Agenda item - George Street Opening Hours consultation

Report of the Acting Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

1)            That Committee agrees that George Street keeps its current hours of operation (closure to traffic) of 10am-6pm from the months of April to October and 10am to 4pm between November to March

49.1      The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing that set out the outcome of the recent consultation undertaken to change the opening hours to traffic in George Street.

49.2      Councillor West stated his support for the recommendation to maintain the current opening hours to traffic on George Street as it was clear to him that there was no discernible benefit to change them. Councillor West added that cars were not conducive to trade or shopping environments and expressed his view that a better use of officer time might have been to examine options to extend the hours George Street was closed to traffic in the winter.

49.3      Councillor Janio moved a motion to amend the recommendation as shown in bold italics below:

2.1   That Committee agrees that George Street change its current hours of operation (closure to traffic) of to 10am- 6pm 4pm  all year round from the months of April to October and 10am to 4pm between November to March

49.4      Introducing the amendment, Councillor Janio stated that the results of the consultation demonstrated a clear steer from traders to increase the hours George Street was open to traffic and that should be supported.

49.5       Councillor Nemeth formally seconded the motion.

49.6      Councillor Moonan stated that George Street was based in her ward of Central Hove and she had listened and canvassed people in the area for their view. Whilst she was sympathetic to the trader’s request, the feedback from the majority of residents was to maintain the status quo. The street shopping environment of George Street was very positive for the area and she would not be supporting the amendment proposed.

49.7      Councillor Nemeth stated that he regularly used George Street and supported the amendment as it would increase the appeal of visiting the street. Councillor Nemeth added that a time limit on opening to traffic would still be in place.

49.8      Councillor Robins stated that the street worked perfectly pedestrianised for the majority of the day and he saw no need to change the current restrictions.

49.9      The Chair then put the amendment to the vote which failed.

49.10   The Chair put the recommendations as detailed in the report to the vote which passed.

49.11   RESOLVED- That Committee agrees that George Street keeps its current hours of operation (closure to traffic) of 10am-6pm from the months of April to October and 10am to 4pm between November to March.