Policy on street scene actvities

On 22 February 2013 we adopted a new policy on "street scene" activities which include street trading, charitable collections and objects placed on the highway.  The new policy will come into effect on 1 April 2013.

The aim of the new policy is to:

• provide a clear and transparent policy governing all these activities
• enable the council to manage all objects on the highway, street trading and charitable collection activities in order to provide effective control measures
• ensure that activities meet the required quality standards, pose no risk to public health, safety and protection and do not prejudice the council's efforts to improve the image, perception and attractiveness of the town
• avoid duplication with other statutory provisions and to support our commitment to work in partnership with other enforcement agencies

The new policy measures are briefly set out below.  If you require any further information, please refer to the policy or contact the licensing department.

Street trading

The policy recognises that Cheltenham is a very popular tourist destination and seeks to enhance this by ensuring that all street trading that it permits enhances the town's reputation as a tourist and leisure destination.

Charitable collections

Our new policy on charitable collections is not significantly different from previous policies. We have introduced a number of new procedures for dealing with collections associated with peak periods such as Christmas and during the Cheltenham Hunt Festival.

We have also removed the limits on the number of collections permitted by charities in favour of a first-come, first-served basis.

Objects on the Highway

Although this part of the policy can be applied to most objects placed in the highway, it primarily relates to tables and chairs and advertising boards.

Our policy with regards to tables and chairs has largely remained unchanged because it recognises that tables and chairs enhance the town's cafe culture and street scene.

The policy with regards to permission to place advertising boards on the highway has seen the most significant change.

The new policy recognises our priority to ensure Cheltenham's natural and built environment is enhanced and protected.  To this end, the restriction on advertising boards has been extended beyond the core commercial area and now incorporates the entire designated conservation area.  Under the new policy, only a limited amount of premises within the conservation area will be granted permission for an advertising board.  These will normally be premises which are disadvantaged in terms of their location and in need of this form of advertising.  A less restrictive approach has been adopted for premises situated ouside the conservation area.  For these premises there will be a presumption in favour of granting permission subject to a number of applicable conditions set out in the policy.