Application Notes - Consent for Tables and Chairs on the Highway

This leaflet advises you how to make an application to North East Lincolnshire Council to place tables and chairs within the highway and indicates the service standards you can expect from the Council in considering or determining your application.

Applications for permission to place tables and chairs in the highway are considered by the Council in consultation with the local police.

In considering your application reference will be made to the Council's:

"Policy for Tables and Chairs on the Highway"

You are strongly advised to read the policy before making your application.  A copy of the policy is available from Technical Services (Network Management) - telephone (01472) 324431.

Please be aware that in order to have tables and chairs on the highway in connection with your business, you will also require planning approval under the Town and Country Planning Act.  For further information please contact 01472 324252 or email

You should also contact the licensing section to seek approval for any variations that may be required to the terms and conditions of the premises licence. For further information please contact 01472 324768 or email 

If your premises operates solely as a "takeaway" outlet at present, then you may also be required to provide toilet and washroom facilities for customers.  For further information please contact 01472 324770 or email 

How to apply for Tables and Chairs Consent

1. You can complete the form on-line.  Please note: once complete you will need to print the form and sign it.  If you cannot print from your current location please provide us with your email address in the appropriate box on the form.  Once submitted a copy will be sent to you to print at your convienience. 
2. Attach to the application form the required drawings and relevant supporting colour photographs.
3. Enclose a cheque for the fee - made payable to North East Lincolnshire Council.  If your application is unsuccessful an administration charge of £200 will be non-refundable.
4. It is important that all the required documentation is provided as the application cannot be validated until the documentation is complete. 
5. Please send the completed documents: FAO Network Manager, North East Lincolnshire Council, Environmental Services, Origin One,  Origin Way,  Grimsby,  DN37 9TZ.

Consideration and determination of your application

1. The process of consideration and determination of your application will normally take between six and eight weeks.  If the application is referred to the Licensing Committee the process is likely to take longer dependant on the programme of Committee meetings.
2. When received by Network Management your application form will be checked and the fee paid into the Council's exchequer.  Provided there are no queries arising from the application form, your application fee will be acknowledged within 5 working days of receipt.  If there is a query then you will be contacted in writing and or by telephone and given the opportunity to respond.
3. The completed application form will be copied to the relevant officers for their comments.  This process will normally take about ten working days depending upon the complexity of the application.  If queries are raised by the officers at this stage then you will be contacted in writing and or by telephone and given the opportunity to address them.
4. Whilst consulting with the officers, Network Management will draw up a public notice of your application and serve it on the occupiers of fronting premises adjacent to the proposed location.  Such occupiers will normally be given 28 days in which to make any representation.  Any written representations received will be copied to you.
5. Having received all officers' comments and recommendations and public representations and taking into account the Policy for Tables and Chairs in the Highway, the Director of Environmental Services will then usually decide whether to permit your application.  However, in a complex case, or where a determination is recommended contrary to the policy, your application will be referred to the Licensing Committee for consideration and determination.  Therefore you will be informed in writing of either the decision (to grant or refuse) or the date of the Licensing Committee at which you will be requested to attend.
6. If your application is granted you will be informed in writing and the permission will be sent to you within five working days.  Standard conditions will be attached to the permission as well as any special conditions deemed necessary by the officers or the Licensing Committee.  You must sign and return one copy of the permission and return it to the Network Manager.
7. If your application is refused you will be notified in writing of the reasons for refusal. 
8. Where the refusal was made by the Director of Environmental Services you have the right to have the matter referred to Licensing Committee provided that you state in writing within 14 days of refusal your reasons for requesting referral.
9. Where the refusal was made by the Licensing Committee you do not have a right of appeal except by judicial review.

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