The Statutory Licensing Sub Committee of Swansea Council met on Wednesday 4 December 2024 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Love Trails Festivals Ltd at Weobley Castle, Llanrhidian, Swansea. The committee decided to grant the variation, allowing for an increase in late-night refreshment hours and an increase in the event's capacity, subject to a traffic management plan.

Variation of Premises Licence for Love Trails Festival

The committee considered an application from Love Trails Festivals Ltd to vary their premises licence at Weobley Castle, Llanrhidian, Swansea. The proposed variations included extending late-night refreshment hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, increasing the event's capacity from 4,000 to 4,999 attendees, and adding a condition for a traffic management plan to be agreed with Swansea Council and a subcontractor.

Arguments Against the Variation:

Several local residents and the Llanrhidian Lower Community Council raised objections to the proposed variations, primarily focusing on the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance and ensuring public safety.

• Public Nuisance: Objectors expressed significant concerns about increased noise levels and disturbance, particularly during the extended late-night refreshment hours. Diane and Lynne Pearce, residents living opposite the site, highlighted issues with noise from music, shouting, and even early morning yoga sessions. They argued that the proposed extensions would exacerbate existing noise problems, impacting residents' ability to sleep and enjoy their properties. They also noted that other local licensed premises operate with earlier closing times, suggesting the Love Trails festival should align with these.
• Public Safety: Concerns were raised about the potential impact of increased numbers on public safety, particularly regarding traffic on narrow rural roads. Sue Elly, a resident of Landimore, pointed out that an increase in attendees could lead to more vehicles, congestion, and potential accidents, especially given the limited local policing and road infrastructure. The Llanrhidian Lower Community Council also echoed concerns about public safety due to insufficient police and fire service resources in the Gower area to handle any major incidents.
• Change of Purpose: Some objectors felt the application shifted the festival's focus from its original purpose of trail running and wellbeing towards music, dancing, and drinking, with the increase in numbers and extended hours favouring the latter.
• Noise Monitoring and Data Sharing: A recurring point of contention was the applicant's engagement with noise monitoring. Objectors noted that while Love Trails had commissioned a noise report, the data had not been shared with residents or the committee in a digestible format, leading to a lack of transparency and trust.

Arguments For the Variation:

Love Trails Festivals Ltd, represented by Sarah Pritchard and supported by individuals such as Rob Morgan and Robert Davies, presented arguments in favour of the variation.

• Economic Benefits: Supporters highlighted the significant positive impact of the festival on the local economy. Businesses like Eastern Farm Shop, The King's Head, and local Airbnb owners reported increased custom and revenue due to the festival's footfall. Scott Davies of Anturfit Ltd and Ryan Stephens, a Well-Being Mentor, emphasised the event's role in promoting tourism, outdoor activities, and local businesses.
• Health and Wellbeing Focus: The festival's core ethos of promoting health, wellness, and outdoor activities was repeatedly stressed. Supporters argued that increasing capacity would allow more people to benefit from these aspects and foster a culture of fitness within the community.
• Responsible Event Management: The applicant asserted that Love Trails is a responsible organisation committed to promoting the licensing objectives. They highlighted the development of a comprehensive event management plan, engagement with local residents through meetings and newsletters, and the appointment of professional acoustic consultants, Joins Nash, to address noise concerns. The inclusion of a traffic management plan was presented as a proactive measure to mitigate traffic issues.
• Positive Attendee Profile: Supporters described the festival attendees as having a different demographic from typical festival-goers, being more focused on health, wellbeing, and respecting the environment, which they believed would minimise the risk of anti-social behaviour.
• Support from Responsible Authorities: It was noted that no responsible authorities, including South Wales Police, Trading Standards, and the Environmental Health department, had raised objections to the application, which the applicant argued indicated that the event did not undermine the licensing objectives.

Decision:

The Statutory Licensing Sub Committee decided to grant the variation to the premises licence. This included:

• Extended Late-Night Refreshment Hours:
  • Thursday: 23:00 to 00:30
  • Friday: 23:00 to 03:00
  • Saturday: 23:00 to 03:00
• Increased Capacity: From 4,000 to 4,999 persons.
• Traffic Management Plan: A condition was added requiring a traffic management plan to be written and agreed in advance with Swansea Council and a subcontractor traffic management company.

The committee's decision was made after considering all representations and the arguments presented by both objectors and supporters, with a view to promoting the licensing objectives.