Brighton & Hove City Council
Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee
4.00pm16 September 2021
Hove Town Hall - Council Chamber/MS Teams (hybrid)
MINUTES
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Present: Councillors: Osborne (Joint Chair), Powell (Joint Chair), Rainey (Deputy Chair), Evans (Opposition Spokesperson), Grimshaw (Opposition Spokesperson), Simson (Group Spokesperson), Brown, Childs, Ebel and Littman |
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Standing Invitees: Joanna Martindale, Stephanie Prior, Harpreet Kaur (NHS CCG), and C/Supt Justin Burtenshaw (Sussex Police)
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PART ONE
16 Procedural Business
(a) Declarations of Substitutes
1.1 Harpreet Kaur substituting for Lola Banjoko.
(b) Declarations of Interest
1.2 Councillor Ebel declared a non-prejudicial interest on item 28 of the Agenda as she sits on the Hove Station Neighbourhood Forum.
1.3 Councillor Powell declared a non-prejudicial interest as she was currently working with Sussex Police.
(c) Exclusion of the Press and Public
1.3 In accordance with Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the committee considered whether the public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item of business on the grounds that it is likely in view of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during it, there would be disclosure to them of confidential information as defined in Section 100A (3) of the Act.
1.4 RESOLVED: That the press and public be not excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item of business listed on the agenda.
17 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2021 were agreed as a correct record.
18 Chairs Communications
Councillor Osborne gave the following Chairs Communications:
First of all, I’d like to welcome everyone back to Hove Town Hall for the first in person TECC Committee when all members are in attendance for well over a year.
I’d like to take a moment to do so and just to gently remind all members of the decision all councillors voted to introduce on 15th July in regards to mask wearing during the meeting. All councillors were asked to exercise their democratic right to decide on the process for council and committee meetings in light of the continued pandemic and the councillors took a decision on how to proceed, taking into account public health advice, not only for members, but also for the best protection of the public and others who also have to attend the meeting in person. Unfortunately, unlike in other settings – or in our private lives – due to a change in legislation members now have no choice whether they can attend these meetings in person, as the right to attend it virtually has been rescinded by the government. Therefore we are aware many members/cooptees and others have no other option to protect themselves once in meetings such as these. Can I ask in line with the protocol agreed and voted for by all political groups at full council on July 15th to keep mask wearing in public committee meetings, that you do put a mask on? Thank you very much. We will be taking regular breaks throughout the meeting, more than we usually would, and if you would like to ask for a break at any point, please do so and we can adjourn the meeting.
There are quite a few updates as it’s a big committee which covers a number of areas and which is often especially busy over summer months, so bear with me!
Sport & Leisure
In relation to the sports facilities, the return to using leisure centres is slow but steady. Membership recovery is currently only 61% of pre covid levels and it is anticipated that it will be some time until participation levels are back to where they were before the pandemic.
The replacement 3G all weather pitch works at Stanley Deason Leisure Centre is progressing well and having an improved outdoor space will help support those playing football and training. It is great that a new partnership is developing between Freedom Leisure and Whitehawk Football Club to promote some of the sporting opportunities available in East Brighton.
At Moulsecoomb Community Leisure Centre fantastic new inclusive ‘fun days’ supported by funding from Active Sussex are being provided free of charge for families once a month – on a Sunday from 10am-1pm. These days are for families who have children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities. Activities include football, boccia, cricket, tennis, badminton, new age kurling, table tennis and boxing fitness. The first activity day will be on 26 September. There is no need to book, please just go along, enjoy and have fun.
A public consultation on the ‘Kingsway to the Sea’ project on West Hove seafront is now live on the council website. The council is seeking views on what stakeholders and residents would like to see in the redesigned public realm and outdoor sports facilities between the King Alfred and Hove Lagoon. The questionnaire can be accessed online via the council website or a paper copy can be posted to you by contacting the Seafront Office. Alternatively, if you would like to learn more about the project and speak to the design team in-person then a consultation event is being held on Saturday 25th September from 12 – 4pm by the Hove & Kingsway Bowls Club.
Looking forward to convening the Sports Facilities Investment Plan MWG next month to take forward the plan which was passed earlier this summer.
Ian Shurrock retiring- big thanks to him for his service! Ian has worked with the council for 21 years and led many important developments for the city, including our participation in the Rugby World Cup 2015 and has been a key advocate for bringing the Women’s Euros to the city in 2022. Within the council he also consistently championed the restoration of the Saltdean Lido building, which is now so close to commencing
Arts & Culture
The ABCD Cultural Recovery Plan is continuing to help the creative and cultural sector recover following the pandemic. The working groups have been busy shaping tenders for a series of proposals supported by the Welcome Back Fund which include alternative tours of the city, wayfairing trails, cultural and creative leadership support as well as an equipment suppliers community network.
