The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 27 May 2026 to consider a new premises licence application. The meeting's agenda focused on a single application for GRK Trading Limited to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises at 45-47 Land Cross Drive, Northampton.

New Premises Licence Application for GRK Trading Limited

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application from GRK Trading Limited for the premises located at 45-47 Land Cross Drive, Northampton, NN3 3LN. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, with proposed opening hours from 07:00 to 23:00, seven days a week.

The report pack indicated that the premises had previously held a premises licence for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, which was surrendered in January 2018. The current application proposed extended hours compared to the previous licence, which had operating hours until 23:00 Monday to Saturday and 22:30 on Sundays.

The application received 20 relevant representations from members of the public. These objections primarily raised concerns related to the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Objectors expressed worries that the extended hours and the sale of alcohol could lead to increased anti-social behaviour, noise, and disturbances in the residential area. Specific concerns were raised about littering, loitering, and the potential impact on families with young children and elderly residents. Some objectors also noted the proximity of the premises to local schools.

The report pack outlined that the sub-committee's role was to determine the application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003¹, considering the promotion of the licensing objectives and the representations received. The potential actions available to the sub-committee included granting the licence with conditions, excluding a licensable activity, refusing to specify a Designated Premises Supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely. The report also detailed the relevant statutory guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, which emphasises that licensing decisions should be evidence-based, proportionate, and tailored to the specific circumstances of the application, while also considering the need to promote growth and deliver economic benefits.

The meeting was scheduled to include a discussion on the exclusion of the press and public for certain parts of the meeting, should the members decide that exempt information would be disclosed.