Agenda for Economic Development & Culture Committee on Thursday, 10th January, 2013, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 225 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall. View directions
Contact: Penny Jennings Democratic Services Officer
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Procedural Business (a) Declaration of Substitutes: Where Councillors are unable to attend a meeting, a substitute Member from the same Political Group may attend, speak and vote in their place for that meeting.
(b) Declarations of Interest:
(a) Disclosable pecuniary interests not registered on the register of interests; (b) Any other interests required to be registered under the local code; (c) Any other general interest as a result of which a decision on the matter might reasonably be regarded as affecting you or a partner more than a majority of other people or businesses in the ward/s affected by the decision.
In each case, you need to declare (i) the item on the agenda the interest relates to; (ii) the nature of the interest; and (iii) whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest or some other interest.
If unsure, Members should seek advice from the committee lawyer or administrator preferably before the meeting.
(c) Exclusion of Press and Public: To consider whether, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, or the nature of the proceedings, the press and public should be excluded from the meeting when any of the following items are under consideration.
NOTE: Any item appearing in Part Two of the Agenda states in its heading the category under which the information disclosed in the report is exempt from disclosure and therefore not available to the public.
A list and description of the exempt categories is available for public inspection at Brighton and Hove Town Halls. Minutes: 46a Declarations of Substitutes
46.1 Councillor Wealls was present in substitution for Councillor C Theobald.
46b Declarations of Interest
46.2 Councillors Smith declared general and non-pecuniary interests in Item 57 consciousness” Proposals for Bowling Green Provision in the City” by virtue of the fact that he was a non playing member of Woodingdean Bowls Club.
46c Exclusion of Press and Public
46.3 In accordance with Section100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“The Act”), the Economic Development and Culture Committee considered whether the public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item of business on the grounds that it is likely in view of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during it, there would be disclosure to them of confidential information as defined in Section 100A(3) of the Act.
46.4 RESOLVED – That the press and public be not excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item on the agenda
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To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2012 (copy attached). Minutes: 47.1 RESOLVED – That the Chair be authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2012 as a correct record. |
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Chair's Communications Minutes: King Alfred Update
The Chair confirmed that the first meeting of the cross party King Alfred Project Board had taken place on 27 November 2012 and that a further meeting was due to take place on 21 January. The Chair, Councillors Morgan and Wealls and Tony Mernagh of the Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership were Members of the Board.
The Board had agreed its Terms of Reference which were primarily the replacement of the existing King Alfred Leisure Centre facility and the wider regeneration of the site. As a priority, the Project Board was considering a specification for new sports facilities in relation to current priorities including the Sports Facilities Plan which had been approved by Cabinet in April 2012. To help inform the discussion views were being sought from Sport England with whom the Chair and officers were due to meet the following day. The Chair stated that as progress was made he intended to provide regular updates to the Committee.
Economic Development
Ultrafast Broadband Bid
The Chair stated that he was happy to announce that the authority had recently learned that Brighton & Hove’s bid to the government for funding for Ultra-fast internet had been successful. The council, along with its partner Wired Sussex, had bid for £3.3m of government funding.
The money formed part of the DCMS Wave 2 programme and would help fund enhanced fibre optic connections and make broadband wireless available in buildings and outdoors on mobile devices. Those areas where existing commercial provision was poor would be targeted to ensure complete coverage in a large area in the city centre, parts of Hove and Portslade south of the Old Shoreham Road, Kemptown seafront and the university areas along Lewes Road. The council would also distribute some of the money to SMEs to improve fibre optic connections to their premises.
Ultrafast broadband provided a minimum download speed of at least 80 megabites per second and was more than three times faster than ‘superfast’ broadband. The grant would unlock a further £1.37m of private sector investment into the city’s digital infrastructure and ensure 96 per cent of dwellings being potentially able to tap in to ultrafast. It was expected that around 1000 jobs and 135 new small companies would to be created as a result of this funding with the result that around £12.5m a year will be injected into the local economy.
ReCreate Project
Brighton & Hove City Council’s Economic Wired Sussex were part of a successful cross-border partnership application for Interreg Iva Channel European funding. The ReCreate project partnership consisted of 11 cities and urban areas from northern France and the south east coast of England with Medway Council being the lead partner. The entire project was worth more than £6.2 million of investment, and Brighton and Hove would receive £650,000.
The Development Team andProject ReCreate would deliver new work, exhibition, studio and learning spaces for creative entrepreneurs from the arts, creative and digital industries. The aim was to further enhance the city’s creative industries by utilising currently unused or unusable spaces. This activity would support the regeneration of Brighton & Hove and would assist the development of the New England Quarter, in particular New England House, as a hub for the creative, digital and technology sector. The main workspace for ‘ReCreate’ activity would be a commercial space (3,500 sq ft) in New England House which was currently being refurbished and transformed into a creative hub ‘The FuseBox’. This space would be managed by Wired Sussex, one of the partners in the ReCreate project. As part of the project, Brighton & Hove City Council were also establishing a brokerage scheme for temporary use of empty retail premises (‘pop-up shops’) for use by those in the creative industries.
