northlincs.gov.uk

1 (1)  ARRANGEMENTS FOR HOSTING CIRCUSES AND PLEASURE FAIRS – The Director of Places submitted a report seeking approval of new arrangements for the hosting of Circuses and Pleasure Fairs on council owned land and property assets.

The council occasionally allowed the use of various land and property assets in its ownership for the purpose of hosting temporary circuses and pleasure fairs for the enjoyment of local residents. These events usually passed without incident and rarely gave rise to any significant concerns.

In February 2016, a travelling circus took temporary occupation of land adjacent to Everest Road, Scunthorpe. The council consented to the use of the land in question in August 2015. The consent covered the period from 28 February 2016 to 6 March 2016. Some limited conditions applied to the consent in line with long standing policy, custom and practice.

Unlike previous events, the circus in question resulted in a number of complaints to the council from local residents. In particular, these related to excessive noise, light pollution and parking congestion affecting local streets. On vacating the site, the council had to put in hand significant remedial works to make good damage to the green space caused by the circus and to clear up litter.

The issues raised as a result of this event had led to a review of the council’s existing arrangements for hosting circuses and pleasure fairs. A new licence arrangement was proposed providing greater clarity on the requirements for the operators of circuses and pleasure fairs seeking to temporarily occupy council land and property assets.

Resolved – (a) That the adoption of a licence to cover the use of council land and property assets for the purposes of hosting circuses and fairs, be approved; (b) that a change to the daily hire fee from £167 to £250, be approved; (c) that the fee of £2,500, as a bond payable by applicants wishing to hold a Circus and Pleasure Fair on council owned land and property assets, be approved; (d) that the Director of Places be authorised to exercise some discretion to waive the requirement for the payment of a bond, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, where it was considered that particular exceptional circumstances applied, and (e) that the effectiveness of the new arrangements be periodically reviewed once implemented, and progress reports be submitted to the Cabinet Members accordingly.