The Lambeth Council Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss new premises licence applications for Brockwell Hall, Ferndale Community Sports Centre and Clapham Leisure Centre. A decision on the application for Brockwell Hall was deferred, while the applications for Ferndale Community Sports Centre and Clapham Leisure Centre were approved.

Brockwell Hall Licensing Application

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Brockwell Hall, located within Brockwell Park, submitted by Lambeth Council. The application sought permission for a range of activities, including plays, films, indoor sporting events, live and recorded music, performances of dance, late night refreshment and the sale of alcohol.

Lucy Zaman, representing Lambeth Council, explained that the vision was to reactivate the hall into a self-sustaining hub for the community. She clarified that the venue would not primarily be a music venue, but rather a space for celebrations, meetings and community events. She stated that sound levels would be limited, vehicle access tightly controlled, and a dispersal policy implemented to minimise impact on the park and local residents.

The application received 39 representations, with 37 objections and two in support. Concerns raised by local residents, including Lucie Akril, Jocelyn Pappenheim, and Maya Pastakia, focused on potential noise nuisance, particularly from amplified music in the courtyard, and the impact on park users and nearby residents. Residents also raised concerns about the broadness of the licensable activities, the lack of clarity on noise limits, and the potential for anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Isla Wrathmell asked about noise levels in the daytime within the park, particularly in the walled garden area. Ms Zaman responded that tests had been carried out and there was minimal impact.

Councillor Martin Tiedemann raised concerns about the 9am start time for licensable activities and the potential for noise to travel, particularly with windows open. He also asked about contact details for residents to make complaints. Ms Zaman said that she would look into establishing an out of hours line.

The Dialogue Society had proposed additional conditions, including conditioning capacity and specific notices. Ms Zaman responded that she would not want to cap the number of events.

After a lengthy discussion and hearing from both the applicant and objectors, the committee decided to defer the decision for five working days, citing the lateness of the hour and the many issues raised.

Ferndale Community Sports Centre Licensing Application

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Ferndale Community Sports Centre, submitted by Active Lambeth. The application sought permission for regulated entertainment, late night refreshment and the sale of alcohol.

Jacqueline Gale, Product Development Manager, and Vivienne Muhelen, Head of Operations, both representing Active Lambeth, explained that they were seeking to extend the offer to provide affordable venue hire, and that the sale of alcohol and an extended licence was required to make the offering attractive to community members. They stated that noise would be controlled inside the premises, and that the duty manager's number would be provided to local residents.

The application received two representations, from a member of the public and a ward councillor, neither of whom attended the meeting.

Councillor Tiedemann raised concerns about the potential conflict between the sale of alcohol and the presence of children using the sports facilities. Ms Gale responded that they would ensure that those consuming alcohol were of the appropriate age, and that staff would ensure that those in bookable activities were not encroaching on those areas.

Councillor Wrathmell asked how often the hall would be booked for events. Ms Muhelen responded that it would be a few times a month, working around existing classes.

The committee approved the application as sought, with the conditions set out in the report pack.

Clapham Leisure Centre Licensing Application

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Clapham Leisure Centre, submitted by Active Lambeth. The application sought permission for regulated entertainment, late night refreshment and the sale of alcohol.

Jacqueline Gale and Vivienne Muhelen, representing Active Lambeth, explained that they were seeking the same permissions as for Ferndale Community Centre, and that the majority of events would be pre-booked. Ms Gale stated that no children under the age of eight would be allowed on the premises after 8pm, and that there would be no alcohol sold on site before 9pm where they're having some of our events.

The application received one representation from a member of the public, who did not attend the meeting.

Councillor Tiedemann raised concerns about the potential for cumulative impact, given the number of drinking venues in Clapham. Ms Gale responded that they were a leisure centre, and that the majority of activities would be pre-booked.

Councillor Tiedemann asked what experience the team had of managing this kind of venue. Ms Muhelen responded that they had experience of this in Streatham.

Councillor Diogo Costa asked how they would prevent people who were using the normal sport facilities from going up to the sports hall and buying a drink and then not pass the event. Ms Muhelen responded that they had wristbands for all their facilities and all their activities.

The committee approved the application as sought, with the conditions set out in the report pack.