InformationStreet Trader Policy Consultation
A public consultation on the draft amended Street Trading Policy (proposed Version 6).
The current Street Trading Policy (Version 5) came into effect on 1 May 2023 and, although there is no legal requirement to review a street trading policy, the Council considered that a number of areas for amendment had become apparent since the policy was introduced. The draft amended policy therefore fully updated the existing policy and provided additional detail in areas where it had been identified that further information would be helpful. The consultation ran from 26 November to 4 February.
Consultation summary report
Street Trader Policy Consultation Summary Report pdf
The findings will be used to inform the final amended Street Trading Policy that will be taken to the licensing committee to be seen.
The draft amended street trader policy that was consulted on is available to view by clicking the link.
Draft Street Trading Policy Version pdf
You can have your say by visiting the commonplace site.
Street Trading Policy Public Consultation | Commonplace
Legislation permits local authorities to adopt provisions to control street trading. This is by way of a regime that permits streets to be designated as Prohibited, Licensed or Consent streets. No changes whatsoever are proposed to the designation of streets listed in the policy on this occasion. The proposed amendments to the policy are therefore limited to the content of the policy only, as opposed to any proposal to change the designation of streets for the purpose of street trading at this time.
Officers working knowledge has also grown considerably since the first Policy was published in 2017, and the proposed changes to the policy have been identified through need, experience, and by reviewing good practice in other authorities. Control of the regime is already being managed, but the proposed amendments are considered necessary to improve appropriate controls, whilst enhancing trading opportunities in locations where it is considered suitable and safe.
Ultimately, the aim is to retain a street trading environment which complements premises based trading, is sensitive to the needs of residents, provides diversity of consumer choice, and seeks to protect the character and ambience of local environments and provide overall economic benefits.
This version of the Policy is in draft and we welcome your feedback on the proposed changes. The recommended changes to the Street Trading Policy aim to enhance current standards with the amendments including:
- Expansion of the information contained in the ‘Exemption from Street Trading’ section of the policy;
- Increased information within the section on ‘Privately owned and Enclosed Land’ to assist in clarifying in which circumstances a street trading consent may be required on land of that nature;
- Changes to the application requirements to aid clarification and understanding for applicants;
- Update to the section on Street Trading within Cranbrook;
- Alterations to the standard conditions applied to each street trading consent;
This Policy if adopted, will ensure that the Council continues to carry out its street trading regulation responsibilities in a fair, equitable and consistent manner.