A consultation has launched that could allow more street trading in towns across East Devon.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) wants your thoughts on the newly proposed draft street trading policy. The consultation deadline ends Sunday, February 26.

Some ideas planned include allowing Sidmouth Esplanade to become a ‘consent street’ – allowing traders, with EDDC’s permission, to sell products between May and September. It is currently restricted to one week during Sidmouth Folk Festival.

And the introduction of fees – a new consent or renewal application, as well as a block consent application (such as a mini food festival) will be £45 and it would be £25 to make a variation.

The majority of East Devon’s streets are already ‘consent’ streets allowing trading to take place, once an application has been submitted to and granted by EDDC.

Street trader stalls can include outdoor events and markets, street stalls, festivals and food vans at the roadside and in car parks. Or, anything where someone is selling goods on the streets, or outside in pedestrian areas or open spaces.

All approved applications will need to only sell items that are not 'offered or directly competing with permanent services and businesses in the nearby area.'

Councillor Joe Whibley, the chair of EDDC’s licensing and enforcement committee, said:“One of our key aims, as part of the new policy, is to ensure the needs of traders, residents, businesses and visitors alike are all met.

“Which is why we want to hear from you. Ultimately, the aim is for us to have a street trading policy which complements the amazing businesses we have here in East Devon, while also being sensitive to the needs of our residents.

“The idea of street trading is to offer our residents and tourists a greater choice of products, attracting people to different towns and villages in East Devon, with the aim of improving the economic benefits for everybody.”

Honiton High Street and parts of Axminster town centre have ancient charters which allow weekly markets to take place.

Visit https://eastdevon.gov.uk/licensing/street-trading/street-trading-policy-consultation-2023/ to see the draft street trading policy proposed.

To have your say either email your views to licensing@eastdevon.gov.uk or send them in writing to Licensing, East Devon District Council, Blackdown House, Border Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, EX14 1EJ.