Agenda for Economic Development & Culture Committee on Thursday, 16th June, 2016, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 200 KBVenue: Conference Room 2, Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton
Contact: Ross Keatley Democratic Services Manager
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Procedural Business (a) Declaration of Substitutes: Where Councillors are unable to attend a meeting, a substitute Member from the same Political Group may attend, speak and vote in their place for that meeting.
(b) Declarations of Interest:
(a) Disclosable pecuniary interests (b) Any other interests required to be registered under the local code; (c) Any other general interest as a result of which a decision on the matter might reasonably be regarded as affecting you or a partner more than a majority of other people or businesses in the ward/s affected by the decision.
In each case, you need to declare (i) the item on the agenda the interest relates to; (ii) the nature of the interest; and (iii) whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest or some other interest.
If unsure, Members should seek advice from the committee lawyer or administrator preferably before the meeting.
(c) Exclusion of Press and Public: To consider whether, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, or the nature of the proceedings, the press and public should be excluded from the meeting when any of the following items are under consideration.
NOTE: Any item appearing in Part Two of the Agenda states in its heading the category under which the information disclosed in the report is exempt from disclosure and therefore not available to the public.
A list and description of the exempt categories is available for public inspection at Brighton and Hove Town Halls. Minutes: (a) Declarations of Substitutes
1.1 Councillor Horan was present in substitution for Councillor Allen, and Councillor Mac Cafferty was present in substitution for Councillor Druitt.
(b) Declarations of Interest
1.2 There were no declarations of interests in matters listed on the agenda.
(c) Exclusion of Press and Public
1.3 The Committee considered whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of any of the items listed on the agenda.
1.4 RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the items contained in part two of the agenda. |
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To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 3 March 2016 (copy attached). Minutes: 2.1 The Committee agreed that the word ‘service’ should be added at the end of paragraph 46.15.
2.2 RESOLVED – That, with the above addition, the Chair be authorised to sign the minutes of the meetings held on 10 March 2016. |
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Chair's Communications Minutes: 3.1 The Chair gave the following communications:
‘Since becoming Chair of the Committee I've had a busy first month and have attended a number of events to support our local businesses and our partners across Arts, Culture and Leisure.
In terms of Arts, Culture and Leisure, my first month as Chair has coincided with the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe. Both the Festival and the Fringe have seen their highest ever attendances the year. The Fringe alone has had over 500,000 attendances, an increase of over 20% on 2015. Over 300,000 of these attendances have been at venues staged on some of the Council’s Open Spaces including St Peter’s Church gardens, Victoria Gardens and New Road. In addition, the Old Steine and the beach have all hosted venues attracting record audiences over a 5 week period
I have also attended the opening Fashions Cities Africa, the reopening of Velodrome, and Preston Manor's first Community Heritage Open Day on 28th May.
I've wanted to ensure that used my first month as Chair to meet with some of our valued local business leaders. I have attended meetings with the Chamber of Commerce, the West Pier Trust, the Royal Pavilion Trustees and the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership. I look forward to doing more of the same over the coming months.
I'm pleased to be able to report that the Chamber of Commerce launched their the 'Ride the Wave' programme in May, which offers affordable, practical support for local businesses
Funded by Brighton & Hove City Council, the Chamber will run 7 workshops between May and September, supporting around 150 businesses that will also benefit from follow up 1-2-1 mentoring sessions from a choice of business experts with a wide range of expertise.
Workshops include: turning an idea into a live business; growing a new business smarter and faster; overcoming Barriers to growth; and support with Tendering for public sector and larger private sector contracts.
More information on these workshops can be found on the Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce website.
Members of the Committee will also be interested to learn that visit brighton - the official tourism website for the City has been launched with a new design. The new version of www.visitbrighton.com is now fully responsive meaning the website will automatically adapt to whatever device it is being accessed from.
As an increasing numbers of people use their mobile devices to access the internet, and the new design makes it easier for visitors to connect with our VisitBrighton partners as well as making online booking and ticket sales more prominent.
Lastly, I would like to congratulate the Brighton Centre for being awarded ‘gold status’ for its commitment to deaf and disabled music fans, following recognition by Attitude is Everything - the charity that campaigns on behalf of disabled audiences and operates a nationwide Charter of Best Practice.
To qualify for Charter status, live music venues must demonstrate exemplary access provision and an on-going commitment to improve accessibility to provide a fair and equal service to deaf and disabled customers.
