This week in Manchester:

New Filipino Kitchen Faces Objections Over Alcohol Sales and Noise

The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel met on Monday 24 August 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Mamaz Filipino Kitchen. The proposal to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises has drawn objections from a local resident and the council's Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH).

Concerns raised by the resident include the potential for increased alcohol sales to disrupt the residential character of the Albert Park Conservation Area and contribute to a concentration of hospitality venues. Worries about increased crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour, noise, litter, and public nuisance were also cited, particularly due to the premises' proximity to Moor Allerton Preparatory School.

While agreements were reached with the LOOH team and Trading Standards regarding noise and child protection measures, the core issue of alcohol sales and their potential impact on the neighbourhood remains a point of contention. The panel must weigh the applicant's proposals for responsible service against the community's concerns.

The proposed operating hours for Mamaz Filipino Kitchen are Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The sale of alcohol would be permitted during these times. The applicant, Yes Lah Ltd, has outlined measures to promote licensing objectives, including staff training and CCTV.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.

Former Care Home Conversion to Primary School Sparks Traffic and Noise Debates

The Planning Committee met on Thursday 27 August 2026 to consider a significant change of use application for the former Westwood Nursing Home at 69 Crumpsall Lane, Manchester, M8 5SR. The proposal is to convert the building into an independent primary school, including early years provision, a move that has generated considerable local opposition.

Residents have voiced strong objections regarding increased traffic and parking pressures, potential noise pollution, and the proposed use being out of character with the surrounding area. These concerns are particularly acute given the site's location and the potential for increased congestion on Crumpsall Lane and surrounding streets.

The applicant, Binas Yisachar, which serves the Belz Chasidic community, has provided further information, including a transport assessment, to address these issues. They argue that private car use will be lower than at a typical school due to community practices, and that the school's catchment area is highly localised. However, the report notes that if members remain concerned about the perceived likelihood of increased traffic, refusal could be considered.

The committee also considered an application for a new place of worship at 114 Chain Road, Manchester, M9 6GN. This proposal, which involves demolishing existing buildings, has also faced numerous objections from residents and local schools. Concerns include increased traffic, parking, air pollution, noise, and the loss of the former convent building. The applicant initially sought capacity for 1,500 visitors, later revised to 1,100 following highway concerns.

These planning decisions will have a direct impact on the daily lives of residents, affecting traffic flow, noise levels, and the character of these neighbourhoods.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Planning Committee meeting documents.

Other Matters

The Manchester Partnership Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday 25 August 2026 was cancelled.

This week in Manchester:

Licence Review for Arnero Restaurant Sparks Concerns Over Public Safety and Crime

The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel met on Monday 17 August 2026 to consider a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for Arnero Restaurant, a venue that has drawn objections from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Licensing Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH). The core of the concern lies in the potential for the event, planned for Manchester Pride, to undermine public safety and contribute to crime and disorder.

Arnero Restaurant, located at 25 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3LZ, sought permission for an event from 28 August to 31 August 2026. The proposal included serving food and drinks in its ground floor area, a fixed pergola, and an outdoor section, with an expected attendance of up to 90 people.

However, GMP and LOOH raised significant objections, citing a lack of proposed SIA security staff for late-night hours (23:00-02:00), insufficient details on safeguarding for under-18s, and no information on CCTV usage or alcohol promotion policies. These omissions, they argued, could jeopardise the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm.

The panel was tasked with deciding whether to issue a counter-notice to the TEN, effectively refusing the event, or to impose conditions. This decision highlights the council's crucial role in balancing the desire for vibrant city events with the paramount need to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and attendees.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.

Driver Licence Reviews Dominate Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Agenda

The Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Hearing Panel convened on Monday 17 August 2026 to address a series of reviews and renewals for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licences. These decisions directly impact the safety and reliability of public transport for Manchester residents.

The panel was scheduled to consider reviews for individuals identified as AA, GM, and MAN, alongside a renewal for NC and a new application for OH. Additionally, a review for WH was on the agenda. While the specific details of each case were not publicly available due to the nature of personal licence information, the process of reviewing and renewing driver licences is a vital mechanism for ensuring that all licensed drivers meet the council's standards for public safety and professional conduct.

The committee also had the discretion to consider urgent business and any appeals from the public regarding background documents or confidential agenda items. The panel was recommended to agree to exclude the public from discussions involving exempt information, as permitted under the Local Government Act 1972. This ensures that sensitive personal information is handled appropriately while maintaining transparency where possible.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.

