Pool party plan binned over car park location

A pool party promising bikini-clad women, DJs and cocktails has been blocked from taking place due to concerns over the event's car park location.

The party was due to be held at a car park on Lower Tower Street in Birmingham on 14 June, with posters on the site's fence advertising it as suitable for those aged 18 and above.

But an application for an event licence, submitted by Endurance Osizimete, was rejected by Birmingham City Council following concerns over the state of the car park.

The applicant told the authority the site would be cleaned, adding they had tried their best to meet licensing requirements.

According to the application, discussed at a licensing sub-committee meeting on 28 May, there would have been capacity for 450 guests, although only women - a "maximum of 25 ladies", toting water guns - would be allowed in the water.

DJs would play recorded music, female security staff would be present and changing rooms would be installed, the applicant said.

West Midlands Police opposed the application, describing the site as being "not in a fit state to stage a safe event of this nature".

The force also objected to the use of "plain" rather than treated water, saying it could lead to attendees getting sick.

"I don't feel the site is in any way suitable at this time for hosting the proposed activity," Mark Swallow, from West Midlands Police, told the licensing committee.

"It would be dangerous as there are numerous hazards."

A member of the council's environmental health team said he was concerned by potential "noise break-out" at the planned event.

The applicant said the car park's owner was cleaning the site, while the sound would be managed by a contractor.

He said they had chosen not to use water treatment because of "allergy problems", adding people would not be in the pool for more than six hours.

"I've tried my best to figure out all the requirements and do everything that's required," he added.

In issuing its decision to deny the application, the council said there was a "very clear risk" in allowing the event to go ahead amid concerns over public nuisance and public safety.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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