Page 10 - Market Times October 2021
P. 10

10 MARKET TIMES • OCTOBER 2021
Govt plan to make street markets
set up during pandemic permanent
is ‘ill-thought-out’ — NABMA
Planning reforms allowing any street markets set up during the pandemic to run year-round could be made per- manent under government proposals now out for consultation. But though well-intentioned it is an ill-thought-out measure that will not help the markets industry, says Graham Wilson OBE, NABMA’s Legal and Policy Consultant
 REGULAR markets have always required planning permission but, in the past, temporary markets were able to operate without planning permission for up to fourteen days in the year.
During the pandemic the government decided it was a good idea to suspend the fourteen days rule and allow new markets to operate without the need for planning permission. It is now intended to make that temporary suspension permanent. A consultation paper has been published inviting comments on the proposal.
As a background to the consultation the government states that “as lockdown restrictions were eased in June 2020, the government implemented a temporary PDR (permitted development rights) which allowed markets to be held by, or on behalf
of local councils for an unlimited number of days, including the provision of moveable structures related to this use.
“This supported communities to hold outdoor markets and encouraged the use of outdoor public spaces, both to increase public health initiatives and the reopening of the high street. The government is proposing that this right be made permanent.”
The consultation refers to local councils but these are normally Parish and Town Councils. What about other local authorities? Are local authorities the only ones to benefit from the proposal? The ability to provide moveable structures does not make it clear whether further highways approval is still required. How does this proposal sit with market rights held by many market operators?
There are so many issues that
need to be addressed.
Both NABMA and the NMTF are disappointed that there was no discussion before the government brought in the temporary measure. We have no idea how much, if any use, has been made of this measure and our disappointment was increased when we were not even told of the government’s intention to issue a consultation.
At first glance it looks a well- intentioned but ill-thought-out measure which will not really help the markets industry.
We are told regularly that government values the markets industry as a key element of town centre regeneration, but words are easy, and if markets are to prosper we need genuine engagement with government that delivers some of our key aspirations. This is not a good example.
Graham Wilson OBE
Market Times asked for a Government comment on this article but none was received.
   Opportunity for traders — Christmas Market at Alton Towers Resort
A UNIQUE opportunity is being offered to trade on Alton Towers Resort’s first ever Christmas Market by the company that runs and supplies the infrastructure for markets and events up and down the country.
Eventmen, based near Tamworth, started running its own markets and events in the Midlands 20 years ago and has grown to become a major operator, providing the infrastructure for markets and events including York and Glasgow Christmas markets. Its flagship Chatsworth House Christmas Market, which the company launched in 2008, has been hailed among the top ten Christmas markets in Europe.
In any normal year, the family-run business is oversubscribed with applications from traders to stand at its popular events, but the pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the events industry. As a result, Simon Widdowson, who owns and runs Eventmen, is looking to recruit more traders for the new Christmas market at Alton Towers Resort.
“We are delighted to be running the first ever
Christmas Market at Alton Towers Resort, which will be taking place from November 27th to December 23rd” Simon said.
The market will take pride of place in Towers Street, right at the entrance to the theme park, with more than 60 stalls selling everything from crafts and gifts to speciality food and drink.
Entrance to the Christmas Market will be free. Visitors will also be able to experience Lightopia, a magical, immersive journey through the seasons with a mix of spectacular lanterns, light installations and colour transformations in the spectacular grounds. A selection of rides for the whole family will also be available at the resort.
Simon said: “The venue is perfect and this Christmas event will be amazing. We have an excellent reputation in this industry and particularly among traders, so we weren’t expecting a shortfall. However, the pandemic has been very difficult for event traders with so much uncertainty and so much disruption.”
He said the event offered a brilliant opportunity for any trader with a quality offer.
“The catering and bar concessions have already been let, but we would like to hear from traders who have a high-quality craft or food and drink line. Anything unique, hand-crafted or artisan would be welcome and well received at the family event,” he added.
Michelle from Drynosedog Designs, trades with Eventmen and says: “Simon and his team run the best organised events we’ve been involved with. Nothing is too much trouble and Chatsworth is the highlight of our year. I’m fully expecting the same attention to detail and success at Alton Towers.”
Eventmen provide the chalets, lighting and electricity and parking is free for traders. There is also the option of accommodation on site in unique star gazing sleeping pods at a discounted rate. Availability at the market is for 27th – 28th November plus 1st – 5th December (7 days) or 8th – 12th & 15th – 23rd December (14 days) or for the full duration of the event (21 days).
Anyone interested should email christina@eventmen.co.uk.



































































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