General information
A pavement licence is granted by the local authority, or deemed to have been granted, which allows the licence-holder to place removable furniture over certain highways adjacent to the premises in relation to which the application was made, for certain purposes.
You will still need to apply for permission to carry out activities not licensable under the Pavement Licensing regime, under the Highways Act 1980. Examples of activities include the placement of furniture that is not removeable, such as bolted to the ground or cannot be reasonably removed, or placement of furniture other than tables, chairs, or stools on the highway.
We support and encourage the provision of street cafes in town centres and the larger villages within the district, as they make a positive contribution by adding vitality, colour, life and interest to the street scene. They can help maximise the use of public spaces, aid the local economy and add to the facilities offered to people who visit, live and work in the district.
Local guidance
Although each application is judged on its individual merits, we have provided local guidance covering eligible businesses, types of furniture permitted, times of operation, inclusion and diversity, along with details of the application, consultation and determination process.
You’re encouraged to read the local guidance (PDF) fully before making an application.
Applications - Pavement Licence (removable furniture)
When you apply, you will need to include the following:
- a completed application form
- the required fee, paid online or by credit or debit card over the phone?
- a plan showing the location of the premises shown by a red line, so the application site can be clearly identified
- a plan clearly showing the location of the current boundary of the premises and the proposed area covered by the licence in relation to the highway, if not to scale, with measurements clearly shown. The plan must show the positions and number of the proposed tables and chairs, as well as any other items you want to place on the highway. The plan should include clear measurements of, for example, pathway width and length, building width and any other fixed item in the proposed area.
- the proposed days of the week and the times of when you propose to put furniture on the highway
- photos or brochures showing the proposed type of furniture and information on potential siting of it within the area applied
- a copy of a current certificate of insurance that covers the activity for third party and public liability risks, to a minimum value of £5 million
Applications will be determined within 28 days from receipt of a valid application. If the local authority doesn’t determine the application within the 28-day period, the application will be deemed to have been granted. Tacit consent therefore applies.
Applications - Highways Act 1980 (non-removable furniture)
For any facilities falling outside the pavement licensing scheme, such as permission for non-removable furniture, an application must be made under the Highways Act 1980.
We don't currently consider applications for Advertising Boards.
Fees
Details of all the fees and charges associated with pavement licensing can be found by visiting fees and charges.
Public Notice
You (the applicant) are required to affix a notice to the premises, so it’s easily visible and legible to the public on the day you submit the application to the local authority.
You must make sure the notice remains in place for the duration of the public consultation period which is 14 days starting from the day after the application is submitted to the authority. When counting ‘days’, public holidays are not included. To meet the notice requirements for a valid application, you can download this public notice template (PDF).
Duration of Licences
Pavement licences will be granted for a two-year period. We will use our discretion to grant a licence for a shorter period if appropriate.
More information
For more information, you can visit Gov.uk: Guidance to accompany pavement licensing introduced in the Business and Planning Act 2020 or email licensing@brentwood.gov.uk.