A collaboration with the business improvement district has seen the launch of a successful pop-up shop called the Bookmakers which is a temporary bookshop also offering support to emerging writers through a mentor programme and collaboration with New Writing South. I was invited to the opening of this and if you are going past I’d definitely recommend popping in and seeing what they are doing.
Work continues on finalising the draft public art strategy which was founded on community consultation, the strategy will outline a ten year plan with some clear guiding principles for the future commissioning of public art. Aim for next TECC in November.
Ongoing dialogues, meetings and discussions have continued to take place with key cultural stakeholders across the city including the national portfolio organisations and other established arts organisations.
One of the key partners that we work with is the RPMT and they have had a recent Thumbs up from visitors, achieving great feedback from their visitor survey- with 98% if visitors to the Royal PAvilion rated their visit as excellent or good, and this extends to the Brighton Museum and Arts Gallery and Preston Manor. On top of this, finance website money.co.uk has ranked all the attractions in the UK and the Royal Pavilion has been ranked amongst the best value for money attractions so still well worth a visit.
Tourism & Events
Over the past 3 months VisitBrighton has:
· Sent bi-weekly newsletters to citywide tourism stakeholders giving timely updates on COVID, messaging, legislation, guidance, grant funding etc have an average open rate of 32.97%
· Generated positive press coverage of Brighton & Hove with an of AVE £575k including coverage in The Guardian, New Statesman, Country Living, Sky News, Good Housekeeping etc
· Communicated with 61k followers on Twitter, 29k on Facebook and 31k on Instagram, promoting the re-opening of local tourism businesses
· Liaised with conference clients throughout the period to ensure a full conference diary from Sept 2021 – June 2022, ensuring visitor flow in the shoulder season
· Worked collaboratively with pan-Sussex organisations including Sussex Tourism & Culture Recovery Group, Tourism South East, Tourism Alliance, VisitEngland and VisitBritain ensuring that the needs of the Brighton & Hove visitor economy is represented.
The Brighton Centre re-opened on the 4th September with a full capacity standing concert (4,500 – 5,000 customers). Between then and the end of the calendar year there are currently 55 concerts confirmed with potential for additional dates being added – of those concerts a large amount will be full capacity standing shows. We will also welcome 5 conferences, including the Labour Party Annual Autumn Conference. We are expecting to host approx. 177,000 concert customers and approx. and 16,400 conference delegates over the next 4 months.
There has been a full schedule of events over the summer. Most recently the Speed Trials and Ace Cafe reunion on Madeira Drive, and the Brighton Marathon last weekend. Coming up- there is the Boundary Festival in Stanmer Park later this month, Oktober Fest on the Level in October, Brighton Half Marathon, Veteran Car run and the Christmas Festival in November and December. If you are interested in seeing the full outdoors schedule, it’s available online.
Ian Taylor retiring- Ian Taylor leaves at the end of October and has been with the council for 16 years. He has been a champion for outdoor events in the city and is a well-known figure in the local events industry. He is a great supporter of Brighton Pride and the Brighton Marathon, as well as many other city events such as the Fringe and Burning the Clocks. His experience and can-do attitude will be missed from the council. Best of luck with the future, Ian.
Planning Policy
Consultation on the proposed designation for the Coldean Neighbourhood Area and Neighbourhood Forum is currently underway and has been extended by two weeks to end 22 October. Details are available on the council’s website.
We have an update on the City Plan Part Two Examination. The Examination Inspector has now published the Matters, Issues and Questions and the provisional programme for the public hearing sessions which are due to commence Tuesday 2 November. All the information is available on the City Plan Part Two council web pages.
Planning officers have submitted a bid to be part of the government’s Phase Two Pilot Programme for bringing forward model Design Codes. The bid focuses on the Brighton Marina area and, if successful, the work will develop an exemplar design code that will help to secure significant environmental and public realm improvements.
Helping refugees
We've all watched in horror as the situation in Afghanistan has unfolded in the past few weeks.
The city council is participating in the government’s resettlement schemes for Afghan refugees. We have been informed that no families have arrived yet, but are working to put the support in place for them when they do, and working closely with local communities and forming partnerships to provide a safe and welcome space for those seeking sanctuary in our city.
Refugees will be housed in private sector accommodation, so the city council is reaching out to landlords with self-contained residential properties who may be prepared to let them at an affordable rent to refugees from Afghanistan or elsewhere. If you think you can help, please contact RefugeeHelp@brighton-hove.gov.uk. Already, a number of residents have been in contact to offer properties and support, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have been in touch.
I must stress that the council does not currently have a need for clothes or toys for refugees. Please donate these to charity shops or the other places listed on the council website.
Libraries
• Community Libraries are now open to 7pm on Libraries Extra days (Mondays – Thursdays) to increase access to the libraries for people unable to visit during the daytime.
