A proposal for a street trader to establish a concession along the picturesque Princes Esplanade in Gurnard, Isle of Wight, has hit a snag as the Isle of Wight Council’s licensing sub-committee postponed its decision.
The application submitted by The Salty Siren, aiming to offer a range of goods including ice cream, drinks, slushies, and beach essentials, encountered a hurdle as the committee convened this morning (Tuesday) but found itself unable to reach a verdict. The application had triggered nearly 20 objections from concerned parties.
Council officers, the applicant Carly Sykes, and objectors convened at County Hall for deliberations, but the absence of sufficient councillors impeded the proceedings. Only two councillors were present, falling short of the three required for a lawful decision-making process.
Cllr Michael Beston, who commenced the meeting, promptly announced its closure, citing the inability to proceed without the requisite number of members.
Ben Gard, the legal officer representing the council, emphasized the necessity of three councillors for the meeting’s legitimacy, necessitating its rescheduling to a later date.
With only two out of ten potential councillors available for the sub-committee session, the fate of The Salty Siren’s concession remains in limbo pending the reconvening of the licensing sub-committee.
