News
Lodestar site near Cambridge wins approval for large scale Christmas parties
The licence approved for the site allows for up to 28 events
Farmer Doug Durrant won approval for up to 28 major outdoor events – with a maximum capacity at each of 5,000 – at Sunnyridge Farm, Mill Road, Lode near Cambridge, once home to Lodestar Festival. A licensing sub committee of East Cambridgeshire District Council gave approval yesterday (December 7) but also a mild ticking off for not asking for pre-application advice.
Their decision note says the panel felt it would have been “beneficial” for him to have done so.
A set of conditions have been agreed to the staging of the events but in reaching their decision the panel said they took into account the lack of objections to a premises licence being granted.
Agreement had been reached between all parties that provided “greater protection than the original application provided” and the panel felt there would be “no adverse effect on the general public” or anyone else.
Lodestar festival site faces licensing hearing over Christmas parties for up to 4,999 in a marquee
The day before the committee met an event management plan had been approved by Cambridgeshire police and both the domestic and commercial arms of the council’s environmental health departments.
Councillors Keith Morgan chaired the panel, supported by Cllr Lavinia Edwards and Cllr Charlotte Cane.
TR Events will work with Mr Durrant – the company describes itself as “one of East Anglia’s most celebrated multi-service event management solutions for business”.
It was started by Tony Murdock, previously of The Quy Mill Hotel and Spa General Manager, and the chair of Cambridge’s charity annual event, The Cambridge Roar.
The licence approved for the site allows for up to 28 events to take place between 1st December and 10th January annually, the “event period”.
Christmas party venue at Lode
Conditions include adoption of the Challenge 25 policy to prevent sales of alcohol being made to underage persons. Only approved photo ID will be accepted as proof of age.
Prior to each event taking place, consultation with a security company will take place to determine the number door staff required to control the event. Only Security Industry Approved (SIA) registered door staff will be employed to work at any event.
A zero-tolerance policy will be taken with regard to illegal drugs. Any illegal drugs found on the premises, or any confiscated items suspected of being illegal drugs will be deposited in a secure locked deposit box and Cambridgeshire Constabulary shall be notified via 101/online reporting to arrange for the drugs to collected or delivered to an appropriate Police Station. 1
A member of staff will be given responsibility for recording any incidents involving crime or disorder, logging the time and nature of any incidents, including any action taken. In the case of a serious incident, the police will be called via 999.
Staff will be trained how to evacuate people from the premises in the event of fire.
Adequate lighting will be in place outside the premises during the hours of darkness when any licensable activity is taking place on the premises.
Regular contact with local residents will take place to advise of forthcoming events and to provide a contact telephone number for any concerns/suggestions to be raised either before or during events.
No explosives, pyrotechnics and fireworks of a similar nature that may cause disturbance to surrounding areas will be permitted. Performance based pyrotechnics must be approved by the Council’s environmental health authority.
Clear and legible notices will be prominently displayed at all exits, re-questing customers to respect the needs of local residents and to leave the premises and area quietly.
Between the hours of 00:00 and 00:30, amplified music noise levels will be reduced to start ‘winding down’ towards the end of the event.
A nominated person will be responsible for regular auditory monitoring at specific sites along the perimeter of the site to ensure that noise from the amplified music remains at an acceptable level and to record the times and findings of such monitoring.
Noise levels will also be monitored between the hours of 00:00 and 00:30 to ensure levels are reduced as the evening ‘winds down’.
No person under the age of 18 shall be permitted to attend any events held at the premises.
![Councillor visit to ESCC (L-R: Councillor Geoffrey Seef, County Councillor for St Neots The Eatons [local councillor]; Rob Ashwell, chairman of ESCC; Cllr Alex Bulat Vice-Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council's Communities, Social Mobility, and Inclusion Committee). Credit to Cambridgeshire County Council.](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Councillor-visit-to-ESCC_cropped-400x240.jpg)
![Councillor visit to ESCC (L-R: Councillor Geoffrey Seef, County Councillor for St Neots The Eatons [local councillor]; Rob Ashwell, chairman of ESCC; Cllr Alex Bulat Vice-Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council's Communities, Social Mobility, and Inclusion Committee). Credit to Cambridgeshire County Council.](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Councillor-visit-to-ESCC_cropped-80x80.jpg)