29th July 2020
Pavement Licences
This initiative is designed to allow restaurants and similar venues to put tables on the pavement outside their business to help compliance with Covid-19 requirements.
Businesses in the Maldon District can now apply for fast tracked temporary pavement licences to better serve their customers while adhering to social distancing and Covid secure guidelines.
The Business and Planning Bill 2020 received approval on 22 July. Owing to proactive work by the Council, under section 2 of the Act, Maldon District Council is now able to consider and approve temporary pavement licences in the district.
Applications can be made via www.maldon.gov.uk/concessions. Businesses are asked to read the guidance carefully for eligibility and their responsibilities as the applicant/business owner and to take note that the closing date for the scheme is 31 August 2020.
Licences can be granted until 1st April 2021. They will be subject to formal and public consultation and decisions will take only a couple of weeks. It is important for businesses to understand that they must operate with in their approved planning and approved licences. Not doing so may risk enforcement action being taken.
In addition, The Council remains open to more novel ideas that would support businesses to make use of open public space (Parks and Car Parks for example) and applications of this nature can be made via the link on the same webpage -www.maldon.gov.uk/concessions
We are also inviting local independent businesses to register as part of our ‘keep it local’ initiative “Made on the Saltmarsh Coast” visit www.SaltmarshCoast.co.uk to register and for more information.
Councillor Adrian Fluker, Leader of Maldon District Council, said; “I am very pleased that we can now explore ways of helping businesses to serve their customers. Temporary pavement licences will allow businesses to observe social distancing measures whilst welcoming customers back to enjoy all that the District has to offer. We’re also keen to receive other more innovative ideas about making use of public space.
“When out in the District though, it is important that everyone continues to follow the Government guidance around social distancing and hand washing to keep everyone safe and well.”
Maldon District Council is also supporting the National ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ Campaign and encourages food-based businesses to take part. The scheme is open to hotels, leisure centres and office canteens as well as restaurants. Businesses can register now ready for the start of the scheme on the 3 August.