Story Highlight
– Michael George applied for street trading near Perranporth.
– Concerns raised about hygiene and food safety standards.
– Cornwall Council’s highways department recommends refusal of application.
– Previous incidents highlighted heightened risk of criminal activity.
– Mr George to present his case at upcoming meeting.
Full Story
Michael George, trading under the name Mr Georges, has submitted an application to Cornwall Council seeking permission to operate a catering service from a layby adjacent to Tollgate Farm Caravan and Camping Site in Perranporth. His proposed operating days span Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with hours set from 7:30am to 10pm, although he notes these hours may vary due to factors like trade patterns, weather conditions, and the onset of darkness.
Additionally, Mr George is requesting an exemption to a standard licensing condition that would allow his trailer to remain in the layby outside of operating hours. However, both the parish council of Perranzabuloe and Cornwall Council’s highways department have advised against approving this request.
Consequently, the application is scheduled to be reviewed by the street trading and pavement licensing sub-committee of the unitary authority on Wednesday, May 13. The objections from the parish council predominantly focus on public health and environmental concerns. Specific issues raised include the standards of hygiene and food safety associated with Mr George’s operation, as well as potential problems related to waste management and recycling practices.
The parish council expressed its concerns in a submission to Cornwall Council, noting that Mr George has been residing in a caravan from which he plans to conduct his business operations. They assert that this situation should not be allowed to persist and suggest that the current application may serve as an attempt to legitimise his long-term arrangement.
On the transportation and operational front, Cornwall Highways has expressed its objection, emphasizing that the trailer must not remain in the layby when not in use. According to their recommendations, when the hatch of the trailer is open, it should maintain a distance of at least 0.5 metres from the edge of the road to avoid obstructing traffic and minimising the risk of accidents.
Last year, a highways officer evaluated a previous request from Mr George and expressed discomfort in approving it under existing conditions, citing concerns over the trailer’s security. The officer highlighted the rural nature of the location, suggesting a heightened risk of theft or vandalism, especially given the presence of gas canisters and other flammable materials on site.
In defense of his application, Mr George contended that he does not view the area as a significant criminal risk, highlighting his four years of operation without incident. He also noted that he holds insurance coverage of £10 million, as required by the authorities. He proposed that the canteen could be repositioned to achieve the necessary distance from the road and suggested illuminating the hitch using solar lights to enhance safety.
Mr George countered the stipulation that he should remove the canteen each night, arguing that such a requirement contradicts efforts to meet net zero emissions targets. He explained that removing the trailer nightly would lead to increased emissions rather than a reduction. Additionally, he mentioned that he resides in a nearby vehicle, which further supports his case for the trailer’s overnight presence.
To further understand the situation regarding safety and hygiene, Ian Bott, a senior environmental health officer, reported on a previous inquiry. He indicated that last year he had received a complaint and, during his investigation, learned that Mr George had been living at his sister’s home in Perranporth. He confirmed that Mr George was carrying potable water by bus daily, which was deemed an acceptable measure. Bott also mentioned that Tollgate Farm Caravan Site had permitted Mr George to utilise their toilet facilities, a situation he found satisfactory.
It is worth noting that there have been allegations regarding Mr George sleeping in his car during the busy trading season; however, Bott indicated he had no concrete evidence to support these claims.
Given the upcoming meeting, Mr George will have the opportunity to present his case directly to the licensing committee, offering explanations and rebuttals to the concerns raised by both the parish council and Cornwall Highways. Decisions made during this meeting will influence whether Mr George will be granted the necessary permissions to continue his catering activities from the layby as planned.
Our Thoughts
To prevent the issues highlighted in the news article, several measures could have been taken to ensure compliance with UK health and safety regulations. Key safety lessons include the importance of adhering to food safety and hygiene standards under the Food Safety Act 1990, which mandates proper management of food waste and cleanliness in operations.
The refusal recommendation from the parish council highlights concerns about waste management and hygiene, suggesting that implementing a robust waste disposal plan and conducting regular health inspections could address these issues.
Furthermore, the concerns raised by the highways department denote a potential breach of the Highways Act 1980, regarding obstructions on the highway. Proper placement of the trailer away from the carriageway and compliance with distance regulations when the hatch is open are essential for public safety.
To prevent similar incidents, it is crucial to obtain necessary permissions and approvals before operating a food trailer, including verifying appropriate licenses and satisfying environmental health officer requirements. Regular training and proactive risk assessments focusing on operational safety should also be established to ensure compliance and mitigate risks associated with outdoor food trading.
