The Licensing Panel of Hounslow Council met to consider a number of items, including a temporary street trading licence for Chiswick Flower Market. The panel was also scheduled to review guidance on declaring interests and the council's licensing policy.

Here's a breakdown of the key items from the agenda:

Chiswick Flower Market Licence Application

The panel was scheduled to consider an application from Chiswick Flower Market for the grant of a temporary street trading licence. The application pertains to the area adjacent to 123-211 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, W4 2DR-W4 2EG, W4 2DT, W4 2ED.

The report pack indicated that the purpose of the application was for the continuation of the licence, to accommodate up to 65 pitches on one Sunday each month, operating from 08:30 to 17:00. The stalls were expected to be either 6mx3m or 3mx3m, selling flowers, plants, horticultural accessories, gifts, non-food items, and food.

According to the report pack, the panel had several options:

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

The report pack noted 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. None of these bodies submitted objections.

The report pack also included:

• One representation objecting to the application from a member of the public, along with the applicant’s reply.
• Sixty-six representations in support of the application from members of the public.
• Three representations in support from councillors: Councillor Jack Emsley, Councillor Gerald McGregor and Councillor Ron Mushiso.
• Comments from Councillor Joanna Biddolph, along with the applicant's reply.

The representation objecting to the application raised concerns about parking, operating hours, and the use of the area around the Hogarth Statue. The writer, who identified themselves as representing residents of Elliott Road, Windmill Road, Chardin Road, Chiswick Common Road, Fishers Lane, and Bond Street, suggested a formal parking plan for traders, enforcement of advertised closing times, and a clear complaints procedure.

Chiswick Flower Market responded to the concerns, stating that they have a parking plan in the council car park behind M&S, that their trading hours have not changed since 2020, that they do not use the Hogarth Statue area, and that their contact details are clearly identified.

Councillor Joanna Biddolph's comments included a number of points:

• The eastern corner of Devonshire Road and Chiswick High Road should not be licensed for stalls.
• A formal parking plan is needed for market traders.
• An end time by which market traders must have left is needed.
• Car park closure the night before should be consistent for all markets.
• Hogarth statue area to be kept clear.
• Impact on business in Chiswick's cafes and restaurants.

Chiswick Flower Market responded to Councillor Biddolph's comments, stating that they follow their licence requirements regarding the corner of Devonshire Road and Chiswick High Road, that they have a parking plan, that they have an end time and follow it strictly, that the George IV pub is supportive of the Flower Market, that the Flower Market does not use the Hogarth statue area, and that regular surveys of local businesses have shown that they appreciate the increased footfall brought in by the Flower Market.

Monitoring Officer Note on Interests

The panel was scheduled to note the Monitoring Officer's guidance on declaring interests¹. This guidance was to remind members to consider the categories of interests in the Members’ Code of Conduct to determine whether they have an interest in any agenda item and any action they should take. The guidance distinguishes between:

• Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI)
• Other Registerable Interests
• Declarations of Interests not included in the Register of Members’ Interests

The guidance also covers predetermination and bias, and refers to the Planning Code of Conduct and the Licensing Code of Conduct.

Hounslow Licensing Policy

The panel was scheduled to consider the Hounslow Licensing Policy, which provides a framework for the council’s approach to the licensing of street trading throughout the borough. The policy covers:

• Purpose
• Legislation
• Who will be expected to apply for a Licence
• Types of Authorisation
• Determination
• Fees
• Conditions and Enforcement
• Fixed Penalty Notices
• Appeals
• Review
• Access by Council and Police Officer
• Price List
• Insurance
• Renewal
• Miscellaneous Activities