Subject: Written questions from Councillors
Date of meeting: 10 July 2025
Report of: Director of Governance & Law
Contact Officer: Name: Anthony Soyinka
Tel: 01273 291006
Email: anthony.soyinka@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected: All
For general release
The following questions have been received from Councillors and will be taken as read along with the written answer detailed below:
1. Councillor Hill asked:
At the Annual Council meeting, Cllr Sankey stated that due to proportionality rules the Administration would get 4 out of the 4 Deputy Mayor nominations from 2023-2027. Given that Administration have two thirds of the seats, how is it proportional to have 100% control of Mayor making?
Reply from Councillor Sankey, Leader of the Council & Cabinet Chair:
2. Councillor Hill asked:
Residents of mine have contacted me with concerns relating to Brighton & Hove City Council selling off the council land . Previous areas of land have been snapped up by predatory private developers, resulting in more overpriced luxury flats and little to no social housing. When will details of proposed disposals be shared publicly?
Reply from Councillor Taylor, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance & City Regeneration:
3. Councillor Hill asked:
Can I confirm that there has been no report done on the suitability of the Veolia site? I do not expect there to be but for the record.
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
4. Councillor Hill asked:
Bad odours coming from the Hollingdean Materials Recovery Facility continue to affect residents in Round Hill. What work is being done to mitigate this given the particularly high heat this summer is likely to intensify the bad odour? I appreciate that when there are missed collections also there will be worse smells.
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
5. Councillor Hill asked:
Will Cllr Rowkins consider allowing roads with more than approximately 100 houses to opt out of using glyphosate if they have enough volunteers? Have considerations been made to allow residents to opt out a clearly designated part of a long road next year?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
6. Councillor Hill asked:
Is chalk downland considered an irreplaceable habitat for the purposes of biodiversity net gain protection? How can it be protected within the new planning framework of the planning and infrastructure bill which does not protect irreplaceable habitats?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
7. Councillor McLeay asked:
Residents near Valley Gardens are distressed by repeated events with open-air bars and loud music until 2am, often without proper consultation. Given the area is already well-served by licensed premises and residents have reported ongoing disruption, how can the Council justify approving such events without consultation, noise assessments, or reasonable hours? Will the Council commit to reviewing Valley Gardens as a venue for these events and ensure local voices are heard in future decisions connected with its licence?
Reply from Councillor Miller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage & Tourism:
8. Councillor McLeay asked:
With so much of the green space along The Level and Valley Gardens used for outdoor events this and last summer, and much of that grassland deteriorating further each year - will the council consider investing in greater reinstatement works such as sprinklers and fresh lawn turf (as done at Pavilion Gardens following the ice rink) so our green spaces can return to their former glory?
Reply from Councillor Robins, Cabinet Member for Sports, Recreation & Libraries:
9. Councillor McLeay asked:
Anti-social behaviour on New Road is escalated for a third summer, with increasing violence, drug use, and public drinking. Despite arrests and court orders, offenders return the next day, and police presence remains inconsistent. Staff safety and mental well-being in local businesses are now real concerns. Given the ongoing issues, will the Council reconsider how the space around the benches is used, such as a food market or alternative seating that prevents concealment of alcohol? How can we design out anti-social behaviour in this area, and improve the environment for all?
Reply from Councillor Allen, Cabinet Member for Customer Services & Public Realm:
10. Councillor McLeay asked:
Residents living on Zion Gardens are experiencing reporting fatigue. They've logged incidents ranging from public urination and graffiti to serious assaults, but see no visible outcome from public services. At a January meeting, we were told more reports are needed before more action could be taken, but no threshold has been given. What level of reporting is required before further action is taken, and how can residents without easy access to technology or with language barriers be supported in this process? How can we make sure these reports are being logged for the reporting tally, and won't be missed?
