Quality Hotel Licence Application

A couple of weeks ago, we wrote a note about the Quality Hotel on Kilburn High Road, which was applying for an extended drinks licence. We encouraged all local residents who thought they might be affected by the change to get in touch with the licensing authority (Brent Council - the hotel is just outside of Westminster).

As local Councillors, we also personally objected. Here is the main part of our objection:

"Dear Sir/Madam,

LICENCING APPLICATIONQUALITY HOTEL 53-59 KILBURN HIGH ROAD LONDON NW6REFERENCE 478217

I write on behalf of my colleagues Cllr Jan Prendergast and Cllr Lee Rowley. Together we represent Maida Vale Ward in the City of Westminster.

We have been asked to convey residents' concerns that this Licencing application, if approved, will have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of local residents in Tollgate Gardens Estate, which is located not more than around 20 metres from the application site (i.e. directly opposite on Kilburn Park Road).

Of particular concern to local residents is the fact that large numbers of guests might, as a result of this licence proposal, use the hotel late into the night and then disperse at around the same time. In our view, there would be an unacceptable risk of increased shouting and noise. The main residential block on the estate is Tollgate House, which has around fifty family-sized flats that have rooms that face directly on to Kilburn Park Road and the premises. It is unfortunate that this tower is aligned so that all flats are configured so that they are parallel to the road and the hotel. We understand that some bedrooms face on to this elevation, some of which may be occupied by children.

We are also concerened that there may be increased parking pressure on the area caused by an increase in visitors to the premises. As the road outside the premises is a red route, this will result in more parking in surrounding streets, such as Oxford Road, where parking is already at a critical level.

We think that this licence application is mis-placed - the hotel is on a busy road, but it is in a residential area. The hours proposed in this application are simply not suitable. We agree with our residents that public nuisance and an increase in crime and disorder would result if this application was granted.

We are aware that some other residents have written to you separately and that a petition has been submitted, objecting to the application.

Please acknowledge receipt of this representation and ensure that it is brought to the attention of the licencing committee that will deal with it."

Alastair