The proposed Cumulative Impact Policy in the Lewisham sector of Blackheath Village was finally ratified on 17 October 2007. In summary, the principal effect of a CIP is that it will now be up to the applicants to show that the granting of a new licence in the area concerned, or the variation of an existing one, will not be adverse to the licensing objectives (notably the prevention of crime and disorder, and public nuisance), rather than for objectors to show that it would. In other words the burden of proof is now reversed.

The Blackheath Village area, as defined for this purpose, includes all of the Village which lies within Lewisham, running in the north from Grotes Place (including the Hare and Billet) along Tranquil Vale, Royal Parade and Montpelier Row to the Princess of Wales, and to the south as far as Lawn Terrace.   We regard this as satisfactory.  

We hope that it will now make it easier for those affected by noise and nuisance from licensed premises to influence the outcome of licensing applications.