There would be a strong “virtual” and physical connection between the new workspaces across the project partner areas, enabling creative entrepreneurs to share knowledge and skills and to discover new markets. There would also be opportunities for individuals and businesses to take part in cross-border festivals, public realm commissions, webinars, workshops and advice sessions to encourage networking and the establishment of potential trade links.
Dressed for Success 2012
A council-backed scheme called ‘Dressed for Success’ had helped 37 local independent retailers improve their window displays in order to boost trade in the run-up to Christmas. The project had seen all participants receive expert training on window dressing prior to being entered into a public competition which saw over 2,500 votes received. Excellent feedback had been received from the shops that have taken part, with the winning window displays due to be announced at an awards event on Wednesday 16 January.
Royal Pavilion & Museums
The Chair was delighted to be able to announce that 90 of the city’s children in foster care had taken up the offer to enjoy a free visit to Father Christmas at the Royal Pavilion.
Meeting Father Christmas at the Royal Pavilion had become a highlight of the festive season for local families. This traditional, high quality Santa experience was extremely popular, with ticket sales starting in September due to the high level of demand. The council was keen to share the Royal Pavilion’s Christmas magic with children in foster care throughout the city and it also provided an opportunity to thank their foster carers for the fantastic work they did in caring for children who are unable to live with their own families for a variety of reasons. Libraries
New Library for Woodingdean
Woodingdean Library and GP Surgery have now received planning permission, and it was hoped that work would start on site in February. The build will take approximately a year to complete.
New Encyclopaedia for Brighton – E-Book Now Available
The New Encyclopaedia of Brighton had now been released by the Library Service as an E-Book. It is available to purchase from Amazon at the low price of £8.04 and was being marketed world-wide to attract international sales. The e-version of this definitive guide to Brighton had been updated with many new sections and more listings than ever before. The Paperback version is still available to purchase from Libraries at £13.
Culture/Events
Burning the Clocks had proved very successful with even more people taking part and with excellent feedback from audience, participants and press. The fireworks in particular had been the best yet. The event had also become host to every processional streetband in the city.
The event had been at risk for the last 2 years since Same Sky had lost their Arts Council funding. The money they received from the council towards their costs did not meet the full costs of the parade. Council officers had worked closely with Same Sky to try and resolve this and this had included supporting the development of an enhanced two pronged fundraising strategy which focused on businesses and crowd funding. This had been successful and was promising in terms of protecting the event’s sustainability. Burning the Clocks had raised £5000 through the crowd funding and had attracted businesses to participate in the event as an alternative Christmas team bonding activity.
Tourism
Brighton & Hove had been voted runner up in ‘Best UK Youth Destination’ category at the British Youth Travel Awards (winner was London) which had taken place in early December.
VisitBrighton
VisitBrighton had hosted a number of press trips in late 2012 focussing on Brighton & Hove as an unusual retail destination. Significant national coverage had been secured – The Times, Daily Star, Sunday Mirror, Daily Express and also syndicated coverage across London regional press.
Since being free of charge in September, VisitBrighton ‘Visitor Guide’ mobile app downloads had increased dramatically to over 5,000 in three months. The free app was now available on both iPhone and Android platforms.
In 2012 as a whole, VisitBrighton had hosted 85 UK & International travel media events to the city, a new record for a calendar year. The number of people who visited www.visitbrighton.com in 2012was 1,702,374 – again, another new record for a calendar year.
Sports and Leisure
Brighton and Hove Social Ping Pong Pilot for Older People
Following on from the success of the city Ping Pong projectresidents at Elwyn Jones Court Residential Care home in Brighton had been playing Table Tennis with Life Skills Year 11 students as part of their Active Citizenship GCSE project. The students had encouraged residents aged from 55 to 95 to play as well as helping out with the teas and listening to World War 2 and local history stories. Table Tennis was a perfect activity to keep older people active and Brighton & Hove City Council Sports Development Active for Life team were working in partnership with the school, local clubs and the English Table Tennis Association to roll out a programme of Social Ping Pong across the city's care homes.
Funding for Disability Sport
Working in partnership with Grace Eyre and Amaze over £435,000 had been secured from Sport England to develop sport and physical activity opportunities for young people and adults with learning disabilities.
Active for Life Project
The Active for Life Project was continuing to deliverand support people living within specific communities in Brighton & Hove to live active lifestyles. Currently 20 weekly sessions were being delivered some of the event highlights were:
240 girls had played table tennis with Joanna Parker, the British number one in women’s table tennis who represented GB at the London Olympics. A dance active event funded by the Big Dishout and Active for Life had taken place at Hove Town Hall, 200 children and young people from targeted areas had the opportunity to showcase their performances. 280 children had attended an indoor athletics event linked to running challenges. Sports activities delivered at the Looked after Children Christmas party. |
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Call Over (a) Items (52 –63) will be read out at the meeting and Members invited to reserve the items for consideration.
