To consider the street trading application for Lucy Hedges and reach a decision.

The Head of Planning and Regulations had submitted a report to inform the determination of Ms Lucy Hedges (Full of Beans) street trading application.

Lucy Hedges (applicant), Jack Richens (partner) and Matthew Stead, Senior Licensing Officer, joined the meeting.

The Chair outlined the hearing procedures and requested that all attendees introduce themselves.

The Senior Licensing Officer presented a summary of the report, stating that Ms Hedge's application was for Peripatetic Street Trading. The proposed trading unit being a purpose built converted tricycle with a coffee machine selling coffee and edible goods. The application was for a mode of street trading that did not comply with Peripatetic Street Trading as defined by the Street Trading Policy. For this reason, the Sub-Committee was asked to determine the application and whether it wished to make an exception.

He stated that the application involved five trading locations detailed in paragraph 5 and appendix 2 of the submitted report. It was highlighted that the proposed locations had not been previously occupied, and that the proposed period of operation for four of the five locations would exceed the twenty minute maximum time for a peripatetic trader to trade in a location. It was noted that this would be a considerable change in policy.

The Sub-Committee was advised that the application was referred for the consideration of the panel as it did not comply with the Council's current Street Trading policy, however it was the policy of the Council to determine all street trading applications.

In response to questions from the Sub-Committee, the Licensing Officer made the following points:

• Attempts were made to contact the leisure provider regarding the application, however, no response was received. The leisure provider had the opportunity to respond during the consultation period.
• The Sub-Committee could grant Ms Hedges a peripatetic licence and the period of operation not to exceed twenty minutes or a static consent specifying a single location and defined times.
• A consent may not be granted for more than the proposed days and times being applied for. However, the panel may reduce them if minded to do so.
• The applicant could submit additional applications for other licences in the future.
• If the applicant wished to extend trading hours beyond the granted licence, they would need to go through the application process again, including a consultation period before determination by the Sub-Committee.

Ms Hedges was invited to address the Sub-Committee. She stated that she had been a long-term resident and works as a teaching assistant at a local school. She planned to use 100% compostable packaging and source supplies from local businesses. She expressed a preference for a peripatetic licence with special dispensation for two hours at specific locations, particularly Redbridge Park and Ride, and proposed trading during early morning hours. She emphasized that her setup would be safe, stable, and considerate of the environment, and she believed there was strong local demand for her coffee service.

The Chair noted that this was the first time they had encountered such an application and that whilst the policy did not provide specific guidance for this situation, the application was welcomed by the Sub-Committee.

The Legal Advisor advised that the applicant could withdraw the application for Peripatetic Street Trading and the Sub-Committee could instead treat the application  as an  application for a Street Trading Consent. If so, the operating hours would be from 0800 to 2100, which could be reduced where there were good reasons. He clarified that while the Sub-Committee could reduce the hours, it could not extend them, and the trading consent would apply to a single location.

Following agreement from the Sub-Committee, the meeting was adjourned for 10 minutes to allow the applicant time to decide how she wished to proceed with the application.

The Chair clarified to the applicant that if the application was changed from Peripatetic Street Trading to Street Trading Consent, the operating hours for a single proposed site would be from 0800 to 2100 (Section 17.2(b) of the Street Trading Policy). He emphasized that failing to adhere to these hours could constitute a breach of the General Conditions for Street Trading Consents.

Ms Hedges stated she would like to proceed with an application for a Street Trading Consent to operate on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 0800 to 1200 at Redbridge Park and Ride.

The Chair thanked Ms Hedges, Mr Richens and the Senior Licensing Officer for their contributions. They were asked to leave the room while the Sub-Committee considered the application.

The Sub-Committee noted the representations made at this hearing. The Sub-Committee considered the timings requested and raised no concerns. Having considered all submissions, the Sub-Committee agreed to approve the proposed Street Trading Consent application.

The Senior Licensing Officer, Ms Hedges and Mr Richens re-joined the meeting and were informed of the Sub-Committee's decision.

The Chair thanked the applicant for her application and patience, acknowledging the ambitions of the business and stating that it was something the Council would welcome in the future. The Sub-Committee granted her application for a Street Trading Consent for Redbridge Park and Ride, trading on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday between 0800 and 1200.

The Chair noted that this arrangement was within the Street Trading Policy and did not present any adverse issues. The applicant was reminded to maintain public liability insurance as part of the conditions of the consent.

The General Purposes Licensing Casework Sub-Committee resolved to:

• Grant Ms Hedges' application for a Street Trading Consent until 31 March 2025.
• Grant the trading hours applied for: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 0800 - 1200.