Site assessment

When considering the suitability of an application, issues we will take into account include:

  • public health and safety – for example, any reasonable crowd management measures needed as a result of a licence being granted;
  • public amenity – will the proposed use create nuisance to neighbouring occupiers including public events by generating anti-social behaviour and litter;
  • accessibility – taking a proportionate approach to considering the nature of the site in relation to which the application for a licence is made, its surroundings and its users, taking account of:
    • the required minimum footway width of 2 metres to provide adequate pedestrian access
    • the cumulative impact of multiple pavement licences in close proximity, in particular considering the needs of disabled people;
    • any other measures in place that may be relevant to the proposal, for example, the reallocation of road space; this could include pedestrianised streets and any subsequent reallocation of this space to vehicles;
    • whether there are other permanent street furniture or structures in place on the footway that already reduce access;
    • other users of the space, for example if there are high levels of pedestrian or cycle movements.

You are strongly encouraged to talk to neighbouring businesses and occupiers prior to submitting an application, and so take any issues around noise and nuisance into consideration as part of the proposal.