(b) Those items not reserved will be taken as having been received and the reports’ recommendations agreed. Minutes: 49.1 All items on the agenda were called for consideration except items 54, 55, 62 and 63. |
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To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions presented to the full council or at the meeting itself – Report of the Interim Chief, Executive Services (copy attached);
(b) Written Questions: to receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 3 January 2013;
(c) Deputations: to receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 3 January 2013. Minutes: 50a Protect Artists and Makers Studios in the City
50.1 The Committee considered a report of the Interim Lead, Executive Services detailing a petition received and referred from Full Council. The Lead Petitioner Mr Stevens presented his joint e and paper petition which was set out in the following terms:
“We the undersigned petition the council to ensure that: 1. In urban redevelopments, artists and makers workspaces are not sacrificed, 2. Urban redevelopments provide adequate allocation of long-term, genuinely affordable, artist’s and maker’s studio/workshop space, 3. During redevelopments, displaced artists and makers are provided with appropriate space to continue working, 4. They make explicit to developers their responsibilities to comply with the requirements detailed in the Local Development Framework. Brighton & Hove is a regional cultural ‘city by the sea’ famous for its vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle with a strong commitment to the arts and thriving creative industries and digital media sector which attracts tourism and new businesses”(1). Artists and makers play a vital part in our city’s personality - they are the driving force behind many visual arts festivals, events and independent exhibitions. Most of these are produced on a shoestring budget, at little or no cost to the public purse, and are free to attend. Creative producers make an invaluable contribution to what makes Brighton a successful city. As Brighton & Hove grows, redevelopments in the city have resulted in artists and makers losing their workspaces. Creative producers cannot afford rents at levels commercial businesses and large companies can pay and they are therefore priced out of the market. This does not just affect artists and makers, many other small traders and companies suffer also. Unless substantially changed, another instance of this will be Matsim property developers’ plans for the Hove Station Area site. This involves the demolition of the Industrial House building in Conway Street, currently home to several creative businesses including APEC artists’ studios. Matsim’s proposal: ‘Hove Square’ announced October 2012 (2) includes no provision of long-term, affordable artists’ or makers’ workspaces, and Matsim’s current proposal, as it stands, will result in the eviction of all of these businesses. While we, the artists working at APEC, are concerned about the fate of all the businesses in Industrial House, our campaign for recognition of the need for affordable workspace for artists and makers in Brighton & Hove must go further. Many creative producers in the city will face similar problems unless their needs are more widely recognised, and we can prevent further loss of affordable workspaces. Brighton & Hove City Council states in their local development framework document, the ‘Brighton and Hove Draft City Plan Part 1, May 2012’ that redevelopment of the (DA6) Hove Station Area should ensure that "workshops, office space, studios, storage and other premises remain affordable, appropriate and available for use"(3). The Draft City Plan notes the importance of creative practices in several other places, yet Matsim’s Hove Square proposal does not address these objectives. All developers must be made aware their plans should not just focus on profit but also on the needs of those they may displace, and the communities they impact on. Redevelopment can achieve all these aims. ACME Studios in London have, for many years, worked with local authorities and developers to include artists’ studios in redevelopments. This not only supports artists and makers but also offers real advantages for local economies and developers. We believe the city would benefit from this more inclusive form of urban redevelopment.” (453 signatures paper petition) 1127 signatures e petition) (Total 1580)
50.2 The Chair of the Committee responded in the following terms:
“In general terms, we support and welcome this petition and intention of the artists to secure affordable workspace for all the reasons already cited in the petition itself. Brighton and Hove is a cultural city and its reputation and continues success as a visitor destination does rely in a significant way on the cultural offer and the city’s artists.
There are some specific points made in your written petition (points 1-3) that are not completely within the gift of the council, what we can readily agree and can confirm, is that the draft City Plan still supports affordable workspace in the specific location you refer to in your written petition.
We also have to balance the need for new developments to be sufficiently profitable to be viable, particularly in the current climate. Whilst wishing to retain affordable space we would not want to prevent redevelopment that leads to more efficient use of a site and owners/developers are entitled to expect a profit margin from redevelopment of a site.
Our policy also acknowledges that the average “affordable” rent of workspace (circa £7.50sq ft) is higher than that considered affordable by some creative businesses and organisations.
However, as an Administration, we remain committed to encouraging and supporting the role of artists and the inclusion of creative workspace wherever possible and look to continue to work both with developers and creative individuals and organisations to increase provision.”
50.3 Councillor Brown referred to the City Plan and hoped that the issues raised could be taken on board when that was next revised and that further updates could be provided to Committee at that time.
50.4 RESOLVED – That the contents of the petition and the Chair’s response be received and noted.
50a(i) Say No to Pop Festivals in Stanmer Nature Reserve
50.4 The Committee considered a report of the Interim Lead, Executive Services detailing a petition received and referred from Full Council. The Lead Petitioner Ms Lyon presented a joint e and paper petition which was set out in the following terms:
“The recent Shakedown Festival caused havoc to wildlife, grassland, walkers and villagers in Stanmer.
The Park was unusable for a full week, and large muddy areas remain which cannot be re-turfed until Spring 2013. There is a strong possibility that Shakedown will apply for a three day festival next year, and this will set a precedent for using the Park for this purpose.
