The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 27 May 2026 to consider a new premises licence application. The meeting's agenda focused on a single application for GRK Trading Limited to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises at 45-47 Land Cross Drive, Northampton.

New Premises Licence Application for GRK Trading Limited

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for GRK Trading Limited, located at 45-47 Land Cross Drive, Northampton, NN3 3LN. The applicant, GRK Trading Limited, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, with proposed opening hours from 07:00 to 23:00 seven days a week. This represents an extension of hours compared to the previous licence held at the site, which was surrendered in January 2018.

The report pack indicated that the application was received on 4th April 2026. While responsible authorities such as the Police, Child Protection, and Environmental Health provided no response, the council received twenty relevant representations from members of the public. These objections primarily centred on concerns related to the potential for increased anti-social behaviour, noise, and public nuisance due to the extended hours and the sale of alcohol in a residential area. Objectors also raised concerns about public safety and the protection of children from harm.

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider these representations in line with the Licensing Act 2003 and the Northampton Statement of Licensing Policy 2020-2026. The report highlighted that the council must promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm. The report also detailed the potential steps the sub-committee could take, including granting the licence with conditions, excluding licensable activities, refusing to specify a Designated Premises Supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely.

The report also referenced statutory guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, which advises that licensing authorities should consider the need to promote growth and deliver economic benefits, but also that decisions must be evidence-based, proportionate, and tailored to the specific premises and activities. It was noted that the Northampton Statement of Licensing Policy does not contain a cumulative impact assessment¹.