So another nightclub has been given a licence to open in Station Hill, Chippenham, selling alcohol till 2.30am and playing music till 3am.

This was approved by the councillors on the licensing panel in spite of the past history, the concerns of the police, the objections from people living nearby, and a 
petition from a large number of local businesses and retailers.

Many of those who objected were food retailers who could gain from the club re-opening, but still wanted to express their opposition to it.  

As the Wiltshire councillor for the area, I have closely followed the application, and done what I can to make sure the local concerns are heard.  None of which seem to count for much.   

Late-night noise is one of the big concerns here, along with alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour.  It is therefore extraordinary that the licence application was granted when it did not fully meet  the noise reduction conditions set for it last year by the same sub-committee.

Back in April 2013, the sub-committee recorded its disappointment that no proper ‘schedule of works’ for noise reduction improvements had been provided. 

They decided that a licence could only be given if a proper schedule was provided and carried out.  
In the end, after 18 months, this schedule was produced the day before the licensing hearing.  Even though the work had not been fully completed or tested, the committee was prepared to give the applicants the benefit of the doubt and grant the licence with an additional condition.  We might wish we could all be so fortunate.   

It seems to me that the Wiltshire licensing system is not fit for purpose if it produces a result which is so strongly opposed by the police, by the people who live there, and  by businesses who operate nearby.

The club had an expensive QC down from London to make their case, which he did very cleverly  and with great charm.  Those who live and work there could of course not afford a city barrister.  

Now we fear that the nightclub profits will be paid for not only by the customers but also by the police sending extra time in the area, residents losing their sleep and  local businesses worrying about their windows and doorways.  

In other parts of the country, local councils use their licensing powers to help ensure peace on their town centre streets.  Why not here?

Chris Caswill,
Independent Wiltshire councillor,
Chippenham Monkton ward.