The Licensing Sub-Committee of Lambeth Council met on Tuesday 16 September 2025 to consider three applications for new premises licences. The committee deferred a decision on the application for Brockwell Hall, and granted licences for Ferndale Community Sports Centre and Clapham Leisure Centre.

Brockwell Hall, Brockwell Park

The committee heard an application for a new premises licence for Brockwell Hall, located in Brockwell Park. The applicant, London Borough of Lambeth, sought permission for a wide range of licensable activities, including plays, films, live and recorded music, indoor sporting events, dance performances, late-night refreshments, and the sale of alcohol, with proposed hours extending until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 pm on other days.

A significant number of representations were received from the public, with 37 objections and two in favour of the application. Key concerns raised by objectors centred on potential noise pollution, public nuisance, and issues related to transport, access, and safety within the park environment. Residents expressed worries about amplified sound carrying into residential areas and the park, the impact of increased vehicle traffic, and the potential for disorder.

During the hearing, the applicant, represented by Lucy Zaman, outlined measures to mitigate these concerns, including noise monitoring, dispersal policies, and security arrangements. However, objectors, including Lucy Ackrill, Jocelyn Pappenheim, and Maya Pastakia, voiced persistent concerns about the vagueness of proposed conditions and the potential for noise to impact park users and nearby residents.

After extensive discussion and hearing from both the applicant and objectors, the committee decided to defer their decision on the Brockwell Hall application for five working days to allow for further consideration.

Ferndale Community Sports Centre, Nursery Road

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Ferndale Community Sports Centre. The application sought permission for regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol, with proposed hours extending to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 pm on other days.

Two representations were received, both objecting to the application on the grounds of potential noise nuisance due to the requested hours. The objectors expressed concern that the extended hours would negatively impact the local residential area.

Jacqueline Gale and Vivienne Muhelen, representing Active Lambeth, addressed these concerns, stating that noise would be controlled and contained within the hall, with double-glazed windows and noise-limiting devices in place. They also confirmed that a duty manager's contact number would be available for residents.

The committee considered the application, the representations, and the proposed conditions. They determined to approve the application as sought, with the conditions set out in the report. The committee was satisfied that granting the application was appropriate and proportionate.

Clapham Leisure Centre, Clapham Manor Street

The final application considered was for a new premises licence for Clapham Leisure Centre. The application sought authorisation for regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol, with proposed hours extending to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 pm on other days.

One representation was received from a member of the public, objecting on the grounds of potential public nuisance, crime and disorder, and harm to children. The objector raised concerns about the requested hours and the potential for increased noise and anti-social behaviour in the Clapham area, which already has a number of late-night venues.

Jacqueline Gale and Vivienne Muhelen, again representing Active Lambeth, responded to these concerns. They highlighted that the majority of events would be pre-booked, private hires, and that security measures, including SIA-licensed staff, would be in place. They also noted that the sports hall, where events would primarily take place, is located upstairs, away from the main reception and cafe areas, to prevent loitering. They also detailed their experience in managing similar venues, including in Streatham.

The committee considered the application, the single representation, and the proposed conditions. They determined to approve the application as sought, with the conditions set out in the report. The committee found the decision to be appropriate and proportionate, taking into account the specific context of Clapham.