Venue’s outdoor sound bid
PLANS for an outdoor sound-speaker system and for exterior windows and doors to be kept open when needed at a function venue near Ormskirk have raised fears about noise disturbance.
A firm called David A Lea and Son is seeking permission to change the current premises licence for The Aviary Function Rooms on Blindsman Lane, off Southport Road.
Premises supervisor Thomas Lea has submitted a licence variation application to West Lancashire Borough Council, outlining plans for an outdoor speaker system for music and speeches along with other proposed changes. Councillors on the borough’s Licensing & Gambling Sub-Committee were due to consider the requests at a meeting on Tuesday, May 3.
In his application Thomas Lea outlines plans for a building extension and new interior layout for the building. He is also seeking licensing permission to keep external doors and windows at The
Aviary open when needed, and permission to allow music or speech to be relayed through external speakers between 10am and 10pm ‘at a suitable volume’.
Operators are also seeking permission to remove one existing premises licence condition which requires the venue’s manager and owner to be onhand to supervise staff.
A note by the applicant suggests advice is needed on this to clarify exact requirements.
The Aviary is currently licensed to sell and supply alcohol, for recorded or live music and late night refreshment, according to council documents. A report to West Lancashire councillors on the subcommittee states they should consider four main licensing objectives.
These are the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.
Some objections have been raised about The Aviary plans, according to a report for the sub-committee. These include claims that the plans for the new building have omissions and do not show the proposed outdoor area. There are also complaints that the application has no details about noise control or the estimated number of customers at the extended venue. Another complaint is that the plans do not reflect previous advice or requirements raised by the police in 2021.
They are also queries about a standing-only’ area and alleged change in nature of the venue, from being a cafe-restaurant to becoming a wedding, function and private hire venue.
West Lancashire councillors have options to change or add conditions to The Aviary premises licence, or to refuse any licensable activity from the variation application, if they wish.
‘Licensable activities’ cover activities such as recorded or live music, discos, dancing or gambling machines.
These are treated as separate activities to licenses needed for selling alcohol.