Record details
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Update to legislation
Please note that there have been legislative amendments made to the provisions introduced by the Business and Planning Act 2020 (Gov.uk) by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 which came into effect on 31 March 2024. Updates to the application process will follow.
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 the purposes of supplying food or drink.
Pavement licences are exclusively for the use of furniture pertaining to the consumption of food and drinks such as tables and chairs. Other furniture such as advertising boards is not included.
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.
Where a pavement licence is granted, clear access routes on the highway will need to be maintained, considering the needs of all users, including disabled people. Applicants are advised to consider the government guidance within: Inclusive Mobility. A Guide to Best Practice on Access to Pedestrian and Transport Infrastructure (pdf). Section 4.2 sets out that under normal circumstances, a footway width of 2,000mm is the minimum that should be provided. If this is not feasible due to physical constraints, then a minimum width of 1,500mm could be regarded as the minimum acceptable under most circumstances, as this should enable a wheelchair user and a walker to pass each other.
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 process for pavement licences work?
The fee for applying for a licence is £100. The consultation period is 14 days, starting the day after the application is sent electronically to the authority. There then follows a determination period of 14 days.
The process to accept the application through to the decision can take no longer than 28 days.
If a licence is granted it will be for a period of up to two years.
Here is a link to the full government guidance which gives further information including on types of furniture, eligible businesses and enforcement powers.
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 £5 million
- 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
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 14 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
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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
The licensing team will consult with Norfolk County Council Highways, Norfolk Constabulary, Norwich City Council Environmental Protection Team, Norwich City Council Food and Safety Team and Inclusive Norwich. Members of the public can also make representations.
Once the 14-day consultation period has passed the licensing team will consider any objections or comments made, before deciding on whether to grant the licence, and you will be notified accordingly.
If this decision is not made within 14 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. Please note that there have been legislative amendments made to the provisions introduced by the Business and Planning Act 2020 by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.
