Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel are deciding whether or not to grant 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 effect surrounding brick and mortar business and ruin the William Hogarth statue.

Seeking the temporary trading licence is Richard Johnson, a Chiswick resident, who was previously granted a three month trading licence for 20 food stalls back in August 2023.

Mr Johnson appeared on Dragons' Den in 2022 asking for funding for his Food St Market business, but failed to attract any investors.

The food journalist believes Food St Market would, "be a great opportunity that would help to save the High Street", and now wants to extend it for six months.

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

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

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

Those against mentioned concerns that the stalls located around the William Hogarth statue are inappropriate and could cause it damage. They also mentioned the market may lead to increased footfall, causing "littering" and "noise nuisance".

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."

Hounslow Council are yet to decide on whether or not to grant Mr Johnson a temporary trading licence for the food market.

If approved, the market would be held on every fourth Sunday for a six-month period. The stalls would be positioned on the public highway from 209 Chiswick High Road down to 123 Chiswick High Road.

To read the full reports pack for the proposed food market, click here.

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