The Licensing Committee of Lewisham Council met on Tuesday, 26 March 2024, to consider a variation to a premises licence for Beckenham Place Park. The committee granted the variation, subject to amendments to existing conditions, following extensive discussion and consideration of objections from local residents.

Hospitality in the Wood at Beckenham Place Park

The committee considered an application by Radioactive Clothing Ltd, trading as Slammin Events, to vary the premises licence for Beckenham Place Park[^1]. The proposed variations included extending finishing times for live and recorded music, performances of dance, and the sale of alcohol, as well as adding a Friday to the event schedule and allowing for two weekend events per year, each lasting up to three days.

During the consultation period, one resident supported the application, while 31 residents submitted objections. No objections were received from responsible authorities, including the police and environmental health.

The applicant's representative, Peter Warren of TLT Solicitors, argued that the proposed changes were proportionate and that the applicant had a strong track record of managing events responsibly. He highlighted that the police had withdrawn their representation after an additional condition was agreed, preventing events on the August Bank Holiday weekend to avoid clashing with the Notting Hill Carnival. Mr. Warren also pointed to the existing conditions on the licence and the applicant's experienced team, including noise and traffic consultants.

However, objectors raised significant concerns about noise pollution, anti-social behaviour, littering, traffic disruption, and damage to the park. Residents living on Beckenham Place Park Road, represented by Mr. Phil Albo, stated that they were disproportionately affected by events and that previous promises regarding buffer zones, traffic management, and security patrols had not been adequately met. Mr. Albo also noted that the park is located in the London Borough of Bromley, not Lewisham, which he felt was being overlooked.

Mr. Livingston, another objector, specifically raised concerns about the management of audio levels, suggesting that independent noise monitoring should be funded by the organisers. He also questioned the frequency of noise monitoring and requested access to logs from previous events. Both objectors expressed frustration with communication channels, with claims that hotlines were not always manned and that links for resident meetings were not working.

Councillor Coral Howard questioned the proposed dates for the events, while Councillor Dawn Atkinson sought clarification on traffic management for the build-up period. Councillor Howard also raised concerns about communication with organisers and the potential for issues like noise and parking.

In response, the applicant's representative explained that the proposed three-day structure allowed for more efficient build-up and strike-down periods, reducing the overall disruption. They also detailed the traffic management plan, which had received positive feedback from residents in the past, and the provision of additional toilets to mitigate issues like public urination. Regarding communication, it was stated that a dedicated hotline was available and manned during events, and that resident meetings were held both before and after events.

Following the applicant's submissions, the committee heard from two objectors. Mr. Phil Albo, representing residents of Beckenham Place Park Road, detailed a history of issues including noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour, arguing that the council had not adequately addressed these concerns. He also highlighted that the park, while managed by Lewisham Council, was geographically located within the London Borough of Bromley, and that residents from Bromley were also affected. Mr. Livingston echoed these concerns, focusing on noise levels and the perceived lack of trust in the organisers' ability to manage sound levels independently. He also raised concerns about the disruption to regular park users and the impact on wildlife habitats.

In summing up, the applicant's representative reiterated that communication channels were available and that robust monitoring systems were in place. They also stressed that the granting of the licence did not guarantee events would take place, as park management approval was still required.

The committee resolved to grant the variation to the Premises Licence, subject to amendments to conditions 54, 55, and 57. These amendments aimed to strengthen the requirements for publicising resident meetings and ensuring local residents had access to the dedicated telephone helpline. The decision was made on the basis that no representations were received from responsible authorities, and while resident concerns were noted, there was insufficient evidence presented to suggest a failure to uphold the licensing objectives. The committee also considered that some representations related to previous events by different licence holders, which were not relevant to the current application.

147 Stanstead Road

The committee considered a variation of premises licence application for 147 Stanstead Road, SE23 1HH, submitted by Kannan Thangarasa. The application sought to extend the hours for the off-sale of alcohol from Monday to Thursday until 1 am, Friday and Saturday until 2 am, and Sunday from 8 am to 10 am.

The Metropolitan Police submitted an objection on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance, citing issues with street drinking, public urination, and the proximity of a hostel for those with drug and alcohol addictions. They also referred to the council's licensing policy regarding super-strength alcohol.

However, the police representation was withdrawn after the applicant agreed to a list of conditions. These conditions included the installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system, a Challenge 25 proof of age policy, a refusal of alcohol sales log, prominent signage regarding CCTV, no noise or vibration nuisance, notices requesting patrons to leave quietly, sealed containers for off-sales, a restriction on selling super-strength alcohol above 5.5% ABV (except for premium beers and ciders in glass bottles), and procedures for serious assaults. Additional agreed conditions included automatic till prompts for age verification, restrictions on moving waste between 11 pm and 8 am, and staff training records.

The committee resolved to grant the variation to the premises licence subject to the agreed conditions.

Other Business

The minutes of previous meetings held on 27 February, 13 and 14 March 2024 were confirmed as accurate records. No declarations of interest were made by committee members. Item 4, concerning 147 Stanstead Road, was withdrawn from the agenda. Item 5, regarding the exclusion of the press and public, was agreed to consider item 6, concerning a convenience store at 407D New Cross Road, SE14 6LA, in private.