Mid Sussex District Council has formally adopted a significant amendment to its street trading regulations, implementing a new resolution that will reshape how commercial activities are conducted across the district. The decision, made under the powers granted by paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, was confirmed during the council meeting held on December 10, 2025.
A District-Wide Shift to Consent Streets
The core of the new resolution is the designation of all streets within the Mid Sussex district as consent streets, effective from April 1, 2026. This sweeping change replaces the previous, more limited list of consent streets, which has now been formally rescinded. The statutory notice detailing this decision was published on the Public Notice Portal and dated January 29, 2026, with publication also occurring under the print title Kent & Sussex Courier.
This designation means that any street trading activity—encompassing the selling of goods or the offering of services from a stationary or mobile unit on a street—will require prior written consent from the council. This consent is subject to specific conditions and any applicable fees set by the local authority. The scope of the rule extends beyond just the carriageway itself.
Understanding the Geographic Scope
The new regime applies comprehensively to:
- All public roads and footways within Mid Sussex.
- Any areas that are open to the public without payment and are located within 15 metres of those streets.
Prohibited Streets: Specific Locations Excluded
While the default status is a consent street, the council has identified a short list of specific locations where street trading will be prohibited entirely. These streets are:
Haywards Heath
- Wivelsfield Road
East Grinstead
- Station Road
Burgess Hill
- London Road
- Civic Way
- Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Poynings
- Land to the north and east of the Devils Dyke Inn, Dyke Road
Other Location
- Lay-by on A264 Copthorne Way, Copthorne, running west to east
It is important to note a key distinction regarding areas adjacent to these prohibited streets. Forecourts, car parks, and other similar spaces that are open to the public without payment, but are not part of the public highway itself, are not covered by the prohibition. Instead, these adjacent areas are designated as consent streets, meaning trading there would still require formal council consent.
Implications for Local Traders and Businesses
This regulatory change is set to impact a wide range of commercial operators across Mid Sussex. Those who should pay particular attention include:
- Mobile food vendors and food trucks
- Market traders and event stallholders
- Ice cream van operators
- Other similar mobile or temporary trading businesses
All such traders are strongly advised to review their current and planned trading locations in light of these new designations to ensure future compliance.
Guidance and Application Process
Traders seeking to understand how the new rules affect them or who need to apply for consent should contact the Mid Sussex District Council Licensing Team directly. The team can provide essential guidance on the application process, specific consent conditions, and associated fees.
Contact details are as follows:
Licensing Team
Mid Sussex District Council
Oaklands
Oaklands Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 1SS
Email: licensing@midsussex.gov.uk
The council encourages anyone with concerns about the new resolution or who believes they may be adversely impacted to get in touch with the Licensing Team for advice. The full, official text of the notice remains available for public scrutiny on the Public Notice Portal.