Following the approach of the last two Chairs of this committee, I have provided more information on all of the areas that I'm mentioned as well additional information in relation to the activities and work of the services that fall within the Committee’s remit, which will be circulated for information as part of the minutes’
3.2 The following information was agreed to be circulated as part of the minutes:
Culture: Brighton Festival and Fringe
Brighton Festival and Fringe have seen their highest ever attendances in 2016. The Fringe alone has had over 500,000 attendances, an increase of over 20% on 2015. Over 300,000 of these attendances have been at venues staged on some of the Council’s Open Spaces including St Peter’s Church gardens, Victoria Gardens and New Road. In addition, the Old Steine and the beach have all hosted venues attracting record audiences over a 5 week period
Dr Blighty
For this year’s Brighton Festival, the Royal Pavilion Garden hosted an ambitious new project inspired by a remarkable story of the First World War. Dr Blighty remembers an unexpected episode in Brighton’s history when the Royal Pavilion Estate became a military hospital for wounded Indian soldiers. Visitors to Royal Pavilion Garden were able to experience a dreamlike environment of immersive installations, ambient soundscapes and theatrical interludes, inspired by letters the soldiers sent back home. After dark, enthralling video projections colourfully animated the Royal Pavilion. Dr Blighty is a Nutkhut Production co-commissioned by 14-18 Now: WWI Centenary Arts Commissions, Brighton Festival & Royal Pavilion & Museums.
Tourism & Venues
Brighton Centre
The Brighton Centre has been awarded ‘gold status’ for its commitment to deaf and disabled music fans, following recognition by Attitude is Everything - the charity that campaigns on behalf of disabled audiences and operates a nationwide Charter of Best Practice.
To qualify for Charter status, live music venues must demonstrate exemplary access provision and an on-going commitment to improve accessibility - working with Attitude is Everything is to go beyond the legal obligations set out in the Equality Act, to implement best practice, and to provide a fair and equal service todeaf and disabled customers.
Brighton Centre was specifically recognised by Attitude is Everything for: • Their long term commitment to accessibility • Innovative provision of additional viewing platform spaces • Installation of a Changing Places toilet • Working with local disability organisations as partners in growing access provision
Convention Bureau
In the past 3 months the CVB has created 45 proposals for conferences which, if confirmed, would bring £11m of economic benefit to the City.
We have confirmed seven events including: · Oncology Nursing Society – November 2016 – Brighton Centre – 450 delegates - £622,000 economic impact · ExploreGB – March 2017 – Brighton Centre – 800 delegates – £737,000 economic impact · British Association of Spinal Surgeons – location tbc – 500 delegates - £922,000 economic impact · GMB – June 2018 – Brighton Centre – 1,000 delegates - £1.4m economic impact · GMB – June 2019 – Brighton Centre – 1,000 delegates - £1.4m economic impact
In the same period, we have booked in excess of 1,000 room nights, with a value of £35,000 for delegates at hotels and B&Bs across the City.
Partnership
· Confirmed all re-booked Partners with an approximate 85% re-book on membership (463 businesses) · Includes 20 new Partners since 18th March · Partnership income to date is at £147,260 · £16,400 invoiced for City Map Advertising in this new financial year · £3,185 earned in commission for on-line and phone accommodation bookings via visitbrighton.com
Marketing
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www.visitbrighton.com – the official tourism
website for the City has been launched with a new design. The new
version of www.visitbrighton.com is now fully responsive meaning
the website will automatically adapt to whatever device it is being
accessed from. As an increasing number · Press & PR – In the last 3 months VisitBrighton has hosted 20 journalists from the UK and overseas including Cathay Pacific’s in-flight magazine; Forbes; Sydney Morning Herald and Coast Magazine. · Over the last 3 months, the total PR coverage in terms of Advertising Value Equivalent for Brighton & Hove has been £1,806,019 for the UK and a huge 7,155,773 € for overseas.
Royal Pavilion & Museums
Preston Manor Heritage Day
Preston Manor held its first Community Heritage Open Day on 28th May. The event was delivered as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival and was our first collaborative activity working with the wider Preston Community with the aim of developing Preston Manor as a focus for community activity in the years to come.
The event had a strong archaeology theme following the geophysical survey made of parts of Preston Park last autumn with the University of Brighton. Sadly no Roman villa was found but we’re still looking, and the Brighton & Hove Archaeological Society opened a small demonstration trench in the old kitchen gardens to explain archaeological surveying and excavation techniques to visitors.
Further afield, staff at the Rockery, and volunteers from St Peter’s Church and Church Yard willingly shared their knowledge and enthusiasm about their sites, whilst the Preston Croquet Club opened its doors to visitors and played some closely-fought exhibition matches on the croquet lawn at the Manor.
Reception Enrichment Days
The Royal Pavilion & Museums and Brighton Dome delivered Reception Enrichment Days for Brighton & Hove schools. 15 classes of reception children form 10 local primary schools came on 14th & 15th June to experience music, drama and museum objects and activities. The point of the day was twofold; firstly it set out to encourage teachers to access these services and use them with their classes, and secondly, to provide a great experience for reception children to start that lifelong passions for the arts/culture. The activities took place both in the galleries and in Museum Lab.
Pavilion Blues – Disability & Identity
The exhibition opened in March tells the previously untold story of the Royal Pavilion Estate’s role in disability history during WW1. It focusses on three soldiers and members of their families have also loaned objects for the exhibition. There are also by quotes from two contemporary veterans who are supported by BLESMA, an organisation that was started by WW1 Veterans and supports amputee service personnel. The exhibition aims to initiate discussion by including an opportunity for visitors to comment and join in discussions on contemporary disability issues.
