The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Chicken Valley, located at 39 Goldhawk Road, London, W12 8QQ. The application seeks to allow for late-night refreshment, with proposed hours extending into the early morning on Fridays and Saturdays. Several objections have been raised by various parties, including the Metropolitan Police, the Noise and Nuisance Team, Community Safety, and local residents, primarily concerning the potential impact on the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety.

Chicken Valley Premises Licence Application

The primary item scheduled for discussion is an application for a new premises licence for Chicken Valley, a fast-food shop at 39 Goldhawk Road, London, W12 8QQ. The applicant, Mr Matin Noori, is seeking permission for late-night refreshment, with proposed hours for this activity from 23:00 to 00:15 on Sundays to Thursdays, and from 23:00 to 01:45 on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises would be open to the public from 11:00 to 00:00 on Sundays to Thursdays, and from 11:00 to 01:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The report pack indicates that the Licensing Authority received six objections to this application. These objections come from:

• The Police Licensing Team, represented by PC Charlotte Bennett, who has raised concerns that the application fails to promote the licensing objective of the Prevention of Crime and Disorder. The police note the premises' proximity to Shepherd's Bush Green, an area with significant crime and anti-social behaviour, and express concerns about potential customer congregation outside the premises and dispersal issues. They also highlight that online information suggests the premises may already be operating beyond its authorised hours.
• The Noise and Nuisance Team, who object on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance. They are concerned that the proposed late hours will have a detrimental impact on nearby residents, particularly those on Woodger Road, due to increased pedestrian and vehicle movements, noise, and disturbance.
• The Community Safety team, represented by Carol Fregiste-Thomas, who has concerns about the existing concentration of licensed premises in the locality and ongoing issues with large groups gathering on the public highway. They also note the recent revocation of a nearby premises' licence and express limited confidence in the applicant's ability to manage potential issues.
• The Board of Directors of Apex Court, a residential building facing the premises. They object to the extended hours, citing existing disturbances from late-night premises, including noise, aggressive behaviour, and littering. They are particularly concerned about the impact on Woodger Road, a narrow residential street, and the cumulative effect of late-night venues in an area already under pressure.
• Two local residents, who have also submitted objections based on similar concerns regarding crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the area.

The report pack also includes the applicant's operating schedule, which outlines proposed steps to promote the four licensing objectives. These include maintaining a CCTV system, keeping an incident log, ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation, encouraging customers to leave quietly, and providing a safe environment for children. The report also details the council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹, which guides the Licensing Authority's approach to applications, emphasising a commitment to a sustainable licensed sector, a good place to live, work, and enjoy leisure, and a safe licensing environment.