Application for Loddington and Mawsley Cricket club to serve alcohol approved despite opposition from residents

Some residents had claimed the application could lead to an increase in crime and disorder and public nuisance within the village

An application opposed by residents for a licence allowing a Northamptonshire village cricket club to serve alcohol to members and guests has been approved.

Loddington and Mawsley Cricket Club applied to North Northamptonshire Council for a club premises licence for its pavilion in Greening Road, Loddington.

The council's licensing sub committee has now granted the application to allow the club to serve alcohol to its members and guests only between midday and 10pm every day.

Some residents had claimed the application could lead to an increase in crime and disorder and public nuisance within the village.

A report to the committee stated that neither the police or environmental health had raised any concerns.

The committee had heard that the cricket club's revenue has been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic and expected increased bills.

The licence and subsequent funding would help to offset the impact.

A statement was read out at the committee meeting on April 13 by resident Michael Adams on behalf of 27 objecting residents. It asked the committee to adjourn proceedings.

Mr Adams said there may be legal implications to the application and had requested information from Loddington Parish Council.

He said the information was not delivered to residents until 10.08pm on April 12 giving them no time to take any necessary legal advice before the committee meeting on April 13.

The committee then took advice from its legal advisor Louise Delavaloire, who said there was nothing that had been stated that compromised the panel from proceeding.

The committee then said it would make a decision in writing within 10 days of the meeting.

The decision notice was given by Cllr Margaret Talbot, who chairs the committee.

The notice stated: "Thank you for attending the Licensing Committee to consider an application for a Club Premises Certificate under the Licensing Act 2003 for Loddington and Mawsley Cricket Club where representations have been received.

"Following representations made by residents of Loddington, The Sub-Committee noted that the objections raised at the meeting by the representative did not relate directly to the Licensing Objectives.

"Following consideration, The Sub-Committee were in the position that in granting a Club Premises Certificate, the Loddington and Mawsley Cricket Club would have greater control over the consumption of alcohol within the premises and so were satisfied that the Loddington and Mawsley Cricket Club’s Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy was sufficient to satisfy the Licensing Objective of the Protection of Children from Harm."

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