Popular market granted licence to return to High Street after year absence

A nearby business objected fearing a loss of trade for local shops

Thornbury Market is returning to the High Street after councillors granted permission. Green Top Events’ street trading licence application for the fourth Saturday of every month until next February was approved by South Gloucestershire Council licensing sub-committee.

A nearby business objected saying it would harm local shops’ income, while one resident wrote in support. The artisan craft market was moved temporarily to St Mary Street car park a year ago while multi-million-pound work took place to partially pedestrianise the High Street and make it one way.

But it will now return to its former home from 10am to 3pm from April 27, having already obtained the necessary road closures for the next year. In their submission, the objector said: “Putting stalls on the High Street will take trade away from shops that are already struggling.”

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Green Top Markets managing director Gareth Osullivan told the hearing: “We know the need for the market. We do support the small businesses. We know the increase in profitability they get from the market with the added footfall.

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“We work closely with businesses to know there is no conflict of interest with the traders and what they sell, so we’re hoping we’re going to get back there. It helps to regenerate the High Street and brings more customers in.”

South Gloucestershire Council senior licensing officer Emma Pain said: “The market has previously been held in the High Street with no complaints received by this licensing authority.” A report to the sub-committee on Wednesday, March 27, said: “Officers of the licensing service are aware of the road closure and possible use of disabled parking bays to accommodate market stalls.

“Alternative disabled parking bays are available in other council public car parks on St Mary Street, Castle Court and Rock Street, but it is acknowledged these do not give immediate access to the local shops, amenities or a market taking place in the High Street. Officers are also aware that dropped kerbs in the High Street were blocked by traders at the inaugural street market that took place on October 10, 2020.

“The market organiser (applicant) was made aware of these issues following that event, and this must be addressed by the applicant for the street trading consent as part of the event management plan to ensure access at all times for persons on the High Street.” No responses were received to the application from the police or any other council departments.