Pavement licence (outdoor seating)
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government introduced the Business and Planning Act 2020. This was to promote economic recovery and growth in the hospitality industry.
A temporary provision was made to the Business and Planning Act. This provision allows businesses in England selling food or drink to obtain authorisation from the Local Authority to place tables and chairs on the highway adjacent to their premises. This is commonly called a ‘Fast Track Pavement Licence’.
The temporary provision was originally due to expire on 30 September 2021. It was extended in 2022, 2023 and will now be extended again to expire on 30 September 2024.
The fast track process (determination within 14 days) is for defined premises to apply for a pavement licence for defined purposes, without the need for planning permission. A pavement licence, when applied for and granted, allows the licence holder to place removable furniture on certain highways adjacent to the premises for certain purposes.
For an extended period until September 2024, the Government has relaxed the planning requirements for temporary structures. This means that any moveable structures situated on pavements or squares or land adjacent to an existing authorised use would not require planning permission during that period. These structures would still require a pavement licence.
A pavement licence does not give permission for those who do not hold a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 to serve or sell alcohol or provide regulated entertainment. Those who wish to provide licensable activities will still need to apply for a premises licence.
Further guidance about pavement licenses can be found on GOV.UK.
Premises which hold a premises licence may also benefit from another change regarding the provision of ‘Off Sales’. Further information about the changes to temporary alcohol licensing provisions can be found on GOV.UK.
Pavement licence conditions
To ensure pavement licenses are used in a safe and appropriate manner, the council has set standard conditions which will apply to all licences granted, (or tacitly deemed granted) these can be found below.
Additional individual specific conditions may also be attached to the licence, where it is considered necessary.
The Secretary of State can also impose conditions, which will have effect on all licences, including those already in effect and issued.
Further guidance about pavement licenses can be found on GOV.UK.
How to apply for a pavement licence
Complete the application form below and email it to pavement@peterborough.gov.uk along with all required supporting documentation, including a plan which clearly shows the premises and the area of the highway you wish to use to.
All applications and any questions about the application process must be sent to pavement@peterborough.gov.uk.
Notice of application for a pavement licence
On the same day an applicant submits the application, they must complete and display the required notice (below), along with a plan showing the area where furniture is to be placed, at or near the premises.
The notice must be prominently displayed so that it can be easily read by those outside the premises, until the end of the consultation period i.e. eight days. If an applicant fails to display the notice for the required period of time, the application will be refused.
Applicants are required to submit a photo of the notice at the premises with the application.
Consultation period and representations for pavement licence applications
The consultation period is seven days (five working days), starting from the day after the application is submitted to the council. During this time any person can make representations against the application.
The council will also consult with:
- Highways
- Cambridgeshire Constabulary
- Planning
- Licensing
- Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue
- Pollution control
- Food and safety
- Local councillors
Applications under consultation where representations can be made
To object to an application for a pavement licence, email pavement@peterborough.gov.uk within the consultation period giving clear reasons why you object to the application, or part of the application.
Middletons Steakhouse
The deadline for comments is 27 November 2023.
Premises with pavement licences
The following premises in Peterborough have approved pavement licences until 30 September 2024:
- Argo Lounge
- Bijou
- Blind Tiger (ZT Logistics)
- Bottle and Board Ltd
- Caffe Nero (Nero Holdings Ltd)
- Cote Brasserie
- Embassy (Stonegate Pub Company)
- Five Guys
- Franco Manca
- Grizzlers Burgers
- Kaspas
- Kokoro
- Las Iguanas
- Nandos
- Nata Lisboa
- O'Neills
- Parrotts fish and chips
- Pizza Express
- Queens Head
- Tap and Tandoori
- The Bumble Inn
- The Coffee House
- The Dice Box
- The Stoneworks Bar
- Turtle Bay
- Wagamama
Street cafe consent
To place tables, chairs or other temporary furniture on the pavement, you will need to apply to the council for street cafe consent under the Highways Act 1980.
All representations received must be considered and any other relevant authorities must be consulted. Consents must not be unreasonably withheld. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us by the end of the target completion period.
Fees for street cafe consent
There is a £100 fee.