Agenda and minutes

1. This virtual meeting is to be webcast. Members are reminded of the need to unmute before speaking.

2. The Chairman will read the following announcement:

“I would like to remind everyone present that this meeting will be broadcast live to the internet (or filmed) and will be capable of repeated viewing (or another use by such third parties).

Please could I also remind Members of the Public who have registered to speak that they will be admitted to the meeting at the appropriate time.

Please also be aware that if technical difficulties interrupt the meeting that cannot be overcome, I may need to adjourn the meeting.”

The Chairman made a short address to remind everyone present that the virtual meeting would be broadcast to the internet and would be capable of repeated viewing, which could infringe their human and data protection rights.

To declare interests in any item on this agenda.

There were no declarations of interest made pursuant to the Council’s Members’ Code of Conduct.

Please find attached the revised procedures for holding and attending a virtual meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee noted the procedure for the conduct of business for this virtual meeting.

To note the adopted procedure for the conduct of business by the Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee noted the agreed procedure for the conduct of business and the Terms of Reference.

To consider the attached application by Epping–Ongar Railway Holdings Ltd.

The three councillors that presided over this application were Councillors S Neville (Chairman), J Jennings and R Morgan.

The Chairman welcomed Mr D Walton, the applicant and Epping-Ongar Railway volunteers R Good and J Hathaway. Objectors present at the meeting included Dr N Foster, Ms N Gavens and Mr B Hughes. The Chairman introduced the Members and officers present and outlined the procedure that would be followed for the determination of the application.

(a)          Application before the Sub-Committee

The application was for a new premises licence at North Weald Station, Epping, Essex CM16 6BT by Epping–Ongar Railway Holdings Ltd.

Licencing Compliance Officer H Ibrahim introduced the application for the following licensing activities:

The Sale by Retail of Alcohol

Summer Schedule

These standard timings apply from February – October:

Friday 09.30 – 17.00, Saturday 09.30 – 21.30, Sunday 09.30 – 17.00, for on and off sales.

Winter Schedule

These standard timings apply from November – January:

Wednesday to Friday 16.30 – 21.30, Saturday to Sunday 09.30 – 21.30.

When not covered by the above days:

19 – 23 December 09.30 – 22.00, 24 December 09.30 – 13.00.

Opening Times of the premises:

Friday 09.00 – 17.30, Saturday 09.00 – 22.00, Sunday 09.00 – 17.30.

The application was received on 27 July 2021. The Operating Schedule set out conditions which would be attached to the licence if this application was granted. The Responsible Authorities had all received a copy of the application, it was also advertised at the premises and in a local newspaper. All residences and businesses within 150 meters radius of the premises were individually consulted.

The Licensing Authority received three representations of objection from local residents, and one comment from North Weald Parish Council. The objections related to the prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

(b)          Presentation of the Applicant’s Case

Mr D Walton introduced the two volunteers, Mr Good and Mr Hathaway, who were also at the meeting as they were keen to hear the proceedings. A volunteer since 2011, Mr D Walton had moved to a full-time position in 2014 and was now the General Manager of the Epping-Ongar Railway (EOR). A brief history of the Epping to Ongar railway from 1865 until London Transport closed the Central Line services in 1994 was outlined, including the successes of the Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society and that the heritage railway had opened in 2012. A wide range of volunteers helped out and the heritage railway had transported 45,000 passengers in 2019, its last full operational year before the Covid crisis unfolded. EOR had over the years successfully applied for many temporary events notices (TENS) to cover its events but had decided to apply for this premises licence to help streamline the administration of its events. The application was only for the hours applied for, which were geared to its operational times. There was a plan of the site in the agenda report. Also, picnic tables  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.