Reply from Councillor Daniel, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Youth Services:
11. Councillor McLeay asked:
At January’s Full Council, Cllr Rowkins confirmed a commitment to in-house waste services while being open to exploring community-led elements that could augment the existing provision. Has there been any follow-up with the former management of Magpie to discuss potential partnership? Given the continued disruption and loss of public trust caused by the long-running issues and sabotage within the council-run service, what steps is the Council taking to engage with community-focused organisations like Magpie who wish to work in partnership on improving waste services?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
12. Councillor McLeay asked:
Local businesses face rising business rates, increased leasing costs, and a loss of income during a challenge economic climate. Many pay for their own waste collection, security, and repairs and see very little return on their investment from fees paid to BHCC. They also report a lack of support from council services when issues arise, such as flooding from blocked drains or a rise in crime. What steps is the Council taking to improve relationships with businesses, and ensure better communication and support? How will the Economic Development Plan 2024-2027 work to address the challenges faced by these independent traders? What relief options are available when businesses can’t operate due to damaged city infrastructure very much out of their control?
Reply from Councillor Taylor, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance & City Regeneration:
13. Councillor Pickett asked:
With reference to the recent Casey report findings, it recommends that the use of out-of-town taxis should be limited for under 16s to enable better safe-guarding. When will the council be likely to start implementing these recommendations?
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
14. Councillor Pickett asked:
The street opt-out scheme for residents who do not want glyphosate on their streets has failed to stop this happening on certain streets. Can Cllr Rowkins reassure residents that this will not happen again and can he explain what measures will be put in place to make sure?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
15. Councillor Pickett asked:
With the knowledge that the council is failing to uphold its obligation to provide equality of access for disabled residents and visitors trying to use Preston Park train station and others in the city, when will the council use its power to request that Network Rail provide lifts?
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
16. Councillor Pickett asked:
Brighton & Hove taxis follow the rules of the Blue Book. This means that they have to follow the strict rules of updating their vehicles once they reach a certain age. However, other cities and towns do not impose such strict rules. This means that it is more costly for B&H drivers and they have to charge more to get some recompense and cannot compete with outside tenders on an equal basis. What can be done to help these drivers find parity and an equal basis when tendering for jobs?
Reply from Councillor McGregor, Chair of Licensing Committee:
17. Councillor Pickett asked:
With the extra air quality monitoring systems in place around the city, when will the council make the results of these tests available and what is the plan one the results have been analysed?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
18. Councillor Pickett asked:
Whilst I am aware that the council has an issue finding enough properties to house people in, does the council condone the use of unsuitable accommodation (eg excessive mould during winter months that causes respiratory issues,) for families when they know it could affect the health of that family?
Reply from Councillor Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing:
19. Councillor Pickett asked:
Having signed up to Zane's Law in 2024, will the council ensure that if the Gasworks redevelopment planning appeal is accepted, that the council will follow the principles of Zane's Law to ensure that remediation of the land is properly and safely carried out, thus protecting those living in the nearly vicinity?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
20. Councillor Pickett asked:
With regard to the new 28 day rule that now includes event build and breakdown when will we be given clarity on how that will affect events in Brighton & Hove?
Reply from Councillor Miller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage & Tourism:
21. Councillor Pickett asked:
Nationally, statistics are on the rise for child deaths for those housed in temporary accommodation. How does Brighton & Hove fare with regard to these statistics and what is the council doing to ensure the safety of these children?
Reply from Councillor Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing:
22. Councillor Shanks asked:
Why do non-administration councillors only receive information via council press releases? How can we be kept informed of decisions for example closure of tennis courts at Withdean, housing development in Hove
Reply from Councillor Sankey, Leader of the Council & Cabinet Chair:
23. Councillor Shanks asked:
Why were trees allowed to die and are still dying at Hove Beach Park? Will the council ensure adequate watering of park trees throughout the city in the summer months? Have volunteer waterers been considered?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
24. Councillor Shanks asked:
Why was there no consultation with users and the public about closure of the indoor tennis courts at Withdean stadium? This was a citywide resource and used by residents in my ward. What other indoor tennis is available?
Reply from Councillor Robins, Cabinet Member for Sports, Recreation & Libraries :
25. Councillor Shanks asked:
The government has announced that Healthwatch bodies are to be dismantled and not funded. Will the administration join with me in protesting about this destruction of a very valuable resource for residents in terms of support and research?
Reply from Councillor Allen, Cabinet Member for Customer Services & Public Realm:
26. Councillor Sykes asked:
Concerning the UC and PIP Bill, can the Administration share its assessment of the impact of the amended Bill on sick and disabled claimants in our city, and of the indirect impact on council and NHS services of the expected cuts?
