Agenda for Environment & Sustainability Committee on Wednesday, 17th October, 2012, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 231 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall. View directions
Contact: John Peel Democratic Services Officer
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Procedural Business (a) Declarations 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 not registered on the register of 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 press and public.
A list and description of the exempt categories is available for public inspection at Brighton and Hove Town Halls and on-line in the Constitution at part 7.1. Minutes: 14(a) Declarations of Substitutes
14.1 There were none.
14(b) Declarations of interest
14.2 Councillor Wakefield declared an other disclosable interest in item 22 as she was Chair of the Local Action Team in Hanover and Elm Grove.
14(c) Exclusion of press and public
14.3 In accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the Act), the Committee considered whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during an item of business on the grounds that it was likely, in view of the business to be transacted or the nature of proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present during that item, there would be disclosure to them of confidential information (as defined in section 100A(3) of the Act) or exempt information (as defined in section 100(I) of the Act).
14.4 RESOLVED- That the press and public not be excluded from the meeting.
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To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 2012 (copy attached). Minutes: 15.1 Councillor Cobb noted that her comment pertaining to the benefit of magnetism as a renewable source of energy was not referred to in the previous meetings minutes. She asked for this to be added as she believed it to be an issue of high importance.
15.2 Councillor West replied that whilst the minutes were not a verbatim record of the meeting, the minutes would be amended as per Councillor Cobb’s request.
15.3 RESOLVED- That, subject to the above amendment, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 July 2012 be approved and signed as the correct record.
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Minutes of the previous City Sustainable Partnership Meeting- For Information Minutes of the previous meetings held on 9 July and 10 September 2012 (copies attached).
Additional documents: Minutes: 16.1 RESOLVED- That the minutes of the previous meetings held on 9 July and 10 September 2012 be noted.
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Chair's Communications Minutes: 17.1 Councillor West provided the following Communication:
‘I’m glad to report that Southern Water is now starting to roll out its free domestic water meter programme in Portslade and this will extend to the rest of the city over the coming year. This is part of a five year programme in the south-east, a region regarded as at serious ‘water stress’. The city is especially vulnerable, as all our water comes from downland acquifers, and as members will know, before the summer rains, we were in a worrying deep drought. I understand that 55% of the cities households are unmetered, yet meters generally result in a10% water saving by users. Also the meters to be installed will be intelligent and help with leak detection. So altogether, we stand to see a considerable improvement in water efficiency, a good contribution to our plan to become a One Planet City’.
‘Utilize, a two day workshop event to help local small and medium sized businesses achieve savings and improve their green credentials through improving their efficient management of energy, water and waste, will be taking place at Brighton Marina from today until 24 October. With the guidance of resource efficiency experts and businesses swapping their own tips, the aim is to develop action plans of practical improvements. This is a joint event by the Sustainable Business Partnership with the City Council, Visit Brighton and the Marina. Earlier this year I was delighted to be able to attend a Utilize workshop in the Jubilee Library, and saw for myself the great deal of value local businesses were gaining from the day’.
‘An initial draft of a 3-year One Planet Living Sustainability Action Plan, which aims to create a more sustainable city and council is going to the council’s One Planet Board, chaired by the interim chief executive next week. It is designed to meet the challenging targets required to secure endorsement for Brighton & Hove as the first One Planet City from independent sustainable development charity, Bioregional. Bioregional are impressed with the first draft and think it sets us up not only for endorsement but for actual and practical low-impact living and working in the city. I’m sure you will agree this is a heartening start and share my thanks to all concerned. I look forward to the draft going to Policy & Resource in November for approval to consult’.
‘Our fledging community composting schemes are growing fast within the City, with 6 projects now on the go. This is all thanks to keen community volunteers backed by our officers at City Clean and the Food Partnership. The first compost from the North Laine scheme has been harvested, and is being used at Middle Street School and in Preston Park demonstration growing plot. There are now 240 households, and rising, composting their food waste this way, which can mean up to 20 tonnes of waste being diverted per year’.