We say yes to Pop Festivals, but not in Nature Reserves. Brighton has other suitable venues, e.g. the AMEX Community Stadium. When this was built, the Village was told there would be no further festivals in the Park.
Stanmer Preservation Society needs your help to protect our beautiful park.”
(453 signatures paper petition) 257 signatures e petition) (Total 710)
50.5 The Chair of the Committee responded in the following terms:
“We are holding funds of £10,000 from the promoters of Shakedown for reinstatement works to the Park. The weather has made it difficult this year with it being one of the wettest years on record - a number of other locations nationally have suffered the same effects. The damage will be repaired.
Shakedown has applied for a two day festival for 2013 and not a three day event.
The American Express Stadium was given planning permission that included permission for a total of 2 events per year and no assurance that there would be no festivals in Stanmer Park as a result of the Stadium being built was given. The stadium is not a suitable alternative for an event such as Shakedown.
We have some key negotiation meetings to undertake before a final decision is made on the request for Shakedown for 2013.
We have taken on board your petition and the interest that it has encouraged outside the city. When making the decision on landowner’s consent, we will also take into account the positive impacts of the festival, the city’s reputation as a music hub and the 20,000 strong audience of young people.”
50.6 resolved - That the contents of the petition and the Chair’s response be received and noted.
50b Written Questions
50.7 There were none.
50c Deputations
50.8 There were none. |
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Member Involvement To consider the following matters raised by councillors:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions submitted to the full Council or at the meeting itself; (b) Written Questions: to consider any written questions; (c) Letters: to consider any letters; (d) Notices of Motion: to consider any Notices of Motion referred from Council or submitted directly to the Committee. Minutes: 51a. Petitions
51.1 There were none.
51b. Written Questions
51.2 There were none.
51c. Letters
51.3 There were none.
51d. Notices of Motions
51.4 There were none. |
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Hove Civic Society Plinth Report of the Interim Lead, Cultural Services (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED - (1) That the Economic Development and Culture Committee agree to grant Landowner’s consent for the siting of the plinth on King’s Esplanade in the position shown on the plan annexed to the report;
(2) That the Economic Development and Culture Committee agree for any final lease arrangements to be determined, subject to planning consent, in accordance with the Scheme of Delgation to the Commissioner for Culture acting in consultation with the Seafront Development Manager and the Head of Legal Services. Minutes: 52.1 The Committee considered a report of the Interim Lead, Cultural Services seeking the necessary Landowner’s consent for the siting of a plinth on the seafront in Hove. The plinth would also require planning permission and would be subject to a planning application.
52.2 The report detailed the request received from Hove Civic Society requesting that they be permitted to install a plinth on the King’s Esplanade, opposite the statue of Queen Victoria to the south end of Grand Avenue, to act as a site for a series of temporary sculptures. The dimensions of the plinth would be 2.5m in height, 2.5m in width (east to west) and 2.25m in depth (north to south). It would be constructed from Roman stone which was similar in appearance to Portland Stone but had greater resistance to weathering.
52.3 The Interim Lead, Cultural Services explained that in addition to specially commissioned pieces, the Society would work to establish links with other leading sculpture foundations in the country such as CASS Sculpture Foundation and the Henry Moore Foundation for example to facilitate the loans of works for the plinth.
52.4 The Deputy Head of Law, as the legal advisor to the committee, explained that the reference in recommendation 2.2 to the Commissioner for Culture should be replaced with a reference to the Strategic Director, Place.
52.5 The Chair, Councillor Bowden stated that this proposal was welcomed and had come to fruition following some 18 months of discussion with Hove Civic Society.
52.6 Councillor Fitch stated that he welcomed the proposal which would make a positive contribution to Hove seafront.
52.7 Councillor Wealls welcomed the proposal but expressed concern regarding arrangements which would be put into place should the Civic Society fold at some future date.
52.8 Councillor Brown also welcomed the proposal, which was for a good location which would enliven that part of the seafront. She was pleased to note that care had been taken to choose materials for the plinth which would weather well and hoped that similar care would be taken in choosing the statues to be placed on it. Given the location of the plinth it was likely to draw the attention on Members and members of the public.
52.9 RESOLVED - (1) That the Economic Development and Culture Committee agree to grant Landowner’s consent for the siting of the plinth on King’s Esplanade in the position shown on the plan annexed to the report;
(2) That the Economic Development and Culture Committee agree for any final lease arrangements to be determined, subject to planning consent, in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation to the Strategic Director, Place acting in consultation with the Seafront Development Manager and the Head of Legal Services. |
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Fees and Charges Venues, Outdoor Events, Seafront, Sports Facilities and Golf Courses Report of the Interim Lead, Cultural Services (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED - (1) That Members approve the fees and charges for Venues for 2013/2014 in appendix a to the report;
(2) That Members approve the fees and charges for Outdoor Events for 2013/14 in appendix b to the report;
(3) That Members approve the fees and charges for the Seafront for 2013/14 in appendix c to the report; and
(4) That Members approve the fees and charges for Sports Facilities and Golf Courses for 2013/14 in appendix d to the report. Minutes: 53.1 The Committee considered a report of the Interim Lead for Culture seeking approval to the proposed fees and charges for 2013/14 across four service areas, for venues, outdoor events, the seafront, sports facilities and golf courses. The changes, if agreed, would be implemented from April 2013.
