Street trading policy change allows a three-month trial for new locations in South Cambridgeshire

An updated street trading policy is set for South Cambridgeshire to allow greater flexibility and opportunities for businesses.

The new policy brings two key changes into force to support the growth of street traders such as food vans, flower stalls and cake vans.

The changes align with the District Council’s corporate objective to grow local businesses and economies. They are:

• A three-month trial for new premises. This allows traders to assess suitability or viability of a new location before committing to an annual consent.
• A new ad-hoc trading consent, enabling trading for up to four times a year in one location to meet business needs or assess viability.

The existing fair approach to street trading continues across the District while ensuring it complements local shops.

Cllr Natalie Warren-Green, Lead Cabinet Member for South Cambridgeshire District Council for Licensing, said: “Street trading can provide a wonderfully enriching and useful service to people who live in, or visit, the South Cambridgeshire area, particularly in rural areas without many local shops. Through thoughtful policies we hope to empower street traders to flourish which in turn brings to life our neighbourhoods as well as providing opportunity to local entrepreneurs.”

The updated policy is designed to be sensitive to residents, consider business need and provide diversity and consumer choice. A key element is enhancing the character, ambience, and safety of local environments, whilst supporting local businesses.

The policy updates were discussed in a meeting of the District Licensing Committee on 18 September.

The new Street Trading Policy received comments from a range of stakeholders including:

• Parish and Town Councils
• Existing street traders and trade representatives
• Businesses via the Council newsletter
• Environmental Health
• Cambridgeshire Police
• Shared Planning Service
• Cambridgeshire County Council Highways

Covered are all streets except the A11 and A14, and any area of land in the ownership and control of the County, District or Parish Council. 

It is important that people know that they must get a street trading consent issued by the District Council before they can trade in the street. To find out more visit our webpage.