Not too many new licence applications or refusals to report recently but the first club in Castle Point local authority has been approved despite 35 objections. The club is on an industrial park.
Addressing a council licensing sub-committee meeting , Benfleet resident Roger Bates expressed fears more clubs could appear.
He said: “The concern I have is one of precedent…If this application is granted, it is difficult to see what reasons there could be for turning one down in the future…This is a material change in the character of Benfleet and Castle Point.”
But lawyer David Dadds, representing applicant Glenn Smith, said: “This is a lawful use and there will be people within this community that will want to make use of it…If there’s not a demand, this type of business will not exist…It is in an industrial area and as such its operation cannot be seen to be in any way inappropriate…Most customers want to come discreetly, use the facilities and go.”
Chairman Peter Burch said: “We consider the arguments made by the objectors don’t contain sufficient reasons to reject the application, but we do understand the concerns raised…We believe the police and other relevant authorities have agreed stringent conditions with the applicant to properly regulate the premises.”
SEV licensing 