The Democratic Services Officer (IS) confirmed that the sub-committee would comprise of Councillors M Devonish, G Saffery and R Wenham.

The sub-committee was asked to elect a Chair for the hearing.

RESOLVED –

That Councillor Wenham be elected Chair for this hearing.

Councillor Devonish explained that Woody Express was situated within her Ward, but that she had not had any discussions or made any prior decisions pertaining to the matter in question.

In response to the Chair asking if there were any preliminary matters, the Licensing Officer explained that Mr Gili-Ross had sent some additional documents the previous day, which due to the time, had only been able to be circulated this morning.  She asked for confirmation that all parties had received and had a chance to read these.  This was confirmed. 

The sub-committee received the Licensing Officer’s report in relation to a premises licence application forWoody Express, 103-105 The Parade, Watford, WD17 1LU.

The Chair thanked The Licensing Officer and invited questions in turn from all parties present.  There being none, he invited the Responsible Authority, Catherine Williams, Environmental Health Officer to address the sub-committee.

Ms Williams opened her presentation by explaining the agreement that had been reached with the police, pointing out that whilst the hours agreed might be acceptable from a crime and disorder perspective, this might not be the same from the point of view of noise and public nuisance. 

The officer moved on to describe her methodology when considering at the suitability of an application, namely, to look at the nature, area, and type of operation of the premises.  She went on to point out that Woody Express had significantly increased in size with an inside seating are for 26 and an outside seating are for 40 people.  The operation was to encompass both indoor and outdoor late-night refreshment, accompanied by a takeaway services and delivery, by independent contractors. 

The officer pointed out that there were many residential properties in the immediate vicinity of the premises, including flats directly above the premises.  She went on to further list other residences in the immediate area. 

The officer stated that she was content that the noise from within the premises would be contained.  Also, the ventilation system that had to operate throughout the times cooking was taking place, had been specified to an acceptable level of noise attenuation.  However, she was very concerned that the proposed extended hours would cause Woody Express to become a focal point and generate unacceptable noise and public nuisance, both from the outside area of the premises, and as people dispersed in the early hours. 

She pointed out the police dispersal policy which encouraged people to leave the town centre and clearly a seated area was at odds with that. 

Ms Williams referenced a spreadsheet that formed part of her representation.  This indicated the various licenced premises in The Parade, their hours the outside seating facilities they offered and any residential properties directly above.  She drew special attention to Walkabout and pointed out that this was a very different situation to Woody Express. 

The officer highlighted paragraph 14 of her representation, pointing out that residents had a gradually decreasing noise from the late-night economy as the night progressed, as outside tables and chairs were removed.  She stated that if the application were to be granted Woody Express would become a focal point and noise complaints would result. 

Ms Williams asked that if the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.