Museum Lab
Museum Lab is regularly hosting researchers, staff and community groups to engage with and work on the collections. The space is open to the public for family friendly drop-ins; to meet curators, museum staff and engage in close contact with collections. We have recently also hosted several invited events: a Patrons event to investigate African textiles; an Instagram workshop as part of the Museums Association Transformers scheme; and an Early Years ticketed event working with Octopus Ink (for c40 parents and 0-2yr olds). The space also successfully hosted the Heritage Learning Flagship Dragons project, where 4 primary schools displayed their work within the space. The next day we had approx. 200 visitors, many in direct response to the project.
Fashion Cities Africa
The first major UK exhibition dedicated to contemporary African fashion opened at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery on 30 April. Exploring fashion and style in four cities at the compass points of the African continent – Casablanca in Morocco, Lagos in Nigeria, Nairobi in Kenya and Johannesburg in South Africa – Fashion Cities Africa considers recent and contemporary fashion practices in these distinctive metropoles, from couture to street style. The exhibition continues until 8 January 2017. A parallel project, Fashion Cities Africa: Brighton Stories, undertaken by members of some of Brighton & Hove’s African diaspora communities, explores the relationship between fashion, identity and the African continent from a local perspective (South Balcony, 30 April to 28 August 2016).
Supporting Business
Ride The Wave
Ride the Wave is a programme of affordable, practical support for businesses at every stage of their journey. It’s funded and led by Brighton & Hove City Council, and designed and delivered by Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce.
7 workshops will run between May and September 2016, supporting c.150 businesses that will also benefit from follow up 1-2-1 mentoring sessions from a choice of business experts with a wide range of expertise.
Workshops include: turning an idea into a live business; grow a new business smarter and faster; overcome Barriers to growth; and support with Tendering for public sector and larger private sector contracts
To find out more please contact the Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce on 01273 719 097 or visit www.businessinbrighton.org.uk/ridethewave
Sport & Leisure
Beach Quality This year, the city’s beaches have been classified as ‘excellent’ by the Environment Agency, with two of them winning Blue Flags from Keep Britain Tidy.
All four beaches tested by the Environment Agency – Hove, Brighton Central, Brighton Kemptown and Saltdean – passed with flying colours. The results are based on the past four years (2012-2015) water quality test results.
Blue flags were awarded for the city’s two main resort beaches of Hove and Brighton central. They are used to highlight coastal destinations that have achieved the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.
Saltdean beach has been recognised with a Quality Coast Award for achieving the highest standards of beach management.
Seasonal Beach Lifeguard Team
Our seasonal beach lifeguards started at the end of May. Seasonal lifeguards support the regular seafront team and will be patrolling beaches from the Marina to Hove Lagoon until early September.
During an average year Brighton & Hove’s lifeguards carry out more than 100 water rescues, and save many lives. They also administer first aid to around 250 beach goers, give safety advice to around 19,000 people and reunite hundreds of children with their families, proactively working with them to prevent incidents occurring and ensure their visit to the beach is a safe and happy one.
King Alfred Leisure Centre
Further to Storm Imogen damaging the King Alfred Leisure Centre roof in February the gym temporarily closed and the pools were closed for a number of months. Significant damage to the roof coverings and water ingress into the building in both the pool hall and gym areas along with the size of the roof meant the replacement works were extensive involving a number of health and safety challenges. The Sports Facilities team and Property and Design team worked together with Freedom Leisure and BHCC procured contractors to ensure that the required works were undertaken as quickly, safely and effectively as possible. The project progressed to the scheduled re-opening in mid-May (on Monday 16th) and to budget which was funded by an insurance claim. |
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Call Over (a) Items 7 - 9 will be read out at the meeting and Members invited to reserve the items for consideration.
(b) Those items not reserved will be taken as having been received and the reports’ recommendations agreed. Minutes: 4.1 All items on the agenda were reserved for discussion. |
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To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions presented to the full council or at the meeting itself; (b) Written Questions: to receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the (9 June 2016); (c) Deputations: to receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the (9 June 2016).
Bi360 Traffic in Trafalgar Road and Church Road, Portslade – referred from Council 24 March 2016. Minutes: Deputations
5.1 The Chair noted that there was one deputation, as well as an associated Member Petition, referred from the Council meeting on 24 May 2016 in relation to proposal to route traffic for the i360 via Trafalgar Road and Church Road in Portslade.
5.2 Following requests from Members it was agreed that a briefing would be sent to the Committee in relation to the proposed signage for the Bi360.
5.3 The Chair noted that the full response, as set below, would be circulated in the minutes:
‘In March, Councillor Morgan outlined the situation on this issue when he responded to the deputation at the Full Council meeting. I would therefore like to add to what he has already said by highlighting a few points and providing an update.
