Agenda and minutes

Councillor Jim Tierney was appointed Chairman.

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The Chairman introduced the sub-Committee Members and explained the procedure that would be followed at the meeting.

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new Premises Licence, under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The Sub-Committee heard oral representations from the Licensing Officer, the Applicant(s) and Mr David Morgale (HA8), an objector.

RESOLVED – That, under Regulation 14(2) of the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings Regulations 2005), the parties be excluded from the meeting.

The Sub-Committee deliberated in private session.

RESOLVED – That the press and public be re-admitted.

The Sub-Committee, having considered the application and all verbal and written representations received, unanimously RESOLVED –

This is an application by McDonalds 154 Stonegrove, Edgware, HA8 8AF for a new premises licence. The premises already hold a licence and in effect are asking for two extra hours late night refreshment for its drive through service between 03.00 and 05.00 hours, an indoor service from 23.00 hours until midnight Sunday to Thursday, and until 01.00 Friday and Saturday. Finally it asks for 24 hour opening.

Following discussions with the Police, the application has been amended to include further conditions, and neither the Police nor any other responsible authority has made an objection.

The only objection has come from Rymer Properties Ltd on behalf of the 60 or so residents of London House, a block opposite the McDonalds premises. The objections relate to the prevention of public nuisance, and can be summarized as being:-

1. The period between 03.00 and 05.00 hours is the only break at present from the sound of engines revving, doors slamming, and horns sounding. If the application is granted that noise would be constant.
2. The extra hours would mean an increase in litter in the area.
3. There would be light pollution for more hours.
4. The area would be a magnet for anti-social elements to congregate.
5. The cooking smells would go on for longer.

The applicant states in response that:

1.    McDonalds has been in contact with the residents and clearly has tried to listen to their concerns. Various actions have been carried out such as the relaying of the driveway surface. It will have signage clearly visible asking customers to be quiet and to respect local residents. It would also seem that there have not been any complaints received by the Environmental Health team about the noise.  In order to shorten queues there will now be two order points instead of one. Mr Morgale did refer to cars honking their horns waiting to be served or while chatting in the car park while consuming their food. The applicant stated that the conflict manager remained inside the building and did not challenge such behaviour. We think this unfortunate and that a condition that the conflict manager also patrols outside is appropriate. We hope that this will help to keep down any noise.

The applicant will be aware of the possibility of a review of the licence should there be too much noise in these hours.

2.    The layout of the premises will be changed to encourage customers to consume food within the curtilage of the premises rather than neighbouring premises such as London House. It is hoped that this will have some effect. In addition it is difficult to see why there should be any particular increase in litter. The additional hours for indoor service should not involve litter, while the condition requiring bins and litter patrols should contain any problems in this respect as any overnight litter would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

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