This week in Manchester:

Late-Night Venues and Street Trading Under Scrutiny: Licensing Panel Considers Objections

The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel met on Monday 10 August 2026 to consider applications that could significantly impact the city's nightlife and street trading landscape. The panel reviewed proposals for a new bar and shisha lounge, alongside two temporary event notices, all of which attracted objections from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH).

Avan Lounge & Bar: Extended Hours Raise Crime and Disorder Concerns

A key focus was the application for a new premises licence for Avan Lounge & Bar, located at Unit 4, 163-165 Great Ducie Street, Manchester, M3 1FF. The applicant sought permission for the venue to operate as a restaurant, bar, and shisha lounge with live music, recorded music, and entertainment until 5 am from Thursday to Sunday, and to sell alcohol during these extended hours.

However, the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team recommended refusal due to concerns that these extended hours could increase the risk of crime and disorder. Trading Standards proposed granting the licence with additional conditions, such as Challenge 25 signage and staff training on age verification, to protect children from harm. The panel's decision will directly affect the safety and amenity of the surrounding area, particularly for residents living nearby.

Temporary Event Notices for Club 94 and Platt Fields Market Garden Face Police Objections

Two Temporary Event Notices (TENs) also came under scrutiny due to objections from Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

• Club 94: A TEN for an event at 94-96 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HL on Saturday, 15 August 2026, was objected to by GMP. Concerns were raised about the lack of detailed information regarding security, event activities, provisions for under 18s, and measures to prevent crime and disorder. GMP recommended serving a counter notice, which would effectively refuse the event as proposed.
• Platt Fields Market Garden: A TEN for a Caribbean Festival - Roots Reggae Rum event at Platt Fields Park, Wilmslow Road, Manchester on Saturday, 15 August 2026, also faced similar objections from GMP. The police highlighted a lack of essential information, including details on security, event management, and measures to prevent public nuisance.

These objections underscore the importance of thorough planning and risk assessment for temporary events, especially those involving large numbers of people and alcohol. The council's role is to ensure that such events do not negatively impact public safety or create undue nuisance for residents.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.

Street Trading Applications Reviewed by Licensing and Appeals Panel

The Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Hearing Panel also met on Monday 10 August 2026 to consider applications for street trading consent. The panel reviewed applications for two vendors, K2 Mango Stall and Mum's Kitchen, as well as addressing any urgent business and appeals.

K2 Mango Stall and Mum's Kitchen Seek Street Trading Consent

The panel was scheduled to consider applications for street trading consent for:

• K2 Mango Stall: Located at 32 Hamilton Road, Manchester, M13 0PE.
• Mum's Kitchen: For a pitch described as the street at end of Howarth Timber mesh fence, just before entrance to No. 13 .

Decisions on street trading consent directly impact local businesses and the vibrancy of our streetscapes. The panel's considerations ensure that street trading operates in a regulated and orderly manner, contributing positively to the local environment.

For more information on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.

This week in Manchester:

Beilul Lounge Faces Licence Revocation Amidst Serious Safety and Crime Concerns

The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel met on Monday 3 August 2026 to consider the future of Beilul Lounge, a venue that has come under intense scrutiny due to serious allegations of undermining licensing objectives. The panel reviewed applications for a variation to the premises licence and a transfer of the premises licence, both of which have attracted strong objections from Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Licence Revocation Sought for Beilul Lounge

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a review of the premises licence for Beilul Lounge, located at 100 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 5AJ. The review was initiated by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) on the grounds that the licence holder had allegedly failed to uphold the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and ensuring public safety.

The report pack detailed numerous alleged licensing breaches identified by officers during inspections. These included instances of unsupervised alcohol sales, a lack of a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) on site, insufficient staff training, poor management oversight, and a manager with limited knowledge of licensing requirements. Significant safety concerns were also noted, such as poor hygiene, a rat infestation, blocked escape routes, and fire safety deficiencies. GMP was reportedly seeking the revocation of the premises licence due to these fundamental failures.

The report also outlined that a transfer application and a DPS variation application had been submitted for Beilul Lounge, with GMP having lodged objections to both. These applications were scheduled to be heard separately. The current premises licence holder is Kesete Mehari. The potential revocation of the licence directly impacts public safety and the prevention of crime in the local area.

