Agenda item - Greater Brighton Investment Programme Update

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

1)            That the Board note the report and the Investment Programme Update at Appendix 1

24.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that provided a progress update on the Greater Brighton Investment Programme since the previous meeting of 16 October 2018.

24.2      In relation to Monks Farm, Councillor Parkin stated that planning permission had been granted and had now been with the Secretary of State for over 100 days pending a decision to call in. Councillor Parkin stated that the Monks Farm was of great economic value and was key to unlocking development at Shoreham Airport and the delay was too long. Councillor Parkin asked that the Board write to the Secretary of State on the matter asking for an expedition of the issue.

24.3      The Chair stated that he supported writing to the Secretary of State in principle however, the issue was a planning matter and advice would need to be sought from the relevant team on whether that was the correct process.

24.4      Councillor Smith stated that the purpose of the Board was to lobby the interests of the Region and he strongly supported the request from Councillor Parkin.

24.5      The Chair stated that ahead of making a decision on writing to the Secretary of State, officers should be involved on the appropriate course of action as he didn’t want to unintentionally hinder the process.

24.6      The Board agreed with the suggestion of the Chair.

24.7      RESOLVED- That the Board note the report and the Investment Programme Update at Appendix 1