Statement of Licensing Policy

Thanet District Council

Licences and planning permission

1.15  The use of any licensed premises or places may be subject to planning controls. There are several key differences between licensing and planning control. 

Licensing is concerned with the fitness of the operator and detailed issues concerning the operation and management of the premises that are not addressed by the planning process which relates to the use of the premises. 

It will be expected in general that the grant or variation of planning permission would be resolved before a licence application is made.  Provisional statements may be treated differently. The Licensing Committee may refuse to grant a licence following representations from the local planning authority if the:

1. activity sought to be licensed would amount to an unlawful use of the premises;
2. hours being sought exceed those authorised by any planning permission.

It will be for the applicant to demonstrate any special circumstances to justify a departure from this policy in the face of representations from the local planning authority.

1.16   With the exception of the approval and review of its Licensing Policy, decisions on licensing matters will be taken in accordance with a published and approved scheme of delegation aimed at underlining the principles of timely, efficient and effective decision-making.

• Statement of Licensing Policy
• Introduction
• Licences and planning permission
• Cumulative Impact
• Advice and guidance
• Consultation
• Reviews
• Enforcement 
• Licensing Objectives
• Prevention of Crime & Disorder
• Public Safety
• Prevention of Public Nuisance
• Protection of Children from harm
• Appendix 1 - Strategies
• Appendix 2 - Licensing Enforcement Policy
• Appendix 3 - Contact Details and Useful Addresses
• Appendix 4 - Delegation of Functions

E-mail: licensing@thanet.gov.uk

Tel:  01843 577413