Reply from Councillor Taylor, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance & City Regeneration:
27. Councillor Sykes asked:
Residents in Brunswick and Adelaide have reported cracks in their building on Western Road and that this may be associated with heavy vehicle traffic and a degraded road surface. This could result in claims against the council. Is the possibility of claims for damage to private buildings considered in the way roads are prioritised for resurfacing?
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
28. Councillor Sykes asked:
As council resources diminish, we are increasingly reliant on local 'Friends Of' groups to help keep our city centre green spaces looking good. However, barriers to the involvement of these groups remain. What steps will the Administration take to enable both sides to get the most from these relationships?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
29. Councillor West asked:
The cabinet member for Transport, when addressing the cabinet report on the Local transport Plan in April, answered my question about the dangerous state of the road surface of Ditchling Road between Viaduct Road to Fiveways, stating that it will be re-laid. When might we expect that important road safety work to actually happen?
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
30. Councillor West asked:
The impact of the recent fire at the Pines, which traumatised and displaced neighbouring residents, caused serious damage to property and personal cost. Given neighbours' expressed concerns previously there are questions over the adequacy of tenancy management. Residents and ward councillors are grateful to the phalanx of officers who attended a packed residents meeting in May, and for the follow-up actions now being undertaken. However, given the very serious nature of the situation, and need for quick and clear answers, why was the cabinet member not in attendance at the meeting nor seemingly engaging in the correspondence? Cabinet members have a significant leadership role to play and residents need to be reassured by seeing the hands-on involvement of the cabinet member ensuring officers are giving their very best focus to all questions and concerns, and progressing renovations and improvements to security and safety at pace.
Reply from Councillor Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing:
31. Councillor West asked:
Businesses in New England House provide hundreds of jobs and contribute crucial services to the creative, cultural and digital sectors. The internal audit requested by the Council’s CEO has revealed fire safety concerns have been known about by senior council officers since July 2020. However, it appears those concerns were only made known to council members and tenants late last year. Businesses are now having to hastily leave so safety work may be carried out. Alternative light industrial premises are scarce and slow to procure. Business interruption and relocation costs are severely impacting financial viability. If the safety problems had been acted upon sooner, different outcomes may have been possible. Does the cabinet member accept that the council has neglected its duties to its tenants and should not leave them to shoulder the consequences. Will he agree to fully compensate businesses for the cost of the impact of their displacement?
Reply from Councillor Taylor, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance & City Regeneration:
32. Councillor West asked:
For a second year the chief internal auditor was only able to provide partial assurance of the adequacy and effectiveness of the council's framework of governance, risk management and internal control for the year 2024-25. Expressing particular concern over a number of key financial and corporate systems that relate to strategic risks, the chief auditor states that prompt and robust action is required to address findings. Capacity challenges and service resilience have been raised in several areas by management. It is notable that there has been an increase in actions not implemented by their due date. At AS&GP committee, Cllr Taylor acknowledged the reported concerns are serious and worrying and stated that improvements are being made that will address this. Given the continuation of Government austerity, what concrete measures are Cabinet taking to ensure this trend of decline will be reversed by the next annual audit report.
Reply from Councillor Taylor, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance & City Regeneration:
33. Councillor West asked:
The presence of the unofficial memorial set up in Palmeira Square in November 2023 is causing community tensions. I understand the Council had taken the view that the memorial was temporary, yet it has now been present for 20 months. What is the current view taken by the administration of the status of the memorial and what is its intention regarding potentially removing or relocating it?
Reply from Councillor Allen, Cabinet Member for Customer Services & Public Realm:
34. Councillor West asked:
What is the estimated impact of the recent Government announcement of changes to funding formula upon the funding the Council will receive from 2026?
Reply from Councillor Taylor, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance & City Regeneration:
35. Councillor West asked:
It is good to see the long awaited improvements to cycle lanes along the A23, north of Preston Circus, are finally being rolled out. The project commenced under the former administration which developed and consulted upon the designs. It is disappointing then to find that the surfacing of the lanes are not being laid sufficiently smoothly resulting in a very bumpy and arduous ride. Can the Transport lead please explain if he has inspected the build quality and whether he is challenging contractors over the sub-standard running surface?