• Evening opening in Jubilee and Hove Libraries will take place in October, once the newly recruited staff have been fully trained.
• Events and activities are gradually returning to libraries with appropriate Covid safety measures in place.
• Some of the first activities have been class visits, children and young people’s creative workshops, and meetings of the Network of International Women. As part of Libraries Week celebrations (October 4th – 10th), Jubilee library will be hosting a global music event on Saturday 9th October 1.30-4pm, with performances from Syrian and Sudanese musicians and the Brighton & Hove Russian and Yiddish choir.
EDI
• LGBTQ Switchboard Covid Impact report launched Aug 1st, commissioned by BHCC & NHS to look at impact of Covid to our local LGBTQ+ communities. Makes for sobering reading:
• LGBTQ+ vaccine sessions held regularly at Rainbow Hub, St James St, proving very popular.
• Trans and non-binary vaccine sessions at Dorset Gardens starting on 5th October.
• Pride @ The Ironworks Launched On 31st July At The New LGBTQ Cultural & Community Space With Month Long LGBTQ Cultural Festival, Attended By Cllrs Powell, Grimshaw And Simson, And Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP. The site is a theatre, Studio, Auditorium, Digital media spaces managed by and for LGBTQ+ communities by Brighton & Hove Pride.
• Trans Pride Brighton held a successful free online event (July 20th) attracting more than 40k viewers.
• Reclaim Pride Protest on 6th August attended by several hundred people for a city centre march.
• BHCC Schools Trans Took Kit relaunched September to support students, educators, and families across the city.
• National Hate Crime Week is October 11th to 15th raising awareness around reporting and developing third party reporting centres across the city.
• Radical Rhizomes, (Queer Trans Intersex People of Colour group) were awarded funding support from The Baring Foundation for development programmes, a mentoring scheme, supporting creative development of local QTIPoC artists and delivering a programme of creative workshops by and for the QTIPoC community.
Beach accessibility
At the start of the month, Steph and I met with the Beach Access Team – known as BAT B&H. They are a group of volunteers who all have a disability, and who are dedicated to making the beach, and specifically the water, accessible to all. Their message is “making waves for equal access”, and they have been working with BHCC since Jan 2018 to bring about change.
Amongst the things we talked in our meeting about included: a viewing platform, an accessible city map, a central hub on the beach with equipment and information, better signage, a wheelchair for the water, and accessible loos - which ties-in with the council’s bid for central govt money for ‘changing places’, which is money for accessible toilets. All of this will fit-in with the council’s accessibility strategy which will be one of the next key pieces of work for the council once the Disability Officer is appointed. We are very hopeful that together we can bring real change to make our beach as inclusive as possible.
19 Call Over
The following items were reserved for discussion:
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Item 22 |
Violence Against Women and Girls |
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Item 23 |
Award of MHCLG Funding for Safe Accommodation |
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Item 24 |
Anti-Racism Progress Update |
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Item 25 |
The World Reimagined |
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Item 26 |
Welcome Signage |
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Item 27 |
Hove Station Supplementary Planning Document |
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Item 28 |
Hove Station Neighbourhood Plan – Submission for Examination |
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Item 29 |
Health Impact Assessment – Local Validation Requirement |
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Item 30 |
Queen’s Park Conservation Area – Article 4 Direction |
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Item 32 |
Saltdean Lido Restoration |
The following item was therefore agreed:
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Item 31 |
Review of Waste and Minerals Plan – Proposed Submission |
20 Public Involvement
(a) Petitions
There were none.
(b) Public Questions
20.1 The Chair welcomed Marc Cattermole to the meeting and invited him to put his question.
20.2 Marc Cattermole asked the following question:
Neighbouring towns offer ski or snowboarding centres which Brighton appears to not have this on offer I can only imagine this is due to funding. As an alternative could we not have an inflatable water park either seasonal or perm basis which would create revenue, employment along with health benefits. This could get funding from NHS or Princess Trust on each inflatable advertisements to again support ongoing revenue. Possible locations Hove Lagoon.
The water park could run with minimal staffing, offering life guard courses.
20.3 The Chair gave the following response:
Hove Lagoon is licensed to Lagoon Water sports who make full use of the water space available and have a lease of the adjacent Pavilion. They offer wakeboarding, windsurfing, sailing and stand-up paddleboard tuition and hire for all ages and abilities. Lagoon Water sports also offer a BTEC Level 3 Sport and Outdoor Activities course for 16-18 year olds in conjunction with Newman College in Hove. The small lagoon offers pedalos for hire and is operated alongside a Pirate mini golf course and other children’s amusements. The large lagoon is also regularly used by Brighton & Hove Model Yacht Club.
At this time there is no space at Hove Lagoon for additional leisure uses.
20.4 Marc Cattermole indicated that he wished to ask a question regarding homelessness, and the Chair advised him to put that question to the Housing Committee.
