Council Agenda Item 102

Joint Green/Labour Group amendment

Farming in Brighton & Hove

That changes are made as shown below in bold italics and strikethrough.

This Council:

1. Notes that the Council’s rural estate consists of approximately 12,800 acres within the South Downs National Park; much of which is worked by ~~loyal and~~ long-standing tenant farmers;

2. Recognises the tireless efforts of local farmers and local community organisations who produce food for the city:

3. Recognises the shared aims of Councillors on a cross-party basis to that ~~produce~~ food be produced locally and sustainably; and agreed to participate fully in the work being done through the Asset Management Board on the City Downland Estate Plan (CDEP);

4. Notes the broad and inclusive public ~~concerns of farmers about disproportionate~~ consultation process facilitated by Planning for Real which preceded the creation of the draft CDEP and the positive response to date from the South Downs National Park Authority which described the consultation process as “exemplary” ~~with lobbying groups during the Council’s City Downland Estate Plan process rather that with those producing the food that we eat; and~~

5. Recognises the opportunity afforded by the CDEP to work with farmers and other stakeholders to promote sustainable farming practices, enhance biodiversity, improve public access and sequester carbon, and the the need for BHCC to work with farmers to help them identify potential revenue streams compatible with the CDEP;

6. Notes the proposal that in terms of the practical implementation of the CDEP, the views of farmers, key organisations stakeholders and community groups should be sought on an ongoing basis, the formal channel for which will be the Downland Advisory Panel. ~~Requests urgent steps to be taken to address the concerns of farmers through extensive consultation prior to any votes taking place on the final City Downland Estate Plan.~~

Proposer: Cllr Siriol Hugh-Jones

Seconder: Cllr Jacqueline O’Quinn

Motion to read if carried:

1. Notes that the Council’s rural estate consists of approximately 12,800 acres within the South Downs National Park; much of which is worked by long-standing tenant farmers;

2. Recognises the tireless efforts of local farmers and local community organisations who produce food for the city:

3. Recognises the shared aims of Councillors on a cross-party basis that food be produced locally and sustainably; and agreed to participate fully in the work being done through the Asset Management Board on the City Downland Estate Plan (CDEP);

4. Notes the broad and inclusive public consultation process facilitated by Planning for Real which preceded the creation of the draft CDEP and the positive response to date from the South Downs National Park Authority which described the consultation process as “exemplary”