‘Eco Open Houses is back for its 5th year, running from 25 to 28 October. 20 homes will be open with eight new houses showcasing how to save money, be more energy efficient and stay warm this winter’.
‘To celebrate the recent improvements to many of our playgrounds, City Parks, Play Development, Active for Life, and Sports Development are running a programme of fun events across the cities parks during Halloween half-term week’.
‘Finally, further to our discussions at last committee about potential visits, I have arranged with Veolia a tour of the new incinerator at Newhaven. I have already visited the facility, which whatever one thinks of this method of waste handling is an impressive installation. I hope members will be keen to attend’. |
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Call Over (a) Items (21-25) 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: 18.1 RESOLVED- That all items on the agenda be reserved for discussion.
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Public Involvement To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:
(a) Petitions: To receive any petitions presented by members of the public 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 10 October 2012.
(c) Deputations: To receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 10 October 2012.
Minutes: 19.1 No petitions, written question or Deputations were received from members of the public.
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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 (copy attached)
(i) Councillor G Theobald- Travellers, Horsdean Site
(b) Written Questions: To consider any written questions;
(c) Letters: To consider any letters;
(ii) Councillor G Theobald- Preston Park parking
(d) Notices of Motion: to consider any Notices of Motion referred from Council or submitted directly to the Committee. Additional documents: Minutes: 20 (a) Petitions
20.1 Councillor Theobald presented a petition signed by 1611 people objecting to Brighton & Hove City Council’s plans for a static Traveller at Horsdean on the South Downs National Park in Patcham.
20.2 Councillor West provided the following response:
Thank you for presenting your
petition. I recommend to committee that we note the petition and agree to ask officers write to Councillor Theobald setting out all the processes we have and are going through and that the letter is copied to committee members.
20.3 Councillor Janio requested legal advice on the matter as he believed the petition necessitated an officer report.
20.4 The Acting Assistant Head of Law clarified that the Committee could either note the petition or, if deemed appropriate, request an officer report.
20.5 Councillor Theobald requested that the Committee request an officer report.
20.6 Councillor West moved a motion to note the petition.
20.7 The motion was formally seconded by Councillor Sykes.
20.8 Councillor West then put the recommendation to note the petition to a vote, with the following result:
For: 7 Against: 3
20.9 RESOLVED- That the petition be noted and officers write to Councillor Theobald and other members of the Committee detailing processes undertaken with regard to the Travellers site at Horsdean.
20 (c) Letters
20.10 Councillor Theobald presented a Letter requesting either an end to charges for parking in Preston Park at weekends or providing coaches, umpires, players and other volunteers using the Preston Park for sporting activity with a free parking disc.
20.11 Councillor Mitchell stated her support for the proposals put forward by Councillor Theobald adding that the situation was similar to that at East Brighton Park. She believed that if the scheme at Preston Park was implemented and successful, it could used in other areas of the city.
20.12 Councillor west provided the following response:
‘Thank you for your useful comments regarding the Preston Park parking scheme. The scheme originated from a petition to the council, signed by over 2000 people, to address the parking problems in the park. A cross- party group was established as a result to help work up a solution to the problems. The changes were implemented in June and have successfully addressed Preston Park being used as a commuter car park. The charges were brought in to cover the cost of the scheme and were kept significantly lower than on street parking in order to minimise the impact on genuine park users. It was also agreed that any surplus would be ring-fenced to the park. I agreed, when cabinet member, to Councillor Mitchell’s request that we would review the scheme after 6 months operation, and that review will come to a future committee in February for consideration Officers will consider your suggestions as part of the review and report back to this committee in February with findings and recommendations and I ask committee to note your letter’.
