The Licensing Sub-Committee of Cotswold Council convened to discuss an application for a street trading consent in Borton Vale Ward, submitted by Frederick Jacobs for the Old Mill Lane at Lower Slaughter. The committee decided to grant the street trading consent for one year, with additional conditions to address public safety and nuisance concerns.

Application for Street Trading Consent at Old Mill Lane, Lower Slaughter

The primary focus of the meeting was the application submitted by Frederick Jacobs, represented by Mr Bayliss of Keystone Law, for a street trading consent at the Old Mill in Lower Slaughter. The application sought permission to sell hot and cold beverages, ice cream, packed snacks, and sandwiches from a horsebox trailer. The proposed operating hours were Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, with extended hours during the peak season (July to September) to seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. The applicant requested a 12-month consent.

Public Safety and Objections

Councillor Patrick Coleman raised concerns about the physical layout of the area, particularly the narrow roadway and footpath near the proposed trading site. Kevin Dunford, the Licensing Officer, clarified that the application was for a private piece of land and not the public highway, which had no objections from the highways department.

Residents Andrew Bowler and Stuart Thomas voiced concerns about increased congestion, waste management, and public safety. They highlighted the narrow footpath and potential bottlenecks near the river, as well as the lack of public toilet facilities.

Applicant's Response

Frederick Jacobs and his representative addressed these concerns by proposing a daily litter-picking route and ensuring that waste would be managed properly. They also mentioned that the Old Mill was undergoing significant renovations, which would eventually include public facilities once completed. Jacobs emphasized that the street trading operation was a temporary measure to provide a service to the community and tourists until the Old Mill reopens.

Committee's Decision

The committee decided to grant the street trading consent for one year, with the following additional conditions:

• A daily litter-picking route to manage waste effectively.
• Regular attendance at parish council meetings to provide updates and receive feedback from the community.

The decision was made in accordance with the council's street trading policy, taking into account public safety, order, and the prevention of nuisance. The committee also noted that the consent could be reviewed if sufficient evidence of non-compliance with the conditions was presented.

For more details, you can refer to the public reports pack and the agenda frontsheet for the meeting.