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ST DONAT'S COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of St Donats Community Council
held on Wednesday 11th January 2017
at St. Donat's Arts Centre, commencing at 7.00pm
Present : Councillor Ian Turner, Chairman
Councillor Wilf Cole
Councillor Glyn David
Councillor Pauline David
Councillor Tony Evans
Also present Genevieve Kirk
Apologies: Councillor Joanne Hopkins
The Meeting had been called to discuss an application for a Premises Licence – Tresilian Wood, St Donats CF61 1ZB. A number of residents from the St. Donat's Community Council area were in attendance.
The Chairman explained that he had invited Mrs Paula Warren and Mr. Tom Parker, owners of the 'Tresillian Wood' site, to explain their intentions regarding an application for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003, the hours requested being -
Provision of live music, Thursday to Sunday 11:00 to 23:00, to cease at 01:00 on New Years Eve
Sale of Alcohol (On & Off Sales) Monday to Sunday 11:00 to 23:00, to cease at 01:00 on New Years Eve
He would then invite questions from residents.
The Chairman explained that this was a second application after the original had been dismissed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. He revealed that the community council had not been notified of the original licensing application. This had been sent in error to Llantwit Major Town Council before being passed to St. Donat's who had raised objections based on having only limited information. He apologized for the short notice given for this meeting but notification of the second application had not been received until the 3rd January and the matter may be subject of a Licensing Committee Hearing, which would take place by 16thFebruary 2017, therefore any observations in respect of the application must be made in writing to the Licensing Department by 19th January 2017. The community council had requested an extension to this deadline but this had been refused.
He introduced Paula Warren who explained that the original application had been rejected on a technicality; the necessary newspaper advert had contained incorrect information. She and Mr. Parker had acquired the site during 2012 and had since been granted planning permission to develop a tourist site including 30 pitches, 5 lodges and 6 cabins. They have decided not to develop the site to its full potential of 150 visitors, but to concentrate on accommodating no more than 25 to 30 residents at peak times, with the proviso that the unused pitches may be utilized to accommodate larger family gatherings.
She emphasized that the sophisticated and tranquil environment of the site provides a top-end travel experience that lends itself to harmonious community relations. The licence would enable them to offer alcohol sales in the event of a dinner party on-site; there would be no 'drop-in' campers and the facilities would not be advertised at the gate. It would be a residents bar, with the flexibility to extend the service to friends and relatives of those residents. They would restrict bookings to over 24 years of age, except for family units, with no children to be allowed in the bar after 8.30 pm. While it is not the intention to create a public-house, they are convinced that the 4 to 5 star-rating they aspire to requires proper service. They will display works by local artists, and use local produce wherever possible for the limited range of food they intend to provide. There would not be a dedicated restaurant on-site but caterers would be employed if dinner-parties were required. As far as the music licence was concerned they envisage local artists providing only quiet, ambient entertainment but were prepared to abandon the idea as they were anxious to avoid upsetting the community.
The chairman thanked Mrs. Warren for her explanation and opened the meeting for questions from residents.
Mr. David Barwell, the Anchorage, St. Donat's was disappointed that Mrs. Warren and Mr. Parker had not approached him personally; his house was immediately adjacent to the site, and he had felt he got on well with them. Mrs. Warren replied that they had used a solicitor to handle the affair and had assumed that local councils would automatically be notified as part of the due diligence process.
Mr. Mike Cowie, of The Retreat, St. Donat's asked why had they not applied for a 'Residential and Dining Licence' as this would seem to cover what they required. However, Mrs. Warren explained that this was not an option as they are not operating a restaurant. Mr. Cowie felt it was inevitable that the 11.00am – 11.00pm, 52-weeks-a-year (plus off-sales) licence they had applied for would indeed lead to a public house being established but the owners explained they do not want just anyone to walk in and buy alcohol to consume off the site. They admitted that the drinks licence is not central to their business plan but emphasized that research had revealed that the clientele they are aiming to attract for would expect it.
