The Southern Area Licensing Sub Committee of Wiltshire Council is scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Stonehenge Campsite Ltd. The meeting will also include the election of a Chairman and procedural matters.

Licensing Application for Stonehenge Campsite Ltd

The primary focus of the meeting is the determination of an application for a new Premises Licence for Stonehenge Campsite Ltd, located at Berwick Road, Winterbourne Stoke SP3 4TQ. The application has been made by Stonehenge Campsite Ltd, represented by their agent, The Licensing Guys.

The report pack details that the application seeks to allow for live and recorded music both inside and outside, the sale of alcohol for on and off-premises consumption, and specifies the hours the premises will be open to the public. The proposed licensable activities include:

• Live music inside and out: Thursday to Sunday, 12:00 – 22:00
• Recorded music inside and out: Thursday to Sunday, 12:00 – 22:00
• Sale of alcohol (on and off premises): Monday to Sunday, 08:00 – 22:00
• Hours open to the public: Monday to Sunday, 08:00 – 22:00 (for licensed parts of the site; campsite residents and guests remain 24 hours).

The application has generated significant interest, with eight valid representations received. These include six from residential households, one of which also represents the Parish Council. A comment has also been received from the Planning Authority, and a representation from the Environmental Protection Team (Environmental Health Officer).

The representations raise concerns primarily related to the licensing objectives of the Prevention of Public Nuisance, Public Safety, and the Prevention of Crime and Disorder. Specific issues mentioned by residents include noise from events, potential anti-social behaviour, and concerns about site safety. For example, one representation states: My concerns here are that if alcohol is allowed to be served on site from 8.00am to 10.00pm daily this would lead to anti-social behaviour. ¹

The report pack also includes comments from Responsible Authorities. Wiltshire Police and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have indicated no representations. The Planning Liaison Officer has noted that the proposed licensable activities are not permitted by the current planning permission, and any use of a premises licence would lead to planning enforcement action. The Principal Environmental Health Officer initially made a representation due to concerns about potential noise disturbance but has since withdrawn it following extensive discussions and the applicant's agreement to a package of control measures. These agreed measures include the preparation of a Noise Management Plan, the installation of a frequency-conscious noise limiting device, limits on the number and frequency of events, and arrangements for noise monitoring and customer dispersal. The Environmental Health Officer stated, Environmental Health therefore sought assurance that suitable, enforceable controls would be in place to manage amplified music and other event-related noise if the licence is granted. ²

The Sub Committee will consider the application in light of these representations, the applicant's revised operating schedule, and relevant government guidance and the Council's own Statement of Licensing Policy. The four licensing objectives that must be promoted are: the Prevention of Crime and Disorder; Public Safety; the Prevention of Public Nuisance; and the Protection of Children from Harm.

The hearing procedure will involve presentations from the Licensing Officer, the applicant, and those who have made representations, followed by questions and closing submissions before the Sub Committee retires to consider its decision.