Agenda item - Outdoor Events Strategy

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1.            Requested an annual report on compliance with the Outdoor Events Charter.

2.            Agreed the requirement for outdoor events with over 5000 participants/attendees to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment and Action Plan and that this is included as part of the Outdoor Events Charter and requests that officers provide a briefing to the Chair and the Opposition Spokespersons on the details of the proposed Environmental Impact Assessment and Action Plan before its introduction in March 2020.

3.            Agreed the actions proposed in paragraphs 3.2 to 3.21 of the report are adopted with the addition of recommendations 2.6 to 2.8.

4.            Agreed that releases which result in sky litter are not permitted at any events on any land owned by the Councilto the extent permitted by law.

5.            Agreed the increase in fees and charges for Outdoor Eventsfor 2020/21 as listed in appendix 2.

6.            Requested that all outdoor events on council-owned land sign up to the Outdoor Events Charter. Events with less than 500 participants/attendees need only comply with the Sustainable Event Commitment.

7.            Required all events of over 500+ attendees to submit a Travel Plan to be agreed with Events & transport officers. All events required to produce an EIA should also be required to submit an Equalities Impact Assessment with particular focus on the impact of the event on disabled people's ability to access both the event and the surrounding area.

8.            Decided that the following items on the Sustainable Event Commitment will be mandatory rather than optional: Recycling plastic, glass and cans; Consider where products and services are coming from; Minimise damage to the site by protecting grass, flowerbeds and other vegetated areas; The reduction and ultimate elimination of single-use plastic.