Date of meeting: 14 September 2023

A period of not more than fifteen minutes shall be allowed at each ordinary meeting for questions submitted by a member of the public.

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 of the public:

(1) Jim Deans – Mod Events

Last year the Council gave support to our fundraising event Mods-aid 23. It was a huge success earning over £8000 for Homeless Charity Sussex Homeless Support. I hope Councillors have noticed the increase in Mod Activity, last Bank Holiday saw the city crammed with events and people. 2024 is the 60th Anniversary of the Mod vs Rockers clashes, now Mods and Rockers have grown out of the shenanigans seen 60 years ago we are friends now and share many fundraising events. I am asking the Tourist committee to support this huge increase in tourists and take advantage of free promotion.

(2) Daniel Harris – Rampion Windfarm

Community Engagement: In the report, it’s mentioned that extensive efforts were made, such as sending leaflets directly to 18,588 addresses, reaching approximately 14.5% of Brighton and Hove’s approximately 128,000 households. Considering this, and the significant increase in turbine height from 140m to up to 325m in Phase 2, along with the expansion area covering 160km², could you provide data on the number of responses received during the consultation? Additionally, please share information on how these efforts aimed to ensure diverse demographic representation. This information will help gauge the extent of community engagement and inclusivity in the Rampion Windfarm expansion project.

Supplementary:

Considering Brighton and Hove’s status as the most visited area within the Phase 2 zone and the recent decline in tourism due to COVID-19 (from 12 million visitors in 2019 to 9 million in 2020), I’m concerned about the impact of the Rampion Windfarm expansion on local tourism. Can you share project adjustments influenced by community input, particularly regarding turbine height and the expansion area? Explain how this feedback has shaped the project while ensuring a balanced approach, considering the city’s importance as a tourist destination, although I’m yet to see updated stats on tourism recovery?