53.2 The Commissioner for Culture explained that fees and charges for services were reviewed annually in line with the Corporate Fees and Charges Policy. The Council’s Financial Regulations required that any increase proposed over and above inflation were agreed by council, they also stated that it was good practice to report on fees and charges that were rising by inflation only.
53.3 The Commissioner for Culture outlined that the report covered four service areas and all charges were included in the appendices to the report. The body of the report contained more detailed information on the areas where the increases were above inflation. Two areas; venues and events were increasing charges by inflation. In the areas of Seafront services and Sports facilities, there were charges over the rate of inflation. In sports, a Concessionary Card scheme was proposed which would be targeted towards people on lower incomes and offer a 40% discount. Despite the price increases needed to fund this scheme, general prices for sports activities were still in all cases, on or below the regional average for these activities.
53.4 At the invitation of the Chair, Mrs Penny Morley, spoke in her capacity as a representative of the Older People’s Council expressing concern regarding the impact which some of the increases could have for retired residents who were on a fixed income. The benefits of remaining active and fit were recognized and it was important that the level of fees charged did not deter people from using facilities. The Chair, Councillor Bowden explained that it was proposed that a new Concessionary Card would be introduced from 1 April 2013 at all sports facilities with facilities managed by Freedom Leisure under their contract. It was anticipated that the scheme would increase participation in sport and physical activity by traditionally low user groups for whom price was a particular barrier to taking part. It was proposed that the scheme would be available to customers in receipt of a range of benefits including Pension Credit and would provide a discount of 40% on a range of activities.
53.5 Councillor Brown stated that whilst she understood the necessity to make some increases she was concerned that some of them appeared very high for example those proposed for a family ticket to use the Volks Railway, where a significant rise was proposed. It was important not to raise prices to the point where they would deter use, especially in the current financial climate. Permission had been given for the sand sculpure exhibition to take place close to the Volks terminal J, it was hoped that this would encourage more visitors to that part of the seafront and to raise fares to a level which could deter them could be counter-productive. Councillor Brown also considered it was important not to deter young people from using the facilities by setting fees too high. Whilst the Concessionary card could assist some users there would a number of people who would fall just above that threshold.
53.6 Councillor Morgan welcomed the concessionary card. He was in agreement that the proposed rates for using the Volks Railway, significantly above inflation, did not sit well with the other proposed increases. He also considered that in order to encourage proper take up of the concessionary scheme it was important that this was actively promoted.Councillor Fitch stated that he would not express a view on fees and charges as they related to the budget and he wished to reserve his position until the matter was discussed at Budget Council.
53.7 The Commissioner for Culture explained that a balance had been sought in proposing the increases suggested across these four service areas, regards being had to price sensitivity and to comparable facilities elsewhere. The rationale for the proposed increases in relation to the Volks Railway were set out in the report. It was recognised that the Volks Railway was unique and as such it was difficult to compare it with other visitor experiences its prices were still considered to provide good value for money. The proposed Sand Sculpture attraction at Black Rock provided the potential for an increase in demand and there was an aspiration to extend the period during which the railway ran.
53.8 CouncillorWealls stated that he did not consider that enough information had been given to ascertain whether the levels of increase proposed for the Volks Railway were appropriate. He was not convinced that the principle of increasing some prices above inflation in order to support a Concessionary Card were compelling he considered that it might be possible to cut the cake differently and more imaginatively in order to provide this. For instance greater income would result from increased usage, but if fewer people used these facilities by virtue of the increases proposed, such increases would be counter productive. Councillor Janio concurred in that view and considered that greater imagination was needed in determining the level of fees.
53.9 The Chair stated that it was recognized that there was a cross over point at which if fees were to high use would diminish and measures were in place to ensure that usage was monitored very carefully to ensure that did not happen.
53.10 The Commissioner for Sports and Leisure explained that the scheme would be administered by Freedom Leisure who invest in the facilities and would take the risk of the scheme. Take up and use of the card would be carefully monitored.
53.11 Councillor Littman stated that no one wanted to automatically raise fees but the rationale them was clearly set out in the report.
53.12 Councillor Smith expressed concern regarding the levels of increases proposed in some areas referring to arrangements in the past for free senior citizen swimming and free children’s swimmming. He considered that such arrangements should be retained. It was not appropriate to make significant increases at the present time.
53.13 Councillor Mac Cafferty stated that it was important to keep up the impetus of the Olympics and that the proposals which would encourage greater take up by those for whom price could be a barrier to participation should be welcomed. In the face of current budget constraints, although regrettable, increases were necessary.
