Agenda item - Street Access Issues - Scrutiny Review Panel Report

Report of the Acting Director of Strategy & Governance together with the report of the Environment & Community Safety Overview & Scrutiny Committee Scrutiny Review Panel, (copies attached).

33.1         Councillor Rufus introduced the report and stated that the Review Panel had received a number of representations and it had become clear that where the council had control over the land there was a need to get a better balance for the enforcement regime.  He welcomed the acceptance of the recommendations in general and felt that a lot of progress had been made already.  He noted that the traders had been willing to find solutions with all the parties concerned and wished to thank all the Panel Members, the witnesses and officers who supported the review.

33.2         Councillor Carol Theobald welcomed the report and noted that the issue of A Boards had always been a matter for discussion and that the Licensing Committee had recently agreed to limit one board to each premises which had had a positive effect.

33.3         Councillor Elgood stated that he wished to thank the Panel for their work which was a good example of tackling an issue that had proved to be an area of frustration for a number of years.

33.4         Councillor Watkins stated that he wished to add his thanks to all those involved in the review and to draw attention to the positive attitude of the North Laine Traders Association who had recognised the importance of addressing the need for access to the establishments.

33.5         Councillor McCaffery welcomed the report and stated that she looked forward to the monitoring report on the recommendations.

33.6         Councillor Geoffrey Theobald stated that the question over enforcement had been addressed and noted that Brighton and Hove was one of a few cities to have a policy covering the placement of objects on pavements and in the streets.

33.7         Councillor Rufus noted the comments and noted that there was a need to move forward on some of the recommendations, however in general improvements had been made and he therefore recommended the report to the council.

33.8         The Mayor noted that the report had been moved and asked that the recommendation be agreed.

33.9         RESOLVED: That the report be noted.