Commercial Street Trading

All types of trading from a stall, van or similar is commercial street trading. Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, North Norfolk District Council has designated certain streets in the towns listed below as either consent streets or prohibited streets.

• Consent streets: Street trading is not allowed in these streets unless a letter of consent has been obtained from the District Council. Consents may be granted for any period from one day up to a year.
• Prohibited streets: Street trading is completely forbidden in these streets.
• Other streets: In streets without any special designation, street trading may occur without special permission

Street include all publicly accessible forecourts, roads, footways, or other areas for a distance of 15 metres from the highway.

From 1 April 2026, there are many changes to street designations which you can read in the policy.

Offences

It is an offence to trade in a prohibited street or to trade in a consent street without the consent of the North Norfolk District Council. 

There are other offences relating to contravention of various conditions of Street Trading Consents (see below). 

A person found guilty of an offence is liable on conviction to a fine.

Licensing fees

• View licensing fees

How to apply

You can find the Street Trading Policy below. If you are unable to access it or require a hard copy, please contact licensing@north-norfolk.gov.uk.

• Street Trading Policy from 1 April 2026

Apply for Street Trading Consent

Further information

Applications should be submitted at least 35 days before the proposed trading dates.

Applicants themselves should look around for what they consider to be a suitable site. The site must be in a position that will not cause obstruction to pedestrians. If such a site is found, you must complete the application form, together with a plan showing the exact place the applicant wishes to trade from and a photograph of the stall, van or other container. Applicants must determine and specify the ownership of any piece of land proposed as a site (i.e. Council or private). In the case of private land, a letter signed by the owners stating they have no objection to their property being used for the purpose concerned must accompany the application and plan.

The Council is under no duty to grant a Street Trading Consent and need not specify grounds for refusal. There is no right of appeal against the refusal to grant consent. The application form will be sent to the Police for vetting purposes.

Before any Street Trading Consent which involves the preparation and sale of food is granted, the vehicle, stall or other container must be inspected and approved by the District Council’s Commercial Team. Registration as a food business will also be required. Any potential food traders should contact the Commercial Team on 01263 516008 at an early stage for technical advice and information.

The Council requires all persons who trade in designated streets (Consent Streets) with the Council’s consent to be in possession of Public Liability Insurance cover. The amount of cover may vary depending upon the nature of the trading proposed, and applicants are advised to contact the Licensing Team prior to application to obtain details of the cover required. Details of this insurance will be required upon application for a Street Trading Consent.

The Council will only issue Trading Consents to individuals. Any company must therefore apply through a named individual.

No motorised stalls or vehicles will be permitted in pedestrianised streets.