Consent Street Trading Policy 2026

Upon receiving a full application, all supporting documentation and the correct fee the Licensing Service will begin the consultation process with interested parties.

There are no statutory consultees on street trading applications, and who the council consult with will depend on the type of consent applied for.

For most applications the police, highways authority, fire service and other responsible authorities will be consulted, and a minimum of 14-day consultation period will be required. This consultation period may be extended if representations are received, or further information is required. Local ward councillors will also be notified of an application (excluding temporary, seasonal and roaming consents). Public notification will be achieved through the Council webpage.

Once the Council has accepted a valid application the applicant shall also put up a notice of the application at the proposed street trading location (excluding temporary, seasonal and roaming consents), advising the public how to comment on the application. Photographic evidence of the notice in place shall be submitted on request. The applicant shall remove the notice at the end of the consultation period. To assist a draft copy of a notice will be available on the website and emailed to the applicant.

Applications for street trading consents are delegated to officers for determination in line with the councils constitution. Officers will take all information into consideration including any relevant representation made in writing to the licensing service.

A relevant representation is one made by a person, business or body that is likely to be directly affected by a successful application. The objection must not be frivolous or vexatious and should concern itself only with matters likely to be affected by a successful application. Officers will determine whether an objection is relevant according to its merit and any benefit of doubt will be given to the objector.

The applicant will be provided with a copy of any representation received including contact details to promote mediation and the applicant will be given an opportunity to comment before a final decision is taken.

Following the determination of an application, the council will notify the applicant of the decision in writing. No street trading may take place until a consent has been issued. To trade without a consent is a criminal offence.

If more than one application is received for any new or vacant location, applications will be considered in consultation with the Chair or Vice Chair of the General Licensing Committee and a legal representative.

If the applicant has any relevant convictions, it is likely that the application will be considered in consultation with the Chair or Vice Chair of the General Licensing Committee and a legal representative. All applications will be assessed against the Assessment Criteria.