Agenda and minutes

Members are reminded that at the start of the meeting they should declare any known interests in any matter to be considered, and also during the meeting if it becomes apparent that they have an interest in the matters being discussed.

The Chair reminded Members of the need to declare any known interests in any matters to be considered at the meeting.  No declarations were made.

See explanatory note below.  Please phone the Committee Officer whose name and number appears at the top of this agenda if you need further guidance.

            No public questions were received during the meeting.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Council’s Licensing Officer on the initial consultation exercise, which had taken place on a new policy framework for street trading in the town centre and elsewhere.  The Committee noted the representations received, including comments from several existing street traders, a request for parish councils to be given a-15 day consultation period on individual applications, and tabled representations from Modus and the New Swindon Company supporting the draft policy.  A copy of the proposed draft policy, considered at the last meeting, was tabled for information.  The Committee acknowledged the need for a policy framework for street trading and that this should be framed carefully. The following comments were noted, drawing on the consultation and on examples of best practice:

¨      The framework use the definition of the purpose of pedestrianisation as exemplified in the Cheltenham Street Trading Policy.

¨      A view be taken in the framework on whether to allow seasonal trading consents.

¨      Street trading consents include the requirement for proper storage of equipment and vehicles overnight, and for meeting planning and health and safety requirements.

¨      Consideration should be given on the implications of the framework on markets, and to promoting the right type of markets in the right positions.

¨      Street Trading should be used to enhance the area.

¨      The framework should demonstrate fairness and equity.

¨      The options for managing consents, including offering trial pitches be explored.

¨      The framework communicate clearly that consents cannot be sold on and include deterrents to prevent this practice.

            Resolved – (1) That the Licensing Officer produce an updated draft of the policy framework for street trading in light of the issues discussed above, and report back to an early meeting of the Committee; the report to include clear definitions of the differences between consents, licences and permits.

            (2) That the final framework allow a 15-day consultation for parish councils on individual applications.

            (3) That a 3-month notice period of the new policy be used from the date it is issued, to allow the cessation of street trading by traders who find themselves outside of the new policy.