A former Isle of Wight town centre furniture store, vacant for years, could be given a new lease of life as a ‘modern convenience store’ operating as an off-licence.
Council officers have recommended County Hall’s licensing sub committee grant a premises licence to applicant Jonathan Croos for Richwoods at 48 Melville Street in Ryde, ahead of a meeting this afternoon (Monday 24th August).
County Hall received 28 relevant representations opposing the application during a consultation period, with one in support.
Mr Croos’s application currently seeks permission for the sale of alcohol from Monday to Sunday between 07:00 and 22:00, according to a council report.
The paper’s recommendation is to grant the licence as per the application with any changes to proposed hours and additional conditions the sub-committee consider ‘reasonable and proportionate’ to promote the licensing objectives.
These include the prevention of public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety and protection of children from harm.
Concerns have been raised over issues such as public nuisance, anti-social behaviour, crime, litter, refuse and waste management, and public safety.
Ryde Town Council objected on the grounds that provisions outlined within the application’s operating schedule are insufficient to promote the prevention of crime, disorder and public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.
County Hall’s report says:
“The sub-committee is required to determine this application having regard to the promotion of the four licensing objectives and on the basis of the evidence before it.
“The sub-committee may attach weight to the fact that the responsible authorities with expertise in public nuisance and crime and disorder matters, namely Environmental Health and the Police Authority, are satisfied that the revised operating schedule and agreed conditions are sufficient to promote the licensing objectives.”
Licensing sub committee councillors will consider the application at 14:00 today.
