Pubs in Peterborough to see cumulative impact policy

The cumulative impact policy was put forward to members of the licensing committee last week, and was met with unanimous support.

In the draft policy, the council said: “Indicative evidence and views from council officers and local resident associations have identified a need to consider a cumulative impact policy in the area known as Op Can Do.”

It added that applications in that area for a new premises licence or a variation “that are likely to add to the existing cumulative impact will normally be refused if relevant representations are received”. This is unless the applicant can demonstrate otherwise.

The draft explained that the licensing authority recognises that such a policy “should never be absolute”.

It said: “The circumstances of each application will be considered properly and applications for licences and certificates that are unlikely to add to the cumulative impact on the licensing objectives may be granted.

“After receiving representations in relation to a new application or for a variation of a licence or certificate, the licensing authority will consider whether it would be justified in departing from its special policy in the light of the individual circumstances of the case.

“If the licensing authority decides that an application should be refused, it will still need to show that the grant of the application would undermine the promotion of the licensing objectives and that necessary conditions would be ineffective in preventing the problems involved.”

Most recently, Swansea Council and Croydon Council announced plans for a CIP.