The Western Area Licensing Sub Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to consider an application for a review of a premises licence for The Wellbeing Hub in Warminster. The meeting's agenda focused solely on this licensing matter, with no other significant items scheduled for discussion.

Application for Review of a Premises Licence - The Wellbeing Hub, Warminster

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a review of the premises licence for The Wellbeing Hub, located at 36 High Street, Warminster, BA12 9AF. This review was initiated by Mr Gary Rattray, a neighbouring resident. The grounds for the review centred on the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance, with specific concerns raised about amplified music, particularly low-frequency bass, noise from patrons using external areas, and the general impact of activities at the premises on nearby residents.

The report pack detailed the current premises licence for The Wellbeing Hub, which authorises the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises. It also outlined the application for the review, supporting documents from Mr Rattray, and copies of relevant representations received from other interested parties.

Several responses from responsible authorities were included:

• Wiltshire Council Environmental Protection: Mrs Vicky Brown, Principal Environmental Health Officer, noted that complaints had been received but that insufficient evidence had been provided to assess the extent of the alleged disturbance or determine if it constituted a statutory or public nuisance. Environmental Protection stated they did not have evidence to support a licence review on public nuisance grounds at that time but would investigate further if more evidence was provided. They suggested potential additional conditions if the Sub Committee were minded to impose them, such as a Noise Management Plan, ensuring doors and windows remain closed during regulated entertainment, and management controls for patrons entering and leaving.
• Immigration Enforcement: No representations were made, as no record of immigration offences related to the premises was found.
• Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service: No comments were made, as the concerns did not appear to be related to fire safety conditions.
• Wiltshire Council Planning: No comments were made.

Statements were also provided by the review applicant, Mr Gary Rattray, and by Dr Charity Chenga and Ms Lydia Moore, directors of The Wellbeing Hub Warminster CIC.

Mr Rattray's statements detailed his concerns, including amplified music escaping the premises, low-frequency bass, noise from patrons outside, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. He highlighted his attempts to resolve the issues directly with the premises before initiating the formal review. He also provided evidence regarding other local venues and his interactions with them to demonstrate a consistent approach to addressing noise concerns.

Representations from other residents were included, with some supporting Mr Rattray's concerns about noise and disturbance, while others submitted representations in support of The Wellbeing Hub, stating that music was not excessive, doors were kept closed, and that the venue operated responsibly.

The directors of The Wellbeing Hub, Dr Charity Chenga and Ms Lydia Moore, submitted representations refuting the claims of public nuisance. They highlighted the community benefits of the Hub, its infrequent events, and the operational controls implemented, such as a door-closed policy, installed curtains, and plans for further soundproofing. They also raised concerns about Mr Rattray's conduct, alleging intimidation, selective targeting, and inappropriate behaviour towards staff, volunteers, and patrons, including a vulnerable elderly individual and a women-only dance session. They argued that the complainant's expectations were unrealistic given the High Street location and the historical commercial use of the building.

The meeting's agenda also included procedural items such as the election of a Chairman, apologies for absence, and the procedure for the meeting.