The Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee of Wokingham Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 17 June 2026. The primary item on the agenda is an application for a new premises licence for Old Blades (Garden) in Remenham Lane, Remenham, Henley on Thames.

Application for a New Premises Licence at Old Blades (Garden)

The committee is set to consider an application for a new premises licence for Old Blades (Garden), located at Remenham Lane, Remenham, Henley on Thames, RG9 3DB. The application, submitted by Mr Daniel Gardner on behalf of FIELD VISION BARS (Limited Company 13227729), seeks to allow for regulated entertainment (indoors and outdoors), the sale and supply of alcohol, and the provision of late-night refreshment. The proposed operating hours include regulated entertainment and the supply of alcohol from 10:00 to 00:00 Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 to 22:30 on Sundays. The premises would open from 09:00 to 00:30 Monday to Saturday, and 09:00 to 23:00 on Sundays.

This application aims to increase the licensed capacity of the premises from 500 to 1,000 attendees, a change from its previous operational capacity which often required Temporary Event Notices (TENs) to reach 999. The applicant has outlined proposed measures to promote the four licensing objectives, including capacity control, the use of SIA Registered Security, a limit of four drinks per person per transaction to reduce antisocial drinking, working with other operators, licensed lifeguards on duty, an egress plan, a Challenge 25 policy, and a restriction preventing under 18s from entering the area.

However, the application has attracted several representations from interested parties, including Remenham Parish Council, Remenham Farm, Ron Emerson (representing Remenham Farm Residents' Association), David Law, and Michael Dudley, all residents of Remenham Lane. Key concerns raised include the potential for increased safety and nuisance issues due to the doubled capacity, particularly regarding the narrow footpath access alongside the river. Objections have also been lodged against the proposed extension of alcohol sales until midnight, with some suggesting 23:00 as more consistent with other local premises. Specific concerns have been raised about the site plan showing a store on neighbouring land without agreement, and the lack of parking and public transport access to the site, exacerbating safety risks for attendees, especially when inebriated. The potential for amplified music to be excessively loud has also been noted.

The committee will need to consider these representations alongside the applicant's proposals and the relevant legal considerations, including the Licensing Act 2003¹, national guidance, and the council's own statement of licensing policy. The options available to the Sub-Committee are to grant the application in full, grant it with modifications, or reject it.