To consider the street trading application for Blackbird Leys Park and reach a decision.

Cllr Humberstone stated that he was a ward councillor for Blackbird Leys, which was where the site for this street trading application was located; it was not a pecuniary interest; he made the declaration for reasons of transparency and indicated that he would consider the application with a free and open mind.

The Head of Regulatory Services and Community Safety had submitted a report to inform the determination of an application for street trading consent.

Mr Blaine Morris-Smith (applicant) and Matthew Stead, Senior Licensing Officer joined the meeting.

The Chair asked everyone to introduce themselves and briefly explained the hearing process to be followed.

The Senior Licensing Officer presented the report stating that Mr Morris-Smith, trading as B's Street Eats Ltd, currently had an agreement with the Council's Parks Team to trade on the land, however Mr Morris-Smith was required street trading consent where selling of goods concerned the public.  He advised that Mr Morris-Smith had been trading without consent for several months.

The Senior Licensing Officer advised the Sub-Committee that it was required to determine the application based on the contents of the full report which had been included in the agenda pack circulated prior to the meeting.

Mr Morris-Smith addressed the Sub-Committee and gave an explanation for his current trading position in Blackbird Leys Park. 

Mr Morris-Smith stated that he had lived in Blackbird Leys throughout his entire life and had strong ties with the local clubs, being a part of the community himself.  He emphasised that his business aimed to provide healthy food options to the community and promoted healthy eating by offering them at affordable prices and giving free water to children on occasions.

In response to questions, Mr Morris-Smith confirmed that his street trading van would be turned off during operations.  He also stated that he was currently using a petrol-based generator for his operations but was financially prepared to get an electricity box installed to align with the Council's commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030. 

The Sub-Committee continued to ask Mr Morris-Smith questions to further establish his application against the criteria listed in the Policy.

It was noted that the location of the unit had moved 30 metres from the location specified on the application.  It was established that the new location was not within 100 metres of any entrance to a school.

In concluding this part of the hearing, the Sub-Committee thanked Mr Morris-Smith for his contributions.

Mr Morris-Smith and the Senior Licensing Officer left the meeting while the Sub-Committee deliberated in private.

Having considered all submissions, the Sub-Committee noted Mr Morris-Smith's representation, his intention to promote healthy eating and his commitment to the Blackbird Leys community.  However, the Sub-Committee found no compelling reason to deviate from the standard trading hours set out in the Street Trading Policy.

The Sub-Committee, therefore, approved his application for Street Trading Consent in Blackbird Leys Park in accordance with the General Conditions for Street Trading Consents and the Street Trading Policy, on the condition that Mr Morris-Smith supplied an up-to-date plan of his trading location which is within 30 metres of the location marked on his application.

The Senior Licensing Officer and Mr Morris-Smith re-joined the meeting and were informed of the Sub-Committee’s decision.

The Sub-Committee resolved to:

·       Grant Mr Blaine Morris-Smith’s application for Street Trading Consent in accordance with the General Conditions for Street Trading Consents and the Street Trading Policy, taking into account the details set out in the report and the representations made at this Sub-Committee meeting.