Solution Sought to Cromer Traders' Street Promotions

Action against traders who put signs and goods on the streets of Cromer has been suspended as officials develop a solution that helps businesses promote themselves while staying within the law.

Following a positive meeting between officers from the County and District Councils, North Norfolk District Council is joining forces with Cromer Chamber of Trade, Cromer Town Council and Norfolk County Council to develop a code of practice to help businesses in Cromer - and perhaps, then, across North Norfolk - get permission to use some of the space on the pavements outside their shop-fronts.

With this solution on offer, Norfolk County Council will suspend its action against some 30 businesses that have been acting outside the law. This action had to be started after a complaint was received about signs obstructing the pavement in Cromer. According to the law, goods and signs, tables and chairs and other items may not be placed on public pavements without permission.

District and County Council officials met last week for preliminary discussions about how to help traders understand their legal obligations and, on the authorities' part, how to make it easier to fulfil those obligations with a protocol of some kind.

The new code will spell out what the applicable legislation and bylaws are, what permissions are needed for different types of advertising, displays of goods, promotional tools or branding icons (and how to seek those permissions). The authorities are examining the existing planning, licensing, highways and environmental health laws to establish what powers exist or could be delegated to grant permission. Examples of best practice from around the country will be considered to see how other towns and boroughs interpret and apply the laws.

In continuing to work with the Chamber of Trade, the District and County Councils intend to develop a code that all parties can agree to, that is in keeping with the character of Cromer, and that sets out standards of behaviour and appearance that local traders themselves want to uphold.

There is no firm timetable yet for developing the code, though the District and County Councils hope it will be in place by next spring. The Cromer code could serve as a template for a District-wide protocol.

There is no guarantee that everyone who has faced action by the County Council recently will automatically have their signs and structures authorised when the new code is agreed. Every case will still have to be considered, as is normal with planning and licensing applications, for example. Traders who wish to put, or keep, items on the pavements should approach the District Council's planning and licensing teams sooner rather than later as an expression of interest.

Councillor Virginia Gay, North Norfolk District Council's Cabinet Member for Development Control, said: "Through the regeneration of Cromer, North Norfolk District Council and its partners, including Norfolk County Council, encouraged the development of small and unique shops, galleries and cafes in the streets of Cromer. It would be a great shame for all that work to be undone by the strict application of highways law without trying to find a way to protect the street scenes we enjoy and treasure.

"We will see what freedom the law allows, and whether we might adopt or adapt local bylaws to help simplify things. But the code should also allow the community some freedom to decide for itself what is acceptable - and yes, that might very well include life-sized plastic butchers."

Adrian Gunson, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation at Norfolk County Council, said: "Items placed on the public highway, which includes pavements can be seen as part of the town's character or as an obstruction and danger to pedestrians. We did not look to take action in Cromer, but if a complaint is received the County Council has to act, as items should not be placed on the highway without permission.

"We understand that this can be a problem area, and hope that by working with the District Council and with local traders we can now find a compromise to grant permissions for such items. In the meantime I would urge all traders to display any signs responsibly so they do not provoke complaints."

Sue Brown, Chair of Cromer and District Chamber of Trade, said: "The Chamber of Trade is delighted that these steps are being taken, and looks forward to working with all those involved to develop the code of practice. Every town has a character of its own, and its variety of businesses greatly reflect this. Therefore a solution which will enable traders to help maintain the unique identity of the town without compromising safety, or breaking the law will be a huge benefit to anyone visiting, working or living in our wonderful town."

NOTE FOR EDITOR
Contact at Norfolk County Council: Melanie Willis, Planning and Transportation Communications Officer: (01603) 224222, Email melanie.willis@norfolk.gov.uk

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