St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council own the Brannel Room, a community hall, which can be hired to provide facilities for leisure, social and educational/training activities.

The Brannel Room benefits from a small kitchenette area equipped with crockery and cutlery at no extra charge. However any breakages must be paid for.

The Brannel Room can be found here What3Words charmingly.mistaking.including

The charges for the hire of the Brannel Room as from 1st April 2026 are as follows –

Local Community Groups & Residents

Length of hire Cost
Up to 2 hours £16.00
Each following hour £3.00 per hour

Other Users

Length of hire Cost
Up to 1 hour £55.00
Each following hour £20.00 per hour

To arrange room hire please contact the Parish Council Office who will be happy to discuss your requirements. You can also click on the links below to download a Booking Form and the Terms & Conditions, which can be posted or emailed to the Council at enquiries@ststepheninbrannel-pc.gov.uk.

Booking Form

Brannel Room Booking Form

Terms & Conditions of Hire

Please download this document (text below) and then sign, date & return to the council.

These terms and conditions are binding upon any person, club, society, or organisation hiring the Brannel Room. All references to ‘the Council’ refer to St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council and authorised officers of the Council.

1. Applications

Bookings will only be accepted following receipt of a signed form. The person signing the form shall, for the purposes of these terms and conditions be deemed to be the hirer. No transfer of bookings or sub-bookings will be allowed.

The Brannel Room may, at the Council’s discretion be booked for a single event more than one year in advance subject to the strict understanding that the scale of charges at the date of the function will apply unless payment is made in full at the time of the booking. Bookings for a series of meetings or events would not normally be accepted for a period exceeding 12 months.

The facilities may only be used for the purposes and period stated on the form unless the hirer has obtained the prior written consent of the Council.

The Hiring Agreement constitutes permission only to use the premises and confers no tenancy or other right of occupation on the hirer therefore the property address cannot be used for any registration or trading purposes.

Hirers are responsible for familiarising themselves and their group/visitors with the contents of the Fire Evacuation Plan and Escape Routes, which are sent to each hirer and displayed in the Brannel Room. A hard copy can be requested from the office.

Hirers are also responsible for familiarising themselves with the Brannel Room Risk Assessment, which will be sent to each hirer.

Hirers must ensure that all users comply with the Fire Evacuation Plan, Escape Routes, and Risk Assessment at all times during the hire period.

2. Payment of charges

The Brannel Room is let in accordance with the scale of charges drawn up by the Council. The Council reserves the right to vary these as they see fit. Details of the fees are available on request or from the website.

The hirer shall be liable for any additional expense incurred by the Council if the event or function overruns the pre-arranged period of hire.

Bookings for a one-off event should be paid for at the time of booking. Bookings that are invoiced are due for payment within 28 days of issue. The preferred payment method is by BACS. However, this does not prohibit accepting payment by cash or cheque.

If invoices are outstanding beyond 28 days the Parish Council’s Debt Collection Policy will be followed. Details can be found on the Parish Council website, or a hard copy can be requested at the office.

 3. Cancellations

The Council reserves the right to refuse any bookings without explanation and to cancel any booking upon reasonable grounds. If the Council cancels a booking, it will refund all fees already paid or offer alternative dates. The Council shall not be liable for any loss sustained by the hirer because of any such cancellation.

The Council reserves the right to cancel any booking, by written notice to the Hirer, in the event of:

  1. the premises being required for use as a Polling Station for a Parliamentary or Local Government election or byelection.
  2. the premises being required for the use of the Council in the event of an emergency.
  3. the Council considering that such hiring will lead to a breach of licensing conditions, if applicable, or other legal or statutory requirements, or unlawful or unsuitable activities will take place at the premises because of this hiring.
  4. the premises becoming unfit for the use intended by the hirer.
  5. an emergency requiring use of the premises as a shelter for the victims of flooding, snowstorm, fire, explosion, or those at risk of these or similar disasters.

Cancellations by the hirer should be notified to the Council. If the hirer cancels a booking within 24 hours of the hire date, the full fee must be paid.

4. Capacity & Supervision

The premises will be opened and closed for the hirer at the time agreed when hiring.

The number admitted to the Brannel Room must not exceed fifty-two (52). The precise number of persons attending an event will be at the Council’s discretion after discussion with the hirer and will depend on the room set up.

