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Pavement licence

A Pavement Licence permits a pub, bar, restaurant, café, snack bar, coffee shop, or ice cream parlour to place street furniture in an approved location on the highway. With effect from 31st March 2024, the Levelling Up & Regeneration Act 2023 made amendments to the provisions of the Business & Planning Act 2020, to make the Temporary Scheme introduced to help businesses during the pandemic, a Permanent Scheme.

What's different about the Permanent Scheme?

There are only a few changes between what was in place under the Temporary scheme and what is required under the Permanent Scheme:

  • the 7 day consultation period for applications increases to 14 days
  • the 7 day period to hold a Hearing following the close of consultation for contentious applications increases to 14 days
  • the Council can set fees for such licences (see below)
  • licences can be issued for a maximum period of 2 years or less
  • the Council is provided with the powers to enforce designated Pavement Licence areas

Who can apply for a pavement licence?

A Pavement Licence allows the licence holder or business owner to place removable furniture over certain highways, adjacent to the premises. This is in order to make it easier to serve food and drink from the premises and maximise capacity with outdoor tables and chairs. Businesses that are eligible for this permission include those intending to use the premises for the sale of food or drink for consumption.

What furniture can be used?

Counters or stalls for selling food or drink tables, counters or shelves on which food or drink can be placed chairs, benches or other forms of seating and umbrellas, barriers heaters and other articles used in connection with the outdoor consumption of food or drink. Licences can only be granted in respect of highways listed in S115A(1) Highways Act 1980. These are footpaths restricted to pedestrians or are roads and places to which vehicle access is restricted or prohibited.

How do I apply for a pavement licence?

Please complete and return the Pavement Licence Application form [46kb] by post to Licensing and Enforcement, Newark and Sherwood District Council, Castle House, Great North Road, Newark, Notts, NG24 1BY or by email at licensing@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

You will need to include in your application:

  • a location plan showing the name of the street, the proposed area applied for (including dimensions), and the positions of the street furniture (such as tables and chairs) to be placed within the proposed area;
  • photographic images of the proposed street furniture;
  • proof of Public Liability Insurance;
  • a copy of the Public Notice for a pavement licence [44kb] you must place on the front of the premises facing the street;

There is a 14-day consultation period beginning on day after the application is made. Applicants will be required to display a public notice at their premises throughout the 14-day period. Following the consultation period there is a further 14-day period for determination. Applicants will be notified on the Council’s decision. If the Council does not make a formal decision about the application by the end of the determination period, the licence is deemed to have been granted. The Licence may be granted with standard conditions or may granted with additional conditions specific to the site, or may be refused for reasons that will be clearly explained.

Following the consultation period there is a further 7-day period for determination. Applicants will be notified on the Council’s decision. If the Council does not make a formal decision about the application by the end of the determination period, the licence is deemed to have been granted.

The Licence may be granted with standard conditions (PDF File, 225kb), or may granted with additional conditions specific to the site, or may be refused for reasons that will be clearly explained.

Current Applications

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How much will a Pavement Licence cost?

The fees for 2025/2026 are:

  • new Licence (1 Year): £100
  • new Licence (2 Years): £150
  • renewal Licence (1 Year): £75
  • renewal Licence (2 Years): £125