The British Airways [BA] i360 is already one of the most significant and high profile buildings and visitor attractions in the city and it is expected to help to transform the city’s seafront and tourism offer. By boosting our wider local economy and that of the wider Greater Brighton City Region, we will see a number of benefits.
But your deputation and petition also highlight an important issue for us as a Council - how we work together to manage the potential effects on local residents of a unique and significant change like this.
As Councillor Morgan explained in March, Council Officers are working closely with the British Airways i360's Team, in preparation for its opening. This has included travel arrangements and information, and therefore they have discussed potential approach routes and traffic signs. Direction signing for drivers is an important element of this work because the attraction will be a national and international destination and landmark. Assessing and finalising options and proposals for signing requires discussions between the BAi360 Team, the Council and Government departments and agencies, such as the Department for Transport and Highways England.
The discussions on this particular issue are still not complete. However, I can assure you that Council Officers are looking at traffic signing across all routes into and out of the city, as people will come from far and wide. They also expect that most car trips will take place outside of busy times, so should not add to congestion at the busiest times of the day and week. The signs that are erected will not be excessive as they can only be implemented with the money which has been secured through the planning permission.
I have been advised that the BAi360’s website recommends a number of different ways for people to visit the attraction. Most of these promote sustainable forms of travel such as Park & Ride, train and coach, and it also acknowledges that there are road works in the central part of the city which should be avoided. However, it no longer recommends a specific route that car drivers should use to reach it. I therefore hope that this reassures you that they appear to have heard and responded to your representations and they are not specifically directing people to travel through Portslade and use Church Road and Trafalgar Road. That can be seen as a positive result.
To conclude, the city is continually growing and changing as more and more plans come to fruition, and therefore we have to have a flexible approach to keeping traffic and people moving around the city. Together with the BAi360 Team, we will do our best to keep a check on how people are travelling and suggest, or make, changes accordingly. For example, this could take place on an annual basis and include analysis of ticketing purchases and customer information/feedback about journeys which will enable the attraction and the council to take action, if necessary.
I hope that this reassures you that some change has resulted from the time and efforts that you and others have put in to making your representations’
5.3 RESOLVED – That the Committee note the deputation.
5.4 RESOLVED – That the Committee note the Member petition.
5.5 The Chair noted there were no other items listed under Public Involvement. |
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To consider the following matters raised by councillors:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions submitted to the full Council or at the meeting itself;
Bi360 Traffic in Trafalgar Road and Church Road, Portslade – referred from Council 24 March 2016
(b) Written Questions: to consider any written questions;
a) Empty Shops – Councillor Druitt b) Events on Brunswick Lawns – Councillor Mac Caffery c) Section 106 Funds – Councillor Peltzer Dunn d) Hove Lagoon Beacon (Queen’s 90th Birthday) – Councillor Pelzer Dunn e) Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership – Councillor Nemeth f) New Brighton Pier Owners – Councillor Nemeth g) Major Projects – Councillor Nemeth
(c) Letters: to consider any letters;
Estate Agent’s Board, Article 7 Area Extension – Councillor Nemeth
(d) Notices of Motion: to consider any Notices of Motion referred from Council or submitted directly to the Committee.
Madeira Terraces Public Update – Councillor Nemeth Additional documents: Minutes: Member Petitions
6.1 The Member petition listed in the agenda was considered together with the associated deputation at minute item 5.
Member Questions
6.2 The Chair noted that seven Member questions he been received. The first was from Councillor Druitt who was not present at the meeting; therefore Councillor Mac Cafferty asked the question on his behalf.
6.3 Councillor Mac Cafferty asked, ‘Can Councillors Robins confirm how many empty shops there are in the city, how this compares with historical trends and what the administration is doing to encourage businesses to open up for trade in these empty premises?’
6.4 The Chair responded, ‘There are two regular retail vacancy surveys conducted by the Brighton & Hove Business Forum and the Hove Business Partnership, which shows both the City Centre and Hove & Portslade retail areas to have significantly lower retail vacancy rates than the national average.
The current city centre retail vacancy rate is 5.4%, compared with 5.5% for Hove & Portslade. Historically, retail vacancy rates in the city centre have fallen consistently from 2010 to 2015, before increasing by 0.7 percentage points this year.
Hove & Portslade vacancy rates have been more steady, falling post-recession to a low of 4.5% in 2012 before increasing to 6.2% in 2014 and falling once again to 5.4% in 2015.
The national retail vacancy rate has been consistently falling since 2012, but still remains more than double the rate of both the city centre and Hove & Portslade. Comparative figures for the past three years are provided below: -
2016 (latest vacancy data) City Centre: 5.4% Hove & Portslade: 5.5% National average: 12.5%
2015 City Centre: 4.7% Hove & Portslade: 5.4% National average: 12.9%
2014 City Centre: 5.0% Hove & Portslade: 6.2% National average: 13.9%
Even with our low retail vacancy rates, the Council is engaged in a number of projects aiming at getting more of our empty shops filled. We are investing in a new commercial property database for the Greater Brighton area, which will make it significantly easier for people to find the right space to start or relocate their business. We hope to launch this in July.
