Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor T Tinsley.

Confirmation of the Minutes of the meeting held on the 11^th September 2024

It was proposed by Councillor C Bright, seconded by Councillor S Harding and –

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on the 11^th September 2024 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

(Vote: For – 8, Against – 0, Abstentions – 1)    

Members with interests to declare should refer to the agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is being considered.

Members were reminded that declarations of interest should be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

There were no Part II items.

With the permission of the chair the Lead Licensing Officer informed the Committee that on the 22^nd October 2024, Torridge District Council had a successful prosecution for an unlicensed dog breeder. The breeder pled guilty to four charges of breeding dogs without a license. They were fined a total of £17,163. The Lead Licensing Officer explained how the case was reported to the Council and the process which led to prosecution.

There was a brief discussion between Members and the Lead Licensing Officer about when a license is needed. It was suggested by Members that the criteria should be publicised for clarification.

Concerns were raised about the perception that prosecution only happens when there is evidence of ill health or abuse. The Lead Licensing Officer explained that initially, enforcement will try and resolve the issue. In return, the Head of Legal and Governance (Monitoring Officer) told Members that this case was prosecuted as there was evidence of genetic health issues and false advertisement.

To receive the report of the Lead Licensing Officer

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report to the Committee, the purpose of which was to seek approval from the Licensing Committee to commence a consultation exercise for the introduction of a Pavement Licensing Policy.

Councillor P Hackett moved the recommendation in the report.

Members had questions about the application fee. Members were worried that businesses may have to reapply if their first application is refused, therefore pay the fee again. The Lead Licensing Officer noted that there can be negotiations within the consultation period and if successful, there is no need for another application . However, if there is a period of time between applications then the full fee would apply.

Members and Officers identified that disabled access needs to be a priority.

The Lead Licensing Officer noted that advertisement boards are the responsibility of Devon County Council. Torridge District Council are only in control of the license. This information can be made clear within the policy.

It was proposed by Councillor P Hackett, seconded by Councillor C Wheatley and –

Resolved:

-       That Members approve the consultation process;

-       That consultation on the draft policy be carried out over an 8 week period and the responses reported back to this committee at a future date.

(Vote: For – Unanimous)

With permission from the Chair, the Licensing meeting scheduled for Wednesday 15^th January 2025 is cancelled.

Taxi Licensing will be moved to the meeting on Wednesday 26^th February 2025. Pavement Licensing will also return to the February meeting to report feedback from the consultation.