The Licensing Sub-Committee of Westmorland and Furness Council met on 21 June 2024 to discuss the application for a premises licence for the Coast Roads Festival at Barrow Park. The committee approved the licence with conditions after considering representations from Cumbria Police, the Environmental Protection team, and local residents.

Coast Roads Festival Premises Licence Application

The primary focus of the meeting was the application for a premises licence for the Coast Roads Festival at Barrow Park. The festival organisers sought permission to host live music, sell alcohol, and provide late-night refreshments over a three-day period. The application included detailed plans for managing noise, security, and crowd control.

Cumbria Police Representation

Cumbria Police submitted a representation expressing concerns about public safety and the potential for crime and disorder. They recommended several conditions, including increased security personnel, restricted alcohol sales, and a robust emergency response plan. The police emphasised the need for a comprehensive security strategy to ensure the safety of all attendees, highlighting past incidents at similar events.

Environmental Protection Representation

The Environmental Protection team also provided a representation, focusing on noise pollution and its impact on local residents. They proposed conditions to limit noise levels and specified times for amplified music. The team stated, It is crucial that noise levels are monitored and controlled to prevent disturbance to the surrounding community.

Local Residents' Concerns

Local residents, including Dionne Whelan and Jane Reader, submitted written representations outlining their concerns. Dionne Whelan's representation highlighted issues related to noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour. She argued that the festival will significantly disrupt the lives of those living nearby. Jane Reader's representation echoed these concerns and added worries about traffic congestion and parking problems.

Decision and Conditions

After deliberation, the committee approved the premises licence with several conditions to address the concerns raised. These included:

• Implementation of a comprehensive security plan as recommended by Cumbria Police.
• Noise monitoring and control measures as suggested by the Environmental Protection team.
• Restrictions on alcohol sales and specific times for live music to minimise disruption.

The decision aimed to balance the benefits of the festival with the need to protect public safety and community well-being.