The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider a premises licence application for St Mary's College, Durham University. The committee heard representations from the applicant, Mr Ricky Cohen, Senior Operations Manager, Durham University, and Professor Adrian Simpson, Principal of St Marys College, Durham University, as well as objections from local residents.

Premises Licence Application - St Mary's College, Durham University

The Sub-Committee considered an application for the grant of a new premises licence for St Marys College, Elvet Hill Road, Durham.

Durham University, the applicant, sought permission for the following activities:

• Plays, Films, Live Music, Recorded Music, Performances of Dance and Similar Entertainment (all indoors and outdoors): Monday to Saturday from 09:00 hours to 00:30 hours and Sunday from 09:00 hours until 23:30 hours (all outdoor activities to cease at 23:00 hrs).
• Supply of Alcohol for consumption on the premises: Monday to Saturday from 11.00 hours until 00:30 hours and Sunday from 11:00 hours until 23:30 hours.

The report to the committee noted that St Mary's College already holds a Club Premises Certificate (granted in November 2005) which permits regulated entertainment and the supply of alcohol to club members and their guests only. The new application sought to extend the scope of licensable activities to allow for occasional commercial events such as weddings, wakes and local community functions, predominantly outside of term time.

During the consultation period, the Licensing Authority received two representations opposing the application from local residents, Ms I Ward and Ms A Waters. The Licensing Authority deemed the objections relevant, relating to the licensing objectives regarding the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. Durham Public Health, the Planning Authority, Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership and Durham Constabulary all confirmed they had no comments to make regarding the application.

In response to the concerns raised by the objectors, Mr Ricky Cohen, Senior Operations Manager, Durham University, provided additional supporting information. He stated that the application did not involve adding another large, licensed venue, and that the current application sought to extend the scope of licensable activities to allow for occasional commercial events predominantly outside of term time. He also noted that the University had hosted such events at Durham Castle historically, but this practice was being reduced due to wear and tear.

Mr Cohen also addressed concerns about noise and public nuisance, stating:

We would also like to reassure the local community that the request for regulated outdoor entertainment, including live and recorded music, is intended for low-key events on the terrace or lawn, appropriate for functions such as weddings (e.g. a low-amplified string quartet), not louder festivals or large-scale outdoor live music events. The external volume levels will not approach the Noise Council’s Code of Practice limit of 65dB(A) over a 15-minute period for concerts in urban and rural areas.

He also highlighted measures in place to prevent public nuisance, including a detailed noise management plan, CCTV monitoring, staff training, clear signage, restricted event capacity and on-site porter supervision.

Ms Ward's representation raised concerns about constant noise problems and nuisance from colleges with premises licences, particularly outdoor live music events and intoxicated students. She also described a disturbing incident where an intoxicated student passed out in her garden. She feared that adding another large venue would exacerbate these issues.

Ms Waters echoed these concerns, citing disturbances from outdoor live music events and antisocial behaviour from students. She also referenced the incident described by Ms Ward.

The Sub-Committee is required to determine the application with a view to promoting the licensing objectives, giving appropriate weight to the steps proposed to promote the licensing objectives, the representations presented by all parties, the Durham County Council Statement of Licensing Policy, and the Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003¹.

Minutes from the meeting on 26 November 2024

The sub-committee approved the minutes of the meeting held on 8 October 2024 as an accurate record. The sub-committee then considered an application for the grant of a premises licence for Memory Lane, 51 Church Street, Seaham, SR7 7HF. After hearing from all parties, the sub-committee resolved to refuse the application.