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Youth Services:
36. Councillor West asked:
The Administration have abandoned No Mow May, increased the frequency of verge mowing, and called a halt to the beneficial rewilding of some larger verges which for the past decade were only receiving a single annual cut each autumn. How much more fossil fuel is being consumed, and how much more CO2 is being emitted, in this war on nature as the Administration drive to make these wildlife habitats neat and tidy? How does this approach sit with the Council meeting its agreed Net Zero and Biodiversity goals, ambitions I know the Cabinet member says he is keen to champion?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
37. Councillor West asked:
By any measure an exam score of 54% is not regarded as a great accomplishment. While the Carbon Disclosure Project may have put Brighton & Hove among only 62 councils to score over 50%, isn’t this in fact a reflection of the consequential failure of successive UK governments, to take seriously the need to invest at sufficient scale and pace in measures to arrest climate change?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
38. Councillor West asked:
The external auditor has flagged up some 1,600 legal claims arising from potential gender pay inequality as a financial risk to the council going forward. Should these claims succeed, they could put the council at risk of having to issue a section 114 notice – effectively a bankruptcy notice – if it was unable to meet its financial liabilities. The auditor’s report also said that “the council considers that the claims are defensible and has commissioned external legal advice to undertake detailed analysis and advise the council on potential defences or any potential risks they may pose. This process is likely to take at least two years.” In the meantime, what financial provision does the Cabinet member feel it is prudent to be making in case the legal opinion proves unsupportive of the council’s case and for the possibility that the council might lose?
Reply from Councillor Taylor, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance & City Regeneration:
39. Councillor Goldsmith asked:
A high number of residents in the city centre have been complaining to myself and colleagues about the level of noise from motorbikes keeping them awake very late at night. What will the council do to tackle this anti-social behaviour? There was a trial in other councils for noise cameras – will the administration lobby the government to allow us to introduce these here and see if it improves the lives of these residents?
Reply from Councillor Daniel, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Youth Services:
40. Councillor Goldsmith asked:
A camper van has been repeatedly parking on the grass in Regency Square since last summer, visiting almost every weekend when it’s warm. This has understandably upset residents with this selfish behaviour, and is preventing others from using the square. The council has told residents it cannot fine the vehicle under current powers. Will the administration urgently investigate how No Parking signs could be installed, even temporarily, to allow our enforcement officers to fine this vehicle as a deterrent, while suitable long-term solutions are developed? The current inaction is simply not good enough for local residents.
Reply from Councillor Allen / Muten , Cabinet Member for Customer Service & Public Realm/Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
41. Councillor Goldsmith asked:
Related to my previous question – like many squares in the city, Regency Square had its railings removed during WWII, but unlike most others, it has never had them restored. There have been previous plans developed for the regeneration of the square, which included restoring the railings, but nothing has happened. Will the administration please work with Regency Squares Community and ward councillors on a plan to restore these railings? It would be a much-wanted improvement to the square, restoring some of its history, while also preventing the selfish behaviour we have seen with parking on the grass.
Reply from Councillor Allen, Cabinet Member for Customer Services & Public Realm:
42. Councillor Goldsmith asked:
I have had residents and businesses alike complain to me that, when there are noise complaints out of hours and over weekends, there are no council services available to help. Noise diaries are all well and good, but when no enforcement happens and residents are struggling with loud music into the early hours of the morning, or performers playing at such high volumes over the weekend that they are disturbing local businesses, there is nobody then can call to solve the problem there and then. What can the administration do to better help these residents and businesses?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
43. Councillor McNair asked:
Around half the exterior lights in blocks 2-24 and 26-60, Bramble Way, have not been fixed for months. One or two lights are on all day but not at night. When will they be fixed? Many exterior lights on other blocks across Bramble Way do not work either. No one seems to have checked the lights at nighttime. This problem has been raised by residents and councillors repeatedly yet has not been resolved. Residents should not have to walk around in the pitch dark – it is a serious safety risk.
Reply from Councillor Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing:
44. Councillor McNair asked:
Rustington Road and Withdean Court Avenue have both suffered very erratic rubbish and recycling collections. Both are narrow lanes that require small vehicles. Could you tell me what plan is in place to ensure these two roads and other narrow roads across the city receive regular rubbish collections?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
45. Councillor Meadows asked:
Regarding Patcham Court Farm, why did the developers not complete the archaeological and ecological studies prior to removing every piece of vegetation on the land? There is now no wildlife left.
