The Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee met to discuss an application for street trading consent. The application was for Raykdi LTD to operate a food trailer selling Indian chaat on Canon Street. After hearing from the applicant, local residents, and statutory consultees, the sub-committee decided to refuse the application.

Street Trading Consent Application - Raykdi LTD

The Sub-Committee considered an application by Raykdi LTD, represented by Mrs Dhaval Tank, to grant a street trading consent to allow them to sell Indian chaat from a stationary food trailer on Canon Street, Wednesday to Monday, between the hours of 14:00 and 22:00. The Sub-Committee decided to refuse the application.

The application was submitted under Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.

The report submitted to the committee by the Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services recommended that the application be refused in accordance with the council's street trading policy. The policy states that there will be a general presumption against street trading, but a general presumption in favour of mobile ice cream vans and mobile operators who remain stationary only long enough to serve customers.

The policy also provides for certain exceptions, none of which were relevant to this application. The report stated that other applications will be considered on their merits, taking into account:

• Public nuisance
• Crime and disorder
• Road safety
• Health and safety at schools and for their pupils
• Likely demand for goods being sold
• Availability of goods being sold in other fixed premises in the vicinity
• Objections received from nearby residents, businesses and statutory agencies

The report noted that Leicestershire Police, the Highways Team, and members of the public had raised objections to the application.

The Highways Team stated that the applicant had indicated that the food trailer would be on a grass verge, raising concerns about damage to the grass, the verge being unsuitable in wet weather, the proximity to a busy junction, existing parking issues, double yellow lines, and potential distraction to drivers.

Leicestershire Police stated that the location was a public green space, and putting the trailer there would destroy the grass and the habitat for wildlife. They added that people congregating to purchase food would block the pavement for pedestrians, pushchairs and wheelchairs. The police also stated that the location is a hotspot for people congregating and drinking alcohol purchased from a nearby off licence, Veerta's Off Licence and Superstore. They were concerned that the food trailer could attract more people to congregate and drink alcohol. The police also noted that the area is prone to littering and fly tipping, and there is not ample parking. They stated that there is a nearby takeaway restaurant, Jamavat, and other Indian food premises in close proximity.

Five representations and a petition signed by sixteen members of the public were received, objecting to the application.

Mrs Tank submitted additional information, including photographs of other food trucks operating in Leicester, and stated that there was designated parking near the proposed location. She also stated that the grass was already being used as a dumping ground, and they were willing to site the trailer off the grass and onto the pavement.

At the meeting, Mrs Tank and her family, Mr Hitanshu Tank and Ms Niddhii Tank, presented their case and answered questions. Mike Pears and Andrew Tuckwood, Highways Management Officers, and Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Gemma Birt, also attended to outline their objections and answer questions.

The Sub-Committee received legal advice and then deliberated in private before deciding to refuse the application. The applicant was informed that there is no statutory right of appeal against the decision.