The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday 30 July 2026 to consider an application for the renewal of a street trading licence for Hayes Food Centre. The committee discussed the application, which sought to continue displaying fruit, vegetables, barbecue coals, and bottled water within a three-metre frontage. The Highways Team objected to the renewal of the three-metre frontage, recommending a maximum of two metres due to concerns about pedestrian access and highway obstruction. The applicant argued that the objection lacked specific evidence and that the existing three-metre licence had operated successfully without complaint, citing the council's guidance that allows for a three-metre trading area if at least two metres of clear pedestrian footway is maintained. A petition with 94 signatures in support of the application was also submitted. Representatives for the applicant and the Hayes Town Business Forum argued that there was no evidence to justify reducing the trading area and that each application should be considered on its merits. It was confirmed that no complaints had been received by the licensing team regarding Hayes Food Centre, and that the original licence in 2018 was for two metres, with the most recent renewal in 2025 having no objections. The absence of a Highways officer at the meeting was noted. The Sub-Committee adjourned for deliberation, with the decision to be posted later.

Renewal of Street Trading Licence for Hayes Food Centre

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for the renewal of an existing street trading licence for Hayes Food Centre, located at 64-70 Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, UB3 3ES. The application sought to continue displaying fruit, vegetables, barbecue coals, and bottled water within a three-metre frontage.

The Highways Team objected to the renewal of the three-metre frontage, recommending a maximum of two metres, citing concerns about pedestrian access and highway obstruction. They stated that a two-metre frontage should be a standard maximum across the borough. The applicant, represented by Heval Shefat, argued that the Highways objection lacked specific evidence and that the existing three-metre licence had operated successfully for many years without complaint. They highlighted that the council's own guidance allows for a three-metre trading area if at least two metres of clear pedestrian footway is maintained, which they contended was the case. The applicant also submitted a petition with 94 signatures in support of the application.

David Brough, representing the Hayes Town Business Forum, echoed the applicant's concerns, stating there was no evidence to justify reducing the trading area. He argued that a blanket two-metre policy was not supported by legislation and that each application should be considered on its merits. Mr Brough also emphasised the positive contribution Hayes Food Centre makes to the town centre's vibrancy and attractiveness.

During the discussion, it was confirmed that no complaints had been received by the licensing team regarding Hayes Food Centre. Councillors also noted that the original street trading licence in 2018 was for two metres, and the most recent renewal in 2025 had no objections. The absence of a Highways officer at the meeting was noted with disappointment by the committee members.

The Sub-Committee adjourned for deliberation. The decision regarding the renewal of the licence and any modification to the permitted trading area was to be posted later.