The following from the Chief Executive of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Dear Mr Gall

I am replying to your email of 10th Oct. I am sorry for not responding earlier. The delay is a result of a combination of factors.

I asked my legal advisor to provide a clear statement on the position of the Cove House Inn, given the facts that you set out in your email. I can confirm that Mr Polshaw's interpretation is correct and that technically the PEL, for the Cove House Inn expired. Clearly therefore the phrase 'a valid PEL is held' is not correct. I apologise if you were misled on this matter of law.

I do have to say however that our view remains that it is a technicality, which has no impact on the ability of the Cove House Inn to carry on providing the type of entertainment permitted by the 'old' PEL, pending consideration of the new application.

Tom Grainger