoped that the venture might bring in more custom for the pub itself.

5.7

John Gregory summed up the applicant’s case by stating that they were not oblivious to the concerns of the objectors and they would try to ensure that there would be minimal impact on the local area.  He added that the idea was an old fashioned method of preparing and serving food at an “old fashioned pub” and there has been a lot of support for the venture.

5.8

Georgina Hollis reported on the options open to the Sub-Committee.

5.9

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.

5.10

Paul Barber reported orally, giving legal advice on various aspects of the application.

5.11

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

5.12

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee agrees to grant the application for a Static Street Trading Consent at the Abbey Pub Car Park, Chesterfield Road, Sheffield S8 0SH (Ref No. 50/15), in the terms now requested.

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