The Licensing Panel is scheduled to convene to consider a report regarding an application for a temporary street trading licence for the Chiswick Flower Market. The panel will also review standard procedures for hearings and the council's licensing policy. Councillors will be reminded of the need to declare any interests they may have in matters being discussed.

Chiswick Flower Market Licence Application

The Licensing Panel will consider an application by the Chiswick Flower Market for the grant of a temporary street trading licence. The application seeks permission for the market to operate on one Sunday each month, accommodating up to 65 pitches. The stalls, either 6mx3m or 3mx3m, would be located on the public highway adjacent to 123-211 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, W4 2DR-W4 2EG, W4 2DT, W4 2ED.

The report pack indicates that the articles to be sold include:

Flowers, plants, horticultural accessories, including but not limited to pots, equipment, garden ornaments, gifts and other non-food items and food.

The report notes that consultations were carried out with various bodies, including Licensing Enforcement, Hounslow Highways, the Fire Authority, Planning, Pollution, Health & Safety, Food Safety, Traffic/Transport, the Events Team, the Safety Advisory Group, and ward councillors.

According to the report pack, one representation objecting to the application was received from a member of the public, along with 66 representations in support from members of the public, and three representations in support from councillors. A ward councillor also submitted comments on the application.

The report lists three options available to the panel:

• Grant the application in full or in part, subject to standard conditions.
• Refuse the application.
• Grant the application in full or in part, subject to standard conditions, with additional conditions attached.

The report pack also includes the London Local Authorities Act 1990 Temporary Street Trader’s Licence granted to the Chiswick Flower Market, authorising them to trade on specified dates in early 2025. The licence outlines the articles to be sold, the pitch area, pitch sizes, and hours of operation. It also lists temporary street trading licence conditions, including adherence to Covid-19 social distancing rules, ensuring access to premises on Chiswick High Road is not obstructed, and maintaining public safety.

Monitoring Officer Note on Interests

The Licensing Panel will be reminded of the need to declare any interests they may have in matters being discussed, as required by the Members’ Code of Conduct.

A guidance note from the Monitoring Officer, included in the report pack, provides information on disclosable pecuniary interests¹ (DPIs), other registerable interests, and declarations of interests not included in the register of members’ interests. The guidance also covers predetermination and bias, advising members to consider the merits of each case with an open mind, as set out in the Planning Code of Conduct and the Licensing Code of Conduct.

Reference Documents

The Licensing Panel will have access to several reference documents to assist in their consideration of cases. These include:

• Order of Business - outlining the order in which the panel will conduct its business.
• Procedure for the conduct of Panel hearings - detailing the decision-making process, the rights of parties involved, and the principles of natural justice[^3]. [^3]: Natural justice is the principle that everyone should be treated fairly and impartially in legal proceedings.
• Hounslow Licensing Policy - providing a framework for the council's approach to licensing, including street trading. The Street Trading Policy outlines who is expected to apply for a licence, the types of authorisation available, determination processes, fees, conditions, enforcement, and appeal procedures.