Issue - meetings

That the Market Policy, as amended following public consultation, be adopted, taking effect from the 1January 2026.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the draft Market Policy, recognising the value of markets to the local economy and community character. Members heard that the Council was keen to maintain a balance of markets within the district and ensure that there was consistency in the way that markets were organised. The new policy sought to set out the basis upon which markets were held and the process by which applications for new markets would be considered.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth explained that previously, markets had shifted from being licensed under market acts to the street trading policy, which limited flexibility, particularly on pricing. Once the new market policy came into effect, all references to markets would be removed from the street trading policy. A public consultation was conducted, with few responses received, and the resulting changes were detailed within the report. The policy was set to be reviewed every 5 years.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth proposed that the recommendation in the report be supported. The Executive Member for Corporate Services seconded the proposal.

The Executive Member for Communities observed that the market in Hertford had been notably busy and acknowledged that whilst the new policy had not yet taken effect, changes made to date appeared to have had a positive impact.

The motion to support the recommendation, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the Market Policy, as amended following public consultation, be adopted, taking effect from the 1January 2026.