Record details
-
What is a pavement licence?
A pavement licence is granted by the local authority and allows the licence holder to place removable furniture over certain highways. This will be adjacent to the premises in relation to which the application was made and for certain purposes.
This is a streamlined process to allow businesses to secure these licences quicker than the standard process and allows them to remain in place for a limited period (not beyond 30 September 2022).
Where a pavement licence is granted, clear access routes on the highway will need to be maintained, taking into account the needs of all users, including disabled people.
A pavement licence will only normally be considered appropriate between:
- 8am to 10:30pm, Sunday to Thursday
- 8am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday
How does the new process for pavement licences work?
The new process provides a cheaper, easier and quicker way for businesses to obtain a licence.
The fee for applying for a licence under the new process is reduced to £100 and the consultation period is 7 days, starting the day after the application is sent electronically to the authority, it is currently a minimum of 28 calendar days under the standard process.
The process to accept the application through to the decision can take no longer than 14 days.
If a licence is granted it will be temporary and will expire on Thursday 30 September 2021.
Here is a link to the full government guidance which gives further information.
Before making an application you will need:
- to download and complete the Pavement licence application form
- a copy of a current certificate of insurance that covers the activity for third party and public liability risks, to a minimum value of £5million
- a plan/map showing the location of the premises shown by a red line, so the application site can be clearly identified
- a plan clearly showing 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, together with any other items that they wish to place on the highway. The plan shall include clear measurements of, for example, pathway width/length, building width and any other fixed item in the proposed area.
- to show where the proposed area falls wholly or partly in front of another premises, written agreement from the owner/occupier of that premises
- photos or brochures showing the proposed type of furniture and information on potential siting of it within the area applied for
- a copy of the completed required public notice and evidence that it has been displayed, such as a photograph of it outside the premises
- if applicable, reference of an existing tables and chairs licence application currently under consideration by the local authority*
* If an application for a permanent licence has already been submitted under the Highways Act 1980, and is still being considered by the council, ie not yet granted, then an applicant can if they wish, make an application under this fast track process. If a new application is submitted, the previous application will be treated as withdrawn. The applicant will not have to pay any additional fee.
Making the application
- On the day the application is to be submitted, complete and display the public notice and photograph it in situ. This must be in place for 7 full days, starting with the day after the application is submitted.
- Send the completed application form and supporting documents above via email to licensing@norwich.gov.uk
-
Once these have been received and checked an email will be sent back containing a link to enable the £100 application fee to be made. Without payment of the fee the application is not complete and will not be progressed any further.
Making the decision
Once the 7-day consultation period has passed the licensing team will consider any objections or comments made, before making a decision on whether to grant the licence, and you will be notified accordingly.
If this decision is not made within 7 days from the end of the consultation period, then the licence will be deemed granted as applied for, but subject to the published standard conditions.
A copy of the standard conditions is included in our policy document along with further details of how applications are made and considered.
Anyone wishing to make an application for a permanent licence can still do so and details can found on the tables and chairs licence page.
