Before you start
To allow sufficient time to process and advertise all the road closures for your Street Party, it is required that the application is received within 6 weeks prior to the event.
- Applications received within less than 6 weeks will not be approved.
- Consult with affected residents and businesses before applying.
- For details on how Hounslow Council processes personal data, read our privacy notice
- The cost for a road closure is £33.70.
You need to be able to provide the following details:
- Road name
- Section of the road that will be closed.
- Properties affected.
- Date of party
- Time of party (start/end)
- Expected attendance.
- Evidence that all residents of the street have been consulted and there is a majority in favour of the party taking place.
We will ask you to
- confirm that you have consulted with affected residents and businesses.
- agree to source, set up and remove road closure signs and barriers.
- confirm that emergency access will be maintained during the party.
- agree to clean up and remove rubbish and recycling after the party.
What happens next?
We will review your application within 10 working days to confirm if a road closure is possible.
We may contact you to ask for more information.
Your application may be declined if closing the road would have a negative impact on public transport routes, emergency access routes, through traffic, or nearby residents or businesses or if your road is on a bus route.• The first 10 metres (30 feet) of each end of the street party (unless it is a cul-de-sac), should be always kept clear, as must access to service roads and passages.
- Road closure signs must be exhibited at all entrances into the street. Traffic must be prevented from entering the street by some form of barrier which can be easily moved. Signage and barriers can either be borrowed from the council or hired from a reputable hire shop and must be used to officially close the street.
- Access for pedestrians must be always maintained. Tables, chairs, and other obstructions should be positioned such that access for emergency service vehicles is maintained should the need arise. These must be adequately lit after dark. As far as is reasonably practicable, access must be provided at all times for any traffic wishing to call at premises in the street.
- Banners or bunting across the width of the street must be at least 4.6 metres (15 feet) above the road surface.
- No damage is to be caused to the carriageway, footway, street trees or street furniture. The street is to be left in a clean and tidy condition.
- No fires or barbeques will be permitted on the highway.
- If the application for street closure is approved, the organiser will need to inform the Police (Safer neighbourhood team), Ambulance & Fire services.
- Make sure everyone who may be affected by the event knows what is planned and is happy with it, e.g. date and duration of the event, any road closures, increased noise etc. If you have any questions please contact the Traffic, Transport & Parking team by emailing traffic@hounslow.gov.uk or telephoning 0208 583 3322.
FAQ’s and checklist
Can the council refuse?
Yes, if there are planned works or other activities that would either impact or adversely affect either the event itself or the planned works programmed, however we would seek to find alternative dates when the event could be held. In addition, we could also refuse if we had concerns about the safety, or the suitability of the location or the event.
Do we need insurance cover?
We believe that public liability insurance cover for a small residential street party is good idea, you might find it helpful to go on Streets Alive (www.streetparty.org.uk) and The Big Lunch website (www.thebiglunch.com) for further advice. Quotes for insurance start from as little as £50.
Do I need to do a risk assessment?
It is always a good idea to have a risk plan for small street parties, thinking about how you can minimise things going wrong and having a backup plan are vital to ensuring success, for example - what would you do if there was bad weather? Can you use plastic plates and cups rather than glass? Have you made sure an adult is in charge of the barbeque etc.
We're serving alcoholic drinks - do we need an alcohol licence?
No, licences are only required if alcohol is served at a private party, sharing drinks with your neighbours does not require a licence.
We're playing music - do we need an entertainment licence?
No - if your street party is a private party for residents and the music is not advertised in advance to attract people, and you’re not making money then there is no need for a licence for your music, whether it’s live or recorded. However, please make sure your music is not too loud, or played too late to avoid causing nuisance to others.
Do we need a permit to serve food?
No - as a private party, you do not need a licence under the Licensing Act 2003 to sell food).
Do we need to clean up afterwards?
London Borough of Hounslow and Hounslow Highways are pleased to be able to help with street cleansing for street parties. We will ensure that the street is clean before the party, will provide bags to place waste in, and will pick them up afterwards.When will the barriers be delivered?
Once you have received approval of your application, our contractors Hounslow Highways will deliver barriers for your road (if you have requested them on the application form) at least 1 day prior to your Street Party.
When will the barriers be picked up?
If your party is over a weekend, the barriers will be collected on a Monday.
If the Party is over a bank holiday the barriers will be collected the following day.