20.5 The Chair indicated that the next speaker, Mark Strong, could not make the meeting today due to the date being a religious holy day. He confirmed that Democratic Services are working with the CEO to ensure that committees don’t fall on religious holy days in future. A copy of the response would be sent to Mark Strong after the meeting.
20.6 The Chair welcomed Naomi Bos to the meeting and invited her to put her question.
20.7 Naomi Bos asked the following question:
In the Community Safety and Crime Reduction Strategy 2020-23 the gaps and priorities for domestic abuse include:
The previous Domestic Abuse provider, RISE, developed a single, integrated, entrance to local services, the Sussex Portal. Leaflets, cards, social media and communications were then coordinated with RISE’s own comprehensive website to highlight local services and resources. BHCC recommend residents visit the Stonewater and Victim Support websites where there is zero local information. We are almost 6 months into the new contract. When will a comprehensive, local, communication strategy be delivered?
20.8 The Chair gave the following response:
An action plan has been drawn up by officers to look at wider communications and awareness raising that includes awareness raising campaigns; targeted campaigns for specific areas including forced marriage, honour-based violence, female genital mutilation and linking these to the Brighton & Hove Community Safety Partnership. Our approach will also include social media engagement and age appropriate targeting.
I believe that there is information on Stonewater’s website about domestic abuse services in the City. The Victim Support website should launch in the next few weeks. Fliers for all services have been shared widely within the city council and external stakeholders.
20.9 Naomi Bos asked the following supplementary question:
My understanding is that the invisibility of the crisis services is having a bad knock-on effect on RISE because survivors and agencies are still using their services in great numbers so a small local charity is in effect picking up the slack of large national funded organisations. These people have communication teams. Could I ask for Councillors and Officers to visit both the Stonewater and Victim Support website to imagine themselves as a survivor in crisis looking for support, and to feedback that experience to the Domestic Abuse Commissioner? Can I also request they visit the RISE website to compare and contrast?
20.10 The Chair responded that officers and Councillors should definitely be looking at those websites, and an email would be sent around to all Councillors containing the links.
(c) Deputations
There were none.
21 Member Involvement
(d) Petitions
There were none.
(e) Written Questions
i. Re-Assessment of CIL Calculations – Cllr Fishleigh
21.1 The Chair invited Councillor Fishleigh to the meeting to present a question.
21.2 Councillor Fishleigh asked the following question:
In 2016 planning permission was given for 60 new homes at Coombe Farm in Saltdean. This included 24 affordable homes (40%) and £822,377 in Section 106 contributions.
In 2020 planning permission was granted for a revised scheme of 72 homes with 29 affordable homes (40.2%) and £489,358 in CIL.
So that’s £333,019 less under CIL.
Given this difference, will you please re-look at the way CIL is calculated for larger developments, not just in Saltdean but across the whole city?
21.3 The Chair gave the following response:
The Council sets the rates and types of development that are CIL liable. However, all the rules for charging calculations are fixed through national regulations and we therefore can’t develop our own set of CIL regulations for the city.
Under the specific circumstances of this development site, there has been a reduction in developer contributions following CIL – largely due to factoring in existing buildings on the site. You can be assured, however, this will be offset over time by the wider benefits of CIL – which include:
- more contributions from smaller and other new build schemes;
- the ability to spend strategic CIL across the city to meet priorities; and
- local communities can influence how the neighbourhood portion is spent.
21.4 Councillor Fishleigh asked the following supplementary question:
I understand that rules and algorithms are set by national government, but we lobby the national government on all kinds of issues, so my supplementary question is therefore: will you ask officers to apply the CIL rules to 25 other developments across the city which were subject to 106? That way we can see whether the Saltdean development was an anomaly or if there is a pattern. If there is a pattern, will you please make the results public and we can discuss in full Council how we want to approach national government.
Councillor Fishleigh confirmed she was requested a data gathering exercise to see whether CIL does deliver less money for our city than the 106 did, and if there is a pattern and it does deliver less, please bring the information to Full Council and we as Councillors can decide whether this is an issue we want to raise with national government.
21.5 The Chair confirmed that it would be requested that the data gathering exercise be conducted, but could not confirm that it would go to Full Council.
(f) Letters
There were none.
(g) Notices of Motion
i. The Queens Platinum Jubilee – Councillors Nemeth and Simson
21.6 The Chair clarified that paragraph 2.1 of the item should read:
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That the Committee responds to the motion concerning the recognition and city celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee either by noting it or where it is considered more appropriate, calling for an officer report on the matter as requested, which may give consideration to a range of options. |
21.7 Councillor Simson raised that the Chair put a great deal of pressure in the opening statements on recommendations that were made at Full Council for Councillors to wear masks during in person meetings, however, recommendations to officers to prepare reports for certain dates of meetings aren’t being taken as seriously as exemplified by the current notice of motion report not being presented.
