Members are reminded to consider the categories of interest in the Code of Conduct for Members to determine whether they have an interest in any agenda item and any action they should take. For further details, please see the attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

Members are reminded to declare the nature of the interest and the agenda item it relates to. Please note that ultimately it’s the Members’ responsibility to declare any interests form and to update their register of interest form as required by the Code.

If in doubt as to the nature of your interest, you are advised to seek advice prior to the meeting by contacting the Monitoring Officer or Democratic Services

There were no declarations of interest made.

Mr Tom Lewis, Service Manager, Regulatory Services introduced the report and explained that a statutory consultation process took place between 31^st January and 25^th April 2024 as part of the review of the Cumulative Impact Assessments.

Following the consultation, evidence showed that there was a consensus and support for retaining the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Area and expanding towards the southeastern edge, however the consultation did not support the retaining of the Bethnal Green Cumulative Impact Area.  

It was noted that the Cumulative Impact Area (CIAs) seek to help and reduce the number or types of licence applications granted in areas where there is evidence to show that the number or density of licensed premises is having a cumulative impact and leading to problems, which are undermining the licensing objectives.

Mr Lewis informed Members that The Council is statutorily required to review its Cumulative Impact Assessment every 3 years and that this policy would be considered at the next meeting of Full Council in November 2024 for agreement.

In response to questions the following was noted;

-       During the consultation some responses referred to an introduction of a CIA in Columbia Road, however there was insufficient evidence in terms of saturation, crime and disorder and nuisance within the Columbia Road area to consider a proposal for a CIA.

-       The Consultation process and consultees were noted.

-       Officers were encouraged to reach out to neighbouring boroughs, Hackney and Newham in particular, to find out if there have been any Environmental Impact Assessment done near the Hackney Wick area.

-       Although a CIA is not justified in the Hackney Wick area, the Council are working with the Metropolitan Police to consider measures to prevent crime and disorder becoming a problem in this area.        

The Committee welcomed the report.

The Licensing Committee;

Resolved

1.The report be noted and be put before Full Council on 20^th November 2024 for agreement.