What do you think about street stalls trading in your town?

What are your views on street stalls selling seasonal craft items in your town?

East Devon District Council (EDDC) wants to hear your thought on the newly proposed draft street trading policy before the consultation deadline on Sunday, 26 February.

Street trader stalls can include outdoor events and markets, street stalls, festivals and food vans at the roadside and in car parks. Or, anything where someone is selling goods on the streets, or outside in pedestrian areas or open spaces.

The majority of East Devon’s streets are already ‘consent’ streets allowing trading to take place, once an application has been submitted to and granted by EDDC.

The newest proposed changed to the district’s street trading policy looks to:

• Allow Sidmouth Esplanade to become a ‘consent street’ – allowing traders, with EDDC’s permission, to sell products between May and September. It is currently restricted to one week during Sidmouth Folk Festival.
• The introduction of administrative fees – a new consent or renewal application, as well as a block consent application (such as a mini food festival) will be £45 and it would be £25 to make a variation.
• All approved applications will need to meet the new up-to-date policy – meeting current economic, safety and social requirements. For example only selling items that are not offered or directly competing with permanent services and businesses in the nearby area.

Councillor Joe Whibley, the chair of EDDC’s Licensing and Enforcement Committee, said: “One of our key aims, as part of the new policy, is to ensure the needs of traders, residents, businesses and visitors alike are all met.

“Which is why we want to hear from you.

“Ultimately, the aim is for us to have a street trading policy which complements the amazing businesses we have here in East Devon, while also being sensitive to the needs of our residents.

“The idea of street trading is to offer our residents and tourists a greater choice of products, attracting people to different towns and villages in East Devon, with the aim of improving the economic benefits for everybody.”

Honiton High Street and part of Axminster town centre have ancient charters which allow weekly markets to take place. The proposed changes do not apply to these areas as the charter exempts them from being controlled by this more modern legislation.

Visit https://eastdevon.gov.uk/licensing/street-trading/street-trading-policy-consultation-2023/ to see the draft street trading policy proposed.

To have your say either email your views to licensing@eastdevon.gov.uk or send them in writing to Licensing, East Devon District Council, Blackdown House, Border Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, EX14 1EJ.