Issue - meetings

To give consideration to the proposed Pavement Café Policy

Consideration was given to a report requesting Members to comment on the reaffirmation of the inherited policy for the control and licensing of pavement cafes on the highway. The Council during its first 18 months had been approving and granting licenses under the Highways Act for businesses to place tables and chairs on the highway to enhance their trading. Such permissions and licences had been granted in accordance with the Highways and Town and Country Planning Acts, where appropriate, within strict guidelines.

The Pavement Café Policy was aimed to set out the Council’s consistent approach, for owners and managers of restaurants, cafés, bars, tea rooms, coffee shops and snack bars, who may be considering placing tables and chairs outside their premises. The current operation of the Pavement Café licensing and conditions had served the Council well and adequately controlled pavement cafés for the benefit of shoppers and visitors, the business concerned and the economic well-being of the area.

It was highlighted that the application must fit in with conservation areas and that demarcation on what would require a licence still needed to be determined.

Members were generally supportive of the policy but agreed that issues such as land ownership and ensuring that there were no obstructions to the footpath would need careful consideration.

RESOLVED

That the portfolio Holder for Environment be recommended to approve the Policy subject to the Comments highlighted above.

Councillor C Thorley left the meeting during consideration of the above item.