Apologise were received from Councillors Greg Udeh and John Bowcott

No declarations of pecuniary interest were received

The minutes of the meeting of 23 February 2016 were agreed as correct

The Licensing Manager presented his report on the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health’s model standard conditions and guidance for Pet Vending, Dog breeding establishments, Dog boarding establishments and

Cat boarding establishments.

The Committee noted that The City of London, Animal Health and Welfare Service provides expert animal health inspectors and veterinary surgeons to undertake inspections on behalf of the London Borough of Merton. They have requested that these model standard conditions and guidance are adopted by the Council. The Committee noted that these documents were more comprehensive and up to date than previous guidance and were  live documents that would be further updated.

Members noted that there are currently no dog breeding establishments in the borough, but there is one cattery. The Licensing Manager informed the Committee that the majority of FOI (Freedom of Information Requests) received by the LBM Licensing Department are related to animal welfare. Members asked if there had been any cases of illegal dog breeding in the borough and noted that there had not.

The Committee asked about pet shops in the Borough and noted that there were 5 licensed pet shops that were inspected by the  Licensing Team. Risk assessments were done on each establishment to determine the regularity of inspections.

RESOLVED

That the Committee approves the adoption of the following model standard conditions and guidance for:

·         Pet vending

·         Dog breeding establishments

·         Dog boarding establishments

·         Cat boarding establishments

as published by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH). 

The Street Trading Officer presented his report on the designation of parts of the highway for the purposes of Street Trading. The report concerns applications for 3 new licence street designations:

1. An area of 4.26m x 1.6m outside The Ivy Restaurant, 75 High Street Wimbledon Village.

8am – 11pm  Monday –Sunday inclusive.

2. An area of 3.05m x 0.8m outside Traders Antiques, 17a High Street Wimbledon SW19 5DX.

11am – 5pm Thursday –Saturday inclusive.

3. An area of 6.6m x 1.8m opposite the Hand in Hand, 6 Crooked Billet Wimbledon SW19 4RQ

10am – 11pm Monday –Sunday inclusive

The Committee noted that Future Merton -Traffic and Highways were content with the designations following discussions on the dimensions of each area. The Committee also noted that all three applications had been operating under temporary licences and no complaints had been received.

Members asked about Traders Antiques as there were concerns regarding the busy Bus Stop outside. The Street Trading Officer said that there had been extensive discussions with the owner to ensure that she understood the limitations of the designation. He also explained that each application was dealt with on its own merits and so precedent was not set by allowing this application. It had been noted how busy the Bus Stop was and there was still the opportunity for objections to be received.

Members noted that the licences could be varied or revoked if there were concerns regarding safety but that this decision could be appealed. Temporary licences could be revoked immediately with no right of appeal.

Members discussed the application by the Hand in Hand and asked officers to consider that the use of suitable barriers (ropes and posts with canvas inserts) be added to the conditions. They also asked if the comments made by residents, included within the agenda, be taken into account if any changes are made.

RESOLVED

That the Committee designates the proposed areas:

1.    An area of 4.26m x 1.6m outside The Ivy Restaurant, 75 High Street Wimbledon Village. 8am – 11pm Monday –Sunday inclusive.

2.    An area of 3.05m x 0.8m outside Traders Antiques, 17a High Street Wimbledon SW19 5DX. 11am – 5pm Thursday –Saturday inclusive.

3.    An area of 6.6m x 1.8m opposite the Hand in Hand, 6 Crooked Billet Wimbledon SW19 4RQ 10am – 11pm Monday –Sunday inclusive