The Head of Environmental Development submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) concerning an application for a new street trading site on Broad Street, Oxford.

Samantha Howell (Environmental Development) introduced the report.

Timothy Chapple and Matthew Barlow, the applicants attended the meeting.

Councillor Royce asked how the applicants would address healthy eating.  In response Timothy Chapple said that they would use real fish fillets, none reconstituted meat and healthy oil.

Councillor Royce raised concerns on the double yellow lines on the proposed site.  In response Samantha Howell said that these would be removed and that the County Council as the Highways Authority felt that this was a suitable area.  Councillor Royce further stated that she felt that the Panel should be in formed in future of discussions to remove double yellow lines.

Councillor Clarkson asked questions concerning the disposal of rubbish such as packaging.  In response Timothy Chapple said that a bin would be provided.  Matthew Barlow further added that wherever possible any packaging would be made from recycled materials.

In response to further questions from Members, Samantha Howell said that the effect on other businesses i.e. commercial competition was not a relevant matter that the Members could take into consideration.

At this point the Sub-Committee withdrew to deliberate and make its decision in private, accompanied by its Legal Advisor and Committee Clerk.

The Sub-Committee then returned and having taken into account all the evidence before it, both written and oral, Councillor Coulter announced that the new street trading location in Broad Street had been granted.

Members of the Sub-Committee felt the application met the criteria in the Street Trading Policy and in the absence of any representations against, it should be granted.  The Sub-Committee found that in the interests of highway safety during large scale events in Broad Street, it was necessary to impose conditions allowing the suspension of the consent at certain times.  Also, in the interests of reducing environmental impact it was necessary to attach an additional condition requiring use of biodegradable or recyclable packaging and cutlery. 

With a view to promoting healthy eating the Sub-Committee asked that the Applicants consider offering some non-fried options on their menu.

The Sub-Committee resolved to:

(1)          Grant the application as applied for subject to the Oxford City Council general conditions applicable to street trading consents;

(2)          Attach the following additional conditions: 

(i)            The Consent may be suspended (with a minimum of 28 days’ notice to the holder) during any approved event in Broad Street, unless the Consent holder has obtained the written permission of the event organiser to remain in place.

(ii)          The Consent may be suspended whenever the Highways Authority requires Broad Street to be closed. In the event of any planned long term closure a minimum of 12 weeks’ notice shall be given to the Consent holder.

(iii)         All packaging and utensils for use by customers shall be made of biodegradable or recyclable materials.