City shopkeepers oppose licence for vegetable seller using van

Niaz Hussain, from Bradford, has applied to Sheffield Council for street trading consent which would allow him to ply his trade from a spot in Sandford Grove Road, just off Abbeydale Road, for up to three hours on Tuesday lunchtimes.

He has also submitted a separate licensing application which would allow him to trade from a site in nearby Club Garden Road in Sharrow on Wednesdays, from 11am to 2pm.

He has already traded from both spots without the relevant licence, which local people say has caused problems with parking and created litter.

Traders, as well as a council planning officer, have now submitted written objections against Mr Hussain's plans.

One business owner from Abbeydale Road said: "It is causing disruption to pedestrians trying to get past, affecting local businesses who need to be supported by the local community and causing local residents problems with parking.

"Also, when trading is finished there are loads of empty boxes lying around on the pavement."

Another objector from Abbeydale Road said: "I run a grocery shop and this street trade would affect my business as he would be selling the same items as I do.

"I do not feel that it is necessary to have a street trade as such, when there are many shops in the area. If I lose any more trade due to the growing number of similar traders, I would have to close my business."

The owner of a shop near Club Garden Road said: "I have been trading in the area for over 20 years. I pay rent to Sheffield Council and I pay rates in order to run my business.

"The trader would practically be on my doorstep, and therefore my trade would directly be affected. In the past, on days when he has been in the area, I have been affected.

"There are places he can rent in order to run a business – he should go through the same procedure as me."

Phil Abbott, Sheffield Council's head of planning, has also opposed Mr Hussain's plans.

He said: "I have concerns about the granting of this street trading licence due to the very close proximity of residential properties."

There was the potential for noise through customers gathering on the footway, he said.

However, Mr Hussain has also submitted two petitions, together signed by almost 100 people, in support of his licensing applications. Those who have signed the petitions say he sells good-quality fresh fruit and vegetables and his produce is "very cheap".

One supporter told Sheffield Council: "I am happy with the service provided by this vendor. As a local resident I do not have any issues with Mr Hussain coming to trade on this street. He makes my life easier."

Mr Hussain said: "My customers have known me for a couple of years and are very co-operative with me through this business.

"Providing my customers with fresh fruit and veg makes them satisfied and happy, which shows that I am doing a great job, and it's an honour to have customers like them."

Sheffield Council's licensing board, meeting at Sheffield Town Hall at 10am tomorrow, will decide on the licences.