Agenda item

Requests for the Re-designation of Streets in Bishop Auckland and Seaham for Street Trading Purposes

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Head of Environment, Health and Consumer Protection which asked the Committee to consider proposals to change the designation of part of Newgate Street and North Bondgate in Bishop Auckland from ‘prohibited streets’ to ‘consent streets’, the Market Place from ‘licence’ to ‘consent’, and North Terrace and The Green in Seaham from ‘prohibited’ to ‘consent’ streets for street trading control purposes (for copy see file of Minutes).

 

The report gave details of the agreed process on receipt of requests to designate and re-designate streets within the County. As part of the process consultation was carried out with relevant and responsible authorities. The responses were included in Appendix 3, and were summarised in the report.  No responses were received to the statutory advertisement from members of the public.

 

Members discussed the requests. With regard to the proposals for Bishop Auckland Councillor Tucker expressed concern that North Bondgate car park was included. Car parking was a problem in the town and the loss of this area may deter visitors. The Member was informed that trading in the area would be subject to controls and would only be permitted during organised events which had the support of the Council.

 

Councillor Reed suggested that North Bondgate was a suitable street for designation which would help to support the businesses in that location. The Licensing Manager advised that this area had not been included in the application. Councillor Tucker made the point that North Bondgate was narrow and may not be appropriate from a safety aspect.

 

Councillor Batey made the general point that a Scrutiny Working Group had explored support for retail in town centres, and had identified the importance of ensuring that the retail offer was across town centres as a whole, and was not restricted to market places.

 

Following questions from Councillor Hopgood, the Committee was informed that the number of events could be restricted, and an event such as a Food Festival which occurred over a number of days would be classed as a single event. The Member was concerned that a long event could potentially cause problems such as the loss of a well-used car park in North Bondgate, Bishop Auckland. A large number of events could cause damage to The Green in Seaham, as well as restricting use of the land by the public. The Licensing Manager advised that these were matters which would be assessed as part of the application process.   

 

Councillor Batey asked what assurances were in place that event organisers had consulted the Safety Advisory Group. The Member was informed that under existing arrangements organisers were advised to contact the Group. Members considered that this should be a requirement.

 

Following consideration of the proposals and consultee responses it was Resolved:

 

That

 

a)    the proposals be supported subject to the information provided by respondent authorities and the Council’s adopted Street Trading Policy;

 

b)    the following streets be designated ‘consent streets’ with effect from Friday 1 March 2019:

 

Part of Newgate Street and North Bondgate, Bishop Auckland

Market Place, Bishop Auckland

North Terrace and The Green, Seaham

 

c)    applicants be required to consult with the Safety Advisory Group prior to street trading being permitted for an event.

 

 

 

   

Supporting documents: