Agenda and minutes

A vote to be taken to appoint a Chairperson for this committee.

Members made a proposal that Councillor Rosey Whorlow should Chair the meeting.

This was seconded and voted in favour of unanimously.

Members and Officers must declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in relation to any business on the agenda. Declarations should also be made at any stage an interest becomes apparent during the meeting.

If in doubt contact the Legal or Democratic Services representative for this meeting.

Councillor Russ Cochran substituted for Councillor Charles James.

Councillor Cathy Glynn-Davies declared that members of her family owned licensed premises in Worthing but she had no interest in them and was not predetermined.

So as to provide the best opportunity for the Committee to provide the public with the fullest answer, questions from the public should be submitted by midday on Friday 22 March 2024.

Where relevant notice of a question has not been given, the person presiding may either choose to give a response at the meeting or respond by undertaking to provide a written response within three working days.

Questions should be submitted to Democratic Services - democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk

(Note: Public Question Time will last for a maximum of 30 minutes)

There were no questions from members of the public.

Pre-submitted Members questions are pursuant to rule 12 of the Council & Committee Procedure Rules.

Questions should be submitted by midday on Friday 22 March 2024 to Democratic Services, democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk

(Note: Member Question Time will operate for a maximum of 30 minutes.)

There were no questions from Members.

To consider a report by the Director for Sustainability & Resources, copy attached as item 4.

Before the Sub-Committee was a report by the Director for Communities, which has been circulated to all Members, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 5.

Presenting Officer outlined the application

The Licensing Officer outlined the application, explaining the purpose and jurisdiction of the Committee. The Officer clarified that there had been one responsible authority representation from Sussex Police. This had been withdrawn as it had been successfully mediated and the applicant had agreed to all the suggested conditions within the representation. He confirmed there had been 168 public representations received in objection to the application and none of these had been withdrawn. In addition a public petition had also been submitted. 

The applicant confirmed that the Licensing Officer had provided an accurate outline of the application.

Questions from Members for the presenting Officer

There were no questions from Members.

Representations from members of the public.

There were ten representations of objection made by two Goring Ward Councillors, one adjacent Ward Councillor, the MP for Worthing West and six members of the public including the Chair of the Ferring Conservation Group and the Chair of the Goring Residents Association. Some representors were also speaking on behalf of multiple objectors who were not present at the meeting. Objectors raised concerns regarding the possible effects of the proposed premises including as follows -

·         Light pollution. The area was described as currently having zero light pollution after dark and objectors were concerned that the premises would adversely affect the known ‘dark sky’ region.

·         Noise pollution. Objectors considered that noise from generators, delivery vehicles and patrons of the proposed site would be of an unacceptable level in this locality.

·         Anti-social behaviour. Many of the speakers explained how there already exists an element of anti-social behaviour, possibly caused by the remoteness of this rural area, and were concerned that this site, and in particular the supply of alcohol, would exacerbate the issue. In addition, representors objected to the licensing hours being applied for, particularly the 8am start.

·         Public safety. Representors voiced perceptions that the concept of a sandpit designed to attract children and a bar designed to attract adults were at odds with each other and as the site was adjacent to an often busy road there were concerns regarding children trying to cross the road unsupervised. The potential for the proposed sandpit to become unfit for use overnight, with regards to animal faeces, was an additional concern.

·         Harm to wildlife and birds. Representors drew attention to the fact that this area is currently a haven for nesting birds and wildlife in general and should the proposed premises be allowed, this facet of the locale would be greatly reduced.

·         Littering. Current residents stated that the area suffers from a littering issue due to the many visitors during the summer months and they voiced concerns that a premises such as this would worsen matters. It was brought to the Committee’s attention that Pest Control were already dealing with  ...  view the full minutes text for item LCSC/47/23-24