Agenda and minutes

Robin Lambert, Markets General Manager, to report.

-           to consider an application received from a private market operator requesting permission to hold craft markets in Rotherham Borough.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Markets General Manager, relating to the receipt of an application from a private market operator requesting permission to hold craft markets in Rotherham Borough.

The requested dates and venues were detailed in the submitted report.  It was pointed out that some of these conflicted with other currently planned markets.  It was also considered the proposed markets were not being run on a charitable basis.

Reference was made to the Market Franchise Rights held by the Council and the need to protect existing markets and licensed markets.  Reference was also made to the obligation on the Council to use its best endeavours to prevent the establishment of rival markets within its area.  It was noted that a letter of objection to the holding of craft markets in Wentworth had previously been received from the licensed operator of the Garden Centre Farmers’ and craft market.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the request to hold markets be refused.

(2)  That when considering the renewal of the licences to Wales Parish Council and to Wentworth Garden Centre, the Markets General Manager in conjunction with Legal Services review the terms of the licences to ensure that they are protected.

Bernadette Rushton, Assistant Town Centre Manager, to report.

-  to consider temporary revisions to the current policy relating to pitches located at Market Square and Effingham Square in light of the proposed physical improvements.

Further to Minute No. 32 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Town Centres held on 10^th January, 2011, consideration was given to a report, submitted by the Retail Investment Manager, recommending temporary revisions to the current policy relating to pitches located at Market Square and Effingham Square.

Appendix 1 to the submitted report identified the location of designated pitches round the town centre.

In light of the proposed physical improvements to the area currently occupied by the Boots Fountain, consideration was given to offering Pitch 5 to the current trader on Pitch 1.  The reasons for this proposal were explained in detail and it was pointed out that food trading from Pitch 5 would necessitate consultation with surrounding businesses, and any objections received would need to be considered by the Cabinet Member.  It was also pointed out that alternative vacant premises around the market area were also available.

Reference was also made to the intended review of the future provision of permanent food pitches in the town centre.

Resolved:-  (1)  That, not withstanding any objections received, food use be temporarily permitted at Pitch 5 for a period of 12 weeks to accommodate the relocation of the existing mobile catering vehicle.

(2)  That a review of the permanent provision of town centre pitches for sale of food be undertaken and a further associated report be brought to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member in due course.

(3)  That an update be provided for the next meeting of the Cabinet Member.