The Council has also supported individual businesses in their search for temporary and long-term use of empty shops, either directly or through services such as the Business Navigator.
We are funding a new series of the Council’s Ride the Wave business support programme which provides more intensive coaching and mentoring to attendees who want to start or grow a business. We want this training to give people the skills and confidence to take on empty premises (including shops) to create wealth and jobs.
Finally, through continued investment in infrastructure and major regeneration projects that include numerous leisure attractions and conference facilities, we aim to ensure the city remains a popular destination for visitors that support our city’s retail sector and help maintain our low vacancy rates.’
6.5 By way of a supplementary Councillor Mac Cafferty asked for commitment that the Committee would continue to look at the retail sector, as had been the recommendation of a scrutiny panel in 2012. He also asked if best practice from the very effective use of the ‘Portas’ grant for London Road would be considered and asked that the Committee commit to further this approach.
6.6 The Chair deferred to the Acting Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture for a response who stated that further information could be provided on the retail sector at the request of the Committee. The funds from the ‘Portas’ grant had achieved significantly and Officers would continue to be vigilant for other such grant funds that could be applied for.
6.7 The next question was from Councillor Mac Cafferty. Councillor Mac Cafferty asked, ‘Can the Chair outline what actions are taken by the City Council to ensure that companies and organisations using the Lawns for larger festivals:
• Keep to the times of their licensed activities; • Respect the amenity of neighbouring residents for current and future events; • Prevent damage to the fabric of the Lawns, or; if damage is done how mitigation for such damage is calculated; • How abuse of the Lawns is prevented over the longer term.’
6.8 The Chair responded, ‘Whilst officers from the Events Team are not present throughout all events on Hove Lawns they are constantly monitoring and liaising with event organisers, on site, to ensure adherence to requirements such as operating time. There is also a clause within some event contracts that financially penalise any such over-runs. Additionally many events return annually and risk being refused Landlord's Consent for future years if they do not adhere to agreed conditions. This would include requirements such as noise levels to respect the amenity of neighbouring residents.
Event organisers either pay a bond or are contractually required to repair any damage that can sometimes occur as part of their event to the fabric of the Lawns.
The Events Team looks to rota the use of the Lawns as much as possible so that different lawns are used for different events and try and prevent overuse year on year.’
6.9 By way of a supplementary Councillor Mac Cafferty asked if there had been any attempt to consider the fees schedule for mitigation, and how the Council calculates the risk to the lawns in the longer term.
6.10 The Chair deferred to the Head of Sport & Leisure for a response who explained that a bond was secured from event organisers; whilst the actual amount for repairs was separately considered by the City Parks Department. The Committee considered an annual fees and charges report where the fee level would be set.
6.11 The next question was from Councillor Peltzer Dunn. The question was taken as read which asked, ‘Would the Chair of the Economic Development & Culture Committee provide a complete breakdown of the current Section 106 fund with details on the overall balance, the individual amounts that have come from separate projects, any amounts outstanding and any amounts unspent?’
6.12 The Chair deferred to the Deputy Chair, as the Lead for Planning Policy to answer, who stated, ‘The data base which has this information is very large and I have asked officers to provide you (Councillor Peltzer Dunn) with an electronic copy. Officers would also be pleased to offer a full briefing once you have had time to review the information provided.
This database sets out the amounts of money received from individual schemes and how they will be spent (or are being spent) including the total amount being held and the total amount received and as yet unspent.
Councillor Peltzer Dunn will be aware that Section 106 obligations are restricted by the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) and the sums of money can only be collected where they meet the relevant tests and spent for the agreed purpose stipulated in the Section 106 agreement.
The amounts outstanding (i.e. agreed in principle but not received) are not included in the database because payments are triggered by pre- commencement conditions being met and will depend upon developers deciding to proceed with their scheme.
In the last year, 2015/16, £1,358,076 (£1.3M) of developer contributions were spent improving the infrastructure of the city.’
6.13 By way of a supplementary Councillor Peltzer Dunn asked if funds were spent without consultation with local Ward Councillors?
6.14 The Chair deferred to the Senior Solicitor for a response who explained that there were very strict guidelines on how s106 monies could be spent. The allocation was agreed as part of the planning application process and they could only be spent when developments reached agreed stages of completion. It could not be confirmed if local Ward Councillors were consulted, but the decision to spend funds would be done by Officers in their professional view.
6.15 The next question was from Councillor Peltzer Dunn. The question was taken as read which asked, ‘In light of the Queen’s 90th birthdays (actual and official), can the Chairman of the Economic Development & Culture Committee outline why the beacon at Hove Lagoon was not lit and why, indeed, the Council took no part in organising any celebratory events in the City?’
