The Special Licensing Sub Committee of Haringey Council was scheduled to meet on Monday 29 June 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for New River Sports & Fitness. The meeting's agenda indicated that the primary focus was on this single application, with standard procedural items such as apologies for absence and declarations of interest also scheduled.

Application for a New Premises Licence at New River Sports & Fitness

The main item for discussion was an application for a new premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for the New River Sports & Fitness (Main Site) located at White Hart Lane, Wood Green, London N22 5QW. The report pack detailed the application, which sought authorisation for various licensable activities including live and recorded music, late night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises. The proposed hours for these activities were extensive, with the premises also open to the public for long periods throughout the week.

The report pack highlighted that outdoor sporting events are not licensable activities under the Licensing Act 2003, but indoor sporting events staged before an audience could be considered regulated entertainment. The application specifically sought to allow live music, recorded music, late night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol. The applicant, Lee Creightney on behalf of Haringey Council Leisure Services, proposed specific hours for each activity.

A significant portion of the report pack was dedicated to representations received regarding the application. The Metropolitan Police had initially raised concerns about the requested timings, suggesting earlier finishing times for licensable activities, which were subsequently agreed upon by the applicant. The Noise & Nuisance Team also raised conditions, which were agreed upon. However, ward councillors and local residents submitted objections, raising concerns across all four licensing objectives: prevention of public nuisance, public safety, prevention of crime and disorder, and protection of children from harm.

Key issues raised in the representations included:

• Prevention of Public Nuisance: Concerns were raised about amplified music and bass noise being audible within neighbouring homes, even with double glazing. Residents expressed worry that a permanent licence would create a greater cumulative impact than occasional Temporary Event Notices, fundamentally altering the amenity of a residential area. Breaches of existing planning permission conditions regarding noise audibility were also cited. Issues of late dispersal, vehicle movements, and litter were also mentioned.
• Public Safety: Concerns were raised about traffic congestion on White Hart Lane and surrounding streets, with a history of accidents at a nearby junction. Insufficient public transport and limited parking capacity were highlighted as issues, potentially leading to increased vehicle movements and pedestrian risk during large events.
• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: Existing security difficulties at the site were referenced, along with concerns about anti-social behaviour, street drinking, and the management of large crowds where alcohol is sold. Insufficient detail on stewarding, crowd management, dispersal, and security arrangements was noted.
• Protection of Children from Harm: The proximity of the premises to a secondary school, a special school, and a nursery raised concerns about alcohol-led evening events near children and the potential displacement of recreational use by young people.

The report pack also detailed legal considerations, including the Secretary of State's Guidance to the Licensing Act 2003 and the National Licensing Policy Framework. It clarified the distinction between planning and licensing regimes and noted that planning conditions, such as those related to operating hours and noise audibility within residential premises, were relevant considerations. The report also addressed the timing of the application in relation to election periods, stating it was not a material consideration under the Licensing Act 2003.

The background section provided details of the New River Sports & Fitness site, its existing licence, and a history of complaints. The recommendation section outlined the steps the Sub-Committee could take, including granting the application, granting it with additional conditions, excluding licensable activities, or rejecting the application. The report stressed that any decision must be evidence-based, justified for the promotion of licensing objectives, and proportionate.

Appendices to the report included the application form, representations from the Metropolitan Police, Noise & Nuisance Team, ward councillors, and local residents, the current premises licence, a mediation letter, and an overview of offered conditions.

The meeting was scheduled to consider all these documents to determine the application for the new premises licence.