Bid approved to open new fruit and veg stall in Sunderland city centre

The city council’s Regulatory Committee discussed a bid for a new street trading licence.

The application, from Matthew Thoburn of Thoburns Greengrocers, asked for permission to sell produce at the junction of Fawcett Street and Saint Thomas Street.

This included fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers, with trading hours of 8am-5pm, Monday to Saturday.

According to papers prepared for the committee, Mr Thoburn has traded at the location previously between 2001 and 2016.

Following discussion, councillors agreed to grant the licence for the fruit and veg stall which will run for a year.

In 2010, Sunderland City Council brought in a new policy on street trading in the city centre.

Under the rules, applications which meet the council’s objectives – including selling healthy foods- are more likely to win licences.