6.16 The Chair responded, ‘The council marked the celebrations of the 90th Birthday of Her Majesty in April with the Mayor representing the city at a pageant hosted by the Mayor of Littlehampton and the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex attending the lighting of a Beacon in Newhaven; a number of Deputy Lieutenants supported events across the county.
The City Council was pleased to support residents and community groups across the city who staged events to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday last weekend and organised road closures for 11 street parties in Brighton, Hove & Portslade
The Council was also open to the idea of the Hove Lagoon Beacon being lit to mark this occasion. If a community group had wished to organise a beacon lighting event, we would have been able to assist, in accordance with the normal working arrangements and subject to protocol. Community groups can always approach the Mayor's office with proposals of this kind.’
6.17 By way of supplementary Councillor Peltzer Dunn asked if the Chair felt this was a sufficient, and would he have acted different were he Cahir of the Committee 12 months ago.
6.18 The Chair responded that the answer to the first question was sufficient as it outlined that no groups had directly approached the Mayor’s Office to have the beacon lit.
6.19 The next question was from Councillor Nemeth. The question was taken as read which asked, ‘Will the Chairman of the Economic Development & Culture Committee explain why no representative of the Labour Administration attended meetings of the Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership over the past year?’
6.20 The Chair responded, ‘Councillor Morgan attends all meetings of Economic Partnership as his diary permits. Sometimes there is a clash, such as last December with the World Aids Day event, which means he was not able to attend the Economic Partnership.’
6.21 By way of a supplementary Councillor Nemeth noted that he had seen three Members of the Administration at the previous meeting, and asked if his published question had served as a reminder.
6.22 In response the Chair noted that he had been invited to the previous meeting for the first time in his capacity as the new Chair of the Committee.
6.23 The next question was from Councillor Nemeth. The question was taken as read which asked, ‘What correspondence and meetings has the Chairman of the Economic Development & Culture Committee had with the new owners of the Palace Pier, the largest tourist attraction in the City, during his first month in office (12th May – 12th June 2016)?’
6.24 The Chair responded, ‘I had the pleasure to attend a press call with Eclectic on the day that they were announced as new owners of the Brighton Pier. As such a successful local attraction, owners of the Pier will be important in all the business and tourist networks in the city. The feedback on the day of the press call was that Eclectic were not planning immediate changes, but I was very happy to make this early connection between the owners and the Council.’
6.25 By way of a supplementary Councillor Nemeth asked if the Chair supported the campaign to return the name to the Palace Pier.
6.26 In response the Chair explained that it was his understanding that the naming was cosmetic and the holding company still featured the name ‘Palace Pier’. He added that he could see both sides of the argument.
6.27 The final question was from Councillor Nemeth. The question was taken as read which asked, ‘Given the extremely long lead-in time that is associated with most major projects, and the fact that most of the current major projects were commenced some years ago, can the Chairman of the Economic Development & Culture Committee confirm if any new major projects have actually been initiated during the first year of Labour’s Administration?’
6.28 The Chair responded, ‘the following major projects have been initiated during the first year of Labour’s Administration:
• Madeira Terraces, the Seafront Investment Plan and the Madeira Drive Regeneration Strategy • Sea Lanes • Housing Delivery Options – a project to deliver new affordable housing across the city
Officers are also in regular contact with the various stakeholders involved with the development opportunities in the Hove Station area. In addition there is a report on this agenda to commence soft market testing for the provision of an ice rink.’
6.29 By way of a supplementary Councillor Nemeth asked if the Chair had been personally involved in the circulation of literature from the local Labour Party in relation to Hove Library before the previous meeting of the Policy, Resources & Growth Committee.
6.30 In response to Chair confirmed that he had not been personally involved in this.
Member Letters
6.31 The Chair noted there was one Letter from Councillor Nemeth in relation to Estate Agents Boards Regulation 7 Area Extension.
6.32 Councillor Nemeth stated that a similar deputation had been brought to the Committee by a member of the public, and at that time it was clarified that review would take place. Councillor Nemeth stated that there were areas that been missed out the first time round. Whilst the position previously from the Secretary of State had been that this should not happens in areas where the properties were not uniform and had not been subdivided, it was felt that there were streets that fell outside of this exemption criteria that should be considered. Residents approved of this ban and, as well as it being backed by estate agents it had been proved that it did not impact on sales of properties in an increasingly online market. Councillor Nemeth now asked that the Council go forward and consider phase two of the ban.
6.33 The Chair deferred to the Deputy Chair as the Lead for Planning Policy to provide the response, Councillor Cattell stated, ‘Councillor Nemeth raises two issues, one specific and one more general, each of which might potentially be resolved through introducing a regulation 7 direction. I cannot consequently give a single answer and I propose to provide a fuller written answer to Councillor Nemeth and, if he wishes, a follow up briefing with officers.
As has been made clear in previous reports, introducing a Regulation 7 Direction is a very time and resource consuming process and given the resources and priorities of the planning service at this time, it is very unlikely that work to prepare the case for any one of the two or three areas he proposes could be resourced in this financial year.’
