Kensington and Chelsea Council has launched a consultation to control busking in Notting Hill for the first time in over 150 years.

The plans follow an initial consultation in November last year which found more than half of residents consulted believed the council needed to control busking while 49 per cent of businesses agreed and 73 per cent of market traders wanted busking controls.

A new policy would mean busking would be controlled on Fridays and Saturdays between 10am and 6pm in the Portobello and Golborne Road Market area for a 12 month trial.

A six month licence would cost £15 and buskers would be allowed to book a maximum of two slots out of 42.

Dave Webster, the Musicians’ Union (MU) live performance organiser, said this goes against Boris Johnson’s plans which bring together London councils, buskers, police and the MU.

He said: “The introduction of consultations on the licensing of buskers in Kensington and Chelsea is counterproductive and goes against the spirit of cooperation which we believe to be the way forward for busking in London.”

A council spokesman said the initial consultation was launched because there had been a number of complaints from traders and residents about busking in the area.

He added: “We are looking to adopt a policy which will allow the council to balance the different needs of traders, residents and buskers and are consulting on these proposals as required by the London Local Authorities Act.

“We are looking to achieve a balance which will respect the needs of the community while allowing busking in some areas. We are not opting to ban busking.”

For more information and e-mail your views across visit the consultation website here . It closes on October 18.