Issue - meetings

At the Licensing Committee on 27 June members requested an update on the review of the arrangements for the pavement licensing.

The Business and Planning Act (BPA) 2022 was introduced to streamline the process used to authorise the placement of tables and chairs on the highway. This temporary arrangement reduced consultation times from 28 days to 7 days and capped the fee payable.

The arrangements under the BPA were due to end on 30 September 2023.

On 14 August 2023 the Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licensing) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 came into force which extended the provisions until 30 September 2024.

The Licensing Manager presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. Members received an update on Central Government’s review of arrangements for pavement licensing.

The Licensing Manager advised that the Business and Planning Act (BPA) 2022 was introduced to streamline the process used to authorise the placement of tables and chairs on the highway. This temporary arrangement reduced consultation times from 28 days to 7 days and capped the fee payable. The arrangements under the BPA were due to end on 30 September 2023, however, on 14 August 2023 the Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licensing) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 came into force which extended the provisions until 30 September 2024.

The Licensing Manager highlighted that where a pavement licence was granted, clear access routes on the highway would need to be maintained, considering the needs of all users, including disabled people and the granting of a pavement licence only permitted the placing of furniture on the highway.

The Committee discussed various concerns around licensed premises using pavements, which included broken glass and the restriction of pavement usage for pedestrians. The Licensing Manger advised that if the Licensing Team was made aware of any issues, these would be addressed with the premises concerned. The Committee was advised that pavement obstructions should be reported to the Highways Team who would investigate.

The Committee felt that there should be a mechanism in place for the public to easily report pavement obstructions to BCP Council using a portal on the BCP Website. The Legal Advisor advised that she would raise this with the Head of Highways to see how this could be actioned.

RESOLVED that

      I.         the Report be noted; and

    II.         the Legal Advisor contact the Head of Highways regardinga suitable method for the public to report pavement obstructions on the BCP website.