The Licensing Sub-Committee (6) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 4th April 2024 and approved variations to two street trading pitches. The committee approved a variation to the designation of Pitch 917 on Melcombe Street and rescinded the designation of Pitch 1651 on Whitehall.

Pitch 917 Melcombe Street

The committee approved a variation to the designation of street trading Pitch 917 on Melcombe Street, located on the south side in line with the Baker Street building line. This decision was made following a recommendation from officers and was supported by two representations from the West End Street Trading Association and Highways Planning. The application sought to vary a designating resolution passed by the Council on 25 July 1990.

The variation is considered an exception to Policy ST5 of the City of Westminster Statement of Street Licensing Policy, which governs the designation and de-designation of street trading pitches. Policy ST5 generally states that the Licensing authority will designate specific resolutions for licensed street trading and may de-designate pitches no longer suitable. It also stipulates that no new isolated street trading pitches will be designated except in exceptional circumstances. However, Policy ST5(8) acknowledges that where a public realm scheme is proposed, consideration should be given to accommodating existing street traders, and changes to existing pitches will be subject to consultation.

The Presenting Officer, Ms Shannon Pring, confirmed that there were no comments from the Metropolitan Police Service and that the West End Street Trading Association supported the variation. No objections were received. The committee decided to approve the variation, with the condition that the part of standard condition 18 relating to pitch markings on the ground will not apply until the Licensing Service makes the relevant amendments to reflect the varied designation. This decision takes effect immediately.

Pitch 1651 Whitehall

The committee also approved the rescinding of the designating resolution for Pitch 1651 at Whitehall. The original designation for this pitch was on the footway, 6 feet north of lamp standard No. 15201. This application was also recommended by officers and supported by representations from the West End Traders Association, Community Safety, and the Metropolitan Police.

This application was also considered an exception to Policy ST5 of the City of Westminster Statement of Street Licensing Policy. Policy ST5(2) allows for the de-designation of pitches if they are no longer suitable for street trading. Circumstances under which a location may be deemed unsuitable include: not being used for trading for over six months; altered circumstances due to increased pedestrian footfall from highway layout changes, public realm improvements, or construction projects; or new developments where the pitch would adversely affect pedestrian flow or cause congestion, particularly near transport stops.

Ms Shannon Pring, the Presenting Officer, reported that both the Metropolitan Police and the West End Street Trading Association supported the application to rescind the designation. No objections were raised. The Sub-Committee decided to approve the variation, rescinding the designating resolution for Pitch 1651 at Whitehall. This decision takes effect immediately.

Fatayer Altayer, 198 Edgware Road

Separately, an application concerning Fatayer Altayer, located at 198 Edgware Road, London, W2 2DS, was granted under delegated authority.