53.14 In answer to questions by Councillor Janio, the Principal Account explained the budget process and confirmed that the Fees and Charges had to come to this Committee prior to Budget Council in order to comply with the budget process included in the Budget Update reports to Policy and Resources Committee in July and November 2012. The fees and charges and the estimated levels of activity based thereon,had been reviewed in accordance with the Fees and Charges Policy and it was anticipated that the proposed fees and charges based estimates levels of activity would achieve the income targets included in the draft 2013/14 budget strategy. The Legal Adviser to the Committee confirmed fees and charges proposed were considered to be proportionate and reasonable.
53.15 CouncillorJanio suggested that when considering the recommendations, those for the Volks Railway be considered separately, but was advised that this would not be appropriate. It was however agreed that each of the four recommendations would be separately voted on.
53.16 Councillor Fitch had beeninstrumental in setting up a local charging rate for Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre when the favility was first built. He indicated that with the introduction of the Concessionary Card it was now appropriate to end the local charging rate.
53.17 The Leisure Facilities Manager explained that there were some unknowns and areas of risk which were being covered by Freedom Leisure. A careful, balance had been sought for 2014/15 a years data would be available for the Concessionary Card and further adjustments could be made as necessary. Officers could not unilaterally impose a different regime of fees on its leisure contractor without negotiating them with them first. Councillor Morgan agreed that it would not be appropriate to change the recommendations in the absence of a proper written amendment.
53.18 RESOLVED – (1) That Members approve the fees and charges for Venues for 2013/14 set out in Appendix A to the report;
(2)That Members approve the fees and charges for Outdoor Events for 2013/14 in Appendix B to the report;
(3) That Members approve the fees and charges for the Seafront for 2013/14 set out in Appendix C to the report; and
(4) That Members approve the fees and charges for Sports Facilities and Golf Courses for 2013/14 in Appendix D to the report. |
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Fees and Charges, Libraries Report of the Director of Finance (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED – That the Libraries Fees and Charges proposals for 2013/14 be agreed. Minutes: 54.1 This report was not subject to callover and therefore the reports recommendations were agreed.
54.2 RESOLVED – That the Libraries Fees and Charges proposals for 3013-14 be agreed. |
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Special Events: Madeira Drive Road Closures 2013 Report of the Interim Lead, Cultural Services (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee grant consent for the 2013 programme of special events on Madeira Drive and the associated road closures listed in Appendix 1.;
(2) Authorises officers to enter into formal agreements with event organizers to determine conditions, fees and levels of support as appropriate; and
(3) Authorises the Interim Lead Cultural Services, after consultation with the Chair of the Committee, to make any alterations to the events programme as necessary and approve new applications. Minutes: 55.1 This report was not subject to callover and therefore the report’s recommendations were agreed.
55.2 RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee grant consent for the 2013 programme of special events on Madeira Drive and the associated road closures listed in Appendix 1.to the report;
(2) Authorises officers to enter into formal agreements with event organizers to determine conditions, fees and levels of support as appropriate; and
(3) Authorises the Interim Lead Cultural Services, after consultation with the Chair of the Committee, to make any alterations to the events programme as necessary and approve new applications. |
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Events in Parks and Open Spaces 2013 Report of the Interim Lead, Cultural Services (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED – (1) To (a) note that the proposal for Stanmer Park to be used on September 28 and 29 as the venue for Shakedown Music Festival and Pop Day are under review and (b) to delegate to the Interim Lead,Cultural Services in consultation with the Chair and the two opposition Spokesperson’s finalization of any agreement relating to that event;
(2) Save as indicated in (1) above to approve the events listed in Appendix One to the report;
(3) Save as indicated in (1) above to authorise officers to enter into formal agreements with event organizers to determine conditions, fees and levels of support as appropriate; and
(4) Save as in indicated in (1) above to authorise the Interim Lead, Cultural Services, after consultation with the Chair of the Committee, to make any lterations to the events programme as necessary and to approve new applications in accordance with the Outdoor Events Policy. Minutes: 56.1 The Committee considered a report of the Interim Lead for Cultural Services, requesting landlord’s consent for events in parks and open spaces in 2013.
56.2 The Commissioner for Culture presented the report; a full list of events was included at appendix 1 and events highlighted in the body of the report were those that were new for 2013 or significant changes or issues. She highlighted that the recommendations were asking for permission on all events except Shakedown Festival where delegated permission for the final decision was sought.
56.3 Councillor Smith sought confirmation that sufficient monies would be taken up front to ensure that reinstatement could be effected following the Spiegeltent event. It was confirmed that this would happen and that dependent on the weather, reinstatement would take place immediately after the event.Officers would work closely with the event organisers as in previous years to ensure the safety of the site.
56.4 Councillor Janio referred to the arrangements proposed in relation to the Shakedown event he noted that powers to finalise any arrangements were delegated to the Interim Lead, Cultural Services in consultation with the Chair and the two opposition spokespersons. He requested in addition that in the event of unresolved concerns the matter be referred back to the Committee, Members agreed unanimously.
56.4 RESOLVED – (1) To (a) note that the proposal for Stanmer Park to be used on September 28 and 29 as the venue for Shakedown Music Festival and Pop Day are under review and (b) to delegate to the Interim Lead, Cultural Services in consultation with the Chair and the two opposition Spokesperson’s finalisation of any agreement relating to that event; in the event of unresolved concerns the matter to be referred back to the Committee for resolution.