Notices of Motion
6.34 The Notice of Motion listed in the agenda was proposed by Councillor Nemeth on behalf of the Conservative Group and seconded by Councillor Peltzer Dunn.
6.35 The following Notice of Motion was put to the vote:
‘This Committee resolves to request a full public statement from the Leader of the Council on the Administration’s plans for the Madeira Terraces, with specific reference to the recent Victorian Society report that gave much lower repair figures than official estimates, followed by an Officer report on the topic at the meeting of the Policy, Resources & Growth Committee on 14 July 2016.’
6.36 The motion was carried.
6.37 The Chair noted there were no other items listed under Member Involvement. |
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Report of the Acting Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee:
1) Note the scope, purpose and proposed timetable for the preparation of the City Plan Part Two.
2) Approve the publication of the City Plan Part Two Scoping Paper and Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report for a 12 week period of public consultation, subject to any minor grammatical or editorial alterations approved by the Acting Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture.
3) Delegate authority to the Acting Executive Director for Economy, Environment and Culture to agree supporting consultation documents (as referred to in paragraph 5.4) which are to be based on the Scoping Document.
4) Note that the outcome of this consultation will inform the preparation of the draft City Plan Part Two. Minutes: 7.1 The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture in relation to City Plan Part Two. The purpose of the report was to advise the Committee on the role and scope of the City Plan Part Two; to set out the proposed timetable for the preparation of the City Plan Part Two and to seek approval of the Scoping Paper for public consultation. The scoping stage would be the first formal stage of consultation on the City Plan Part Two.
7.2 In response to Councillor Mac Cafferty the Planning Policy Manager explained that the city had lost significant office floor space as result of the permitted development for a change of use from office to residential; it was noted that the office space in the centre of the city and the New England Quarter was protected. It was clarified that Central Government intended to make the policy permanent and the Council would review the Article 4 Direction as part of the consultation process; which could include an expansion as an outcome option.
7.3 In response to further questions from Councillor Mac Cafferty the following responses were given. Currently more development than expected was coming forward in the city and there could be the opportunity to review the option for a park & ride scheme – though Officers were not currently aware of any potential sites. In relation Permissions in Principle it was explained that the regulations had not been published. The policy would require local planning authorities to compile a brownfield site register for housing development that could be for as few as five units. The register would be subject to public consultation and would be monitored through the Strategic Land Housing Assessment.
7.4 In response to Councillor O’Quinn it was explained that the City Plan Part One reduced the size of the core hotel area; in terms of leisure and tourism, this could come forward on any site, and part of the consultation in report would seek to identify gaps and include unlisted potential sites.
7.5 Councillor Peltzer Dunn referenced outside amenity space and highlighted the importance of this as new build units had reduced in size over the years. He also welcomed a more open approach to the use space above commercial properties and noted that markets were an effective means to bring vibrancy to an area.
7.6 In response to Councillor C. Theobald it was explained that some urban fringe sites were candidates to become ‘green open spaces’. It was also clarified that the Council was required to include traveller accommodation as part of the assessment of accommodation; the study had been updated and this did include a need for additional pitches.
7.7 Councillor Cattell welcomed the report and stated that she hoped it would receive full support from the Committee.
7.8 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
7.9 RESOLVED – That the Committee:
1) Note the scope, purpose and proposed timetable for the preparation of the City Plan Part Two.
2) Approve the publication of the City Plan Part Two Scoping Paper and Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report for a 12 week period of public consultation, subject to any minor grammatical or editorial alterations approved by the Acting Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture.
3) Delegate authority to the Acting Executive Director for Economy, Environment and Culture to agree supporting consultation documents (as referred to in paragraph 5.4) which are to be based on the Scoping Document.
4) Note that the outcome of this consultation will inform the preparation of the draft City Plan Part Two. |
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Ice Rink - Potential Provision in Brighton & Hove Report of the Acting Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture (copy attached). Decision: 1) That the committee notes the significant challenges in achieving a new ice rink in the city.
2) That the committee agrees for the council to undertake a soft market testing exercise over a four month period to identify if there is the potential for an ice rink to be provided in the city.
3) That the committee agrees for the Council to research in detail potential grants that might be available for the ice rink project. Minutes: 8.1 The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture in relation to Ice Rink - Potential Provision in Brighton & Hove. The report provided a brief overview of ice rink provision and previous proposals in the city, a broad overview to the challenges faced in providing an ice rink through examples of the funding and operation of ice rinks in the United Kingdom, and sought agreement from the Committee to initiate a soft market testing exercise to identify if there was potential for an ice rink in the city.
8.2 In response to Councillor Morris it was explained that running costs varied across different ice rinks; often the financial model was linked to the type of facility.
8.3 The Chair noted there was a proposed amendment from the Conservative Group and called upon Councillor Nemeth to formally propose the amendment, and Councillor C. Theobald to second.
