To consider the application and reach a decision.

The Head of Planning & Regulatory Services had submitted a report to inform the determination of a street trading application on Frideswide Square in Oxford.

Mr James Sherriff (applicant), Matthew Stead, Senior Licensing Officer and Alessandra Ruggirello, Business Regulation Compliance Assistant joined the meeting.

The Chair asked everyone to introduce themselves.

The Senior Licensing Officer presented a summary of the report, noting that the application involved a trading spot which had not been occupied previously.  He stated that the applicant sought permission to trade from a blue vintage Citroen van, offering hot and cold drinks and snacks from Monday to Friday between 0600 and 1800.  It was noted the application proposed operations beyond standard trading hours.

The Senior Licensing Officer stated that the application was subject to a 14 day objection period which had garnered two adverse comments against the grant of the application and one in support. 

The Sub-Committee was reminded 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.

In response to questions, the Senior Licensing Officer mentioned the County Council Highway Authorisation's concerns relating to high footfall in the area.  With regard to site allocation, it was noted that the process aligned with the policy which considered historical trading location but allows for new applications in certain areas.

Mr Sherriff addressed the Sub-Committee.  He explained that the proposed van location was 4 metre wide, whereas the van itself was only 2 metres wide.  This would leave ample distance from the pathway, minimizing impact on pedestrians.  During peak times, train crowds would disperse in various directions before reaching the proposed site.  In terms of queueing, Mr Sherriff emphasised that the business aims for a grab and go service, which was successfully tested at the Oxford Food Festival with a queue of 4 people at most.

Mr Sherriff highlighted his use of local suppliers supporting the local economy.  He expressed a vision to enhance the area socially with the hope that his business would encourage people to come out and utilise the public benches provided in the space.

Mr Sherriff and the Licensing Officers left the meeting while the Sub-Committee deliberated in private.

Having considered all submission, the Sub-Committee noted the applicant's representation.  The Sub-Committee was satisfied that varying the hours would not have an adverse impact on the area. 

The Sub-Committee, therefore, approved the application for Street Trading Consent in Frideswide Square in accordance with the General Conditions for Street Trading Consents and Street Trading Policy.  The Sub-Committee agreed to approve the proposed street trading hours of 0600 to 1800.

The Licensing Officers and Mr Sherriff re-joined the meeting and were informed of the Sub-Committee's decision.

The Sub-Committee resolved to:

• Grant until 31 march 2024 Mr Sherriff’s application for Street Trading Consent in accordance with the Standard Conditions for Street Trading Consents and the Street Trading Policy, and to vary the trading hours to 0600 to 1800, taking into account the details set out in the report and the representations made at this Sub-Committee meeting.