Reply from Councillor Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing:
46. Councillor Meadows asked:
The developer of the Royal Mail sorting office on Patcham Court Farm has been removing chalk and other earth work from Patcham Court Farm to the boundary of the South Downs National Park. Will the developer be dumping all their waste from this build on Patcham Court Farm on the same site by the National Park? It is exceeding close to an important aquifer and threatens to pollute the water supplying Brighton & Hove.
Reply from Councillor Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing:
47. Councillor Lyons asked:
Following residents’ requests for a parking consultation in Nevill Rd, Nevill Ave, Cranmer Ave in 2023- nothing has been heard since. Councillor Lyons emailed Cllr Trevor Muten on 9 April 2025 for an update, but did not receive a reply.
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
48. Councillor Lyons asked:
With many hundreds of missed garden waste collections within the city, why is the onus on the resident or the councillor to claim for an extension of the standing order? Surely, the system should automatically extend the subscription or a rebate is given – after all it is the residents that are paying extra for the service.
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
49. Councillor Lyons asked:
I am making contact to ask if there is any up-to-date information about proposed parking management in Eldred Avenue, between Tongdean Lane and the shops? The last I heard was an e-mail of 4.1.25, which advised that the southern end of Eldred Avenue was to be added to the Parking Scheme Priority Timetable, and that a formal consultation with residents would be undertaken before any decision was made. It would be helpful for timelines to be provided to councillors so they can inform residents.
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
50. Councillor Hogan asked:
How many claims have been submitted for pothole damage caused to vehicles & how many claims have been settled between April 2024 and April 2025.
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
51. Councillor Hogan asked:
Now that Withdean Sports Complex has had parking charges for the past year, please provide a schedule of income generated to the council v expected revenue. Will the charges be reviewed this year & if yes, when?
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
52. Councillor Theobald asked:
Would you please list the roads in Patcham and Hollingbury and Westdene and Hove Park Wards that will be resurfaced in the next three years with the starting dates for the works? Road repairs in recent years do not appear effective, with road’s breaking up within a few years of completion. Have specifications and monitoring of the works changed?
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
53. Councillor Fishleigh asked:
Parking revenue
How much revenue did the parking spaces that were removed to make
way for the new bus lane east of the aquarium on the A259 generate
over the past three years?
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
54. Councillor Fishleigh asked:
Given the special allowance that the leader of the opposition receives, please could a mechanism be introduced whereby they list their activities and achievements, above being a ward councillor and political party member, on a regular basis so that residents are aware of their role?
Reply from Councillor Sankey, Leader of the Council & Cabinet Chair:
55. Councillor Earthey asked:
What progress in 2024 and 2025-to-date has BHCC’s Glyphosate-based Weed Control Programme made towards achieving its stated targets?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
56. Councillor Earthey asked:
How many wards (or residents) elected to drop out of the Glyphosate Programme and weed manually?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
57. Councillor Earthey asked:
Based on (1) and (2) above, is it the Administration’s intent to continue using Glyphosate into 2026, or is it evaluating alternative weed-killing methods (including chemical-free)?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
58. Councillor Earthey asked:
What environmental impact studies have been completed on determining if the levels of environmental Glyphosate have risen since the start of the current Programme, and what are their findings?
Reply from Councillor Rowkins, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Net Zero & Environmental Services:
59. Councillor Earthey asked:
What progress in 2025 has been made by BHCC’s pothole-filling programme towards achieving its stated targets?
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
60. Councillor Earthey asked:
Where has the extra money on pothole-filling been spent, and what levels of improvement (in terms of reducing the number of potholes) have been seen?
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
61. Councillor Bagaeen asked:
The Tony Blair Institute recently published a report on how the day-to-day tasks of local government related to the delivery of public services can all be performed faster, better and cheaper with the use of AI. (https://institute.global/insights/politics-and-governance/governing-in-the-age-of-ai-reimagining-local-government).
Will the Leader of the Council please respond to the
following:
- How are officers in the council using AI driven tools when drafting reports and responses to members and residents?
- Are officers incentivised to use AI tools to deliver efficiency savings?
- If they are, what’s the order of magnitude of these efficiency savings?
Reply from Councillor Sankey, Leader of the Council & Cabinet Chair:
62. Councillor Bagaeen asked:
Brighton & Hove City Council has a duty to set school term dates for its community schools, community special schools and maintained nursery schools. Governing boards of voluntary-aided schools (Church of England and Catholic schools) set their own dates and academy trusts set the dates for academies and free schools.