(2) Save as indicated in (1) above to approve the events listed in Appendix One to the report;
(3) Save as indicated in (1) above to authorise officers to enter into formal agreements with event organizers to determine conditions, fees and levels of support as appropriate; and
(4) Save as in indicated in (1) above to authorise the Interim Lead, Cultural Services, after consultation with the Chair of the Committee, to make any lterations to the events programme as necessary and to approve new applications in accordance with the Outdoor Events Policy. |
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Proposals for Bowling Green Provision in the City Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached) Decision: RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee agrees that work continues with those clubs that are able and wish to become more autonomous with greater financial independency from the council and that a report to committee is presented when there are robust proposals to take forward;
(2) That the Committee, with full consideration to the surplus provision of bowling facilities, agrees to the closure of those facilities with the smallest membership numbers, namely, Hove Park, Dyke Road Park and Hove and Kingsway Ladies bowling facilities;
(3) That the number of greens maintained by the council is reduced by two at British Rail Bowling Club in Preston Park, reduced by two at Hove and Kingsway, and Kingsway Ladies, and by one at Hollingbury Park by April 2013, so as to leave one Council maintained green for each club;
(4) That the green for Kingsway Ladies is either removed in April 2014 or the responsibility and costs of its maintenance passes to Hove and Kingsway, or Kingsway Ladies, leaving one Council maintained green for either both clubs or one;
(5) That a report is brought forward to the relevant committee in a years time to review the numbers of players by club to assess whether there have been improvements in participation in the sport and the viability of each club;
(6) That the Sports Development Team actively promote bowling in the city to increase participation in the sport in recognition of its importance to older people and given that many of the existing facilities still have capacity for increased use. Minutes:
57.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place updating proposals for Bowling Green provision in the city. A report presented to the Committee in September 2012 had outlined the consultation which had been undertaken and the status of bowling locally and nationally and this follow up report was seeking agreement to a way forward for bowling in the city. The report also summarised the consultation carried out and the implications of the proposals for each individual club.
57.2 It was noted that Councillor Bennett had been scheduled to speak at the meeting in order to express her concerns regarding the proposed closure of Dyke Road and Hove Park Bowling clubs. Councillor Bennett had ultimately been unable to attend due to circumstances beyond her control. However Councillor Brown was a ward councilor within the same ward and was aware of the disappointment of the Dyke Road Bowling Club at their proposed closure and, also in relation to the Hove Park Bowls Club which was also proposed for closure. The club believed that parking had had a detrimental impact on the club. Councillor Brown was of the view that it might be more appropriate to allow the club a longer period in order to try and resolve these issues.
57.3 Councillor Smith concurred in that view whilst acknowledging the work that had been carried out in bringing this further report before the Committee. It was disappointing to note that notwithstanding the number of meetings that had been held and correspondence which had been generated by officers, a number of clubs had either not responded, or demonstrated a unwillingness to work co-operatively together.
57.4 Councillor Wealls queried whether the level of savings originally proposed could be achieved. The Head of city Infrastructure confirmed that the level of savings originally proposed would not now be achieved and this was because in putting forward the current recommendations consideration had been given to the need to ensure that bowling continued to be played in the city by a primarily older group. In recognition of this importance was attached to the need to maintain the sport and the location of play as far as possible. These revised proposals would have less of an impact on bowling across the city than the original proposals. The savings which would now be realizable in the longer term were set out in the report and against that backdrop it was not considered feasible to extend that time frame any further.
57.5 In answer to further questions it was confirmed that these revised proposals would reduce the risks to bowling across the city, although it was proposed that three facilities would close and the number of greens would reduce, it provided greater certainty to the remaining facilities and clubs than the initial proposals to reduce the subsidy to every club by £4,000. These proposals would allow those clubs which were able and wished to do so to move towards greater autonomy over a phased period of time.
57.6 Councillor Littman referred to the proposals in relation to Preston Park, where an accommodation acceptable to all seemed to have been reached and the greens were well maintained.
57.7 RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee agrees that work continues with those clubs that are able and wish to become more autonomous with greater financial independency from the council and that a report to committee is presented when there are robust proposals to take forward;
(2) That the Committee, with full consideration to the surplus provision of bowling facilities, agrees to the closure of those facilities with the smallest membership numbers, namely, Hove Park, Dyke Road Park and Hove and Kingsway Ladies bowling facilities;
(3) That the number of greens maintained by the council is reduced by two at British Rail Bowling Club in Preston Park, reduced by two at Hove and Kingsway, and Kingsway Ladies, and by one at Hollingbury Park by April 2013, so as to leave one Council maintained green for each club;
(4) That the green for Kingsway Ladies is either removed in April 2014 or the responsibility and costs of its maintenance passes to Hove and Kingsway, or Kingsway Ladies, leaving one Council maintained green for either both clubs or one;
(5) That a report is brought forward to the relevant committee in a years time to review the numbers of players by club to assess whether there have been improvements in participation in the sport and the viability of each club;
(6) That the Sports Development Team actively promote bowling in the city to increase participation in the sport in recognition of its importance to older people and given that many of the existing facilities still have capacity for increased use. |
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Shoreham Harbour, Development Brief Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED – That the Committee approve the draft development brief for a period of six weeks public consultation. Minutes: 58.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place informing members on the production of a development brief for Aldrington Basin and the South Portslade Industrial Estate and seeking approval to publish the draft brief for six weeks’ public consultation.