21.8 Councillor Grimshaw asked if the reason why the report couldn’t come to the current Committee was due to a lack of Officers assigned that specific work, and wanted to make sure that the capacity was there to complete the report in time for the next Committee, and also for reports to Committees going forward.
RESOLVED: That the Committee to request a report as seen in the Notice of Motion to go to the next TECC Committee meeting in November.
ii. Air Quality Monitoring System – Councillors Fishleigh and Ebel
21.10 The Chair introduced the Notice of Motion.
RESOLVED: That the Committee to request a report as seen in the Notice of Motion to go to the next TECC Committee meeting in November.
22 Violence against Women and Girls
22.1 The Chair invited the Head of Safer Communities (Jo Player) to introduce the report.
22.2 The Head of Safer Communities introduced the report starting on page 33 of the Agenda.
22.3 Councillor Simson was informed that the solved rate for sexual offences was so low because it is usually very difficult to find substantial evidence for charges, and the completed at court numbers are also low due to cases taking a while to complete, victims who withdraw their cases, or when there is insufficient evidence.
22.4 Councillor Simson raised that she was pleased to see the Ask for Angela scheme, but asked if the Council was still funding safeguarding initiatives such as the Beach Patrol and Safe Space, and if not, where the funding was coming from. The Head of Safer Communities confirmed that she would find out that information and report back to Councillor Simson.
22.5 Councillor Simson asked how the 24 hour help in the city’s car parks would work, given that there are no assistants, and also how this help would be advertised. The Head of Safer Communities confirmed she would gather this information and report back to Committee members.
22.6 Councillor Brown was informed that the survey asking women how safe they feel in the city would be started shortly, but a survey had already been carried out by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office so this information may be able to be used.
22.7 Joanna Martindale was informed that as part of the new duty placed on the local authority under the Domestic Abuse Act, the Council is required to put in place a strategy relating to people who have experienced domestic abuse, and it will come back to committee when it has been completed which should be completed by the end of October as per the statute.
22.8 Councillor Grimshaw mentioned the survey mentioned in point 3.23, and that BHCC is currently liaising with Southwark Council on this piece of work.
22.9 Councillor Simson was informed that the Head of Safer Communities would look into extending the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy beyond the domestic setting. Jo Martindale raised that the Council did have a much broader Violence Against Women and Girls strategy between 2012-2017 which could provide a template going forward. Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw added that Sussex Police are developing a Violence Against Women and Girls action plan which will feed into the overall strategy for the city.
RESOLVED: That the Committee:
Noted the work being undertaken by the Council and partners to address violence against women and girls in the City.
The Head of Safer Communities to:
· To report back to Councillor Simson regarding the funding of the safeguarding initiatives.
· To report back to Councillor Simson the information about the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy being taken beyond just a domestic setting.
· To report back to all Committee members with information about the logistics of the 24 hour help being offered in the city’s car parks.
23 Award of MHCLG Funding for Safe Accommodation
23.1 The Chair invited the Head of Safer Communities (Jo Player) to introduce the report.
23.2 The Head of Safer Communities introduced the report starting on page 41 of the Agenda.
23.3 Councillor Brown was informed that the Head of Safer Communities had received an interim report showing that there are gaps in the service, but as soon as the needs assessment is completed this will highlight more problems to be solved.
23.4 Councillor Simson was informed that there have been difficulties obtaining data to help officers produce the needs assessment, but work is taking place to obtain it. Councillor Simson was also informed that providers of services are being involved as part of the relevant bodies pertaining to domestic abuse.
23.5 Councillor Grimshaw was informed that:
· The Council are working with RISE about the expression of interest indicated, and financial solutions would be looked at.
· The Head of Safer Communities has provided responses to all Freedom of Information requests.
· RISE have been invited to take part in the needs assessment and have provided some information, however this data will need to be cleansed due to GDPR.
23.6 Joanna Martindale was informed that the Lived Experience Board, whilst hosted by East Sussex Council, would work with local organisations to involve residents of Brighton and Hove. The Head of Safer Communities also confirmed that she could find out why the post was in the Council instead of the Community and Voluntary Sector, and would report back to Joanna Martindale with this information.
23.7 Councillor Evans was informed that:
· The allocated BHCC budget of MHCLG funding would be ringfenced for domestic abuse services.
· The Pan Sussex Partnership Board required in the Domestic Abuse Act would oversee the development of the strategy across local Councils, and that they are abiding by the law laid out in the Act.
23.8 Councillor Simson was informed that the Head of Safer Communities would find out whether the Partnership Board would implement a Pan Sussex strategy or if Brighton and Hove would be able to develop their own strategy, and would report back to Councillor Simson.
