Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel has granted a temporary street trading license for 62 food stalls in Chiswick High Road.

The application was met with backlash as some argued, including Councillor Joanna Biddolph, that the market would affect surrounding brick and mortar business and ruin the William Hogarth statue.

Richard Johnson, the owner of Street Food Ventures and the company behind the food market was previously granted a three month trading licence for 20 food stalls back in August 2023.

Now the market is to be held for a six-month period every 4th Sunday and the proposed hours of business would be from 11:00am until 4:00pm.

62 stalls would be positioned on the public highway from 209 Chiswick High Road down to 123 Chiswick High Road.

The food journalist believes Food St Market would, "be a great opportunity that would help to save the High Street".

The council received 90 representations in support of the plans, who feel the three-month trial market was a success, bringing the community together and wanted it to continue.

However, Hounslow Council also received 19 representations against the market - with those against Mr Johnson's application feeling that a food market is unfair competition for the businesses in Chiswick.

In regard to the effect the food market would have on local businesses, the licensing panel stated "that competition in the area is not a question, and the local licensing authority cannot be seen favouring one business over another."

Food Street was created by Richard Johnson who also created the British Street Food Awards (credit: foodstmarket/Instagram).

Those against also mentioned concerns that the stalls located around the William Hogarth statue are inappropriate and could cause it damage.

Adding that the market may lead to increased footfall, causing "littering" and "noise nuisance" - a factor the panel took into consideration when making a decision.

The panel said it was "concerned about the location of the stalls and proximity to the statue of William Hogarth" and that "there is a need to ensure that heritage in the area is maintained and protected."

To mitigate potential damage to the statue, Johnson suggested to sell "cold food from the stalls" near to it.

In response to the application, Cllr Biddolph said in her eight page document: "I write to object to the street food market. The trial has shown it has had a detrimental effect on cafés and restaurants that sell food.

"If it is allowed to continue, even at a reduced level of 20 stalls maximum, it could be devastating for Chiswick's cafés and restaurants. Any increase in the number of stalls could be catastrophic.

"This is the wrong place for a food market of any sort."

Richard Johnson believes his Chiswick food market would save the high street (credit: Dragon's Den/YouTube).

However research from Susie Mullen, a freelance market researcher and data analyst who gathered data on behalf of Food Street, found that the reception to the market was largely positive.

From the 158 surveys received, 85% of respondents found the market to be 'great' for chiswick and 13% thought it would be 'good'.

Mullen's research also found that people wanted more stalls, more space and seats to enjoy their food.

One respondent said: "Need more stands. More is better. Wishing you (Food St) much success because Chiswick needs this.

"(It) will increase high road activity and business. Save the high street!"

Mr Johnson is a Chiswick resident who has previously appeared on Dragons' Den in 2022 asking for funding for a different street food idea failed to attract any investors.

To read the full reports pack on Food Street's trading license, click here.

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