Southwark plans third saturation zone

Southwark Council in London has taken the unusual step of planning for a third saturation zone in the borough.

The zone, in which applicants for new licences will be refused unless it is proved they will not increase disorder, covers the Old Kent Road area. The council is also investigating whether other areas should have a saturation zone.

The council's consultation on the plan points to incidents of disorder in the proposed zone, also known as a cumulative impact area.

For example, in the six months to May 2008 there were 33 recorded incidents of violence against individuals and 46 of disorder.

Poppleston Allen solicitor Piers Warne said few authorities have more than two saturation zones: Westminster is a notable example of a council that does have three.

He said licences in the zones can be granted "where it is possible to show that your application will not add to the cumulative impact in the area".

"Applicants should also be aware that in the current economic climate it is sometimes possible to argue that investment in the town centre is more important than application of a cumulative impact policy.

"Poppleston Allen has had a number of successes in obtaining new licences and variations in hours for existing licences where premises have been in cumulative impact zones."

Southwark's consultation ends on 31 January.