The Coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted on many businesses in the hospitality industry. To assist businesses such as cafes, restaurants and bars to safely reopen the Government have passed new legislation in the form of the Business and Planning Act 2020 which will allow them to apply for temporary a Pavement Licence to enable them to place removable furniture over certain highways adjacent to the premises for which the application relates.
The furniture is required to be removable, not a permanent fixed structure, and be able to be moved easily and stored away on an evening.
Before granting a licence the local authority will consider:
- How clear routes of access along the highway must be maintained, taking into account the needs of disabled people, and the recommended minimum footway widths and distances required for access by mobility impaired and visually impaired people;
- Proposed measures in place to reduce the likely impact of anti-social behaviour, noise nuisance, provision for no smoking, litter; and
- Proposed measures in place for social distancing and reducing the risk of the transmission of COVID-19.
How to apply
The law defines the way in which an application is made, which includes displaying a public notice outside the premises for a 7 days to give passers by the opportunity to comment by a statutory closing date. The authority will determine an application within 14 days of receipt.
If you wish to apply for a Pavement Licence, please read the guidance first, then complete the application form and return it to highwaylicences@middlesbrough.gov.uk.
Please note, there will be no application fee charged for this licence.
Apply
Read the Pavement Licence application guidance
Complete the Pavement Licence application form (DOC)
For questions or more information, please email highwaylicences@middlesbrough.gov.uk.