Issue - meetings

Division/Wards Affected: All

Purpose: A policy to manage ‘obstructions in the highway’ (including A boards, displays, tables, chairs etc.) was approved by Cabinet in January 2018.

Following representation from businesses the introduction of the policy was suspended to further consultation (in particular public meetings in Monmouth and Abergavenny) and subsequently to allow the Strong Communities Select Committee the opportunity to receive the representations, review the policy and make any recommendations considered appropriate to Cabinet.

On the 30^th July the Strong Communities Select Committee convened to consider if the policy should be revised. The Committee decided to recommend changes to the policy and these changes are reflected in the recommendations to Cabinet listed below.

Author: Roger Hoggins, Head of Operations

 Steve Lane, Group Engineer, County Highways Operations

Contact Details: rogerhoggins@monmouthshire.gov.uk; stevelane@monmouthshire.gov.uk

That charges for permits for displays, tables, chairs be withdrawn but that charges arising from non –compliance with the permit scheme (as detailed within the existing policy) remain.

That additional criteria be added to the policy to allow businesses to occupy an area greater than18 sq metres where this can be achieved without compromising safety or causing an unacceptable obstruction in the highway (and upon receipt of a risk assessment from the applicant).

That any request from a business to occupy an area greater than 18 sq metres be approved by the County Highways Manager or Head of Service in consultation with the local member and Cabinet Member for Operations.

That this committee recommends to Cabinet that the permit scheme for individual premises as described within the existing policy remain in place.