Plans to charge businesses using parks 'on hold'

If given the go ahead, the scheme could cost dog walkers, outdoor yoga teachers and fitness trainers hundreds of pounds a year

Proposals to introduce licensing fees for small business owners operating in public green spaces have been temporarily placed on hold.

Those offering paid services in Bristol's green spaces were told they would require a Parks Business Licence from 1 October to operate in any one of the city's 400 parks.

It includes those who hold yoga sessions, dog walkers, and any other paid-for exercise or wellness sessions - costing at least £450 per person, per park, per year.

However, Bristol City Council appears to have paused the plans around the proposed fees and licensing terms, and businesses will no longer have to pay the charge, pending a review.

A spokesperson for the council said businesses are still being asked to register for a license on the council's website so the authority can gauge who will be using the parks commercially.

The policy as a whole was agreed by the previous Labour administration - but not subject to wider scrutiny under the new committee model. That will now happen in the coming weeks.

In a statement, Bristol's Green party described the proposed fees as "inappropriate", arguing they "go against many of the values the city and we as a party hold as important".

It added: "We are glad that following discussions with the chair of the public health and communities committee, the scheme will be paused while the council gets a clearer understanding of the businesses operating in our parks and the impact the proposed fees will have.

"We encourage all business owners to put in licensing applications so the council can do this effectively."

All parks run by the local authority will come under the new scheme, though Clifton and Durdham Downs may have a different pricing structure

The system, designed to generate income to pay for the upkeep of green spaces, will allow the council to prevent double-booking and ensure those in charge of activities are qualified and insured.

Anyone exercising alone, walking their own dog or taking part in groups such as Parkrun, which are free to join, will not be charged.

All parks run by the local authority will come under the new scheme, though Clifton and Durdham Downs may have a different pricing structure.

Licensing fees would start at £450 per year for a single park and £900 for those requiring a licence to cover multiple parks.

Businesses operating without a valid licence could face enforcement action, including fines.