The Licensing Panel was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for London Spark at Grasshoppers RFC, Isleworth. The meeting's agenda also included procedural matters such as the appointment of a chair and the review of the council's licensing policy.

Application for Premises Licence: London Spark at Grasshoppers RFC

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for London Spark to operate at Grasshoppers RFC, located at Syon Lane, Isleworth, TW7 5PN. The application sought permission for the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises, live music outdoors, and other similar outdoor entertainment, with proposed opening hours from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm on Sundays.

The report pack detailed the applicant's operating schedule, outlining proposed measures to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These measures included the appointment of SIA-licensed security contractors, event-specific security plans, ticketed entry with bag searches, risk assessments for public safety, noise monitoring with a proposed limit of 65 decibels (dB) 1 metre from the nearest dwelling, and procedures for lost children.

However, the meeting documents also revealed significant representations and objections to the application. These objections, submitted by local residents and the Osterley & Wyke Green Residents Association (OWGRA), raised concerns about the previous year's event, citing poor management, excessive noise levels, traffic congestion, and inadequate communication. Specific conditions were requested, including a reduction in the maximum number of attendees to 1,500, stricter noise level controls, relocation of the stage, and reduced operating hours.

The applicant, London Spark, responded to these concerns, deeming some of the requested conditions unreasonable from a commercial perspective. They stated that noise monitoring would be continuous and that the proposed 65dB limit was in line with national guidance. They also committed to distributing leaflets with contact details for complaints and to working with the club to strengthen arrangements for the event.

The report pack also included correspondence between the applicant's health and safety consultant, Maciej Klinowski, and Thomas Blackford, a Senior Principal Regulatory Officer for Hounslow Council, discussing proposed noise limits and monitoring procedures. The Hounslow Licensing Policy 2025 was also provided for reference, outlining the council's approach to licensing applications and the promotion of the four licensing objectives.

Procedural Matters

The meeting was also scheduled to cover procedural items, including the appointment of a Chair for the Licensing Panel and the confirmation of the order of business. The Monitoring Officer Note on Interests and the Procedure for the conduct of Panel hearings documents were also made available to attendees, outlining the rules and guidelines for declaring interests and conducting panel hearings.