DIMCO Licensing Hearing on Jan 16th

DIMCO Buildings - open until 3am?

The DIMCO Buildings, The Grade II listed former electrical station which sits at the heart of the Westfield shopping centre, is now an events venue.

They have applied for a late-night entertainment license from our council, and the hearing date is January 16th at 10 am, in the Council Chamber at Hammersmith Town Hall.

Anyone who took the trouble to comment on the application, at the official LBHF site is entitled to speak at the hearing, for or against.

What's this all about?

Stationary traffic in MacFarlane Rd

Late-night entertainment in Shepherd's Bush. The DIMCO buildings, a former electrical station for the Central Line which has listed building status, has been re-invented as an events venue. They have applied for a license to open until 1am seven days of the week, including Sundays, and - for 25 days a year - until 3am.

What's the problem?
The application is especially troubling for anyone living in nearby Macfarlane road, who wants to able to get in or out of their street.  Local residents will undoubtedly fear the extra traffic and disturbance that is the inevitable consequence of night-time entertainment.

Saturation Zone
Shepherd's Bush itself is a Saturation Zone (though Westfield itself is not included), and anyone who has sat in the seemingly endless traffic jam that is Wood Lane can hardly long for more visitors.

Licensing Application

The headline summary of the application is as follows:
"Licensing Act - Premises Licence "...multi function events space and entertainment venue..." Provision of Regulated entertainment including; plays; films; indoor sporting events; live music; recorded music; performances of dance and anything of a similiar description, On the premises. Monday to Sunday 08.00 until 01.00. The provision of late night refreshment. On the premises. Monday to Sunday 23.00 until 01.30. Sale by retail of alcohol. On and off the premises. Monday to Sunday 10.00 until 01.00. Hours open to the public: Monday to Sunday 08.00 until 01.30. Non-Standard timings: That the start of British Summertime the terminal hour for opening hours shall be extended by one hour. That on New Year`s Eve opening hours shall also be permitted between the end of the hours permitted for opening hours on New Year`s Eve to the start of the hours permitted for opening on New Year`s Day. To extend the provision of licensable activities on 25 occasions per year until 03.00, notice of which will be given to the Police and Licensing Authority 21 days before each event with the premises closing 30 minutes thereafter".

Where and When
The hearing date is January 16th at 10 am, in the Council Chamber at Hammersmith Town Hall.

Grounds for objection
Objections to applications for a license must be done on proper grounds. Under the terms of the Licensing Act 2003, all licence applications must comply with four licensing objectives including:

• the prevention of crime and disorder.
• public safety.
• the prevention of public nuisance.
• the protection of children from harm.

So, any objections to a license application should focus on one or more of these objectives.

The Shepherd's Bush Blog offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. If you would like to contribute a story about our neighbourhood, email us at shepherdsbushblog(at)gmail.com.