Issue - meetings

Extension to Pavement Licensing and Revision to Pavement Licensing Policy 2024-29

Meeting: 24/07/2024 - Licensing Committee (Item 5)

5 Extension to Pavement Licensing and Revision to Pavement Licensing Policy 2024-29 pdf icon PDF 261 KB

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Minutes:

The Committee received a report from the Senior Specialist, Licensing, Mike Smith.  The Council had taken over the pavement licensing functions in July 2020 from the County Highway Authority.  Following the Covid restrictions in place at that time, this permitted the hospitality sector to place tables and chairs outside.  This had proven to be very popular, not just in Guildford but around the country.  Legislation had been subsequently extended each year until it was made permanent in March 2024.  The Council’s Policy had also been extended in line with each extension of the temporary legislation.  The Council’s Policy had now been updated to reflect the new procedures in place and revised Guidance published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in April 2024.  The new policy was now recommended for approval and would be in place for the next 5 years.

 

The Committee discussed the topic and noted a query raised regarding the 1.5 metre space required to allow people to get past the tables and chairs, particularly noting the access needs for parents with buggies and wheelchair users.  Did the 1.5 metres account for the proximity of bollards which may also be located close to the seating area and/or influence the siting of the tables and chairs?  It was confirmed that the 1.5 metres would include the bollard location but was dependent upon the site context and would be agreed in consultation with the Highway Authority. 

 

The Committee also noted the high number of A-Boards in Guildford town centre and the potential problems associated with their placement in causing a pavement obstruction.   The Committee was advised that A-Boards were in fact the responsibility of the Highway Authority under S115 of the Highways Act.  The Surrey Highways Authority had a complaints procedure for members of the public    and associated guidance for businesses wishing to place A boards on the highway detailed on their website.

 

The Committee noted that the fee to businesses for a pavement licence had increased to £500 for first time applications, when it was previously capped at £100.  In addition, it was observed that an application for a licence had to be decided within 14 days.  Was the licensing department confident that they could turn around the applications in such a short space of time?  It was confirmed that whilst the pavement licence fee had gone up, it better reflected overall costs for its administration.  The fee was capped at £500 for first time applications only and then at £350 for renewals thereafter.  A licence would then be in place for a period of two years.  There was a total of approx. 40 licence holders currently who would fall into the renewal category.  Previously, under the old Business Act provisions, an application for a licence had to be consulted on within 7 days and then decided within the following subsequent 7 days.  The new provisions had therefore increased the period of time to 14 days for consultation and then a further 14 days for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5