New Premises Licence Applications for Luella's and Gumbo Face Objections

The panel was also scheduled to consider new premises licence applications for Luella's and Gumbo.

Luella's, located at 2-10 St Mary's Street, Manchester, M3 2LB, attracted objections from responsible authorities, including GMP and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH). GMP's objection was based on concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Specific concerns raised included the proposed operating hours, the lack of SIA registered door staff at peak times, and the absence of a stated venue capacity. LOOH echoed GMP's concerns, highlighting a lack of robustness and enforceability in the applicant's proposed conditions. Both GMP and LOOH recommended refusal of the application in its current form.

Gumbo, located at 12-14 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1LN, also received relevant representations from responsible authorities. The LOOH team raised concerns about noise nuisance due to the premises' proximity to noise-sensitive locations, including a hotel and apartment blocks. They noted that the proposed operation, described as a Boiler Room style DJ event venue, was more akin to a nightclub than a bar. LOOH recommended a reduction in operating hours. GMP's representation focused on the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance, highlighting the challenging location and the potential for issues with queues, smokers, and customer dispersal.

These applications, if approved, could significantly alter the character of these areas and impact residents. The council's role in balancing business aspirations with community well-being is central to these decisions.

Personal Licence Application for SB

The panel was also scheduled to consider an application for a personal licence with relevant convictions declared, identified as SB . The report pack indicated that this item would involve the exclusion of the public due to the nature of the information to be discussed.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.

Westwood Nursing Home Conversion to Primary School Sparks Traffic and Noise Concerns

The Planning Committee met on Thursday 6 August 2026 to consider a planning application for a change of use at Westwood Nursing Home, located at 69 Crumpsall Lane, Manchester, M8 5SR. The proposal is to convert the former care home into an independent primary school, including early years provision.

Community Objections to School Conversion

The application has generated significant local concern, with 87 objections and 10 in support, alongside concerns raised by Ward Members. Key objections focused on increased traffic and parking pressures, potential noise from higher activity levels, and the proposed use being out of keeping with the area's character. Specific concerns were raised about the impact on Ansleigh Avenue, a narrow cul-de-sac, and the potential for overspill parking and increased congestion on Crumpsall Lane, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times. Some residents also expressed concerns about noise from the proposed play area, especially if used on weekends, and the visual impact of proposed security fencing.

Conversely, supporters highlighted that the school is outgrowing its current premises and requires suitable accommodation. They also emphasised the importance of the school for the educational needs of the Orthodox Jewish community in North Manchester.

Highway and Amenity Considerations

Highway Services assessed the proposal and, based on a travel survey of the existing school, concluded that the development was forecast to generate a modest increase in vehicle movements, which would not be considered significant in the context of existing traffic levels. They recommended mitigation measures including speed limit adjustments, parking restrictions, and a robust Drop-Off/Pick-Up management strategy.

The report pack indicated that the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing recommended approval of the application, subject to a number of conditions. These conditions covered aspects such as construction management, travel plans, cycle and car parking, highway works, operational hours, waste management, crime prevention, landscaping, boundary treatment, ecology, air quality, and noise mitigation. A specific condition was included to limit the maximum number of pupils present at any one time to 120.

The report also noted that the application had been deferred at a previous meeting on 9 July 2026 to allow for a site visit, primarily to understand the impact on highway operations and amenity. Further review by Highways had not considered these impacts to be significant. This decision will directly affect the daily lives of residents in Crumpsall, impacting traffic flow and noise levels.

For more details on this application, please refer to the Planning Committee meeting documents.

Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Reviews Private Hire Driver Licence

The Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Hearing Panel met on Monday 3 August 2026. The meeting's agenda included the consideration of urgent business, appeals, and a review of a private hire driver licence.

Review of Private Hire Driver Licence ZA

The panel was scheduled to consider a report from the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing regarding a review of a private hire driver licence, identified as ZA . The report pack indicated that this item contained exempt information, meaning that the public would likely be excluded from this part of the meeting. The Local Government Act 1972¹ allows for the exclusion of the public from meetings when confidential information is being discussed, provided that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. The agenda stated that officers considered the public interest in maintaining the exemption to outweigh the public interest in disclosing the information.

The review of a driver's licence is a critical function of the council, ensuring public safety and maintaining standards within the taxi and private hire industry. Decisions in this area can have significant consequences for individuals and the public's trust in licensed drivers.

For more information on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.