The hirer shall be responsible for ensuring that the limitations agreed with the Council are observed.

There shall, in addition to the hirer, be a minimum of one or two competent attendants on duty on the premises to assist people entering and leaving, none of whom shall be less than eighteen (18) years of age. If most of the audience is under sixteen (16), the number of attendants shall be not less than two.

All persons on duty shall have been instructed as to their essential responsibilities in the event of fire or other emergencies, including attention to disabled persons, the location and use of the firefighting equipment available, how to call the Fire Brigade and evacuation procedure.

The Council is not responsible for any stored equipment or other property brought on to or left at the premises, and all liability for loss or damage is hereby excluded. All equipment and other property, other than stored equipment, must be removed at the end of each hiring unless otherwise agreed with the Council. Cash should not be left on the premises under any circumstances.

5. Entry of officials

The hirer shall allow any authorised officer of the Council access to the premises at all reasonable times.

6. Bookings involving Children

The hirer shall ensure that any activities for children under eight (8) years of age comply with the provisions of The Children Act of 1989 and that only fit and proper persons who have passed the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service checks have access to the children. Checks may also apply where children over eight (8) and vulnerable adults are taking part in activities.

The hirer shall provide the Council with a copy of their Safeguarding Policy on request.

 

  7. Damage to premises or equipment

The hirer shall be liable on demand for any damage to the premises or the fixtures, fittings, furniture and any equipment or articles provided within the Brannel Room and caused by their use of the premises.

The cost of restoring the premises, the fixtures, fittings, furniture and any equipment or articles provided within the Brannel Room to their original condition shall be assessed by the Council, whose decision is final.

No screws or nails shall be driven into walls, floors or ceilings of the premises, fixtures, and fittings.

The hirer shall leave the premises in a clean and tidy manner. In the event of damage payment for costs of repair or replacement will be incurred by the hirer.

8. Injury to persons and damage to property

The Council and its officers will not be held responsible for any damage or loss of goods, property, or equipment or for personal injury, except in the case of negligence by the Council, on the Council’s premises or land, however caused.

The hirer shall indemnify the Council and its officers against any claims, which may be made in respect thereof.

Any accident must be reported to the Council as soon as possible after its occurrence. Certain types of accident or injury must be reported on a special form to the local authority. Please speak to the Clerk for assistance in completing this form. This is in accordance with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

The hirer should be aware that there may not be a Council officer in the building during the hire period. Hirers should undertake a risk assessment to identify hazards that might arise during the event and devise procedures to minimise any hazard. In addition, hirers are responsible for ensuring that all activities comply with the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

9. Decorations and fixings

No decorations, flags, emblems, posters, or any other loose articles may be fixed to walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures, or fittings without the prior consent of the Council. Sellotape, Blu Tack, and drawing pins must not be used on any of the walls or the ceiling.

No alterations or additions may be made to the premises, nor may any fixtures be installed, or placards, decorations or other articles be attached in any way to any part of the premises without the prior written approval of the Council.

10. Removal of equipment

The hirer and/or contractors or others engaged by the hirer to supply decorations, fittings or other facilities will be required to remove and clear away all articles belonging to them by the end of the hire period.

The Brannel Room should be left clean and tidy, all rubbish must be removed, and all electrical appliances be turned off.

All reasonable instructions given on behalf of the Council by its authorised officers shall be observed.

 If the room is not left in a reasonable condition, the hirer will be liable for a cleaning charge of £25.00.

11. Lighting and other electrical equipment

No additions or alterations to the lighting, hearing loop, computer system, or other electrical arrangements may be made without the consent of the Council.

No electrical apparatus may be brought on to the premises without the consent of the Council who must be satisfied that the equipment has been checked for safety.

The Hirer shall ensure that any electrical appliances brought by them to the premises and used there are PAT tested, in good working order, and used in a safe manner in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Where a residual circuit breaker is provided the hirer must make use of it in the interests of public safety.

The use of domestic electrical appliances such as kettles, fans, heaters etc. are not permitted unless provided by the Council.

Thermostat controlled radiators are located throughout the room; hirers should not alter the settings.

