The Licensing Act Sub Committee met to consider an application for a new premises licence for The Croft Inn, Hatt, Saltash. Councillors voted to grant the licence, subject to conditions agreed between the applicant, Environmental Health, and the police. The sub committee also suggested that the applicant re-consider the car parking arrangements going forward.

The Croft Inn, Hatt, Saltash - Premises Licence Application

MV Properties SW Limited applied for a premises licence for The Croft Inn, Hatt, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6PJ. The application was for live and recorded music, and the supply of alcohol, from 11:00 to 01:00 seven days a week, with the premises open to the public between 11:00 and 01:00.

The report before the sub-committee noted that representations had been received from Devon and Cornwall Police and Environmental Protection, and from other persons, but that agreements had been reached with the police and Environmental Protection.

Licensing Officer's Submission

The Licensing Officer introduced the report to the sub-committee.

Applicant's Submission

The applicant attended the meeting and spoke in support of the application, explaining that they intended to re-establish The Croft as a pub, opening seven days a week, and that they had changed their timings in line with recommendations from the police.

In response to questions from the sub-committee, the applicant clarified that:

• The music would be background music.
• The applicant was experienced in the trade.
• The property was not derelict.
• They wanted to be a country pub and would not be catering for those using the accommodation behind the pub.
• When they did 'dry runs' no-one from the accommodation behind the pub attended.
• Their price range is upper scale and they would not be offering deals on drinks.
• They hoped to open Friday and Saturday's as an end of the week social. Eventually the restaurant would re-open as would the function rooms for the area to celebrate special occasions.

Responsible Authorities' Submissions

The Senior Environmental Protection Officer attended the meeting, and spoke in objection to the original application, explaining that he had reviewed the application and undertaken a site visit. He said that he did not have significant concerns regarding the pub having a licence, but his concern was about the late time for music, however, the applicant had agreed to a change in hours. He also noted that there had been seven temporary event notices¹ in 2024 and there had been no concerns or complaints received.

Other Persons' Submissions

Two other persons attended the meeting and spoke in objection to the application, expressing concerns that a pub and a place for homeless people did not mix, and that running a pub would be intolerable for those placed close to the car park. They also said that there would be less sleep for those living at the back of the property, and that the housing was not suitable.

In response to questions from the sub-committee, the premises confirmed timings were (Monday to Sunday):

• live music 11:00 am 11:00 pm
• recorded music 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
• supply of alcohol 11:00 am 11:30 pm
• opening hours 11:00 am 00:00 am

Applicant's Final Submission

In their final submission, the applicant highlighted that they understood the concerns, however, The Croft and the accommodation were run by two different people and they were not trying to oversee the management of two different businesses. They also noted that there were no noise complaints during their 'dry runs' in November / December and everyone enjoyed it and was well received by locals.

Decision

The sub-committee voted to grant the premises licence subject to the conditions as agreed between the applicant, Environmental Health and the Police.

The sub-committee noted the concerns of the other persons that the licence, if granted, would have a detrimental impact on the nearby vulnerable residents situated in the chalets, but noted that this was not a relevant consideration for them in respect of their consideration of the licensing objectives² and, in any case, there were no objections raised by Public Protection.

The sub committee also had regard for the others persons' concerns about noise issues, but noted that the conditions agreed by the applicant with Environmental Protection and which are to be imposed alleviates those concerns.

The sub committee considered that, on balance, and having heard from and assisted by all parties, in particular the applicant's detailed response to the other persons' representations, that the granting of the application, with the conditions would not undermine the licensing objectives.

The sub committee further noted that if issues did arise at the premises, then the premises licence could be subject to a review.