Pedestrian Precincts

Who should apply?

Events

Anyone wishing to use the Lewes or Newhaven pedestrian precincts for fund-raising events, small open-air exhibitions, religious meetings, charitable collections and other events. However, amplified music or speech is not permitted. We issue licences to hold events. In most cases this grants permission for one day only.

Street cafes

Street cafes requiring the placing of table and chairs for the purpose of serving refreshments outside businesses already having a premises in the Lewes or Newhaven precincts.

Apply by post

You can apply for a licence by downloading and completing the application form below.

Permissions

Permission for placing of structures and objects in the precinct in accordance with council policy, permits for placing of tables and chairs for the purpose of serving refreshments outside businesses already operating in the precinct (see Council Tax bands below):

• Council Tax Band A: £70 pa
• Council Tax Band B: £180 pa
• Council Tax Band C: £295 pa
• Council Tax Band D: £320 pa

Application process

At least 28 day's notice is required when submitting a request. This should detail the proposed use along with the date required. If you represent a charitable organisation wishing to raise funds by means of a street collection, you will also be required to apply for a street collection permit.

On receipt of a satisfactory application the required date will be allocated, subject to availability, and a permit issued with a copy of the original application.

Further Information

All conditions of use must be adhered to along with any additional conditions that may be applied to a specific use on the permit.

All vehicles are banned from the precinct with the exception of emergency services, security deliveries and repairs to underground services and/or in connection with Lewes Bonfire Processions.

Street Trading

The street trading provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 are effective for regulating the activities of itinerant traders and Farmers' Markets.  They do not apply to shops/cafes that extend their business out onto the Precincts or (for example) political parties, which are campaigning from a stall.  These activities can only be controlled by Section 115 (A-K) of the Highways Act 1980.

Pavement licences

You may also be interested in the new pavement licence, enabling businesses to place tables and chairs outside their premises to serve food and drinks. This was introduced by government during the Covid-19 pandemic. It remains a temporary licence.

Downloads

Charitable use of pedestrian precinct application form Lewes District Council (PDF, 116 KB)

Permission to place structures Lewes District Council (PDF, 206 KB)

To obtain permission to use the pedestrian precinct in Eastbourne you need to contact EDEAL - Eastbourne and District Enterprise Agency Ltd.

Pavement licences

You may also be interested in the new pavement licence, enabling businesses to place tables and chairs outside their premises to serve food and drinks. This was introduced by government during the Covid-19 pandemic. It remains a temporary licence.