Important information for all new Food Businesses. Read these pages thoroughly before applying. Before starting a food business (including at home), you must consider the following:
Planning Permission:
Before starting a business, including operating from your home, you must consider whether planning permission is required.
If you intend to use a house, flat, or other property for business purposes, or if you propose to erect, alter, or use any building or structure in connection with the business (for example, a garden office, workshop, storage building, or similar structure), planning permission may be required.
It is your responsibility to find out if planning permission is necessary. If required, you will need to demonstrate that the appropriate planning permission has been given before commencing the business use.
If you are unsure whether planning permission is needed, please seek advice from the Council's Planning Service. Find further guidance on pre-application and submitting an application.
Landlord permission including Colchester Borough Homes
If you are renting you are very likely to need your landlord’s express permission to use the home to run a food business from. Please note that Colchester Borough Homes conditions of tenancy do not allow for a business to be run from their homes.
Business Rates
You may require building control consent due to a 'change of use' of the premises or alterations /additions to your property. You may have to pay increased rates for a business.
Find out if this is applicable to you
Insurance and liabilities
Just in case things go wrong you MUST take out insurance to cover claims against you, including whether your home insurance cover is adequate and public liability insurance might be needed. You should consult your solicitor or insurance agent about this. We will check to see if this is in place at your inspection.
If you are inviting members of the public onto your property , including to work, you are liable for their health and safety whilst they are there, both by enforcement authorities such as Colchester City Council, the HSE and privately via civil claims. Visitors can include people with health conditions that impairs them in some way, and they may also visit when conditions aren’t ideal, for example, when its dark. As well as considering your insurance, please also consider if it is safe for members of the public on your property.
Licensing
If you supply alcohol, provide entertainment to the public or provide food and/or drinks between 23.00 and 05.00, you may require a licence.
Licensing | Colchester City Council
Please contact Licensing for further information on 01206 282520 or email licensing.team@colchester.gov.uk
Street Trading
If you are a mobile trader or trading on the street you may require a street trading licence from the Markets Team
Colchester Market | Colchester City Council
Waste
You need to ensure you have adequate arrangements for the removal of your waste. One option is to arrange this via the Council webpages.
Business Waste | Colchester City Council
Nuisance
You need to consider the impact your business may have on your neighbours in terms of noise and odour (from cooking smells) and increased traffic movement.
Food Safety Law
Under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 and Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 you will be liable to regular inspections by officers from the Council’s Commercial Team and you may face legal action if you are found to be breaking the food hygiene laws. In addition, you must also meet the requirements of the Food Information Regulations 2014. These Regulations state that all pre-packed foods must be labelled with certain information relating to ingredients, name of producer, use by dates, allergens etc. Further advice on these requirements can be found on the FSA website Food Standards Agency - GOV.UK
If you are confident you meet all the above relevant points please follow the link below;