Agenda item

To consider the Licensing Application at 10:00am.

Contact – Anwar Butt, Licensing Officer – Tel 01484 221000

RESOLVED –

That the Premises License (PR(A)1340) for Gomersal Lodge Hotel (Marquee), 189 Spen Lane, Gomersal, Cleckheaton, BD19 4PJ, be revoked.

The Panel considered a report which outlined an application for the review of a premises licence, Gomersal Lodge Hotel (Marquee), 189 Spen Lane, Gomersal, Cleckheaton, BD19 4PJ.

The Licensing Officer outlined the application, advising the Panel that on the 17^th June 2025, Environmental Health applied for a review of the premises licensing in respect of Gomersal Lodge Hotel (Marquee) (PR(A)1340) 189 Spen Lane, Gomersal, Cleckheaton, BD19 4PJ.

This matter was originally listed for determination on the 12^th August 2025. At the start of the hearing a request for an adjournment was made by RSK Solicitors who were acting on behalf of the Premises Licence Holder for Gomersal Lodge Hotel. The adjournment was considered and agreed by members, and a revised hearing date was scheduled for the 3rd September 2025.

At the hearing on the 3^rd September 2025, the Licensing Officer informed the Panel that the review was concerned with the Marquee at Gomersal Lodge Hotel, which was first licensed on the 28 June 2011.

At the time of the initial grant application, representations were made by Environmental Health in their capacity as a Responsible Authority.  The concerns raised by Environmental Health were supported by residents who also had similar concerns, in that the licensing objective in respect of the Prevention of Public Nuisance would not be achieved if the licence was granted.

In response to the review application, eight representations had been received from residents in relation to the Prevention of Public Nuisance.

The Environmental Health Officer, Joanne Cooper advised the Panel that extensive joint working between Environmental Health and the Licensing Service had been undertaken to support Gomersal Lodge Hotel in complying with the conditions of their Licence, but this had been unsuccessful.

An abatement order was served on Gomersal Lodge Hotel (Marquee) on the 7^th September 2023, however,this had been ignored and a number of complaints continued to be received from residents, concerning noise. The Environmental Health Officer stressed that any additional conditions imposed by Environmental Health were likely to be inadequate in controlling the noise levels emanating from the premises and therefore a revocation of the licence was being sought.

Local residents presented audio and video evidence of the noise emanating from the venue and informed the Panel that they had suffered repeated nuisance over the last fifteen years and that any attempts to address the matter had been unsuccessful.

The Licence Holders representative, addressed the issues raised by Environmental Health and residents, and shared the License Holders’ proposals for dealing with the concerns, which Included:

·       New management of the premises from January 2025.

·       Significant financial investment to minimise impact, which included the installation of a new electrical supply to enable air conditioning and heating so doors could remain closed.

·       Regular engagement and collaboration with Responsible Authorities and Local Residents.

·       A designated events manager for each event, who would be a direct contact for residents.

·       A written log of complaints and actions taken that would be shared with Environmental Health.

·       A written noise management plan.

·       Installation of a Council collaborated noise limiter.

·       Upgraded sound proofing, insolation and planting of conifers around the Marquee to absorb sound.

·       A re-designed sounds system to provided lower and more controlled sound levels.

·       Restricted in-house DJs only.

·       Decibel monitoring apps for management.

·       A reduction in closing hours from 1am to 11pm with closing announcements reminding guests to leave quietly.

·       Strict rules for bands and cultural drumming (time limited).

·       No fireworks permitted at the venue.

·       A minimum of 2 or 3 SOA approved security staff present at each event to manage entry and egress routes effectively.

·       Updated terms and conditions.

·       Significant security deposits taken on booking in the event of a breach of the terms and conditions.

·       Updated signage displayed around the venue.

·       An Independent Entertainment Acoustic Noise Assessment with any remedial works being carried out immediately.

The current premises manager,further advised the Panel, that she had taken on a leading role in the management of Gomersal Lodge Hotel (Marquee) since January 2025. Although she had no prior experience in management, she had taken multiple steps and invested in the business to make improvements. In addition, there had been no deliberate attempt to avoid residents and that she wanted to work collaboratively with both Environmental Health and residents and would act as a single point of contact.

The Panel carefully considered all the information which had been presented to them and decided that:

RESOLVED –

that the Premises Licence (PR(A)1340), in respect of Gomersal Lodge Hotel (Marquee), 189 Spen Lane, Gomersal, Cleckheaton, BD19 4PJ be revoked.

The reason(s) for the Panel’s decision are:

·       Evidence demonstrating noise nuisance had been complied over a number of years from residents and Environmental Health in respect of the wedding Marquee application number PR(A)1340.

·       The License Holder had sufficient time and opportunity to address the concerns of the Local Authority and local residents, yet the issues persisted.

The Panel determined that the licensing objective relating to the Prevention of Public Nuisance was not being met and, as a result, concluded that revocation of the Premises Licence was a necessary and proportionate step.