Councillors deliberate application to allow activities needing a licence at five-acre events space in Finedon

An application to allow licensable activities such as plays and live music and the sale of alcohol at a five-acre events space in Finedon is being deliberated by councillors following a licensing meeting.

The application is for a premises licence at Tower Fields, a former cricket ground in Irthlingborough Road, which is available for hire as an event space for events including weddings, family celebrations and car shows.

A meeting of the licensing sub-committee (Wellingborough) of North Northamptonshire Council considered the application on Friday (April 30).

They will deliver their decision in writing within five working days.

The application is to allow for the provision of plays, films, or boxing/wrestling entertainment between 10:00hrs and midnight Monday to Sundays.

And for the provision of live music, recorded music, performances of dance, late night refreshment and the retail sale of alcohol between 10:00hrs and midnight Sunday to Thursdays and between 10:00hrs and 01:30hrs on Saturday and Sundays.

A report to the committee stated: "The environmental protection team leader has detailed concerns over the potential for the wide ranging events planned on site to cause a nuisance to neighbouring properties from noise, light or anti-social behaviour."

"This is due to the proximity to residential properties and the lack of barriers to prevent the transmission of noise or light.

"In addition it is stated that the hours proposed could cause sleep deprivation.

"It is highlighted that if the application is granted as submitted, events could become a regular occurrence, with the ability for the site to be used seven days a week.

"The officer has therefore stated that granting of the licence cannot be supported, however potential conditions have been detailed to assist the committee if they are minded to grant the application with conditions.

"Officers from within the environmental protection team have engaged with the agent to discuss their concerns.

"As a result of these exchanges the applicant has offered to add additional conditions to the licence.

"The environmental protection team leader is not however satisfied that the addition of these extra conditions will be sufficient to resolve the concerns noted over the potential for the licensed events to cause a public nuisance to residents in the area."

Finedon Town Council had stated concerns about outdoor music until 1.30am and the 'disturbance to the surrounding neighbourhood.’

Frank Fender, agent for the applicant, Paul Robinson said: "Mr Robinson wants to increase the usage of the event space by people who want to hold their events at this location.

"This is actually advertised on his website. Can I stress he is not interested in his premises being used in the style of a nightclub.

"He is not interested in hiring out for a rave style activity which younger people seem to enjoy.

"He is only looking to attract recognised clubs, recognised organisations, recognised groups and family events.

"The website actually states that people can hold their weddings, parties, club meets, car shows etc at these premises.

"Event organisers enter into a contract with Mr Robinson, a legal contract with proper terms and conditions. And by doing this Mr Robinson is easily able to identify bona fide organisations and family celebrations as a result of this process.

"It's his safety net to ensure that any event is respectful and genuine."

Resident Nicci Wride said:"The cinema sound will still be going on until after 11 o'clock at night which obviously because it's an outdoor event, that noise will still spread when that's being shown.

"I assumed incorrectly that 15 events would include the cinema, so during the summer months and you are enjoying your garden outside, there will be noise possibly loud noise for more than 15 times during the summer months which could possibly mean every weekend there is an activity which is creating noise two doors away, possibly over the whole weekend.

"So the only time you have time to spend with your family at home in the garden you won't be able to enjoy because of the noise being created from the events being carried out.

"Also the noise where we have still got two children of school age, with events after 11 o'clock at night like the cinema events, when you have got the windows open, the children need their sleep to recharge and ready for school and learning the next day.

"I'm sorry but I'm still concerned with the noise created after 11 o'clock at night."

Mr Fender said: "There are no speakers for the films. The sound is transmitted through car stereos and headphones. I just want to make that clear. It's not a question of booming the sound out across five acres of field."

Mr Fender said that Mr Robinson would consider a change in the application to serve alcohol to 11pm for persons who are not staying overnight at the venue.