12. Fire safety

During the period of hire, the hirer is the person in charge of activities within the building and is responsible for following the fire action procedures and ensuring that all users are evacuated safely in the event of fire or alarm. The Parish Council remains the responsible person for the premises and is responsible for maintaining the building’s fire safety arrangements, equipment, and documented evacuation procedures.

These responsibilities form part of the contract of hire.

Fire action procedures will be provided to all hirers in advance of use and must be made available during every booking. This will include clear instructions on raising the alarm, calling the Fire Service, evacuation routes, the assembly point, and out-of-hours contact details for the Council or duty representative.

No smoking or vaping is allowed in any part of the building, including the entrance ramp, exits and any other area designated by the council as a no smoking area.

The hirer shall ensure that there is no interference whatsoever during the period of hire with fire extinguishers or any other firefighting equipment except in the case of an emergency.

The hirer must not interfere with fire doors and shall keep every passage and exit of the premises clear of obstruction and ready for use in an emergency.

In the event of a fire, the premises should be evacuated in line with the Fire Evacuation Plan that is also displayed in the Brannel Room.

The hirer shall ensure that:

(a)  highly flammable substances are not brought into, or used in any part of the premises; and

(b)  no internal decorations of a combustible nature (e.g. polystyrene, cotton wool) shall be erected without the consent of the Council. No decorations are to be put up near light fittings or heaters.

  

 

13. Insurance

The Hirer shall be liable for:

  • the cost of repair of any damage (including accidental and malicious damage) done to any part of the premises including the curtilage thereof or the contents of the premises.
  • all claims, losses, damages, and costs made against or incurred by the Council, their employees, volunteers, agents, or invitees in respect of damage or loss of property or injury to persons arising because of the use of the premises (including the storage of equipment) by the hirer.
  • all claims, losses, damages, and costs made against or incurred by the Council, their employees, volunteers, agents, or invitees because of any nuisance caused to a third party because of the use of the premises by the hirer.

Subject to sub-clause (iv) the hirer shall indemnify and keep indemnified accordingly each member of the Council and their employees, volunteers, agents, and invitees against such liabilities.

  • The Council shall take out adequate insurance to cover the liabilities described in sub-clauses (i) above and may, at its discretion and in the case of non-commercial hirers, insure the liabilities described in sub-clauses (ii) and (iii) above. The Council shall claim on its insurance for any liability of the hirer hereunder, but the hirer shall indemnify and keep indemnified each member of the Council and the Council employees, volunteers, agents, and invitees against: (a) any insurance excess incurred; and

(b) the difference between the amount of the liability and the monies received under the insurance policy

  • For commercial hirers or where the Council does not insure the liabilities described in sub-clauses (ii) and (iii) above, the hirer shall take out adequate insurance to cover such liability and shall supply a copy of such policy and evidence of cover to the Authorised Representative, where requested. Failure to produce such policy and evidence of cover will render the hiring void and enable the Council to rehire the premises to another hirer.
  • The Council is insured against any claims arising out of its own negligence.

14. Advertising

No advertising material shall be exhibited within the curtilage of the premises or car park without first being submitted to and approved by the Council.

All correspondence, posters and other publicity should refer to the venue as follows: Brannel Room, 22 Fore Street, St Stephen, St Austell, PL26 7NN.

15. Flyposting

Flyposting is illegal. Anyone found distributing advertising posters and leaflets illegally will have their booking terminated immediately and all fees paid shall be retained. Failure to observe this condition may lead to prosecution by the local authority.

16. Animals

Except for service dogs, no animals shall be allowed to enter the premises without the Council’s permission.

17. Disorderly or dangerous conduct

Any booking which, in the opinion of the Council, may be contrary to decency or good manners or likely to lead to disorder may be cancelled forthwith on written notice to the hirer.

The hirer shall not allow any disorderly, dangerous, or improper conduct, or conduct which may endanger equipment, fixtures or fittings provided within the Brannel Room, during the hiring.

The Council may order the immediate, total, or partial, clearance of the premises, if it considers such action to be necessary.

The hirer shall be liable for any extra expense that the Council may incur by engaging police officers to preserve law and order.

The hirer should not allow the consumption of alcohol without receiving prior written permission from the Council.

The Hirer shall avoid disturbing neighbours and avoid violent or criminal behaviour. Disorderly behaviour shall not be permitted either on the premises or in its immediate vicinity. Any person suspected of being drunk, under the influence of drugs or who is behaving in a violent or disorderly way should be asked to leave the premises. No illegal drugs may be brought onto the premises.

