Agenda item

The report and appendices relating to this item are included in the agenda pack.

The Council is requested to make the following resolution:

That Council passes a resolution for the re-designation to further areas within Chichester city centre, outline in section 3.3, pursuant to Paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 from prohibited streets to consent streets.

The Chairman invited Mrs Graves to introduce the item and drew attention to the report and appendix for this item which could be found on pages 27-35 of the agenda pack. She confirmed that there was one recommendation detailed on the agenda front sheet.

Mrs Graves explained that the report seeks to pass a resolution for the re-designation to further areas within Chichester city centre from prohibited streets to consented streets. ‘Street Trading’ is currently prohibited within the city centre, other than the pedestrianised areas of East Street, North Street and Crane Street and part of St Martin’s Street. These four areas are designated ‘consent streets’ under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 and it is therefore only these areas which are currently able to host a consented bona fide market or an event involving the sale of goods under the authority of a Street Trading Consent.

Mrs Graves explained that at its meeting on 1 October 2019 the Cabinet agreed a request for officers to undertake a consultation to review the existing street trading restrictions in place for Chichester city centre, to include all of the city’s four main shopping streets and some side streets, which would offer greater flexibility for local events, open up Chichester’s side streets, and encourage visitors to explore other areas of the city. She drew attention to a full list of the proposed areas is illustrated by map on page 31 of the agenda pack.

Mrs Graves added that the Licensing Team undertook a stakeholder consultation between 28 October 2019 and 22 November 2019. Stakeholders included Chichester BID, West Sussex County Council Highways, Chichester Cathedral and Chichester City Council. She reference supportive comments received from Chichester City Council and Chichester Cathedral detailed at pages 33 and 35 of the agenda pack.

Mrs Graves clarified that whilst in support Chichester Cathedral expressed their concern regarding the inclusion of Canon Lane given that it was mainly residential. Canon Lane has therefore been removed as a proposed area.

Mrs Graves then confirmed that a ‘Notice of Intention’ was duly published in the Observer newspaper series setting out the Council’s intention to pass such a resolution. Comments were invited by 1 January 2020 but no comments have been received.

Mrs Graves then explained that if the proposal is agreed a further ‘Notice of Intention’ must be published four weeks in advance stating the variation will be taking effect, however this would not invite comment.

Mrs Graves re-iterated that the variation, if supported, will mean that street trading in those parts of the streets designated as ‘consent streets’ will continue to be prohibited unless it takes place under the authority of a Street Trading Consent issued by the Council which is subject to receipt of an application and considered on a case by case basis.

Mrs Graves proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Mrs Lintill.

With reference to page 31 Mr Plowman asked whether Little London Car Park could be included in the order as consultation results linked to the Chichester Neighbourhood Plan indicate 83% of respondents would support more temporary events in the city. Mr Plowman then proposed that Little London Car Park be included. Mrs Sharp seconded the proposal.

Mrs Graves responded that if a further area was added it would require an additional consultation. Mrs Shepherd added that members could support the recommendation and request that just the additional area go out to consultation. Mr Foord confirmed that Jays Walk is included.

Mr Dignum added that he would like Little London Car Park to be used as a permanent market space.

Mrs Hotchkiss explained that within the Chichester Vision project the Car Parking Strategy would be reviewing all requirements for the city including electric vehicle charging points.

Mr Oakley asked if anything had been taken into account for West Street and South Street buses. Mr Foord confirmed that any applications would be decided on their merits and bus access would be a consideration.

Mrs Purnell questioned whether car parks would be included in the Order. Mr Foord explained that the appropriateness of the legislation for that purpose would be discussed with the council’s legal team.

Following a request for clarification from Mr Brown it was confirmed that disabled parking bays would not be affected.

Mr Plowman then confirmed his proposal which had been seconded by Mrs Sharp:

1.    That Council passes a resolution for the re-designation to further areas within Chichester city centre, outline in section 3.3, pursuant to Paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 from prohibited streets to consent streets.

2.    That officers be tasked to carry out a consultation on the inclusion of Little London Car Park in the above mentioned Order.

In a show of hands the Council voted in favour.

RESOLVED

1.    That Council passes a resolution for the re-designation to further areas within Chichester city centre, outline in section 3.3, pursuant to Paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 from prohibited streets to consent streets.

2.    That officers be tasked to carry out a consultation on the inclusion of Little London Car Park in the above mentioned Order.