20.13 RESOLVED- That the Letter be noted.
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Queen Elizabeth II Fields nomination (Verbal Update) Minutes: 21.1 The Committee considered a verbal update from the Head of City Infrastructure on progress on the nomination of sites for the Queen Elizabeth Fields Challenge as agreed by the Environment & Sustainability Committee in July 2012. She informed Members that twenty sites had been identified and officers were currently in discussions with the respective ‘Friends Of’ groups regarding interest and nomination.
21.2 RESOLVED- That the Committee notes the verbal update.
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Permission to Consult on Communal Refuse Collection in Hanover
Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee grants permission for residents of Hanover & Elm Grove and The Triangle to be consulted on proposals to introduce communal refuse collections. The results of the consultation will be brought back to this committee for a decision on the scheme.
Minutes: 22.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place that sought permission to consult with residents in parts of Hanover & Elm Grove and The Triangle on the introduction of communal refuse.
22.2 Councillor Cobb asked if the loss of parking spaces could be included in the consultation information distributed.
22.3 The Head of City Infrastructure replied that a very precise and detailed map circulated as part of the consultation documents would highlight the loss of parking spaces.
22.4 Councillor Pissaridou agreed with Councillor Cobb’s remarks that the consultation documents should specifically state the number of parking spaces that would be lost.
22.5 Councillor Sykes noted that the initial results from the communal recycling trials in Brunswick & Adelaide ward showed that loss of parking space was not identified by residents as a major issue.
22.6 Councillor Theobald stated his disagreement and felt the issue of parking spaces was a very important issue for residents.
22.7 Councillor Deane stated that many residents of her ward which had similar characteristics to Hanover were happy with the introduction of communal refuse collection in their area.
22.8 The Head of City Infrastructure stated that the positioning of the bins would be clear on the maps. In addition, the leaflets which would be distributed had already been agreed with the Local Action Teams for the areas.
22.9 Councillor West clarified that Members had demonstrated their wish that the loss of parking spaces be specifically mentioned in the consultation leaflets and his belief that should be followed through.
22.10 RESOLVED- That the Committee grants permission for residents of Hanover & Elm Grove and The Triangle to be consulted on proposals to introduce communal refuse collections. The results of the consultation will be brought back to this committee for a decision on the scheme.
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Eco Technology Show 2013 Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Decision: 1. Agrees that the Council will provide up to £10,000 from the Place revenue budget for 2013-14 to enable the conference to be staged.
2. Instructs the Strategic Director Place to negotiate with Partner organisations to see if further contributions can be identified to support a successful event.
Minutes: 23.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place that requested support for the organisers of the Eco technology Show 2013. The report was supplemented with a presentation from a representative from South Downs Solar.
23.2 Councillor Janio stated his agreement in supporting the Show as represented a growing area of industry. He noted a discrepancy in the report regarding whether the authority would contribute up to £10,000 or a minimum of £10,000. He asked for clarification on this point.
23.3 Councillor West stated that the recommendation which stated that the contribution would up to £10,000 was the correct account.
23.4 Councillor Wakefield asked if more college and school children would be encouraged to attend the Show.
23.5 The representative from South Downs Solar clarified that engagement with youth organisations was a key part of the Show. Last year, the organisers had engaged with the 10:10 project and Albion in the Community. This year they would be extending that engagement to local primary and secondary schools.
23.6 Councillor Mitchell stated that she agreed with the aims and purpose of the Show but believed in the current financial circumstances, the Show should be self-financing. She therefore would not be supporting the provision of £10,000 from the authority.
23.7 Councillor West stated that he found Councillor Mitchell’s decision regrettable. The Eco Technology market was a fledging area with huge potential. Furthermore, it would be held in the Brighton Centre so local people could visit. Councillor West supplemented that he hoped the Show would become self-financing in future years.
23.8 Councillor Janio stated that he agreed with Councillor West. The Show would bring money in to the City and represented a booming industry.
23.9 Councillor Theobald stated that he was also in agreement as the Council had a responsibility to support local businesses.
