The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. The primary item on the agenda is a premises licence application for Mangrove Mini Market, which has generated a number of objections from local residents.

Premises Licence Application for Mangrove Mini Market

The sub-committee is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Mangrove Mini Market, located at 15 Collingwood Road, Abington, Northampton, NN1 4RD. The application, submitted by Mr Steve Ewer, seeks permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises.

The initial application requested permission to sell alcohol from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 am and 00:00 am, and on Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. However, following discussions with the licensing team, Mr Ewer has indicated that the initial intended opening hours for alcohol sales will be Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This amended proposal is detailed in an email exchange included in the report pack.

The application has attracted significant attention, with eight objections received from local residents. These objections, detailed in Appendix B of the public reports pack¹, raise concerns primarily related to the proposed late-night alcohol sales and their potential impact on the predominantly residential area. Issues raised include concerns about increased noise, disturbance, and anti-social behaviour, as well as the potential for increased traffic and parking problems. Some objectors also highlighted the proximity of existing off-licences and other retail outlets already selling alcohol in the vicinity.

The report pack outlines the legal framework governing such applications, including the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The sub-committee will need to consider these objectives, along with the representations made by objectors and the applicant, when determining the application. The potential steps the sub-committee can take range from granting the licence with conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, refusing to specify a designated premises supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely.

The meeting will also include standard procedural items such as the appointment of a chairman and the declaration of interests by members.