The Licensing Sub-Committee will be asked to consider an application for a new off-licence at 37 Abbey Lane in Sheffield. A report from the Chief Licensing Officer will be considered, and the committee has received representations from local residents, businesses and a local councillor, some of which will be discussed in a public hearing. The meeting will be held at 10am on 16 December 2024 at Sheffield Town Hall.

Licensing Application for 37 Abbey Lane

The Licensing Sub-Committee are being asked to consider an application for a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 by PPAA Retail Ltd for 37 Abbey Lane. The application is to allow the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises from 8am to 11pm, 7 days a week.

The Chief Licensing Officer has provided a report which sets out the legal position for the committee to consider when determining the application. Quoting from the report:

The Licensing Act 2003 at section 4 (1) requires the Licensing Authority to carry out its functions with a view to promoting the Licensing Objectives which section 4(2) sets out as:- a) the prevention of crime and disorder, b) public safety, c) the prevention of public nuisance, d) the protection of children from harm.

Representations from Local People

The Council has received a petition, and letters of representation about the application from 6 local residents: Emma McKenzie, James Slack, Lauryn Williams, Louise Williams, Michelle Naylor, and Steve Lloyd. The residents raise a number of concerns including the proximity of the premises to Abbey Lane Primary School, the potential for public nuisance and crime and disorder, and the impact of increased traffic and parking on the area.

In his letter of objection, one resident states:

The area outside 37 Abbey Lane is heavily congested with traffic with limited parking spaces and the roads around the area... already does not have enough spaces to park your car.

Representations from Local Businesses

The Council has also received representations from 2 local businesses about the application, Serenity Beauty and Tanning at 35 Abbey Lane, and the owner of an unnamed business at the same address. Both businesses raise concerns about the impact of the application on their businesses, particularly on their customers, and on the character of the area.

Councillor's Representation

Councillor Steve Ayris, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Graves Park Ward, has also made a representation to the committee in which he objects to the application. He states:

I have received representation from Angela Greenwood (who plays a key role in both the 'This is Woodseats' project with local businesses and the local community and is co-organiser of the Woodseats Festival). Please could you register her representation as an objection should the application be received by Licensing.

Councillor Ayris also provides an email he received from Angela Greenwood in which she states:

This is next to Abbey Lane School. Also, there are covenants on these shops to not open late and to sell no alcohol or hot food.

The existence of covenants on the property is a new material consideration, which will have to be considered by the committee.

The Licensing Sub-Committee will be asked to consider all of the representations made about the application, and decide whether to grant the licence, grant the licence with conditions, or to refuse the application.