WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
A period of not more than fifteen minutes shall be allowed for questions submitted by a member of the public who either lives or works in the area of the authority at each ordinary meeting of the Council.
Every question shall be put and answered without discussion, but the person to whom a question has been put may decline to answer. The person who asked the question may ask one relevant supplementary question, which shall be put and answered without discussion.
The following written question has been received from a member of the public.
1. QUESTION From: Nigel Smith
Either myself or another campaigner asks a question about the A259 at every meeting of the full council and ETS.
To date, nobody at B&HCC seems remotely interested in investigating our concerns about dodgy statistics and incompetent consultants nor do they seem concerned about why congestion and pollution are increasing despite a drop in vehicles.
Are we wasting our time?
Councillor Heley, Chair of the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee will reply.
2. QUESTION From: Rob Shepherd
The mandatory 5-year review of the City Plan and its Sustainability Appraisal, lacks a Transport Assessment Update for the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. The last annual monitoring Transport Assessment Update was in 2014.
With the well documented unplanned rise in congestion since 2014, it is very unlikely the City Plan’s required housing developments can now be achieved sustainably, which invalidates City Plan Part 2 unless it addresses this.
When will you perform the obligatory Transport Assessment Update and publish it for consultation?
Councillor Heley, Chair of the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee will reply.
3. QUESTION From: Jon Paul McCarthy
Over the last year Saltdean has created a large group of sea swimmers, surfers and SUP. It would be amazing to have a facility for this group on the beach or even just the permission so we can crowdfund the cost of a hut.
There is also plenty of space for at least 50 new huts and chalets in Saltdean with residents ready to purchase and maintain their own huts.
please would the council advise whether new beach huts and chalets will be erected on Saltdean seafront in the near future - either council or privately owned - and if our swim/surf group can get to the top of the waiting list?
Councillor Ebel / Powell, Joint Chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee will reply.
4. QUESTION From: Jim Deans
In 2018 and again in 2019 council all political parties thanked Sussex Homeless Support for the work done supporting Homeless, Rough Sleepers and those suffering poverty. 2020 in the first week of the covid-19 lock down we stepped up while other services closed their doors, from 1 street kitchen to 8 a week, yet council turned down our application for funding , why?
Councillor Gibson / Hugh-Jones, Joint Chair of the Housing Committee will reply.
5. QUESTION From: Keeley Bignal
This question is regarding the proposals to construct 600-700 flats on the site of Brighton Gasworks. Right now, people who live near to gasworks developments elsewhere – which are being developed by the very same developers proposing to build here in Brighton - are suffering damage to their health. At Southall in London, residents report asthma, breathing problems, nausea, chest pain, and even cancer and are pursuing legal action. We know that the Brighton gasworks site is contaminated with dangerous toxins including asbestos, lead and benzo(a)pyrene.
Will the Council prioritise the health of its residents over the need for more homes?
Councillor Gibson / Hugh-Jones, Joint Chair of the Housing Committee will reply.