Wiltshire Restaurants Push for Outdoor Dining Changes

- The move by Wiltshire establishments is part of a broader trend following the UK government's decision to make permanent the temporary pavement licensing rules introduced during the pandemic. This national policy shift provides a more stable framework for businesses wanting to invest in and expand their outdoor dining spaces. - Under the new permanent regulations, which came into effect on March 31, 2024, local authorities like Wiltshire Council can issue pavement licenses for up to two years. The government has set a fee cap of £500 for new applications and £350 for renewals, replacing the previous temporary, often free, licensing system. - A key point of contention in Wiltshire involves planning permissions for physical structures, especially for heritage sites. For example, The Pelican Inn at Froxfield, a Grade II listed pub, is currently appealing to the Planning Inspectorate after Wiltshire Council refused permission to retain a timber pergola erected in its garden. - The council's conservation officer objected to The Pelican Inn's structure, calling it "alien in the context of an 18th-century inn" and stating it failed to meet conservation legislation requirements. This case highlights the potential for conflict between the hospitality industry's desire for all-weather outdoor spaces and the council's duty to protect historic buildings. - The national trade body, UKHospitality, has been a major advocate for making al fresco dining permanent, arguing it increases footfall and provides a vital revenue stream for businesses facing rising costs. They have emphasized that the new permanent regime offers businesses certainty for long-term planning and investment in their outdoor areas. - While the national framework aims to streamline the process, businesses in Wiltshire must still navigate local guidance. For instance, Wiltshire Council has specific requirements for outdoor structures to ensure they are not "substantially enclosed" and to mitigate potential noise nuisance for neighbours. - The push for expanded outdoor dining is not limited to traditional pubs and restaurants. Other businesses, such as The Spice Merchant, an Indian restaurant in Malmesbury, have also sought planning permission for changes to their outdoor spaces, indicating a widespread interest across the sector in maximizing their footprint. - In some cases, community support can play a decisive role. For instance, Antico Café in Melksham received retrospective planning permission for a wooden terrace after all 15 public respondents and the Melksham Town Council supported the application, viewing it as an enhancement to the town's courtyard.