This week:

• I was part of the discussions with the legal team for the Tipsy Cow. They had put in a licensing application to extend their opening hours and play music in their outside area. I had objected because I thought that it would have a negative impact on residents. The police, Licensing Authority and the council’s Environmental Health team also objected. The applicants withdrew their request for extended hours and agreed a condition on the music: “any music played externally shall be background in nature and shall not increase in volume beyond a level at which patrons can comfortably converse”. I hope this will work well for everyone. If you have concerns about this or any other bar in Monument, please get in touch.
• I contacted the licensing team about pavement cafe licences that I had objected to. I can understand the benefit of pavement cafes for businesses and their customers but I am concerned that they are not always well managed – which can lead to noise problems – and that they take up more than their fair share of the pavement, which doesn’t leave enough space for pedestrians. There is supposed to be a 2m space left in the city centre. I’m not convinced this is always kept to. There is also a lot of street furniture – such as bins and poles for signs – which gets in people’s way.
• I have also objected to Hooters’ application to remove the condition that stops them letting in new customers after midnight. They won’t be serving food at this point so I’m concerned that allowing this would create another late night bar in an area where the number of bars is already a concern. This area is in the city centre cumulative impact and special stress area. You can find out more in the council’s Statement of Licensing Policy. (I know there are concerns about Hooters being in the city. I think there should have been an opportunity for people to talk about their concerns at a Licensing Committee. Hooters applied to transfer an existing licence rather than get a new one – and used a different name when they did it. I think it’s wrong that people are able to avoid scrutiny in this way but I’m told by the council’s legal team that it is allowed.)
• Residents at The Cedars have reported more concerns about their repairs service. I am taking this up with the council.
• I reported fly-tippng on Grainger Street and a van parked on the pavement on Market Street. Reporting issues does make a difference but I know that the council’s reporting system isn’t easy to use, so please contact me if you prefer and I will do it.