23.10 RESOLVED- That the Committee:
1. Agrees that the Council will provide up to £10,000 from the Place revenue budget for 2013-14 to enable the conference to be staged.
2. Instructs the Strategic Director Place to negotiate with Partner organisations to see if further contributions can be identified to support a successful event.
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Update on Future Cities Demonstrator Competition
Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Environment & Sustainability Committee:
1. Grant delegated authority to the Strategic Director Place to finalise the feasibility study and, if considered appropriate, submit a bid for grant funding under the large scale Future Cities Demonstrator competition.
2. Note the progress on this project to date.
Minutes: 24.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place that provided an update on the feasibility study and bid for grant funding under the Future Cities Demonstrator Competition.
24.2 The Strategic Director, Place supplemented that the feasibility study process had progressed very well and officers were increasingly optimistic that the bid would be successful.
24.3 Councillor West thanked officers for the huge amount of work that had carried out in a short timeframe. He added that even if the bid was not successful, the feasibility study had developed a strong network of co-operation.
24.4 Councillor Janio noted that if the bid was successful, there was only a fifteen month period in which to spend the grant. He asked for assurances that an organisation was in place to ensure all the projects were completed within timescales.
24.5 The Strategic Director, Place explained that the Council were the accountable body should funding be secured. He added that the bid put forward had to include how the grant would be spent and this would be assessed by the Technology Strategy Board.
24.6 Councillor Janio stated that he hoped there would be no prejudice against large companies being involved with the funding.
24.7 The Strategic Director, Place explained that there would be no prejudice and if the authority were successful with the bid, it would return to Committee for assessment and ratification.
24.8 RESOLVED- That the Environment & Sustainability Committee:
1. Grant delegated authority to the Strategic Director Place to finalise the feasibility study and, if considered appropriate, submit a bid for grant funding under the large scale Future Cities Demonstrator competition.
2. Note the progress on this project to date.
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Downland Estate Update Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Decision: That the Environment & Sustainability Committee agrees to:
1. Endorse the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) set out in Annex 1;
2. Encourage the Strategic Director Place to explore funding opportunities to support economic diversification within the Downland area including measures to boost eco tourism and promote access by the city’s local communities to the countryside;
3. Establish a City Downland Estate Advisory Board with the terms of reference to be negotiated by the Strategic Director of Place and brought back to be ratified by the Environment & Sustainability Committee.
Minutes: 25.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place that proposed the Authority entering a Memorandum of Understanding with the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) in order to forge closer working between the two authorities. The report was supplemented with a presentation by representatives from LandWise Rural Resource Management and LandShare.
25.2 Councillor West stated that he welcomed the cementing of a key relationship for the authorities.
25.3 Councillor Mitchell stated that she fully supported the new stage in agreement between the authorities.
25.4 Councillor Janio noted his support for the agreement. He requested that the terms of reference for the City Downland Estate Advisory Board be brought back to Committee for ratification.
25.5 Councillor Theobald stated that he welcomed the proposals. He noted that he hoped for an update from the Council representative to the SDNPA as he had requested earlier in the year.
25.6 Councillor West clarified that he was content for the terms of reference for the City Downland Estate Advisory Board to be approved by the Committee. However, he advised that because these would be negotiated by many partners and organisations, Committee Members should be sensitive to the consequences of significant changes.
25.7 RESOLVED- That the Environment & Sustainability Committee agrees to:
1. Endorse the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) set out in Annex 1;
2. Encourage the Strategic Director Place to explore funding opportunities to support economic diversification within the Downland area including measures to boost eco tourism and promote access by the city’s local communities to the countryside;
3. Establish a City Downland Estate Advisory Board with the terms of reference to be negotiated by the Strategic Director of Place and brought back to be ratified by the Environment & Sustainability Committee.
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Items Referred For Council To consider items to be submitted to the 25 October 2012 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: 26.1 No items were referred to Full Council for information.
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