Cheltenham Borough Council regulates street trading activity throughout the entire borough. This means that any trading that comes under the descriptions below would need a consent anywhere in the borough.
You need a street trading licence if you trade or display goods or services on a public highway.
If your street trading relates to trading as part of a market, please be aware that the council has adopted special procedures for this. Visit our markets page.
We offer pre-application advice for street trading consent.
Cheltenham has a small town centre which is already home to a number of established street traders. As a result, it can be challenging for new traders to find an unoccupied pitch where an application can be made in line with our street trading policy.
Please email licensing@cheltenham.gov.uk prior to making an application so we can advise on the suitability of your proposed location.
If your trading requires consent from the council, you will need to submit an application to us. Make sure you also read the council’s street trading policy before you make an application. It is important for you to understand whether your application complies with the policy requirements.
Apply onlineYou can also make an application by downloading the application form.
In addition to the form, you will need to submit the following documents:
We have an online map which shows street trader licensing zones and current locations of street traders in Cheltenham town centre.
View the street trader zone map
When you submit your application to us, you will need to pay a non-refundable administration fee. This fee covers the cost of consultation and general administration.
If your application is successful, there will be additional consent fees payable. You can view the current fees at:
At the council's discretion, where applications are received from charities, a 50 percent reduction in both the administration and consent fee can be arranged.
The council has adopted a street trading policy that sets out how we will decide on applications and the conditions that will apply to any consents issued. We strongly advise that you read through the policy before making an application. In particular, please take note of the permitted locations, the assessment criteria and conditions for consent.
Once you have submitted a complete application, we will consult on the application for 14 days. After the consultation period, we will write a report for the council’s Licensing Committee.
Your trading proposals will then be assessed by the Licensing Committee against the assessment criteria outlined in the policy. The assessment criteria will form the basis of the committee’s decision.
Applications for trading locations outside the permitted locations will be dealt with on their merits but will most likely not be given consent.
For applications outside the town centre, each application will be assessed on its merits.
You will be invited to attend the Licensing Committee meeting and you will be given an opportunity to address the committee. Please be aware that any objectors to your application will be invited and also given an opportunity to address the committee.
You can read more about the committee process in the Licensing Committee Probity Guide.
The committee will then decide whether to:
Tacit consent applies to this application. This means that you can assume the authorisation has been granted (subject to standard conditions that might apply) if you have not received a decision notice from us within 44 calendar days.
The timeframe above takes into consideration the need for a Licensing Committee hearing. Where a decision is delegated to licensing officers, the timeframe for determining an application is likely to be less.
There is no right of appeal against the refusal of a trading consent.
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint, the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, citizens advice consumer service will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European consumer centre.
Planning permission may be required for street trading, we would recommend that you contact the planning department regarding this on 01242 264328 or builtenvironment@cheltenham.gov.uk.
© Cheltenham Borough Council 2026