23.9 The Chair noted that there was a cross party amendment and invited Councillor Powell to move the amendment.
23.10 Councillor Powell moved the amendment on behalf of the Green, Labour, and Conservative Groups, which was jointly seconded by Councillors Grimshaw and Simson.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee agreed;
(i) To spend the MHCLG funding as set out in paragraphs 3.3, 3.4 and 3.6 of this report.
(ii) That a simple tendering process is established as quickly as possible, to enable the existing contractors, and local providers with specialist DV experience to bid for a contract to provide an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) in line with the anticipated costs set out in paragraph 3.5.
(iii) That a further report is provided to coincide with the end of the financial year, which should outline any future government announcement regarding funding for this role, and a report on the role of the IDVA, and its need, according to the findings of the Needs Assessment.
That the Head of Safer Communities to:
· Report back to Joanna Martindale about the decision-making process of why the Lived Experience Board was in the Council, not the community and voluntary sector.
· Report back to Councillor Simson about whether there would be a Pan Sussex strategy, or it would be a local Brighton and Hove strategy.
24 Anti-Racism Progress Update
24.1 The Chair invited the Head of Communities and Equality to introduce the report.
24.2 The Head of Communities and Equality introduced the report starting on page 45 of the Agenda.
24.3 Stephanie Prior was informed that:
· The Head of Communities and Equality would find out more data from HR about the recruitment of BAME candidates to senior positions.
· Financially supporting local BAME businesses hasn’t been touched on as part of the anti-racism strategy, however the procurement process now includes details of how they adhere to the anti-racist strategy, and the Council have committed to providing training for BAME owned businesses.
· The Council met with the anti-racism community advisory board and have taken on board a lot of points raised to include in the world reimagined project.
24.4 The Chair added that as Chair of the Procurement Advisory Board he agreed that more should be a more proactive process to encourage BAME groups to apply for tenders.
24.5 Councillor Childs was informed that:
· The Head of Communities and Equality to confirm with Economic Development colleagues what options are available to financially support BAME businesses in the city and send a response to all committee members.
· Recruiting more BAME staff in school workforces is included in the anti-racist strategy.
24.6 Joanna Martindale was informed that the Head of Communities and Equality would email all committee members as soon as more information regarding the new Chair of the Community Advisory Group was available.
24.7 Councillor Powell thanked the Communities and Equalities team and Stephanie Prior for their hard work.
RESOLVED: That the committee noted the report.
The Head of Communities and Equality to:
· Find out more data from HR about the recruitment of BAME candidates to senior positions.
· Confirm with Economic Development colleagues what options are available to financially support BAME businesses in the city and then send a response to all committee members.
· Email all committee members as soon as more information regarding the new Chair of the Community Advisory Group was available.
25 The World Reimagined
25.1 The Chair invited the Arts Development Manager to introduce the report.
25.2 The Arts Development Manager introduced the report starting page 51 of the agenda.
25.3 Councillor Simson was informed that:
· £50,000 makes up core costs to the World Reimagined organisers, and £35,000 is underwritten by the Council in case the sponsorship doesn’t happen.
· £50,000 has been pledged towards the local grants scheme.
· £25,000 has been pledged towards the legacy of the project.
· Feedback from key stakeholders from the BAME Community in the city is positive about the project and they see it as a good opportunity to work with and educate the community.
· The organisers will be including nationally recognised artists, but also local artists as well.
· The underwriting of the cost has only been put in place as a backup.
25.4 Dennis Marcus (Co-Founder of the World Reimagined) made the following points:
· £70,000 of sponsorship will be obtained across the city.
· Brighton and Hove will be one of 8 cities involved in the project.
· The funding for the project will ensure that 2 primary schools in the city will have an artist residency for 2 years.
· School bursaries can be made available for those schools who may need help having their own globe sculpture.
25.5 Stephanie Prior raised the following points:
· Black cultural events in Brighton and Hove are very small and often locally led, and there is huge opportunity to create events as big as Pride to create opportunities.
· There is more that needs to be done on a local level to lead on the anti-racist initiatives instead of external projects.
· The history of slavery isn’t the best starting point for the project in terms of a marketing perspective.
Ella Phillips responded with the following points:
· The community program is about supporting local organisations for cultural events.
· Budgets will be provided by next year to start creating local events.
· The slavery aspect is a small part of the project and emphasises the present and future.
Dennis Marcus raised that sculpture trails build huge public engagement.
25.6 Stephanie Prior raised that she was unsure what the focus of the project was, and that there have been conversations about cultural offerings such as a carnival in the city, but that there is an issue in how local community groups are communicating with the Council, and that the project is moving too fast leading to disenfranchisement, explaining why some of they key leading Black community groups were not at the Community Advisory Group to discuss the project.
25.7 The Committee voted on the recommendations and they were agreed, with Councillors Simson and Brown voting against.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the committee authorised officers to negotiate with The World Reimagined organisers to determine implementation, project delivery and levels of support as appropriate.
