Purpose

To seek approval to implement a pavement licence policy in accordance with the requirements of the Business and Planning Act 2020, as amended by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.

Decision

Decision(s):

1. The approved pavement license policy be noted.
2. The agreement to allow officers to work with the communications team to pro-actively engage with businesses on policy implementation, be noted.
3. The increased enforcement, while supporting pedestrians, be noted as potentially resulting in adverse publicity from businesses.

Reasons for the recommendation:

That the draft policy be approved for implementation.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

The Council could decide not to introduce a policy. The inability to actively manage pavement cafes will lead to increased complaints and could result in the highway being un-necessarily obstructed.