Issue - meetings

Report of Director of Community and Environment and Interim Shared Public Protection and Environmental Health Manager

Purpose of report

To consider the introduction of fees for providing pre-application advice in relation to licence applications subject to consultation.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1       To approve the introduction of a discretionary pre-application advice service and charges for licence applications. 

1.2       To agree to the introduction of pre-application charging from 1 April 2015.

1.3       To approve the future extension of the scheme to other types of licence applications should this be successful.

Resolved

(1)          That the introduction of a discretionary pre-application advice service and charges for licence applications be approved.

(2)          That the introduction of pre-application charging from 1 April 2015 be agreed.

(3)          That the future extension of the scheme to other types of licence applications should this be successful be approved.

The Director of Community and Environment and Interim Shared Public Protection and Environmental Health Manager submitted a report which sought consideration of the introduction of fees for providing pre-application advice in relation to licence applications subject to consultation.

Resolved

(1)          That the introduction of a discretionary pre-application advice service and charges for licence applications be approved.

(2)          That the introduction of pre-application charging from 1 April 2015 be agreed.

(3)          That the future extension of the scheme to other types of licence applications should this be successful be approved.

Reasons

The Licensing Act 2003 states that all licensing matters must promote the four licensing objectives. With a Licensing Officer giving expert advice to prospective applicants, it is envisaged that this promotion will be satisfactorily achieved.

Introducing a pre-application scheme will provide a quality service to applicants assisting them to get it right first time. This can only enhance the quality of applications submitted to the Council, which may ultimately cut down on the time spent and the cost of dealing with licensing applications at hearings.

Alternative Options

Option 1: To approve the introduction of fees for pre-application advice

Option 2: Not to approve the introduction of fees; officers will continue to provide advice but a fee will not be recovered.