Date of meeting: 20 September 2022

The question will be answered without discussion. The person who asked the question may ask one relevant supplementary question, which shall be put and answered without discussion. The person to whom a question, or supplementary question, has been put may decline to answer it.

The following written questions have been received from Members

This Committee:

(1) Councillor Fishleigh- Whiteways Lane between Rottingdean and Saltdean

Whiteways Lane is a well-used path between Rottingdean and Saltdean which is very popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Unfortunately the path uneven and slippery in parts. Please would the council visit with a view to making improvements.

(2) Councillor Fishleigh- Vans and caravans at Black Rock

Why does it seem to residents that the vans and caravans that stay overnight in the bus-only parking bays and paid-for bays don’t receive parking tickets?

(3) Councillor Fishleigh- Proactive sea water testing in Brighton & Hove

Southern Water is working with Canterbury City Council and Havant Borough Council on a pilot project involving water quality testing buoys which give residents live updates on sea water pollution. Would BHCC please reach out to Southern Water to see if the trial can be extended into Brighton and, if not, investigate similar systems that could be used along the city’s coast?

(4) Councillor Fishleigh- Timescale for report on undercliff

What is the process and timescales for researching and preparing a report about potential improvements to the Undercliff Walk?

(5) Councillor Nemeth- Speed Trials

Despite the great efforts of the organisers of the Brighton Speed Trials, there was huge disappointment again amongst motor-racing enthusiasts concerning the non-participation of motorcycles.

The decision to not allow motorcycles ultimately stems from a decision by the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) to not grant a track licence following concerns about surface materials. Last year, there were concerns about the green cycle lane. This year, there were concerns over the type of white paint that has been used for line markings.

The ACU has clearly stated that there are suitable types of white paint which are available for the job in question.

Given that this Council resolved to ensure that this event continues – with no excuses or caveats – please detail precisely what conversations and meetings took place (with dates) with the appropriate licensing authorities prior to the paint being administered.

(6) Councillor Nemeth- Welcome Back Fund

A response to a written question at Full Council on 7th April 2022 confirmed broad funding arrangements for the five high streets to which the Welcome Back Fund applied.

The project included both planting and street-cleaning elements.

Please now provide a full breakdown of costings for each street along with an explanation as to why plants were picked that immediately died.

(7) Councillor Nemeth- City’s Flood Prevention works

The Council’s main infrastructure response to the flood risk in Brighton & Hove has now concluded having only been half completed.

SCAPE, which was launched in 2017 after having been funded by an external grant, was planned to be rolled out over four phases between 2017 and 2020. However following council delays, only phases 1 and 2 (Darcey Drive and the top of Carden Avenue) have been delivered. Phases 3 and 4 (bottom of Carden Avenue and Norton Road) have been left incomplete with no indication as to whether or when they will ever be undertaken, causing concern from residents living in these flood prone areas.

Can the Chair inform the Committee of the reasons why this important project has been left incomplete and residents left in the dark and advise whether the Administration has any plans to complete the incomplete phases that might reassure the residents living in these areas?