ePetition details

Cap on Business Licenses for Commercial Ventures in Key Areas of the City

We the undersigned petition the Council to introduce a policy to cap the number of licenses issued for certain types of businesses and commercial ventures within specific areas of our city. While we welcome economic growth and entrepreneurship, the oversaturation of particular industries, such as barbershops, takeaways, betting shops and vape shops, has led to unintended consequences that affect the vibrancy, diversity, and sustainability of our local economy.

Key Concerns:
Economic Saturation: Excessive clustering of similar businesses, such as multiple barbershops or fast-food outlets in a small area, reduces profitability and creates unsustainable competition.

Limited Variety: The lack of diverse business offerings diminishes the appeal of local areas, reducing foot traffic and undermining efforts to create vibrant, thriving communities.

Urban Aesthetics and Planning: Oversaturation negatively impacts the visual appeal of neighbourhoods, undermining efforts to promote a balanced and welcoming urban environment.

Community Impact: In the case of certain business types, such as betting shops or payday lenders, oversaturation can exacerbate social issues, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas.

Missed Opportunities for Innovation: By capping licenses, we can encourage a wider range of businesses to emerge, fostering innovation and meeting diverse community needs.

Our Request:
We propose that Coventry City Council:
Implement License Caps: Introduce caps on the number of licenses issued for specific types of businesses in designated areas, based on community needs and economic assessments.
Conduct Impact Assessments: Regularly review the economic and social impact of licensing policies to ensure they align with the city’s broader development goals.
Support Business Diversity: Provide incentives and support for businesses that bring unique and underrepresented offerings to our communities.
Engage with Residents: Establish a consultation process (as well as well publicising such processes and events) to gather input from residents and stakeholders on the types of businesses needed in their neighbourhoods.

Our Vision:
By adopting these measures, we aim to create a balanced and dynamic local economy that benefits businesses, residents, and visitors alike. Together, we can ensure our neighbourhoods remain vibrant, inclusive, and reflective of the needs of the community.
Sign the petition today to show your support for thoughtful urban planning and economic diversity in our city.

Economic Overview of Coventry
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Coventry's total annual GDP was £11.776 billion in 2022, with an estimated average growth of 1.4% per year since 2016. This growth rate is lower than the overall growth across England (4.3%) and the West Midlands combined authority area (3.2%). https://www.coventry.gov.uk/facts-coventry/coventry-72

Business Saturation and Planning Considerations
Clustering of Specific Business Types: A study on town centres highlights concerns about the over-concentration of certain business types, such as fast-food takeaways, betting shops and payday loan shops. The study suggests that there may be a role for planning controls to manage the provision of these uses in key town centre locations to maintain a balanced and diverse commercial environment. https://www.southwarwickshire.org.uk/doc/212531/name/Town%20Centres%20Study%20VOLUME%201%20FINAL.pdf

Implications for Licensing Caps
The data indicates that while Coventry has a growing economy, there are concerns about the oversaturation of specific business types in certain areas, which can impact the diversity and health of local economies. Implementing licensing caps for certain commercial ventures, such as barbershops, takeaways and betting shops, in areas where they are overrepresented could help:?
Promote a more diverse mix of businesses, enhancing the attractiveness of commercial areas.?
Prevent market saturation, which can lead to business closures and economic instability.?
Align with urban planning objectives to maintain balanced and vibrant town centres.?

This ePetition runs from 25/06/2025 to 13/08/2025.

6 people have signed this ePetition.