NORTH West Leicestershire District Council is set to recommend that a 'Cumulative Impact Assessment' should remain in place in Ashby town centre following concerns from a number of parties.

Cumulative impact is described as 'the potential impact on the promotion of the licensing objectives of a number of licensed premises concentrated in one area'.

The council's licensing committee meets next week to discuss the scheme, which was first introduced in 2005.

But the requirement to review a cumulative impact assessment remains every three years. 

The CIA was approved by Full Council on 24 February 2022, came into force on 26 March 2022 and remains valid until 25 March 2025.

It will be recommended to full council next February that the CIA remains in place.

Councillors will be told at next Wednesday's meeting that three consultee responses were received from Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, Ashby Civic Society and a resident that uses the town centre via the Council's consultation portal.

A report says: "All three consultees stated they currently have a concern relating to Ashby De La Zouch town centre and the number and density of premises licensed to sell alcohol by retail. 

"The main concerns related to crime and disorder and public safety, however one of the consultees also expressed a concern about public nuisance levels and protection of children from harm.

"The vast majority of crimes in Ashby town centre continue to take place during the night-time economy. 

"In summary, in the last three years (January 2021 to December 2023), there were 397 public place offences in Ashby de la Zouch town centre - 65 per cent of the offences were classified as actual bodily harm, followed by 14 per cent as public order offences. 

"Offences peaked in 2023 with 153 offences, compared to 133 in 2022 and 111 in 2021. Offences peak on Saturday, with 111 offences and Sunday with 94 offences. 

"Levels were higher from 11pm-3am, peaking at 1am with 52 offences, followed by 12am with 36 and 2am with 35. 

"It is considered that the statistical data, together with a written statement from Leicestershire Police supports the retention of the CIA in Ashby De La Zouch town centre."

The report lists the following conclusions:

• The number and density of premises licensed to sell alcohol by retail remains an issue that continues to require control
• The level of crime and disorder continues to be the primary concern
• The geographical area requiring control remains unchanged
• All premises types licensed to sell alcohol by retail to remain within the scope of the CIA
• CIA to apply between 10pm and 6am.

If a licensing authority is of the view that the number of licensed premises in an area is such that, granting licences to any further premises in that area, would undermine the licensing objectives, it is required to publish a Cumulative Impact Assessment.