18. Car park

All vehicles and property are left in the car park entirely at the owner’s risk and the Council will not accept responsibility for any loss or damage however caused except where arising from the Council’s negligence.

Parking is for the users of the premises only and is on a first come first served basis in the allocated spaces only. The hirer shall ensure that all vehicles are parked so that no exit or carriageway is obstructed. Further parking is available 200 yards up Fore Street in the long stay carpark.

19. Broadcasting

The hirer shall not grant sound or television broadcasting or filming rights as the Council does not hold the appropriate licences required for this activity.

20. Photographs & Music

No camera or other photographic equipment may be brought on to the premises for commercial purposes without the Council’s prior written consent.

The Council hold a Performing Rights Society Licence (PRS) and a Phonographic Performances License (PPL). This permits the use of copyright music in any form e.g., CD, radio, television or by performers in person and sound recording. Where hirers use music and have their own PPL, they are asked to declare it, so there is no duplicate of payment for licences.

If other licences are required in respect of any activity, the Hirer should ensure that they hold the relevant licence. Private parties/functions, not open to the public, do not require a music licence. Hirers may be contacted to confirm their arrangements in respect of performing rights.

21. Compliance with conditions

In the event of the refusal to comply with these conditions or any reasonable instructions given by the Council and its authorised officers, the hirer and any persons attending the functions may be excluded from the premises. The hirer will remain liable in respect of the hire charges as contained herein.

The hirer shall ensure that nothing is done on or in relation to the premises in contravention of the law relating to gaming, betting, and lotteries.

The hirer shall, if serving food, observe all relevant food health and hygiene legislation and regulations. Dairy products, vegetables, and meat on the premises must be refrigerated and stored in compliance with the Food Temperature Regulations. Where appropriate, at least one person holding a minimum of a ‘Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate’ shall be present with Hygiene Certificate displayed.

The hirer shall, if selling goods on the premises, comply with Fair Trading Laws and any code of practice used in connection with such sales. In particular, the hirer shall ensure that the total price of all goods and services is prominently displayed, as shall be the organiser’s name and address and that any discounts offered are based only on Manufacturers’ Recommended Retail Prices. The Council encourages the use of Fairtrade products and not using single-use plastics.

22. Registered Address

Hirers are not permitted to use the Brannel Room as their registered address for any purpose, including business, charitable, or organisational registration. The Brannel Room is a community facility managed by St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council and is designated solely for meetings and events.

Any correspondence, financial documents, or official records must be registered to an appropriate alternative address. The Parish Council accepts no responsibility for any mail or official communications sent to the Brannel Room on behalf of hirers.

Failure to comply with this condition may result in the cancellation of future bookings.

23. Complaints

Any complaint connected with the hire of the premises should be made to the Clerk within seven (7) days of the function.

The Council reserves the right to amend or vary these conditions or impose additional conditions without notice.

24. On completion of the hire

Hirers must leave the premises clean, tidy, and secure. All external doors must be closed and secured, all internal doors and windows closed where applicable, lights switched off, and all rubbish removed from the site unless otherwise agreed.

CONFIRMATION

I confirm that I have received a copy of the Hiring Agreement and that the terms of the agreement and my obligations under it have been explained to me and I agree to be bound by the terms of the agreement and to comply with the any relevant legislation. I am aware that if I breach the terms of the agreement as far as they are contained in the Licensing Acts and associated legislation that I may be liable to prosecution and may suffer a fine or imprisonment or both.

 

Name: ____________________________________

 

Signed: ____________________________________

 

Date: ______________________________________

 

END OF SESSION CHECK LIST

All hirers of the premises must ensure that:

  • tabletops are wiped clean.
  • tables and chairs, where applicable, are left safely and tidily.
  • internal fire doors are closed.
  • food is removed from the building unless previously agreed.
  • bins are emptied and any rubbish removed from the site.
  • all kitchenware is washed and tidied away.
  • windows in all hired areas are closed.
  • the hirer’s property is removed, unless previously agreed.
  • all internal lights, including toilets, are switched off.
  • all external doors are closed, and the premises are left secure.
  • any defects are reported to the Letting Warden or office staff as soon as possible.