The Licensing Sub-Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 10 September 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Kings Cliffe Club. The meeting's agenda focused solely on this application, with no other significant items scheduled for discussion.

Application for a New Premises Licence for Kings Cliffe Club

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for Kings Cliffe Club, located at 65 Wood Road, Kings Cliffe, PE8 6XF. The report pack indicated that the application, received on 17 July 2026, sought permission for the sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment, with proposed opening hours from 08:00 to 00:30 Monday to Thursday, and 08:00 to 01:30 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The report pack detailed that two representations were received during the consultation period: one opposing the application and one in support.

The opposing representation, from Martin Morrow, raised concerns regarding:

• Noise: Potential for increased noise from activities and customers leaving late, impacting sleep and the enjoyment of gardens, particularly during summer months when windows are open.
• Antisocial Behaviour: Concerns that extended hours and certain activities, such as boxing or wrestling, could attract individuals from outside the local area, leading to potential disorder, citing past incidents involving a traveller funeral wake and a football supporters' gathering.
• Parking: Issues with limited parking at the club leading to overflow onto the road, causing traffic congestion, which was anticipated to worsen with increased activity.
• Property Value: Concerns that the granting of the licence could adversely affect potential house sales for neighbours.

The report pack noted that some concerns raised in the opposing representation, such as vehicle congestion and parking availability, fell outside the scope of the Licensing Act 2003. It also highlighted that the Act requires determinations to be evidence-based and proportionate, and that a review process exists should issues arise after the licence is granted.

The representation in support of the application came from Councillor Simon Fairhall, Ward Councillor for Oundle. Councillor Fairhall detailed the club's transition from the Kings Cliffe Ex-Servicemen's & Social Club to Kings Cliffe Club Limited, a Community Benefit Society. This change, supported by extensive community consultation and a survey, aimed to develop the club into a community hub. The application's proposed hours were noted as being the same as the historical licence, with the expectation that the club would not operate to the full extent of these hours. The support statement emphasised the club's central location, its accessibility to various village residents, and its role in bringing the community together. It also highlighted recent refurbishments, voluntary work by local people, and the organisation of a broad range of community events, including daytime activities like information sessions and arts and crafts.

The report pack outlined that the Sub-Committee was asked to consider the application and make a decision, with the potential actions including granting the licence with operating schedule and mandatory conditions, granting with further conditions, or refusing the application in whole or in part. The report also referenced relevant sections of the North Northamptonshire Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2022-2027 and the Secretary of State's guidance under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The meeting was scheduled to conclude with the close of the hearing.