Pizza Van Wins Licence Outside St Pius X Church in Norbiton

Key Points

• Kingston Council granted Vesuvio on the Road, a family-run pizza van business, a 12-month street trading licence to operate outside St Pius X Roman Catholic Church in Norbiton, South London.
• The van previously operated under a six-month temporary licence and can now trade Tuesdays to Saturdays from 5pm to 10pm, selling food and soft drinks.​
• The application faced 22 written objections from residents, citing concerns over the location being “disrespectful” to a place of worship, limited parking, access issues for churchgoers, potential disturbance, litter, and anti-social behaviour.
• Alessandra Rea and her husband Vincenzo Rea run the business, emphasising it as their sole income source for their family of four children; they sell mainly pre-ordered food to local families, do not sell alcohol, and maintain the site responsibly.​
• Richard Smith, representing church members, stated at the licensing meeting: “Trading from a pizza van at the gates of the church in such a location is demonstrably unsuitable – even, some say, disrespectful,” and highlighted disturbance for disabled and elderly churchgoers.​
• Younes Hamade, Kingston Council’s principal engineer, opposed due to “significant demand for on-street parking” in the area.​
• Alessandra Rea responded that parking bays are public, spaces are usually available evenings, they respect sensitive church occasions like funerals and weddings, and customers are respectful locals.​
• Earlier coverage noted a prior temporary six-month licence granted in July 2025 despite 34 objections, with adjusted hours and conditions like no trading during funerals or Holy Days.​

Norbiton (South London News), Kingston upon Thames, February 02, 2026 – A family business, Vesuvio on the Road, has secured a 12-month licence from Kingston Council to continue selling pizza from a van outside St Pius X Roman Catholic Church, overcoming objections that the site was disrespectful and problematic for parking.​

What Led to the Licensing Decision?

Kingston Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee made the decision on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, following a public hearing where all parties presented their cases. The business had already traded successfully for six months under a temporary licence, which Alessandra Rea cited as proof of responsible operation. As reported by BBC News, the committee granted permission for the van to operate Tuesdays to Saturdays from 5pm to 10pm outside the church on Manorgate Road.

The inverted pyramid structure prioritises this core fact: the approval came after balancing family livelihood against community concerns, with no full halt to trading requested by church representatives.​

Who Opposed the Pizza Van Application?

Residents submitted 22 written objections, focusing on the van’s proximity to the church gates. Richard Smith, representing church members, told the meeting:

“Trading from a pizza van at the gates of the church in such a location is demonstrably unsuitable – even, some say, disrespectful.”

He added that it caused “disturbance and inconvenience” for churchgoers, especially disabled and elderly people.​

Younes Hamade, the council’s principal engineer, also opposed, stating there was

“significant demand for on-street parking”

in Norbiton. Earlier objections in July 2025, as covered by Charlotte Lillywhite, Local Democracy Reporter for Nub News, numbered 34 and included fears of litter, anti-social behaviour, and blocking the church view; Neil Zoladkiewicz, representing Father Alfred Ebalu and others, called the site “totally inappropriate” and a risk for gatherings.

Premier Christian News reported initial divisions, noting the temporary licence despite similar church concerns.​

What Did the Business Owners Say in Defence?

Alessandra Rea, who runs Vesuvio on the Road with husband Vincenzo, addressed the hearing directly. She said:

“We fully respect that this location is beside a place of worship and that there are sensitive occasions such as funerals and weddings.”

Rea explained parking bays were public, not reserved for the church, with spaces usually nearby during evening trade, and customers mainly pre-order for collection as local families.​

As quoted in the Evening Standard, she emphasised: “Our business is food only. We do not sell alcohol. We do not attract late-night crowds. Our customers are mainly local residents and families, respectful people who come to buy dinner and go home.” Rea added:

“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.”

In prior coverage by Nub News, Rea promised to clean the area, provide bins, keep noise low, and guide customers safely, describing the business as

“built on hard work, family values and a love for good food.”​

Why Was the Location Deemed Contentious?

Objectors viewed the church gates as unsuitable for commercial trading, potentially altering a “calm and peaceful” environment, per Neil Zoladkiewicz in July 2025 Nub News reporting. Richard Smith’s statement echoed this, calling it “disrespectful” in the recent BBC account. Church representatives clarified they did not seek to stop the business entirely but highlighted access issues.

Parking strain was central, with the van occupying public bays amid high demand, as Younes Hamade noted. Kingston Nub News on Facebook highlighted resident worries over the spot on Manorgate Road.

How Did Previous Objections Influence This Outcome?

This 12-month licence follows a six-month temporary one granted in July 2025 by the same council, despite 34 objections. Charlotte Lillywhite reported the committee adjusted hours to 5.30pm-10pm Tuesdays-Fridays initially, adding conditions like no trading on Holy Days or funerals with notice. Independent Councillor James Giles stated:

“This is a temporary licence for six months. The onus is on the applicant to prove that it works… if smells, noise, ASB emerges, there are statutory measures.”​

The successful trial period swayed the extension, proving no major issues arose. Do Drive’s Facebook post summarised the “battle with church” resolved in the family’s favour.

What Conditions Attach to the New Licence?

While specifics for the 12-month term are not detailed in reports, the prior temporary licence set precedents like restricted hours and event suspensions. The business committed to site maintenance, as Rea outlined. Kingston Council’s process, via public-i.tv webcast, ensured transparency.

What Is the Background of Vesuvio on the Road?

Vesuvio on the Road is a family pizza van based in Kingston upon Thames, offering woodfire pizza and willing to travel locally. Add to Event profiles it as providing “5-star service,” aligning with Rea’s family-focused pitch. No prior incidents were reported during the trial.

Implications for Local Businesses and Churches?

This case highlights tensions between street trading and sacred spaces in residential areas like Norbiton. Yahoo UK News and Evening Standard framed it as a “fight” won by family over “disrespect” claims. Church members like those represented by Smith prioritised access over prohibition.

The decision supports small enterprises reliant on public spots, provided they demonstrate responsibility. Kingston Nub News noted progress in reducing local anti-social behaviour, which objectors feared reversing.​

Broader Coverage Across Media?

BBC News led with the headline “Pizza van by church wins 12-month licence to trade,” detailing the hearing. Evening Standard’s article by an unnamed reporter focused on the “disrespect row.” Nub News by Charlotte Lillywhite covered the initial battle extensively.

Social media echoed: Kingston Nub News Facebook posts on the grant and location. Premier Christian News addressed church divisions. Do Drive highlighted the family win.

Council documents like Annex 3 list objections, including emails on the “proposal to site a pizza van outside the church.”​