Agenda item - Outdoor Events – Madeira Drive Road Closures 2019

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

1)           That the committee grants landlord’s consent for the 2019 programme of events on Madeira Drive and the associated road closures as listed in Appendix 1.

2)           That the committee authorises officers to enter into formal agreements with event organisers to determine conditions, fees and levels of support as appropriate.

3)           That the committee authorises the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture,  after consultation with the Chair of the committee and opposition spokespersons, to make any alterations to the events programme as necessary and to approve new applications in accordance with the Outdoor Events Policy.

49.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that sought approval for landlord’s consent of the proposed programme of events on Madeira Drive in 2019 and associated road closures.

49.2      Councillor Philips stated that she often received correspondence from residents about car events on Madeira Drive and the need for road closures and she was unsure that quite so many were needed in that location.

49.3      Councillor Mears stated that the events brought a number of people to the city and Madeira Drive was the safest part of the city to hold them as well as being an historical landmark.

49.4      Councillor Druitt noted that the Madeira Drive cycle route had been open during the Veteran Car Rally and asked if that represented a shift in policy as the route was often closed during such events.

49.5      The Events Manager explained that since the closure of Madeira Terraces, it had been difficult to open the cycle routes due to the added restrictions upon space. Furthermore, there were a handful of events where the cycle route had to be closed such as the Brighton Marathon where the start/finish line crossed the cycle route.

49.6      Councillor Druitt asked if it would be possible to re-route the cycle route rather than close it.

49.7      The Events Manager confirmed that option could be explored and he would liaise with colleagues in the Highways team.

49.8      Councillor Nemeth stated his support for car events on Madeira Drive which were an attraction for people from around the world.

49.9      Councillor Platts welcomed the report adding that further consideration could be given to the comments made by Members.

49.10   RESOLVED-

1)           That the committee grants landlord’s consent for the 2019 programme of events on Madeira Drive and the associated road closures as listed in Appendix 1.

2)           That the committee authorises officers to enter into formal agreements with event organisers to determine conditions, fees and levels of support as appropriate.

3)           That the committee authorises the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture,  after consultation with the Chair of the committee and opposition spokespersons, to make any alterations to the events programme as necessary and to approve new applications in accordance with the Outdoor Events Policy.