The Ealing Council Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider an application to vary the premises licence for David Lloyd Sport And Leisure in Greenford. The committee reviewed the application, a representation from a local resident, and the council's licensing policy. Ultimately, the committee approved the recommendations outlined in the report.

David Lloyd Sport And Leisure, Greenford Road, Greenford, UB6 0UX - Application to Vary a Premises Licence

David Lloyd Leisure Ltd applied to vary the premises licence for David Lloyd Sport And Leisure, David Lloyd Leisure Centre, Greenford Road, Greenford, UB6 0UX. The application sought to expand the licensed areas to include a new internal spa area, an adjacent external spa garden, the DL Kids area, the outdoor pool and terrace areas, and the padel courts. The existing licensable activities would extend to the areas edged red on the deposited plans, with areas hatched red being specifically for the sale of alcohol.

The report presented to the committee outlined the following key points:

• Current Licensable Activities/Timings: The existing licence permitted the retail sale of alcohol, late-night refreshments, recorded music, live music, performance of dance, film, and indoor sports within specified hours.
• Proposed Variation: The application did not propose any changes to the existing licensable hours or timings. Instead, it focused on expanding the areas where these activities could take place.
• Consultation: As part of the application process, David Lloyd Leisure Ltd displayed the statutory notice at the premises for 28 days and published a notice in a locally circulating newspaper. They also notified various responsible authorities, including the police, pollution authority, fire authority, and local planning authority.
• Representation: The council received one representation from a member of the public, Stephanie Gordon, who raised concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance.

The committee was asked to consider the application, representations, and the Statement of Licensing Policy, and then decide to:

• Grant the application in full.
• Grant the application subject to conditions consistent with the operating schedule.
• Grant the application subject to revised conditions consistent with modifications to the operating schedule as are necessary to promote the licensing objectives.
• Reject the application in part or in full.

The Licensing Act 2003 and the council's Statement of Licensing Policy were relevant to the decision. The committee also had to consider any implications arising from the Human Rights Act 1998.

Representation from Stephanie Gordon

Stephanie Gordon, a resident of Bedser Drive, submitted a representation objecting to the application, citing concerns about noise, public disturbance, and environmental impact. Her concerns included:

• Noise Disturbances: Excessive noise from early morning fitness classes, with loud music and bass audible from her home. She stated that despite multiple attempts to address the issues with the gym, the situation had not improved.
• Dismissal of Concerns: Ms Gordon stated that David Lloyd's head office had allegedly told her that the gym was not located near any residential area, which she claimed was factually incorrect, as Woodend Estate is directly adjacent to the gym's pool area. She also noted noise from the pool area, including loud conversations and children playing.
• Proposed Development: Concerns that the construction of a padel area and the introduction of alcohol sales would increase traffic, potentially lead to anti-social behaviour, and increase the risk of drink driving. She also raised environmental concerns related to the construction process and the long-term impact on local traffic and air quality.

Ms Gordon stated that the application did not appear to benefit local residents and threatened to increase noise pollution, traffic congestion, and disruption for those living in the surrounding area, particularly in the Woodend Estate.

Decision

The committee approved the recommendations outlined in the report.

Other Matters

• Councillor Kim Kaur Nagpal, Decent Living Incomes, served as chair for the meeting.
• Apologies for absence and substitutions were noted.
• Declarations of interest were noted.
• The committee determined that there were no items containing information exempt from disclosure by virtue of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.
• The committee noted the Panel Procedure Guidance Note.