Those looking to put tables and chairs out on the pavements to encourage al fresco dining will have to pay for a planning application – and for an alcohol licence if they need it.

However, the local authority has developed a policy to make it 'as easy as possible’ for people to apply for licences and they will also be waiving the normal £165 licence fee in the first year.

This new proposal will compliment the new wide pavements installed as part of the £6.6m CHORD project.

Councillor Ellen Morton, policy lead for roads and amenity services, said: “This policy will have long-lasting and significant benefits and it’s important that we get it right. That’s why we are asking members of the public and local business owners to tell us what they think of the proposal.

“It is our aim to make it as easy as possible for people to apply for pavement licences – we are eager to develop a cafe culture throughout Argyll and Bute.

“Unfortunately there are some statutory processes that people have to go through; that’s out-with our control. What we are trying to do is make the council’s side of the process as user-friendly as possible.” The proposals for a new pavement cafe licence policy will be discussed at a council meeting in May.

Following the first meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s new Environment, Development, and Infrastructure Committee, elected members agreed to take the proposal to a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee for approval.

In the meantime, the proposed policy has been made available on the council website for comments from businesses and residents.

A Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce spokesman said waiving the initial £165 fee gives retailers the chance to 'try things out’ before having to pay for a licence.

He added: “The Chamber of Commerce welcomes anything the council can do to help businesses in these difficult times. We hope that as many people as possible take part in the consultation, positive or negative, so that the council has as many views as possible to take into consideration when making their final decisions.” The proposal would see businesses make an initial enquiry to the council’s road department who will provide initial advice and help coordinate applications.

Following this, the formal application would be progressed for a licence under the Roads Scotland Act. This would normally carry a charge of £165, however, the council will be waiving that fee in the first year.

After the licence is approved, planning permission would have to be sought; this is a statutory obligation and is out-with the council’s control.

This is normally subject to a fee of £382.

The Scottish Government is currently considering alterations to permitted development policy where some pavement cafes would not require planning permission. This is estimated to be in place by the end of the summer.

The council expects to have its policy in place by the end of August.

The proposed policy is available on the council website until Friday, May 9 and members of the public can leave comments and suggestions.