The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 came into effect on 31 March 2024. The provisions introduce a permanent pavement licensing regime in England to replace the temporary provisions introduced by the Business and Planning Act 2020. This permanent regime retains the key features of the 2020 regime, and contains provisions relating to Pavement Licences aimed at streamlining the route for eligible businesses such as cafés, restaurants and coffee shops etc to apply for licences to place furniture on the highway.
Licences can only be granted in respect of highways listed in section 115A(1) Highways Act 1980. Generally, these are footpaths restricted to pedestrians or are roads and places to which vehicle access is restricted or prohibited.
Full guidance is available here at GOV.UK.
Please read through the guidance notes, which can be found at the end of the application form, before completing.
The fee is £500 for a new application, and £350 for a renewal.
The application must be submitted via email to licensing@bedford.gov.uk and cannot be accepted via post or hand delivered.
The fee must be paid via our website the same date as submitting the application. Please note the fee is non-refundable should your application be refused.
The site notice must be completed and displayed by you on the day the application is submitted via email.
You can pay for your licence online here:
| Applicant | Address of Premises | Details of Application | Last date for Representations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not Another Jungle | the pavement area immediately in front of 58B Silver Street, Bedford, MK40 1NT |
Times: Monday to Saturday 08.00 to 18.00, Sunday 9.00 to 17.00 Use of the furniture: for customers to sit and eat and drink coffee and cake purchased on the premises only Time span: two years Furniture: 8 tables, 16 chairs, 4 planters |
14 May 2025 |
| The Hidden Barrel Limited | Seating area on the pavement adjacent to the front of 29 Harpur Street, Bedford, MK40 1LA |
Times: Monday to Thursday 10.00 to 23.20, Friday and Saturday 10:00 to 00:20, Sunday 12.00 to 22.50 Use of the furniture: provide outdoor seating for customers of the premises Time span: two years Furniture: 3 tables, 11 chairs, 4 barriers |
21 July 2025 |