Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 1, 2025

Purpose:

Content: The Licensing Sub-Committee in considering this decision from the information presented to it within the report and at the hearing has determined that having regard to the promotion of all the licensing objectives:   • The prevention of crime and disorder; • Public safety; • Prevention of public nuisance; and • The protection of children from harm,   The application for a premises licence has been approved in accordance with the Council’s Statement of Licensing and the proposed conditions set out in paragraph 8.1 of the report.   The hours of licensable activity to be modified as follows:   Supply of Alcohol (Off the Premises)   Mon  08:00-22:00 Tue  08:00-22:00 Wed  08:00-22:00 Thu  08:00-22:00 Fri  08:00-22:00 Sat  08:00-22:00 Sun  08:00-22:00   Opening hours   Mon  08:00-22:00 Tue  08:00-22:00 Wed  08:00-22:00 Thu  08:00-22:00 Fri  08:00-22:00 Sat  08:00-22:00 Sun  08:00-22:00   The following conditions to be added to the premises licence:   ·  No sales of single cans of alcohol.   ·  There shall be no sales of super strength beer, lager or cider with an alcohol content above 6.5% ABV within the core range. This restriction shall not apply in respect of specialist branded premium priced products, for example craft ales, local or micro-brewery specialist products, boxed gifts or national celebratory/commemorative products.   ·  The Premises Licence Holder shall provide and put on display contact details to raise any concerns or complaints by local residents.       Reasons for the decision   The application for a premises licence has been approved, as members of the Licensing Sub-Committee were satisfied that the licensing objectives would not be undermined,   The Sub-Committee took into consideration that there were initially 12 representations from local residents, however one local resident withdrew their representation. The Sub-Committee also noted that the Police and Environmental Enforcement withdrew their objections following agreed hours and conditions with the Applicant. The Sub-Committee noted that there were no objections from the other Responsible Authorities.   The Sub-Committee heard representations from the Applicant’s legal representative that Aldi Stores Limited has over 1000 stores nationwide. The Sub-Committee took into consideration that the Applicant is proposing opening hours and the supply of alcohol until 22:00 only. A Risk Assessment has been carried out and the Applicant will be taking measures to ensure that they have proper security. The Applicant has a waste procedure, waste refuge storage and their food waste is distributed locally. The Applicant hopes the premises will improve the area. The Police were happy with the reduced hours. Aldi is aware of concerns by residents and wants to do everything they can to resolve their concerns.   The Sub-Committee heard that the Applicant seeks to protect their customers and local residents. The Applicant does not want antisocial behaviour in the area and they do try to move people who loiter. The store is closely managed by a store manager who will be able to deal with any queries or issues regarding concerns raised by local residents.   The Sub-Committee took into consideration the Applicants' mitigation that they will use pallets to reduce the impact of noise and that they do not use cages. The applicant added that milk is delivered daily.   The Sub-Committee heard the representations and concerns of the local residents objecting to the application on the grounds of the four licensing objectives. This included the impact on young families who live in the residential block above.  There were also concerns about tailgating and which led to at least one theft. One of the local residents has been residing in the block since 2012 and they do not want antisocial behaviour in the area which may be caused by the premises.   The Sub-Committee heard from local residents that security on the door is important due to a number of vulnerable people in the residential block. When people are refused entry to the shop the local residents have to deal with the outcome of that. Also the existing waste collection is poorly dealt with and will lead to increased antisocial behaviour.   The Sub-Committee heard from local residents that the proximity to a homeless shelter is a problem and they have a number of licensed premises in the area. There are young families and there is a school nearby that will be affected by the noise and disturbance caused by the operation of the premises.   The Sub-Committee took into consideration that the local residents were not persuaded by the representations made by the Applicant and their legal representative, and they did not feel that their concerns and issues were addressed. The Sub-Committee noted that the local residents did not object to Aldi as a store, however, they felt it was not a suitable location.   The Sub-Committee took into consideration that where local residents live in a mixed use development there has to be an acceptance of some level of activity such as deliveries, servicing and visitors are likely to be associated with the commercial part of the development.   The Sub-Committee noted that a detailed Delivery and Servicing Management Plan is already a condition on the Planning Permission (ref: 2016/3602) which saw the demolition of the former Mecca Bingo hall and the redevelopment of the site. The Sub-Committee has to have regard to Government guidance and should not duplicate existing legislation in the conditions attached to the premises licence.     The Sub-Committee considers each application on its own merits.   The Sub-Committee was satisfied with the agreed conditions and reduced hours agreed with the Applicant in accordance with Policy LP4 for alcohol off sales that would help the premises operate safely and responsibly, and would mitigate the impact on the area and on the local residents.   The Sub-Committee felt reassured with the condition for limiting the ABV in beer, lager and cider excluding craft beers.   The Sub-Committee was satisfied that the Applicant agreed to provide the duty manager or contact details for local residents Also should local residents have any issues they also can inform the Licensing Authority who can investigate.   Having taken all of the above factors into consideration the Licensing Sub-Committee was satisfied that this application could be approved without the licensing objectives being undermined.   Public Informative   1.  The Premises Licence Holder is advised to monitor the noise and public nuisance from the operation of the premises and how it impacts local residents living above and in close proximity to the premises.   2.  The Premises Licence Holder is further reminded of the need to operate the premises according to any current planning permission relating to its use class and conditions   3.  It also should be noted for the public record that the Local Planning Authority should draw no inference or be bound by this decision with regard to any future planning application which may be made.   4.  The Premises Licence Holder is strongly encouraged to use sustainable cutlery, plates, cups, food containers, and recyclable disposable materials to avoid using single-use plastic disposable items.