Term dates for West Sussex County Council and East Sussex County
Council have an impact on school staff and families living and
working across borders. West Sussex and East Sussex have published
their term dates and there are clear differences between
them.
If East and West Sussex cannot agree on school dates, it is
unlikely they will work well together in a mayoral combined
authority.
Will the Leader of the Council please respond to the
following:
- How would the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority in Sussex impact school term dates in Brighton and Hove and any plans parents and carers may have already made?
Reply from Councillor Sankey, Leader of the Council & Cabinet Chair:
63. Councillor Bagaeen asked:
Residents have
highlighted a number of coach parking incidents at Withdean Sports
Stadium. Previous coach parking area has been converted to
five-a-side football pitches, forcing coaches to park illegally to
service Withdean Sports Stadium.
Will the Cabinet Member please respond to the
following:
- Where exactly should coaches park for drop-offs and collections at Withdean?
- Where should coaches wait between drop-off and collection times?
- What is the capacity of each designated area for waiting?
- At capacity, are there any alternative designated coach parking areas other than double yellow lines?
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
64. Councillor Bagaeen asked:
A Parking Design and
Implementation officer mentioned in an email response to a resident
on 24 June 2025 that Goldstone Crescent will be getting this year a
consultation for a residents parking scheme. This is not something
that local ward members have been informed of.
The Cabinet Member
responsible for this area has not responded recently to a number of
emails from myself including forwarded complaints from residents
about parking on Nevill Road.
Will the Cabinet Member please respond to the following:
- When did officers agree to a parking consultation for the Aldrington and Nevill areas?
- If Goldstone Crescent is included in this consultation, what is the extent of the boundary for the consultation area?
- Why were ward councillors not informed that this was under consideration given it had been requested a number of times in the past 3 years?
Reply from Councillor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport & City Infrastructure:
65. Councillor Bagaeen asked:
Homes for Brighton & Hove, the partnership between Brighton & Hove City Council and the Hyde Group, has applied for permission to build 306 affordable and shared ownership homes in Hove.
Although the planning application states that the proposed building
will be a similar size, height and design as the one originally
given planning permission when that was secured for an extra care
community, the new application presents serious challenges for the
area’s infrastructure ((transport, energy, water and
wastewater, waste, and flood risk management), in stark
contradiction to the Government’s recently launched 10-year
Infrastructure Strategy which promised a co-ordinated approach to
social infrastructure when building new homes.
With serious problems uncovered around shared ownership -
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy8gplg6jv8o
- including
difficulties in selling, Florence Eshalomi MP has recently
criticised shared ownership saying that ‘it is quite worrying
when you see the amount of complaints going to the
ombudsman’.
Will the Cabinet Member please respond to the
following:
- I acknowledge the urgency to build more affordable homes in Hove but why is the council and its partner the Hyde Group proposing to build more problematic shared ownership homes?
Reply from Councillor Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing:
66. Councillor Bagaeen asked:
With zero public
consultation and engagement with ward members, the Council has
decided (https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/news/2025/indoor-padel-courts-coming-withdean)
to commission new indoor padel courts at Withdean Sports Complex
replacing the only indoor tennis courts in the city.
This decision has
unfortunately been ill-timed given the announcement coincided with
the start of Wimbledon.
Will the Cabinet Member please respond to the following:
- Who initiated the conversations that led to this hasty and unfortunate decision?
- What EDI/DEI data for the use of paddle courts in the city was used to justify this decision given that the council has publicly claimed that this action contributes to increased accessibility and equality?
- Why was the tennis community in the city not consulted?
- Why did the ward members find out about this decision from members of the public and not from officers?
Reply from Councillor Robins, Cabinet Member for Sports, Recreation & Libraries :
67. Councillor Atkinson asked:
I am currently
involved with a serious situation involving anti-social behaviour
from one council tenant to their neighbour, another council tenant.
Most of the behaviour relates to extremely loud and constant
swearing and arguing which can be clearly heard by the resident
I’m involved with. The Housing Team and the Temporary
Accommodation team, however, just describe this as “household
noise”.
How can I get a change introduced within the Housing Department to
allow for different levels/definitions of household noise to be
described including one that reaches the level of anti-social
behaviour?
Reply from Councillor Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing: