Agenda and draft minutes

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public and representatives of the press from the remainder of the meeting in accordance with Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, on the grounds that the matters to be dealt with involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12 of the Act.

RESOLVED that the public and representatives of the press be excluded from the remainder of the meeting in accordance with Section 100 (A) of the Local Government Act 1972, on the grounds that the matters to be dealt with involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

To consider a report by the Director of Planning and Regulation, which contains exempt information, on applications for hackney carriage/private driving licences.

Case 1 – Mr M

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Planning & Regulation on an application for a hackney carriage driving license. A copy of the report, which contains exempt information, was circulated with the agenda.

The Licensing Manager reported regarding the case of Mr M where information received required that his application for a hackney carriage driving licence needed to be determined by the Panel.

At the invitation of the Chairman and in accordance with the Council’s standard procedure for the hearing of driving licence applications, the applicant addressed the Panel regarding his application and answered questions thereon.

Following the submission of his representation, the applicant and the Licensing Manager withdrew from the meeting whilst the Panel considered the application.

After the Panel’s deliberations, all parties were recalled to hear the Chairman announce that the Panel had come to the following decision:-

RESOLVED that the application for a hackney carriage driving licence be granted.

Case 2 – Mr G

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Planning & Regulation on an application for a hackney carriage driving license. A copy of the report, which contains exempt information, was circulated with the agenda.

The Licensing Manager reported regarding the case of Mr G where information received required that his application for a hackney carriage driving licence needed to be determined by the Panel.

At the invitation of the Chairman and in accordance with the Council’s standard procedure for the hearing of driving licence applications, the applicant addressed the Panel regarding his application and answered questions thereon.

Following the submission of his representation, the applicant and the Licensing Manager withdrew from the meeting whilst the Panel considered the application.

After the Panel’s deliberations, all parties were recalled to hear the Chairman announce that the Panel had come to the following decision:-

RESOLVED that the application for a hackney carriage driving licence be granted.

Applicant 1 – Ford Transit Passenger Carrier

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Planning & Regulation on an application for a vehicle licence for a Ford Transit Passenger Carrier to be used as a Private Hire vehicle in the Fareham Borough. A copy of the report, which contains exempt information, was circulated with the agenda.

The Licensing Manager reported regarding the application as information has been received that the vehicle does not meet current conditions. The application therefore needs to be determined by the Panel.

At the invitation of the Chairman and in accordance with the Council’s standard procedure for the hearing of vehicle licence applications, the applicant addressed the Panel regarding his application and answered questions thereon.

Following the submission of his representation, the applicant and the Licensing Manager withdrew from the meeting whilst the Panel considered the application.

After the Panel’s deliberations, all parties were recalled to hear the Chairman announce that the Panel had come to the following decision:-

RESOLVED that Licensing Officers, specifically the Head of Environmental Health, be authorised by delegation from the Panel to approve the use of such vehicles where he is satisfied that the layout or other required modification (as he may see fit to require) is implemented prior to first use as a licensed vehicle.

Applicant 2 – Ford Galaxy Passenger Carrier

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Planning & Regulation on an application for a vehicle licence for a Ford Galaxy Passenger Carrier to be used as a Private Hire vehicle in the Fareham Borough. A copy of the report, which contains exempt information, was circulated with the agenda.

The Licensing Manager reported regarding the application as information has been received that the vehicle (which is currently licensed) does not meet current licensing conditions. The application therefore needs to be determined by the Panel.

At the invitation of the Chairman and in accordance with the Council’s standard procedure for the hearing of vehicle licence applications, the applicant addressed the Panel regarding his application and answered questions thereon.

Following the submission of his representation, the applicant and the Licensing Manager withdrew from the meeting whilst the Panel considered the application.

After the Panel’s deliberations, all parties were recalled to hear the Chairman announce that the Panel had come to the following decision:-

RESOLVED that:-

(a)  the vehicle remain licensed in this instance on the basis that it does not present any safety risk;

(b)  the Panel upholds the usual application of the licensing conditions and the view that low seats in the rear of a vehicle do not provide sufficient passenger comfort – particularly on long journeys; and

(c)  the Panel has determined that the Head of Environmental Health be given delegated authority to approve the configuration of the Volkswagon Sharan vehicle where he is satisfied that the vehicle is safe and that seat arrangements provide sufficient comfort.