Fan-tastic boost for the Falcons as plans backed
NEW ZONES APPROVED
NEWCASTLE Falcons have won the right to create new ‘fan zones’ and host more drive-in cinema events at their Kingston Park stadium.
City councillors have backed the rugby club’s plans - despite opposition from some neighbours who claimed past events had caused “incredibly stressful” noise due to the beeping of horns.
Proposals to establish two outdoor food and drink areas on match days were presented to Newcastle City Council’s licensing sub-committee last week.
The Falcons say the two zones, located outside the stadium’s south stand and north west corner, would help supporters stick to safe social distancing rules when fans are finally allowed back into stadiums - rather than being crowded into smaller areas on the existing concourse.
The fan zones, which will be allowed to serve food and alcohol but not play music, will be open two hours before kick-off and one hour after full-time.
They will only be accessible to supporters who have a match ticket, not the general public.
The committee has approved those proposals, as well as a further addition to the Falcons’ licence which will allow the club to show films in their car park - allowing for repeats of the drive-in cinema screenings held at Kingston Park last year which were allowed under temporary event notices.
Eight neighbours in Kenton Bank Foot lodged objections against the plans and told councillors last week they had been forced to suffer “pretty much unbearable” and “incredibly stressful” noise during past events.
DESPITE OBJECTIONS
While sound for the film showings was transmitted through car radios via Bluetooth rather than loudspeakers, residents reported that viewers were tooting their horns throughout the broadcasts.
However, their complaints were not enough to sway councillors, who have granted the Falcons’ application.
In a statement, the committee said: “The sub-committee has carefully considered all of the evidence and representations before it.
“It has noted the premises currently already operate under a premises licence until 00.00hrs with a closing time of 00.30hrs.
“The sub-committee has taken into account the extensive conditions agreed between the applicant and Northumbria Police, the Licensing Authority and Environmental Health.
“While the sub-committee noted the issues regarding noise nuisance and other anti-social behaviour highlighted by residents, it also took into account no complaints had been made to any of the responsible authorities.
“In view of the issues highlighted by residents, the sub-committee as pleased to note the applicant had agreed specific conditions in relation to noise nuisance and a resident engagement process.
“The sub-committee is satisfied the licensable hours, combined with the conditions provided, will
ensure that there is no negative impact on the Licensing Objectives.”
Solicitor Richard Arnot, representing the rugby club, told last week’s online hearing Kingston Park was “not turning into some sort of entertainment facility.
He also insisted that there was “no desire to upset or disturb anybody.”