(ii) That the committee authorised officers to commit up to £160,000 of funding over the course of 2021/22 and 2022/23 to the national programme and to a programme of work involving local communities and organisations in the city.
(iii) That the final decision on becoming a partner was delegated to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Culture, subject to agreement on a project plan for The World Reimagined in Brighton and Hove.
26 Welcome Signage
26.1 The Chair invited the Arts Development Manager (Synthia Griffin) to introduce the report.
26.2 The Arts Development Manager introduced the report starting on page 71 of the agenda.
26.3 Councillor Brown was informed that the shortlisting Panel deciding the art installations would be made up of 2 Councillors who would be informed of the project at each step of the way. Councillor Brown also mentioned that the Ward Councillors of these locations should also be consulted.
26.4 Councillor Simson and Councillor Grimshaw raised that it is important to keep in mind the widening of this project to other areas such as Woodingdean.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the Committee supported the development of four welcome signage art commissions located in or close to Brighton, Hove and Portslade Stations and the Patcham Roundabout on the A23.
(ii)That the brief in terms of ‘Welcome Signage’ was broadened to respond to the site restrictions outlined by Southern - Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Highways England.
27 Hove Station Area Supplementary Planning Document
27.1 The Chair invited the City Regeneration Programme Manager (Alan Buck) to introduce the report.
27.2 The City Regeneration Programme Manager introduced the report starting on page 77 of the agenda.
27.3 Councillor Ebel raised that the Hove Station area is in her Ward and thanked the City Regeneration Programme Manager for his hard work. She also raised that the area is in need of improvement in terms of accessibility and the lack of green spaces, and she hoped the Supplementary Planning Document would help with these issues.
27.4 Councillor Brown raised that she agreed with the opinion of the Brighton Society that the buildings planned are too high, and that the need for trees and green spaces are not pushed strongly enough in the report. The City Regeneration Programme Manager responded that any tall building proposal needs to be accompanied by a very detailed assessment before being built, and a dark enclosed environment due to tall buildings is not what is being proposed in the report.
27.5 Councillor Grimshaw was informed that the reason why only 54 people responded to the consultation, many of whom were key landowners, developers, and Ward Councillors, was because you can’t force people to respond, and many of the responses were submitted anonymously. The City Regeneration Programme Manager also confirmed that a number of individuals had given comments after attending the consultation events, which weren’t included in the report.
27.6 The Chair was informed that groups such as the Hove Station Neighbourhood Forum and Hove Civic Society represent a large number of people, and a lot of consultation has been happening in the area with the Hove Station Neighbourhood Plan recently which may explain the lack of engagement.
27.7 The Committee voted on the recommendations and they were agreed, with Councillors Simson and Brown voting against, and Councillors Grimshaw, Evans, and Childs abstaining.
RESOLVED: That the Committee:
(i) Noted the comments made during public consultation and the proposed responses (see appendix 1).
(ii) Agreed to adopt the Hove Station Area Supplementary Planning Document (attached as Appendix 3 to this report) and authorises the Head of Planning to make any necessary minor grammatical and non-material text and illustrative alterations in consultation with the Chair of TECC Committee prior to its publication.
28 Hove Station Neighbourhood Plan - Submission for Examination
28.1 The Chair invited the Planning Manager (Sandra Rogers) to introduce the report.
28.2 The Planning Manager introduced the report starting on page 199 of the agenda.
28.3 Councillor Ebel gave thanks to the Hove Station Neighbourhood Forum for their hard work on the neighbourhood plan.
28.4 Councillor Grimshaw was informed that the resident’s feedback is laid out in the 100 page consultation statement but individuals names have had to be redacted due to GDPR.
RESOLVED: That the Committee agreed that officers:
i) Proceed with the appointment of a suitably qualified and experienced independent person to undertake examination of the Hove Station Neighbourhood Plan;
ii) Submit the Draft Neighbourhood Plan and its supporting documents for examination, together with all representations received in response to the Regulation 16 publication of the Draft Plan; and
iii) Submit the officer comments on the Draft Neighbourhood Plan set out in Appendix 1 as the Council’s Regulation 16 response for consideration at the examination.
29 Health Impact Assessment - Local Validation Requirement
29.1 The Chair invited the Service Development Manager (Simon Barrett) to introduce the report.
29.2 The Service Development Manager introduced the report starting on page 217 of the agenda.
29.3 Councillor Littman was informed that where needed, external help will be required for detailed assessments such as the gas works application which is yet to be submitted.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the committee agreed the guidance for applicants on the structure and items to be covered in an HIA or health statement (as included as appendix 1) subject to any minor alterations (grammatical, spelling or for clarity) to be agreed by the Head of Planning in consultation with the Chair of TECC Committee.
