Family Pizza Business Triumphs in Licensing Battle with Norbiton Church
A South London family has successfully defended its right to sell pizza from a van parked outside a local church, after Kingston Council granted a full street trading licence following a contentious hearing. Vesuvio on the Road, operated by Alessandra and Vincenzo Rea, can now continue trading from two parking bays adjacent to St Pius X Roman Catholic Church in Norbiton, having previously operated under a temporary six-month permit.
Objections Raised Over Location and Disturbance Concerns
The application faced significant opposition, with 22 written objections submitted by residents and church representatives. At the licensing hearing on January 27, concerns were formally presented regarding the van's proximity to the place of worship. Richard Smith, speaking on behalf of church members including Father Alfred Ebalu, emphasised that the objection was not aimed at preventing the business from trading, but rather at its specific location.
Mr Smith argued that the immediate surroundings of the church should remain "an area of peace and calm appropriate to the long-established traditions of a place of worship." He stated that operating a pizza van at the church gates was "demonstrably unsuitable - even, some say, disrespectful." Further practical concerns were raised about the van causing "disturbance and inconvenience" for visitors, particularly those who are disabled or elderly, trying to access the church. He noted that the parking bays had been historically negotiated to facilitate church access.
Council Engineer and Parking Issues
Adding to the objections, Younes Hamade, the council's principal engineer, submitted a written statement indicating he could not support the application due to the "significant demand for on-street parking" in the Norbiton area. This highlighted the broader community issue of parking availability, which remains a sensitive topic for many local residents.
Family's Defence and Operational Details
Alessandra Rea presented a robust defence of the family business at the hearing. She clarified that the parking bays in question are public, not reserved for the church, and pointed out that the van only operates during evening hours when parking demand is typically lower. "We fully respect that this location is beside a place of worship and that there are sensitive occasions such as funerals and weddings," she assured the committee.
To mitigate concerns, the business has implemented specific measures:
- Not trading on Holy Days of Obligation.
- Ceasing operations during funerals, provided seven days' notice is given.
- Selling only food and soft drinks, with no alcohol offered.
- Encouraging pre-orders to minimise queues and gatherings.
Alessandra emphasised the business's responsible track record over the past six months and its importance to the family's livelihood. "This business is not a hobby or extra income. This is our only source of income. We have four children and we rely on this business to feed our family and cover essential living costs," she stated emotionally.
Allegations of Targeted Opposition
The hearing also revealed allegations of a coordinated campaign against the pizza van. Alessandra claimed that a small group had repeatedly complained to the council, encouraged other businesses to oppose them, and created operational difficulties. Independent Councillor James Giles supported this, revealing he had received emails about individuals being "very abusive and actually quite detrimental to a family that is just trying, in this challenging economic environment, to make a living and make a go of it."
Licence Granted with Specific Conditions
After considering all evidence, the council's licensing committee decided to grant a 12-month street trading licence. The permission comes with clearly defined conditions:
- Operating hours are restricted to 5pm to 10pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
- Trading is prohibited on Holy Days of Obligation.
- Operations must cease during funerals held at the church, provided seven days' notice is given.
This decision represents a significant victory for the Rea family, allowing them to continue their enterprise while attempting to balance the needs of the local community and the church's congregation. The outcome highlights the ongoing challenges small businesses face in navigating urban planning regulations and community relations in London's neighbourhoods.
