The Licensing Panel of Hounslow Council is scheduled to consider an application for a Temporary Street Trading Licence for a food stall. The meeting will also cover the procedure for panel hearings and the council's existing Street Trading Licensing Policy.

Healthy Bite Stall Application

A key item on the agenda is the application for a Temporary Street Trading Licence for a stall named Healthy Bite . The stall is proposed to be located on the public highway opposite 253 Chiswick High Road in Chiswick. The applicant, Healthy Bite Chiswick Ltd, wishes to sell a variety of food items including falafel wraps, chicken wraps, halloumi wraps, rice with vegetables, salads, soups, fresh juices, and soft drinks. The proposed trading hours are Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The report pack indicates that the stall has been trading at this location since December 2019, with its current licence set to expire on 12 July 2026. The application is for a licence that would run for a period of six months. The report details technical considerations regarding the stall's placement, including maintaining a minimum unobstructed footpath width of 1.8 metres for pedestrian movement.

Consultations have been carried out with various departments, including Planning, Licensing Enforcement, and Hounslow Highways. The Planning Department has raised an objection, stating that the proposed stall requires a full planning permission and the land does not benefit from a permission ¹. Additionally, two representations have been received against the application. One of these objections, from a local business, expresses concern about the opening hours, suggesting they should be limited to weekends to avoid unfair competition with brick-and-mortar shops. This representation also raises concerns about potential obstruction of the public highway, public safety risks associated with LPG-powered equipment, waste management, and the cumulative impact of similar food offerings in the area.

The Licensing Panel will need to consider the council's Hounslow Street Trading Licensing Policy, which outlines factors for determining applications, including public safety, prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, and the suitability of the stall and location. The policy also emphasises supporting local businesses and ensuring the diversity and balance of the high street.

The options available to the panel are to grant the application in part or in full, with or without additional conditions, or to refuse the application.

Procedure for Panel Hearings and Street Trading Policy

The meeting agenda also includes a discussion on the Order of Business for the panel hearings, which outlines the steps involved in considering applications. This includes the appointment of a Chair, the introduction of the panel and officers, the presentation of the application, and opportunities for the applicant and any objectors to speak and be questioned.

Furthermore, the panel is scheduled to review the Hounslow Street Trading Licensing Policy ². This policy provides the framework for how the council exercises its functions in relation to street trading, covering aspects such as the types of authorisations, fees, conditions, and enforcement. It details the legislation governing street trading, including the London Local Authorities Act 1990, and outlines the grounds on which applications may be refused, such as unsuitable locations or undue interference with public access. The policy also highlights the council's commitment to supporting local businesses and enhancing the character and safety of the street environment.