Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

The Chairman confirmed that all parties understood the procedure to be followed for the hearing.

Report for Licensing Panel

Annex A – Application

Annex B – Plan

Annex C – Representation 1

Annex D – Representation 2

Annex E – Representation 3

Annex F – Representation 4

Annex G – Representation 5

Annex H – Representation 6

Annex I – Representation 7

Annex J – Representation 8

Annex K – Representation 9

Annex L – Representation 10

Annex M – Representation 11

Annex N – Location Map

Annex O – Proposed Conditions

The Panel’s decision was that the new application for Co-op, Former Daruchini, Forest Road, Binfield, Berkshire. RG42 4HP shall be granted, in line with the mandatory conditions and conditions consistent with the Premises Operating Schedule at Annex O of the agenda papers.

The Panel carefully considered all the information presented, both written and oral, from:

• the Licensing Officer who outlined the issues;
• the applicant’s representatives Mr Jon Wallsgrove, and Mr Simon Hallam; for Southern Co-operative;
• the interested parties (2) who submitted oral and written representations, and nine other written representations, including one which was submitted as part of a petition with 229 signatures.

together with reference to the Licensing Objectives: Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Public Safety, Prevention of Public Nuisance, particularly noise nuisance, and Protection of Children from Harm, the Council’s own Licensing Policy and the Secretary of State’s guidance.

The Panel noted that none of the responsible authorities had made representations. The Panel were advised that there had been a notice erected at the premises and that the Responsible Bodies, such as the police, had received a notice of the new application for Co-op, Former Daruchini, Forest Road, Binfield, Berkshire. RG42 4HP. The police had confirmed that they had no objection to the licensing application in question.

At the conclusion of the licensing panel, having heard from participants present, the participants and the applicant confirmed that they had been given the opportunity to say all they wished to say.

The Panel noted the concerns of the public representations, which included:

Crime and Disorder

• Whilst acknowledging that the new licence application showed a reduction in the current licence conditions, when compared to the previous application in relation to Daruchini Restaurant serving Indian food, concern was raised in relation to the purchase of alcohol for consumption outside of the premises, in the car park, and in the surrounding community, particularly after 21:00 in the evenings.
• There was reference to a ram raid at the Spar and Post Office and other retail units in the area being broken into on Forest Road. Concern was raised that the late opening hours of the premises would provide further opportunity for anti-social behaviour leading to crime and disorder.
• There were a number of outlets and public houses selling alcohol in the area already and adding to this number was thought to result in more consumption of alcohol and social disruption. Although, at this point the objectors were unable to lead with actual evidence that it was happening currently.

Public Safety & Sale of Alcohol

• The Co-op would provide a retail facility including the sale of alcohol until 23:00. The availability of inexpensive alcohol for sale late at night was a concern. It was thought to be a detriment to public safety and could contribute to an increase in crime and disorder in the nearby community. Thought was particularly given to elderly and vulnerable residents in the area.
• There could be an increase in traffic with many vehicles frequenting the site  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.