The Licensing Committee of Wiltshire Council was scheduled to discuss updates from various council teams, including Passenger Transport, Taxi Licensing, and Public Protection. A key item on the agenda was the minutes from the Eastern Area Licensing Sub Committee concerning an application for a Premises Licence for Bromham Community Hub.

Licensing Appeals Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on any appeals that had been lodged against decisions made by Licensing Sub Committees.

Minutes of the Eastern Area Licensing Sub Committee

The minutes of the Eastern Area Licensing Sub Committee meeting held on 22 October 2025 were to be received. This meeting concerned an application for a Premises Licence for the Bromham Community Hub on New Road, Bromham. The application detailed the proposed licensable activities, including the provision of plays, films, live and recorded music, performance of dance, and the supply of alcohol. The report pack indicated that there were two relevant representations received in objection to the application. The Sub Committee had three options: to grant the licence with conditions, exclude certain licensable activities, or reject the application. The applicant's representatives highlighted the community benefits of the hub and its aim to be commercially viable, while objectors raised concerns about the proposed operating hours and potential noise pollution.

Update from Passenger Transport Team

An update was scheduled from Jason Salter, Head of Service for the Passenger Transport Unit. The report indicated a continued rise in the number of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) requiring transport, with a projected increase for the next two years. The report also noted a recent procurement exercise for taxi contracts had seen positive competition, though sourcing providers in the west and north of the county was becoming more challenging.

Police Licensing Officers Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update from the Police Licensing Officers.

Update from the Taxi Licensing Team

An update from the Taxi Licensing Team, as of January 2026, was to be presented by Danial Farr, Principal Compliance Officer. The report indicated that the number of licensed drivers and vehicles had remained relatively stable, with a rise in new driver applications but an overall decline in total drivers since April 2020. The report also detailed the team's work on a unified licensing policy across the Wessex area, updates to their systems, and the completion of Uber's application for a private hire operator licence in Wiltshire. Statistics on licensed vehicles and drivers were to be provided, along with details of recent vehicle inspections and new driver applications. The team was also facing challenges with Uber operating in Chippenham and Salisbury using vehicles licensed outside the county, although Uber had since applied for a Wiltshire licence.

Update from Public Protection Licensing Team

Emma Pain, Public Protection Manager – Community Protection, was scheduled to provide an update from the Public Protection Licensing Team. The report highlighted the team's work on digital improvements, including the Arcus database and online applications for Temporary Event Notices. It also mentioned ongoing staff training, including a course on prosecutions, interviews under caution, and advocacy skills. The team was monitoring legislative developments concerning the Licensing Act 2003 and had conducted inspections of the 34 licensed Gambling Premises in Wiltshire. The report also noted the refusal of a licence renewal for an animal boarding establishment due to persistent non-compliance and progress on the new Primate Licensing scheme.

Dates of Future Committee Meetings

Members were to be informed of the dates for future Licensing Committee meetings.