Mobile Catering - Pitching on Privately Owned Land?

by Jenny
(England)

Hi,

There's a great pitch opportunity local to me, by the entrance of a popular dog walking location, away from main roads. It's down a country lane and at a privately owned car park. The car park is free for general use and I've contacted the owners about parking there - I've made an attractive offer which I think they are interested in but I'm thinking about potential pitfalls.

Are there any further legal requirements for a catering trailer to sell from a privately owned car park?

The trailer is health and safety checked, has a street trading license, insured etc etc but would the private company need to have planning permission for me to use the space to sell from a mobile unit?

My concern is them being put off from working with me because of land use/land law complications?

Kind regards,
Jen

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Sep 05, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Private land
by: Anonymous

In this case I'd say better to apologise after than to ask up front
If this place is fairly secluded yet you think is viable then just do it
Let's face it after a short while you'll know if the pitch is viable and then if it is you can start the tiresome planning process
If itv turns out not to be then you've gained some experience and a little income and you move on
Aug 27, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Planning Permission
by: David-

Hi Jen,

Great to hear from you and the opportunity sounds great, but you may have to apply for planning permission for a change of use. I would approach the local council planning department and tell them about your circumstances and see if planning permission is needed.

I appreciate you don’t want any unnecessary hassle for the land owners, but it’s better to know what you are up against as this early stage, rather than leaving it too late. Depending on the cost and what’s needed if planning is needed you could opt to pay or incur any costs. You have to look at it from a long-term perspective. Consider also if you decide to sell the business at a later stage, having the proper consent will only add to the value of the business.

Let us know how it goes, wishing you the best of luck.
David

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