8.4 Councillor Nemeth stated he was initially unsure about supporting the first recommendation in the report as he had not been part of the discussions in relation to sports and leisure facilities provision at the large regeneration sites in the city. He stated that the amendment sought to give greater weight to recommendation 2.2 through the addition of a site study. He asked the Committee to support the proposed amendment.
8.5 Councillor C. Theobald formally seconded the amendment and stated that the city should have an ice rink facility.
8.6 Councillor O’Quinn stated that the ice rink in Guilford had been very successful; she suggested that a potential site could be identified on the seafront in Hove. In response to a question it was clarified by Officers that were the amendment carried it would likely slow down the process due to the need to undertake a site search.
8.7 Councillor Cattell highlighted her concern in relation to rooftops sites and noted that weight and structural stability would be a significant factor in the consideration of site suitability.
8.8 Councillor Peltzer Dunn argued that any facility would need to be viable in the long term and would likely have to be part of a wider development with other sports facilities. He welcomed the proposed amendment as a means to strengthen the recommendations.
8.9 Councillor Morris noted his concerns in relation to the long term viability of an ice rink in the city; however, he added that the hippodrome had the potential to be used. He felt any facility would need to be developed on a site that offered other sports facilities.
8.10 Councillor Mac Cafferty noted that this report had come following a petition which was debated at Council, and argued that the Council should look at this as effectively as possible.
8.11 The Chair then put the proposed amendment from the Conservative Group to the vote. The vote was tied with 5 in support and 5 against and the Chair exercised his casting vote to defeat the amendment which was therefore not carried.
8.11 Councillor Horan proposed an amendment to include only the second additional recommendation from the defeated Conservative Group amendment.
8.12 Councillor Cattell formally seconded the amendment.
8.13 The Chair then put the proposed amendment to the vote. This was carried.
8.14 The Chair then put the amended recommendations to the vote.
8.15 RESOLVED:
1) That the committee notes the significant challenges in achieving a new ice rink in the city.
2) That the committee agrees for the council to undertake a soft market testing exercise over a four month period to identify if there is the potential for an ice rink to be provided in the city.
3) That the committee agrees for the Council to research in detail potential grants that might be available for the ice rink project. |
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Developer Contributions Technical Guidance update
Report of the Acting Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That Committee approves the updated revised Developer Contributions Technical Guidance (Attached as Appendix 1 – Supporting Document) for assessing Section 106 planning obligation contributions on new development.
Minutes: 9.1 The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Housing in relation to Developer Contributions Technical Guidance Update. The report updated the Developer Contributions Technical Guidance which set out when and how Section 106 Developer Contributions were sought in relation to new development proposals.
9.2 In response to questions from Councillor Mac Cafferty the following responses were provided. A review had recently been undertaken of how school place need was calculated; in the past birth rates and GP registration had been effective, but in the future the calculation would also consider the rate of building. Value zones for the purposes of this work were based on the established best practice for calculating sums. In terms of the value sums in the city, they were largely relative as property values were already very high and this did not undermine the schedule of payments. The Council was continuing to look at CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy), but had been prevented from pooling developer contribution payments in April 2015.
9.3 In response to Councillor C. Theobald it was explained that the viability policy had been tested through Part One of the City Plan; developers were able to make a case to depart from policy on viability grounds.
9.4 It was clarified for Councillor Morris that a formula was no longer used to incorporate public art into schemes. Councillor Morris noted the approach of other authorities that set aside a percentage of the contributions for public art.
9.10 Councillor Peltzer Dunn expressed concern that some development potential was lost due to the high costs of developer contributions. Officers explained that commuted sums could be paid by developers in lieu of affordable housing, and they could make a viability case.
9.11 Councillor Nemeth noted he could not support the report as he was of the view there were some sites that were not developed due to the level contribution that would be required.
9.12 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
9.13 RESOLVED – That Committee approves the updated revised Developer Contributions Technical Guidance (Attached as Appendix 1 – Supporting Document) for assessing Section 106 planning obligation contributions on new development. |
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Major Projects Update (attached for information). Minutes: 10.1 In response to queries from the Committee the following information was given:
· In relation to Circus Street the developer was currently in negotiations with contractors, it was expected that the scheme would commence in the autumn. · In relation to the King Alfred there would be a period of time when there was no swimming pool facility; phasing would impact on the viability of the scheme; however, steps would be taken to support provision elsewhere in the city.
10.2 RESOLVED – That the Committee note the update information. |
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Items Referred For Council To consider items to be submitted to the 21 July 2016 Council meeting for information.
In accordance with Procedure Rule 24.3a, the Committee may determine that any item is to be included in its report to Council. In addition, any Group may specify one further item to be included by notifying the Chief Executive no later than 10am on the eighth working day before the Council meeting at which the report is to be made, or if the Committee meeting take place after this deadline, immediately at the conclusion of the Committee meeting. Minutes: 11.1 There were no items referred to Council. |