The Kirklees Council Licensing Panel convened to address an application for the review of a premises licence concerning the Gomersal Lodge Hotel (Marquee) in Cleckheaton. Following deliberations, the panel decided to revoke the premises licence for the Gomersal Lodge Hotel (Marquee).

Gomersal Lodge Hotel (Marquee) Premises Licence Review

The primary agenda item was the review of the premises licence for the Wedding Marquee at Gomersal Lodge Hotel, located at 189 Spen Lane, Gomersal, Cleckheaton, BD19 4PJ. The application for review was submitted by Environmental Health under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003, citing concerns that the licensing objectives were not being met, specifically the prevention of public nuisance.

The application stemmed from ongoing noise nuisance complaints, despite efforts to work with the hotel to comply with licence conditions. According to the Public Reports Pack, Environmental Health served an abatement notice under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in September 2023, following 30 calls to Pollution and Noise Control regarding noise nuisance in the 12 months prior. Since the notice was served, there had been a further 17 complaints, with officers witnessing breaches on five occasions. The report also noted recordings received via the Noise App of loud intrusive noise at nuisance level from the premises .

The Review Application stated:

On behalf of the Environmental Health Pollution and Noise Control team, I am formally requesting a review of the premises licence for Gomersal Lodge Hotel due to ongoing noise nuisance complaints. As a responsible authority, this request follows extensive joint working between the Environmental Health and Licensing teams to support Gomersal Lodge Hotel in complying with the conditions of their licence, specifically the requirement to prevent public nuisance.

The report presented to the panel outlined the licensing policy, Secretary of State guidance, and implications for the council, including alignment with the Council Plan¹. It also detailed the consultation process, which included support from eight local residents. Appendix D of the Public Reports Pack contained representations from local residents, expressing concerns about amplified music, loud drumming, public address systems, disruptive behaviour, car parking issues, revving vehicles, use of fireworks, and environmental impact. One representation stated:

Ever since the first marque was erected we have had to put up with constant disturbance which has got worse since the new larger one was built and now advertises it can have up to 500 guests.

Appendix E included statements from Environmental Health officers who witnessed noise levels breaching the abatement notice.

The Licensing Panel considered the evidence and representations before them. Ultimately, they determined that the premises licence for Gomersal Lodge Hotel (Marquee) should be revoked.