We are the authority responsible for the issuing of pavement licences in its area under provisions contained in the Business and Planning Act 2020. 

The Business and Planning Act 2020 created a streamlined process to allow applicable businesses to apply for a licence to place removable furniture over certain highways adjacent to a premises in relation to which the application is made, for certain purposes.

The licensing regime was originally intended to be in place on a temporary basis but has now been made permanent.

We are now carrying out a consultation exercise in relation to a draft policy on pavement licensing. 

The draft policy sets out a number of relevant matters, including:

• The Council’s interpretation of the scope of, and key terms in, the relevant legislation
• The Council’s requirements in respect of applications for licences
• The general approach and matters that the Council will take into account when determining applications for licences, including those who will be consulted
• The conditions that the Council will attach to licences granted or deemed to be granted
• The Council’s approach to enforcement and revocation of licences

View the draft Pavement Licensing Policy 2025

Make your comments on the draft policy

The consultation survey will remain open for responses until Monday 21 July 2025.