Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair to move:-

That the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting because of the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined Paragraph 1 of Part 1 and Paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

It was proposed by Councillor Bright, seconded by Councillor Lock and –

Resolved:

That under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business because of the likely disclosure of exempt information by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 and Paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

(Vote: For - unanimous)

To receive the report of the Lead Licensing Officer.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the role and procedure of a Licensing Sub-Committee.

There were no declarations of interest from the Sub-Committee.

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was to consider an application for a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence.

The Chair invited questions from the Sub-Committee for the Lead Licensing Officer, and these were answered.

The applicant was invited to put forward their case.

The applicant addressed the Committee. The Chair asked the panel if they had any questions for the applicant. The applicant responded to the questions from the panel.

The Lead Licensing Officer made his closing submission.

The Chair asked the Licence Holder to give his final reply.

The panel retired for deliberation at 10:18am.

The panel returned at 10:23am.

The Chair then stated that the Sub-Committee had thoroughly discussed the matter in relation to the Councils Licensing Policy for Taxis, Private Hire Vehicles, the Council’s Policy on the treatment of criminal convictions, and the Regulators’ Code.

The Sub-Committee decided to grant the licence with no conditions.

The Chair confirmed that the applicant had the right to appeal the Sub-Committee’s decision and the appeal must be submitted to the Magistrates Court within 21 days.

To receive the report of the Lead Licensing Officer.

The Chair proposed, and Councillor James seconded, that the meeting move out of Part II.

(Vote: For – Unanimous)

The meeting continued in Part I.

The Chair opened the item and introduced the Licensing Sub-Committee Members. He advised that the hearing has been convened to consider an application for a Premises Licence – The Patch.

The Councillors present declared they had no personal or prejudicial interests in the application.

The Lead Licensing Officer introduced all Officers present including Paul Butler (Police Licensing Officer), who was representing the Police as a responsible Authority.

The Chair asked the applicant to identify himself along with any representatives and witnesses.

The Chair also asked the objectors to introduce themselves.

The four objectors introduced themselves, confirming whether they were speaking as themselves or as a representative of another.

The Chair explained the process of a Licensing Sub-Committee.

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was to provide the sub-committee with information relating to an application for a premises licence for The Patch, 5 Cooper Street, Bideford to enable the sub-committee to determine the application.

The Chair thanked the Lead Licensing Officer for his report and asked the panel if they had any questions for the Lead Licensing Officer.

The applicant was invited to put forward his case and his response detailed the below:

-       The premises has been out of use for over 10 years, and he believes the renovation of historic buildings is vital to the rejuvenation of Bideford.

-       The applicant aims to create a well-run gastropub that is food forward.

The Chair asked the panel if they had any questions for the applicant.

The Committee asked the applicant to confirm the food service times. The applicant clarifies that the last service would be at 9pm, meaning the additional licensed time would allow customers to enjoy their meals with accompanying music.

Members asked about the type and volume of music. The applicant explained that most of it would be background music for customers to enjoy while eating.

The Committee requested details of the mediation meeting held on 5^th November 2025. The Lead Licensing Officer confirmed that the handout provided to each Committee member summarises this information.

The Chair invited the objectors to make their representation.

The first objector, Mrs J Collino, representing Mr D Millar read aloud a letter outlining his concerns as a resident. The letter highlighted the objectives the Committee must consider and stated that residents already experience excessive noise in the area, which has caused issues such as sleep deprivation and distress. Mrs J Collino argued that granting a premises licence for The Patch would introduce another source of disturbance for nearby residents. She also noted that both Mr Millar’s property and the premises are listed buildings, making adequate noise insulation difficult.

Mrs J Collino asked for the below to be considered:

-       No live entertainment inside the premises due to the condition of The Patch.

-       No recorded or live music in any outside  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.