Pavement Licensing (Table/Chairs)

To place tables, chairs or other temporary furniture on the pavement in England and Wales you require permission from your Local Authority.

What information/evidence will I need to provide?

A plan 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;
Public liability insurance
Contact details of the applicant;
Photos or brochures showing the proposed type of furniture and information on potential siting of it within the area applied;
Evidence that the applicant has met the requirement to give notice of the application (for example photograph);
(if applicable) reference of existing pavement licence currently under consideration by the local authority; and
any other evidence needed to demonstrate how any local and national conditions will be satisfied.

What are the conditions and cost of the licence?

Ipswich Borough Council has adopted standard conditions which you can download below. These conditions may be subject to alteration or addition, if necessary, for individual applications.

Your application must be advertised at the location for a duration of 14 days (excluding public holidays), starting on the first working day following receipt of the application. Consultation will also take place with other interested parties e.g. Responsible Authorities. If we receive representations these will be taken into consideration in determining your application.

Download the guide on how to apply for a pavement licence (PDF)

Condition relating to clear routes of access:

It is a condition that clear routes of access along the highway must be maintained, taking into account the needs of disabled people, and the recommended minimum footway widths and distances required for access by mobility impaired and visually impaired people is 2000mm from the edge of the furniture to the edge of the footway. Although in some cases a width of 1500 mm may be considered.

There is an application fee of £175 for new applications and then a grant fee of £150 for up to 3 tables (max 12 chairs) or £200 for 4 or more tables (or more than 12 seats). All licences are granted for 2 years. The renewal fee is £150 for up to 3 tables (max 12 chairs) and £200 for 4 or more tables (or more than 12 seats).

Will Tacit Consent apply?

No. You are not able to act as though your application has been granted. If you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period of 28 days, you may consider the licence granted.