Issue - meetings

To consider an application by Alexandra Palace Charitable Trust and Alexandra Palace Trading Ltd to change the capacity of the great hall from 7,250 to 10,400.

The Licensing Officer, Ms Dale Barrett, presented the report on an application by Alexandra Palace Charitable Trust and Alexandra Palace Trading Limited to change the capacity of the Great Hall from 7,250 to 10,400. Representation had been received in relation to the application from building control and the issues raised had been agreed with the applicant. Two letters of representation had been received from local residents, of which one had subsequently been withdrawn, and these expressed concern regarding issues of noise disturbance and antisocial behaviour if the capacity of the Great Hall were to increase.

Local residents addressed the Committee and reported that when live events at the Palace finished, people often lingered in the vicinity for some time after the end of the event instead of leaving the area, and that this created a noise nuisance. Residents also expressed concern that levels of crime in the area would increase if a significant increase in capacity at the venue were to be granted, and that this would make local residents more vulnerable to becoming victims of crime.

The Committee asked whether measures could be put in place to improve the situation for local residents, and it was suggested that CCTV in the grounds of the palace could be improved and security guards could be on duty throughout the night. It was reported that a number of local residents had expressed concern regarding the application, although they had not contacted the Council formally to register their concerns.

The Licensing Officer clarified that the existing licence did permit activities until 2am, and that the variation to 11pm was only in relation to live music events.

The applicant addressed the Committee, and reported that they had consulted widely with relevant Committees and residents’ associations to give all interested parties an opportunity to comment on the proposals, and that no significant objections to the application in principle had been received. The applicant was aware of the concerns raised by the local residents, and it was intended that the proposals to stop live music events by 11pm at the latest and to provide courtesy buses to assist with the dispersal of crowds after the events would address these concerns. Security guards would remain on duty until all customers had left the building and all cars had left the car park, and CCTV footage of the perimeter of the grounds was monitored. Regular meetings were also held with Police to monitor the events coming up. It was reported that sound drapes had been installed and noise consultants employed to monitor the noise levels at the Palace, in order to avoid noise disturbance to residents. It was anticipated that these control measures would ensure that disruption to local residents was kept to a minimum.

The Committee discussed options for monitoring the passageway at Dukes Avenue with the applicant and objectors, and the applicant agreed that they would be willing to consider positioning a security guard at this location. In response to a question from the Committee regarding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22