To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Bruce Baker.

To receive any details of Members nominated to attend the meeting in place of a Member of the committee.

Councillor Richard Thomas acted as a substitute for Councillor Baker.

To receive declarations of interest in respect of items on the agenda.

Councillor Richard Thomas declared a person interest. The applicant was known to him but was not a close associate.

To consider an application for a variation for a premises licence in respect of The Crown Inn, Lea, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7JZ under the Licensing Act 2003

Members of the licensing Sub-Committee from the Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee considered the above application, full details of which appeared before the members in their agenda, and the supplementary information published on 5 March 2025.

Prior to making its decision the Council’s Licensing Officer presented the report which outlined the options available to the Sub-Committee. Two representations were received from the responsible authorities, Trading Standards and The Licensing Authority as a responsible authority. The conditions requested by the responsible authorities have been accepted by the applicant. Seven relevant representations were received from members of the public that the licensing authority accepted as being relevant. The Licensing Officer summarised the application and provided an overview of the representations received.

The Sub-Committee heard from the public representatives that:

·       Lea Parish Council voted unanimously to oppose the application as currently drafted.

·       The investment in the pub was impressive but there were concerns about the late opening of a pub in the centre of a rural village surrounded by residential properties.

·       The variation of the licence would permit the pub to open until 1:00 a.m. on two days per week which would result in potential, significant disturbance to local residents.

·       It was recognised that actions had been undertaken to limit noise emanating from the pub but the possibility of disturbance existed with people entering and leaving the premises into late night hours.

·       Disturbance from the pub would adversely impact upon the right of local residents to the peaceful enjoyment of their homes.

·       The premises had been visited and the improvements undertaken were impressive but the pub was in a rural location and was surrounded by local residents. A 1:00 a.m. closing time was therefore not acceptable.

·       There had been no acceptable explanation by the applicant as to why a 1:00 a.m. closing time was appropriate.

·       The manager of the pub would not remain in post indefinitely and there was concern that a new post holder would not apply the same rules to limit the adverse impact of the premises on local residents.

The Sub-Committee then heard from the Applicant’s representatives that:

·                 It was confirmed that Tom Howarth was the manager. He had been provided with a personal licence and an application would be made to appoint Mr Howarth as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).

·       The public house had been owned by the family for over 20 years and a recent project had been undertaken to renovate the premises.

·       It was intended that the pub would be at the heart of the community.

·       It was recognised that the hours on the application were a concern to local residents and therefore the local community had been engaged with by the applicant to understand and address such concerns raised. Local objectors had been invited to the pub to see the changes and discuss their concerns.

·       It was acknowledged that the main concern related to an extension to the Friday and Saturday opening hours. The pub would not be playing live music except  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.