Limited Licence Granted to Monthly Street Food Market

Three events to be held with just 20 stalls to test operation

Existing monthly markets at the site have proved very popular. Picture: Chiswick Flower Market

August 24, 2023

The highly controversial application for a monthly street food market on Chiswick High Road has been granted by the borough’s Licensing Panel but with limitations.

The meeting to consider the application was held on Tuesday 22 August for a proposed 6-month Temporary Street Trading Licence to facilitate up to 64 street food stalls in the area already utilised by the Flower, Cheese and Antique Markets, on the fourth Sunday of each month.

The three councillors on the Panel, two of whom represented wards in Chiswick, decided, as a compromise, to limit the licence to three months with a maximum of 20 stalls so that the operation of the market could be assessed.

In all 39 objections to the application had been received and eight objectors, as well as Cllr Joanna Biddolph, attended the meeting of whom five spoke to outline their concerns.

Their objections related to competitional damage to neighbouring food businesses and markets, duplication of choice, potential for extended rubbish and car parking issues and general loss of utility of residents in the surrounding streets.

56 statements in support of the licence were also received from residents and business owners whose reasons for supporting the proposal centred around the vibrancy, and business that this would bring to the High Road, additional choice, exposure to new and exciting cuisines, and the building of community. Three of these supporters attended the panel and all spoke about the potential positive impact for their businesses or life more generally.

According to the chair of the Panel Cllr Amy Croft, who represents Chiswick Riverside, everyone in attendance was given the opportunity to speak, and equally ask respectful questions of other speakers.

The Panel adjourned at 10pm to deliberate on the evidence that had been presented.

Cllr Croft said, “Whilst it is never an enviable position to Chair a meeting where the views of participants are so diametrically opposed, it is a credit to all interested parties that all representations, made either by correspondence or delivered orally to the panel were done with courtesy and respect.

“The local applicant explained the rationale behind the proposal, being to bring the exciting variety and experience of a high-quality food market to Chiswick, to give local business the opportunity to showcase their wares and increase footfall and business in the town centre.”

The Panel concluded that although tall of those who had raised objections and supporting statements made valid and well considered points, without the grant of the licence most arguments remain speculative and therefore difficult to weigh against each other.

It therefore decided on a compromise solution in which a Temporary Street Trading Licence was granted for a reduced period of 3 months (3 Sundays), and a reduced occupancy of 20 pitches (from 64). In addition, no trading vehicles are permitted onto the site prior to 8am.

The Panel intends that the impact of the market on businesses can be tested over a reduced period of time, with a reduced density, meaning that any potential negative impacts on businesses and residents will be lessened.

Cllr Croft added, “Naturally it is hoped that the market is a success, engages with and improves business for all businesses in Chiswick, and does not negatively impact the lives of residents. The licence granted will enable this to be tested which will enable any further licence applications to be better informed of the likely benefits and impacts.”