Issue - meetings

To consider a confidential report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (copy enclosed) seeking members’ determination of an application for a Private Hire Vehicle Licence.

RESOLVED that the application for a Private Hire Vehicle Licence be granted.

A confidential report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (previously circulated) was submitted upon –

(i)            an application having been received for a Private Hire Vehicle Licence;

(i)            officers having not been in a position to grant the application as the vehicle presented for licensing did not comply with the specification as detailed in the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Conditions, and

(ii)          the Applicant having been invited to attend the meeting in support of his application and to present the vehicle for members’ inspection.

The Applicant was in attendance and confirmed he had received the report and committee procedures.

The Licensing Officer presented the report and the committee was asked to consider whether it would be appropriate to depart from the Council’s policy concerning vehicle specifications in order to grant the application as applied for.

The Applicant advised that the vehicle in question had a very low mileage given its age and was in outstanding condition.  Following a vote the meeting was adjourned to enable members to view the vehicle presented for licensing.  Upon resuming the proceedings the Applicant responded to questions regarding the merits of licensing the vehicle given its immaculate condition and that it was wheelchair accessible.  It was noted that the vehicle was not suitable for licensing as a hackney carriage given the clearance measurements between seats but private hire was an option.  In response to concerns regarding the vehicle’s structural condition the Fleet Compliance Engineer advised that licensed vehicles required a basic MOT test and Compliance test every six months and should be appropriately maintained.  The Applicant provided assurances regarding the vehicle maintenance regime.  Members were reminded that each application must be treated on its own merits.

At this juncture the committee adjourned to consider the application and it was –

RESOLVED that the application for a Private Hire Vehicle Licence be granted.

The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows –

Members considered the vehicle to be in exceptional condition and appropriate for licensing and resolved to grant the licence.

The committee’s decision and reasons therefore were conveyed to the Applicant.