Concern was voiced regarding the situation arising if the site was sold a few years down the line, but it was pointed out that this is conjecture and anything surrounding the transfer of the licence, planning issues and development would have to be examined at the time.
Mike Thomas, St. Donat's resident, was concerned with the potential implications of off-sales and the music. Maggie Coyle, of the Old Forge, St. Donat's, agreed and added her fears over increased traffic and site security. She disagreed with any alcohol sales as she felt that there was a definite link between alcohol and bad behaviour, and suspected that success may weaken the stated resolve to turn extra business away. There were fears of this causing disruption to villagers but it was pointed out that the licence could be revoked if there were incidents.
Maggie Coyle raised the question of the site introducing corkage fees rather than installing bar facilities but the owners felt that their clientele would not wish to bring their own alcohol to the site.
Barbara Thatcher, Copper Beech, remarked that there were often a significant number of campers on the playing field located opposite the site, it could be noisy so how would this fit in with the peaceful retreat image? However, Mrs. Warren did not see this as a problem. Mike Thomas felt that the Licensing authority was able to place restrictions on the site, and Wendy Thomas stated that as it was very easy to buy alcohol guests should bring their own but Mrs. Warren emphasized that a residents and members only bar facility offered a situation where friends and relatives of guests could join them for a social drink.
Guy Davies of the Horseshoe Inn, Marcross, had concerns over growth at the site, with initiatives, for example a beer festival, introduced to maximize these opportunities. He felt that there were significant pressures on public houses in the Vale. Several were closed at the moment and it was suspected that alcohol sales at the camp site in Monknash had impacted on sales in the Plough & Harrow. Mrs. Warren answered that they did not want any rowdiness and that on their web-site they recommend visits to local public-houses.
Jane Featherstone, Splott Farm, observed that the inference that up-market clientele would be more responsible in their approach to alcohol than other customers was both fallacious and distasteful, while Sieste Los, Orchard House, queried the membership plan for the site. The owners stated they would require ID in questionable circumstances and would certainly refuse to supply anyone they suspected of being underage.
Hywel Rees of Somerset Farm said that he was aware of sites which operated with a Residents Licence, with residents being able to 'sign-in' two guests. Mrs. Warren repeated that this business model did not suit their requirements.
Dave Johnston, of Church View, Marcross, felt that the owners were prepared to act responsibly but asked what grounds there were for refusal. The chairman stated that there are four strict licensing objectives and any representations against an application made under The Licensing Act 2003 must be in relation to one of the 4 Licensing Objectives. They are:- 1. Prevention of Crime and Disorder 2. Public Safety 3. Prevention of Public Nuisance 4. Protection of Children from Harm
Vale of Glamorgan Councillor Eddie Williams informed the meeting that the Vale Licensing Committee would examine all aspects of the application.
Mrs. Warren and Mr. Parker then stated that they would be happy to exclude from their application the 'Live Music' and 'Off-Licence Sales to Non-Residents' aspects.
The chairman brought the question and answer session to a close and called the meeting to order for the community council to discuss their official response to the application.
After a discussion it was resolved to raise no objection to the application, but it was agreed that several areas of concern should be brought to the attention of the Vale of Glamorgan Council Licensing Committee.
1. The community council had concerns regarding the potential increase in traffic on the lane between St. Donat's and Llantwit Major. This lane is designated by the Vale Council as a 'Safe Walking Route to School' for students from St. Donat's attending Llantwit Major comprehensive School.
2. The site is significantly close to the village of St. Donat's so the potential for disturbance to residents should be properly analysed. The community council is particularly concerned that the site is immediately adjacent to 'The Anchorage'.
3. St. Donat's residents have voiced significant concerns regarding this application.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.15pm
St. Donat's Community Council, Tresilian Wood Site Licensing Application 11 – 01 - 2017