The Licensing Panel of Hounslow Council was scheduled to consider an application for a temporary street trading licence for Everyday Fruits & Veggies on High Street, Hounslow. The panel was also set to review the council's Street Trading Policy and discuss the procedure for conducting panel hearings.

Application for Temporary Street Trading Licence: Everyday Fruits & Veggies

The Licensing Panel was scheduled to consider an application for a temporary street trading licence for Everyday Fruits & Veggies , located between Halifax and Next on High Street, Hounslow, TW3 1HB. The applicant, Y.M.F.G GROUP LTD, sought authorisation to place a stall on the public highway to sell fruit and vegetables from Monday to Sunday, between 09:00 and 19:00. The proposed trading area was to measure 8 metres in depth by 4 metres in width.

The report pack indicated that the site was located in the pedestrianised area of the High Street and had a previous licence that expired on 7 February 2026. The application was for a further six-month period.

The panel was to consider representations received from the Licensing Enforcement Team and two objections from residents. The Licensing Enforcement Team's representation, detailed in Appendix C of the public reports pack, raised concerns regarding public nuisance and public safety. These concerns included alleged noise disturbances from the transportation of goods, the use of manual pallet trolleys on the public highway, and the storage of goods at a nearby commercial premises at '6 Lampton Road, Hounslow'. Evidence was presented suggesting that the applicant had not adhered to previous assurances regarding storage and the use of vans, instead relying on pallet trolleys. Complaints were also made about waste disposal, attracting rodents, and out-of-hours operations. The representation recommended additional conditions, including the cessation of manual pallet truck use on the public highway, no noise or associated works before 08:00, and adherence to noise restrictions where residents might be affected.

The resident objections, detailed in Appendix D of the public reports pack, echoed many of the concerns raised by Licensing Enforcement. Residents reported persistent and excessive noise disturbance, particularly in the early morning and late evening, from the loading and unloading of goods, and the use of heavy equipment. They also highlighted public safety risks due to the obstruction of pavements and roads by pallet trucks, forcing pedestrians into the road and causing traffic congestion. Further concerns were raised about health, safety, and food safety, citing the use of '6 Lampton Road' as a de facto warehouse with inadequate storage, uncovered food produce, overflowing waste bins, and the potential for vermin. Safeguarding and labour welfare concerns were also noted, with observations of staff working long hours without appropriate safety gear.

The report pack also included the council's Street Trading Policy, which outlines the framework for considering street trading applications. This policy details factors such as public safety, prevention of public nuisance, the suitability of the stall and location, and the needs of the area. The report indicated that the panel had several options, including granting the application in full or part, refusing it, or granting it with additional conditions.

Hounslow Street Trading Policy

The panel was scheduled to review the Hounslow Street Trading Policy. This policy provides a framework for the council's approach to licensing street trading across the borough, aiming to create an environment that is sensitive to residents' needs, offers diversity and consumer choice, and enhances the character, ambience, and safety of the area. The policy details legislation relevant to street trading, types of authorisations, criteria for determination of applications, fees, conditions, and enforcement procedures. It also outlines the process for applying for various types of licences, including temporary and occasional licences, and specifies pre-licensing conditions and standard conditions for street trading.

Procedure for Panel Hearings

The panel was also scheduled to discuss the Licensing Panel Procedure and the Order of Business. This included the process for appointing a chair, introducing panel members and officers, the order in which agenda items would be addressed, and the rights of applicants and those making representations. The procedure outlines how hearings are conducted, including the opportunity for parties to present their case, ask questions, and make final submissions before the panel makes a decision. It also details the principles of natural justice that guide the panel's deliberations.

The meeting was also scheduled to include the appointment of a chair for the panel. The agenda also listed a note from the Monitoring Officer regarding interests, which is standard practice to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest among committee members.