The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hillingdon Council is scheduled to consider a street trading licence renewal application. The meeting's agenda includes the protocol for hearings and a single item concerning an application for the renewal of an existing street trading licence.

Application for Street Trading Licence Renewal

The primary focus of the meeting is the consideration of an application to renew an existing street trading licence for Northwood Hills Supermarket, located at 44-46 Joel Street, Northwood Hills HA6 1PA. The application is for a shop front licence, allowing the display of fruits and vegetables.

The report pack indicates that this application has attracted an objection from the council's Anti-Social Behaviour Response Team. This objection is based on complaints received and observations made during visits to the premises, citing issues such as delivery vans obstructing the pavement, pallets and crates left beyond the shop's boundaries, an open cutting station with food waste, and trolleys left on the public highway. These concerns are reported to have an impact on pedestrian access and the general street scene.

The Licensing Sub-Committee will need to consider the application, the objection received, and the council's adopted Street Trading Policy. The policy outlines both mandatory and discretionary grounds for refusing or granting licences. The committee has the power to grant the renewal, refuse it, or grant it with modifications, such as a reduction in the trading area or hours, or with specific conditions attached.

The report pack details the legal framework governing street trading, primarily the London Local Authorities Act 1990 (as amended), and Hillingdon's Street Trading Policy. The policy aims to foster a thriving street trading environment while being sensitive to the needs of traders and residents and promoting consumer choice and enhances the trading and business opportunities in the borough. ¹

The application is for a renewal of a temporary shop front street trading licence, which, if granted, would be eligible for a maximum of six months under the council's policy. The applicant, Ibrahim Karakus, has held a licence for this premises since July 2024. The proposed trading area is a 3-metre space from the front of the premises, and the proposed hours are Monday to Sunday, 07:00 to 23:00, which match the existing licence.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Response Team's objection references specific sections of the Street Trading Policy, including grounds related to obstruction of the highway and adverse impact on the surrounding area. The policy states that There is not enough physical space within the proposed trading location and any trading activity would have an adverse impact on the surrounding area by causing obstructions to persons or vehicles using the street is a mandatory ground for refusal.² Discretionary grounds for refusal include concerns about public nuisance, environmental damage, and the appearance of the trading area.

The Sub-Committee will also consider the council's public sector equality duty under the Equality Act 2010, which requires due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between people who share protected characteristics and those who do not.

The meeting is scheduled to be held in Committee Room 6 at the Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1UW, commencing at 10:00 AM. The public and press are welcome to attend and observe the proceedings.