(ii) That the committee noted responses to consultation on the proposed amendment to the “local list” validation requirements.
(iii) That the committee approved adding the requirement to submit an HIA or health statement to the “local list” of validation requirements for qualifying applications (as outlined in this report.)
(iv) If agreed, the requirement will take effect for all new, qualifying planning applications submitted after 26th September 2021.
(v) Noted the review and republication of the local list and to receive a further report in 2022 with recommendations to revise and update the validation lists following a comprehensive review of all the requirements, changes to the 217 national list by central government and new requirements from the adopted City Plan Part Two.
30 Queens Park Conservation Area - Article 4 Direction
30.1 The Chair invited the Planning Team Lead (Tim Jeffries) to introduce the report.
30.2 The Planning Team Lead introduced the report starting on page 253 of the agenda.
30.3 Councillor Childs was informed that the direction doesn’t apply retrospectively – meaning that it doesn’t restrict the varied colours of the current properties, especially on Park Street.
30.4 Councillor Simson was informed that most of Queen’s Park Road isn’t included in the conservation area, and that changing the colour of a house drastically would require planning permission.
30.5 Councillor Evans was informed that the amendment could not go ahead due to the legal nature of Article 4. Councillor Evans then added that the amendment was placed because residents in her ward are against the policing of paint colours in ordinary streets in purely residential areas of the city, and that brightly coloured houses contribute to the appeal of the area.
30.6 Councillor Rainey raised that during the informal consultation in 2020, 65% of the 75 respondents agreed with the direction which is a large percentage, and that the direction will retain the historical importance of the area.
30.7 Councillor Childs raised that there are a small number of streets not in line with the Conservation area style, and thus the boundaries are unfit.
30.8 Councillor Littman responded that the Article 4 direction was created to protect the whole area and individual streets shouldn’t be singled out.
30.9 Councillor Evans responded that Labour Group support the article 4 direction, but wanted to introduce the amendment against paint colours due to many streets being painted brightly.
30.10 The Committee voted on the recommendations and they were agreed, with Councillors Grimshaw, Evans, and Childs abstaining.
RESOLVED: That the Committee;
(i) Noted the representations made during the statutory consultation period and the officer responses set out at Appendix 1.
(ii) Confirmed the Article 4 Direction for the Queen’s Park conservation area that was made on 26 May 2021.
31 Review of the Waste & Minerals Plan - Proposed Submission
RESOLVED: That the committee;
(i) Noted the summary of the issues raised in the consultation on the Waste and Minerals Local Plan – Draft Revised Policies carried out between 11 May and 3 August 2020 (included at Appendix 1).
(ii) Recommended that the Waste and Minerals Local Plan - Proposed Submission Revised Policies (“WMRP”) included at Appendix 3 is referred to Full Council for consideration;
(iii) Approved the following studies as supporting evidence for the WMRP: Safeguarding Mineral Resource Topic Paper, Safeguarding Minerals Infrastructure Topic Paper and an Aggregate Data Technical Paper referred to in paragraph 3.8 of the report.
32 Saltdean Lido Restoration
32.1 The Chair invited the Contracts and Business Manager (Mark Croston) to introduce the report.
32.2 The Contracts and Business Manager introduced the report starting on page 421 of the agenda.
32.3 Councillor Simson raised that the restoration project had her full support, and was keen to keep informed about the progress.
32.4 The Chair noted that there was a Labour Group amendment and invited Councillor Childs to move the amendment.
32.5 Councillor Childs moved the amendment on behalf of the Labour Group, which was jointly seconded by Councillors Grimshaw and Evans.
32.6 Councillor Simson was informed that free swimming budget is funded by Public Health, however the budget is currently overcommitted, and conversations would have to take place with Saltdean Lido regarding the impact on the Community Interest Company.
32.7 Councillor Grimshaw raised that having children swim for free doesn’t lose Saltdean Lido any money. The Assistant Director Culture Tourism and Sport (Donna Chisholm) responded that if the Lido is full of paying customers, having free swimming may interfere.
32.8 Councillor Littman raised that the amendment is only asking for officers to look at the options for free swimming, and children in the East of the City should have the option to swim for free.
32.9 Councillor Simson raised that other swimming developments will be developed in the city, and free swimming should extend to those going forward.
RESOLVED: That the Committee:
(i) Noted the content of the report.
(ii) Noted progress made by SLCIC with the restoration project and next steps in appointing a contractor and initiating building works.
(iii) Noted SLCIC have received full permission to start from the NLHF which will enable the restoration of the main Lido building to commence.
(iv) Requested that officers bring a report to this committee which considers the options to include Saltdean Lido in the city’s free children’s swimming scheme.
33 Items referred for Full Council
There were none.
The meeting concluded at 7.35pm
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Signed
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Chair |
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Dated this |
day of |
2021 |