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.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th and 23^rd September 2008.

            Resolved – That, subject to Minute 21 being confirmed by Council, the minutes of the meetings held on 10^th and 23^rd September 2008, be confirmed and signed.

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.

            Mrs O’Grady (Street Trader) asked why the Council were removing three street trading stalls from the town centre when it was allowing trailer sized lorries to be parked in the area advertising services such as electricity.

            The Chair responded that the Committee had made its decision on Street Classifications for Street Trading on 23^rd September 2008.  The meeting tonight was considering a Street Trading Policy.  The Council’s Licensing Manager informed Mrs. O’Grady that the vehicles in question did not fall within the legislation covering Street Trading and was a matter for the Town Centre Manager to determine.

            Mrs. O’Grady asked why the AA was allowed to operate in the town centre in areas that were prohibited to street traders?

            The Chair responded that outside of London this activity fell outside of the Street Trading legislation.

            Mr. O’Grady asked if Street Traders required both planning permission and street trading consents why during school holidays an operator providing fairground rides could take over their pitch in Canal Walk?

            The Chair responded that the Council’s Licensing manager would provide a written response to this question.

            Mrs. Mazzotta indicated that at the previous meeting of the Committee the Council’s Licensing Manager had been instructed to send street traders a list of available pitches in the town centre.  She asked why she was refused permission for one of these?           

            The Council’s Licensing manager responded that there were two requirements for trading from a pitch, planning permission and a street trading consent. He had pointed out those available pitches couldn’t be used unless both requirements were properly met.  All pitches in the town centre had sensitivities and may have street trading consent limitations.

            Mr. Mazzotta asked why some time ago he was offered a pitch in Wharf Green, and why the offer had now been withdrawn?

            The Council’s Licensing Manager noted that an expression of interest for this site had been received but that no formal application had been received.  He was not in a position to accept any new applications until a street trading policy had been agreed.

            The Committee considered a report of the Council’s Licensing Manager setting out proposals for consideration relating to a new street trading policy for within and outside the town centre.

            Resolved – (1) That a street trading policy for regular day-to-day street trading from mobile retail units in the town centre or the core of Old Town, as set out in the appendix to these minutes, be approved.

            (2) That the Street Trading Policy set out in the Appendix come into effect from 1^st February 2009.

            (3) That a report reviewing the effective of the new Street Trading Policy be submitted to this Committee no later than 1^st November 2009.

            The Committee considered a report of the Council’s Licensing Manager setting out a proposed scale of fees for street trading consents.

            Resolved – (1) That the proposed street trading fees, as set out in the appendix to the report, be agreed for public consultation.

            (2) That, further to (1) above and following consideration of consultation responses, the approved fee structure for Market fees become effective from 1^st January 2009, and the remainder of the fees from 1^st February 2009.

(3) That, further to (1) above, the approved fees be effective for the Financial Year 2009/2010 without upward revision.