Businesses wishing to place tables, chairs and similar items on pavements and highways outside their premises will need to apply to the Isle of Wight Council’s licensing department from this month (September), instead of Island Roads.
The council’s licensing department already issues premises licences and street trading consents, so many businesses are already dealing with the department on a regularly basis.
Until the end of August the applications have been received by Island Roads (or council highways previously) and dealt with in consultation with the council’s highways PFI contract team. The new arrangement means applications can now go through a single point of contact for licensing consents.
Executive member for licensing, Councillor Paul Fuller said:
“The licensing department has a wealth of experience and expertise in dealing with licence applications, so it is a sensible approach to take on this responsibility to ensure consistency in processing and determining applications.”
All businesses which place items – with the exception of A-frame style advertising boards – on the highway (including pavements) may need permission before doing so. For more information and assistance they should contact the licensing department on 823159.
Earlier this year the council undertook a consultation on a new policy aimed at regulating the placing of objects on pavements and highways.
The policy, which was approved on 24th March, aims to ensure streets on the Island do not become overly cluttered with objects that can cause a hazard to people with reduced visibility, wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
