Consultations & surveys Cumulative Impact Consultation

Fallowfield, Withington and Wilmslow Road

Have your say on proposed changes to the Council's Licensing Policy

Introduction

Following the 2010 consultation on Manchester City Council's revised Licensing Policy for 2011-2014, a number of responses from residents, residents' associations and ward councillors in Fallowfield, Old Moat and Withington detailed concerns in respect of the number of licensed premises in the local area and the negative 'cumulative impact' of those premises.

In light of those responses, the Licensing Policy Committee resolved that an assessment should be conducted into the cumulative impact of licensed premises in those areas on the promotion of the four licensing objectives, which are:

• the prevention of crime and disorder;
• the prevention of public nuisance;
• public safety; and
• the protection of children from harm.

What is cumulative impact?

'Cumulative impact' means the potential impact on the promotion of the licensing objectives of a significant number of licensed premises concentrated in one area.

The effect of adopting a special policy of this kind is to create a presumption that applications for new premises licences, club premises certificates or variations will normally be refused, following relevant representations, unless the applicant can demonstrate that there will be no negative cumulative impact on one or more of the licensing objectives.

However, if such a policy is adopted following this consultation exercise this does not mean applications for new or varied licences will automatically be rejected. If there are no relevant representations the licensing authority must grant the application in terms that are consistent with the operating schedule submitted.

Current position

On 19 March 2012, the Licensing Policy Committee considered a report containing evidence of crime and disorder and nuisance in certain areas of Fallowfield, Withington and Wilmslow Road. The committee was satisfied that problems are happening and are caused by customers of licensed premises, and that a special policy appeared to be necessary in the three areas identified.

About this consultation

It is proposed that a special policy is implemented that would create a presumption that in three distinct areas identified as 'Fallowfield', 'Withington' and 'Wilmslow Road' applications for new premises licences, club premises certificates or variations will normally be refused, following relevant representations, unless the applicant can demonstrate that there will be no negative cumulative impact on one or more of the licensing objectives.

This consultation seeks views on the proposed special policy for the areas of Fallowfield, Withington and Wilmslow Road, including:

• Whether there should be a special policy for the identified areas.
• The boundary of any areas for which a special policy should have effect.
• The extent of the special policy in any such areas.

Each area shall be considered separately.

Before a final decision is made on implementing any special policy in these areas, the Council would like to hear views on the proposal so that they may be taken into account.

You can download maps of the affected areas.

Responding to the consultation

You can respond to the consultation online.

If you have been sent the consultation by post, please return your complete response to the Licensing Unit -

email to: premises.licensing@manchester.gov.uk

via post to:

Your response must be received on or before 24 August 2012.

What will happen following the consultation?

All responses to the consultation will be included in a report to the Council's Policy Committee that summarises the responses and proposes any final proposals in respect of a special policy for inclusion in the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy.

Any such recommended amendments to the Statement of Licensing Policy will then be included in a report to the Full Council for approval.

The Council's current Statement of Licensing Policy can be viewed at http://www.manchester.gov.uk/la2003