Buzz Barr still buzzing
I was expecting a decision from the City Licensing Committee yesterday on the Buzz Barr application (see other posts on this subject on 11 Jan and 6 Feb), but the hearing was abandoned when it turned out that the application for the stop at Rainton Gate had not been properly advertised.
This has some good and some bad aspects. It is good that the people who live nearby as well as the County Scout and Guide Association are now aware and can make representations in time if a new application comes in.
Not so good is the prospect of the applications being renewed for sites at stops along the A167 through Neville’s Cross.
I have had a number of people contact me over this issue in the last month, and no-one has anything good to say about the idea. needless to say I shall be keeping a weather eye out for this one if it rears its head again.
One other issue has arisen out of this affair - the inadequacy of the process for consulting the public over licence applications, particularly the way in which people living nearby are not notified directly (as is the case with planning applications).
I have done some checking and the current procedure operated by the Council is what is recommended by Government (an advert in the press together with a notice on site). From what I can tell, most other councils operate in the same way, but there are a small number that go against Government advice and also send a letter to neighbouring residents.
Clearly this would be an added cost, but personally, I think that most residents would see that as being a good use of their local taxes (although please do feel free to disagree). It is an issue I shall be taking up with the Council in the coming weeks.
Do let me know whether or not you agree.
have your say
