Issue - meetings

Recommendations

       i.         The Executive adopt the proposed Pavement Licensing Policy as shown in Appendix A.

     ii.         If adopted, to authorise the approval of minor and inconsequential amendments to the policy from time-to-time by a senior officer to reflect legislative changes or correct any inaccuracies.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director Environment which sought adoption of the proposed Pavement Licensing Policy following consultation. Introducing the report, the Executive Member for Managing our Environment, Councillor Richard Foster explained that the policy established a consistent county-wide framework for pavement licensing following changes in government legislation.

Resolved (unanimously) that the Executive:

       i.         adopt the proposed Pavement Licensing Policy as shown in Appendix A of the report

     ii.         authorise the approval of minor and inconsequential amendments to the policy from time-to-time by the Corporate Director Environment in consultation with the Executive Member for Managing our Environment to reflect legislative changes or correct any inaccuracies.

Reasons

The adoption of a Pavement Licensing Policy enables the Council to effectively regulate the placement and use of removable furniture on the public highway. The policy is intended to ensure that such furniture is utilised in a manner that is safe, convenient, and does not give rise to public nuisance. It further seeks to preserve unobstructed access to the highway for all users, while facilitating the creation of vibrant public spaces and supporting businesses in operating in a way that is both responsible and acceptable to the wider community.

A six-week public consultation was held to provide members of the public and relevant stakeholders with a meaningful opportunity to review and contribute to the development of the draft policy. This process is intended to ensure transparency, encourage community engagement, and support the formulation of a policy that reflects a broad range of perspectives.