Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Billy Brookes, Graham Cullen, Andrew Leonard and Terry Taylor. 

At this point in the meeting, Members were asked to disclose any relevant interests. The following interests were disclosed:

•        Councillor Carl Macey asked it be noted that he was a personal licence holder.

That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that, if they were present, there could be disclosed exempt information as defined at paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of the Schedule 12A of the Act (as Amended).

It was proposed and seconded that the public and press be excluded from the meeting.

RESOLVED

That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that, if they were present, there could be disclosed exempt information as defined at paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of the Schedule 12A of the Act (as Amended).

The Principal Licensing Officer updated Members on the situation regarding the dog breeding kennels.  As the applicant was unable to attend the original hearing on 15^th January 2024, the Committee made the decision to adjourn the meeting until 22 February 2024.

The Principal Licensing Officer explained the process for the hearing and  after confirming that all Members had the correct paperwork, a letter from the applicant dated 16^th February 2024 was read out.  The letter informed Members that the applicant would not be attending the hearing and Members were asked to decide whether they wished to proceed with the item or adjourn the matter to a later date. 

Members were invited to discuss what the next step should be. 

N.B. Officers left the Meeting at 10.12am and returned to the Meeting at 10.18am.

Following which, it was agreed that the hearing would proceed.

The Principal Licensing Officer presented Members with an exempt report, pages 11 to 168 of the Agenda refer and outlined the options available to the Committee in determining the licence application, page 12 of the Agenda refers.

The Animal Welfare Inspector presented her case to Members, following which the Committee retired to review the licence application.

N.B Councillor Richard Avison left the meeting at 11:40am.

Following which, it was

RESOLVED

That the application for an animal welfare licence for dog breeding be refused, as set out in the exempt minute.

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 11 March 2024.