58.2 The Head of Planning and Public Protection explained that briefs were being prepared to give planning guidance to guide investment and interest from developers in the harbour area in advance of more formal planning documents which were under preparation. The planning briefs were intended to reflect realistic approach to regeneration following re-appraisal of previous larger scale proposals. Although the Brief would not have the status of planning policy, the process of undertaking a sustainability appraisal and consultation on emerging options did provide a degree of weight within the planning decisions process
58.3 Councillor Janio whilst referred to the level of traffic congestion in the vicinity of the site, it was problematic for traffic to gain access to or to exit the site, traffic re-modelling/a transport solution needed to be found as a matter of urgency. The Head of Planning and Public Protection stated that the brief was intended to encourage development but without creating a tipping point in respect of existing traffic flows.
58.4 Councillor Morgan referred to the limited number of specific sites identified as having the potential for mixed use development including residential and to the need for appropriate heights, particularly in Wellington Road, to be defined. He considered it was important for redevelopment of sites to enhance the public of realm and streetscape on Wellington Road.
58.5 Councillor Wealls queried reference to the site as a niche retail destination as he was not sure what this implied. For example although there was a very successful fish shop there, it was successful for very specific reasons this did not mean that it was a sustainable retail destination.
58.6 Councillor Mac Cafferty welcomed the brief which would provide a holistic and structured approach to the whole area.
58.7 Councillor Fitch also welcomed the report and the progress it represented.
58.8 RESOLVED – That the Committee approve the draft development brief for a period of six weeks public consultation. |
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Economic Strategy Refresh and Wave 2 City Deal Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached) Decision: RESOLVED – That (i) The Committee notes the progress of the Economic Strategy Refresh;
(ii) Endorses the work being undertaken by officers to secure City Deal status for Brighton and Hove and the city region. Minutes: 59.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place providing an update and outlining the key development stages and timelines for the Economic Strategy Refresh and work taking place to prepare an Expression of Interest for wave 2 City Deal for Brighton and Hove.
59.2 The Chair, Councillor Bowden welcomed the report and the progress which had been made to date towards unlocking key employment sites across the city.
59.3 Councillor Morgan echoed that view stressing that he hoped that measures would be taken to ensure that value for money was achieved. The Head of City Regeneration confirmed that an additional contribution of £10,000 was being provided by the Brighton and Hove Strategic Partnership and that the council was working closely with neighbouring authorities.
59.4 Councillor Mac Cafferty also commended the success of the work which had been undertaken to date and the direction of travel which had been achieved in concert with partner organisations.
59.5 RESOLVED – (i) that the Committee note the progress of the Economic Strategy Refresh; and
(ii) Endorses the work being undertaken by officers to secure City Deal status for Brighton and Hove and the city region. |
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Circus Street: Appropriating the Land for Planning Purposes Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached) Decision: RESOLVED - That the Committee resolves to exercise the city council’s powers of appropriation under section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 so that the land at the Circus Street site as identified on the plan at Appendix 1 to the report will be appropriated for planning purposes at such time as it comes under the city council’s control. Minutes: 60.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place seeking its approval to appropriate land at the Circus Street site for planning purposes, in line with the city council’s obligations in the Development agreement for the Circus Street site.
60.2 Councillor Janio welcomed the report as did Councillor Mac Cafferty. Councillor Mac Cafferty stated that he was pleased that architects had been selected to take this project forward and to produce a scheme which could progress through the planning stage.
60.3 RESOLVED - That the Committee resolves to exercise the city council’s powers of appropriation under section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 so that the land at the Circus Street site as identified on the plan at Appendix 1 to the report will be appropriated for planning purposes at such time as it comes under the city council’s control. |
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Developer Contributions Temporary Recession Measures Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached) Decision: RESOLVED - That the Committee approves extending the (revised) Developer Contributions Temporary Recession Relief Measures until 2014. Minutes: 61.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place detailing the temporary recessionary measures being undertaken and recommending that they be extended until 2014.
61.2 The Head of Head of Planning and Public Protection explained that in recognition of the need to enable appropriate development during the current economic climate, a range of measures had been introduced early in 2010 which had prioritized and allowed for reductions in certain types of Section 106 developer contributions. The purpose of the report was to provide the Committee with the opportunity to renew the measures for Section 106 contributions and to extend this process in consideration of the ongoing economic situation.
61.3 RESOLVED - That the Committee approves extending the (revised) Developer Contributions Temporary Recession Relief Measures until 2014. |
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Update on Overview and Scrutiny Panel Report - Support for the Retail Sector Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED – That the Committee (i) Notes progress against the Overview and Scrutiny Panel recommendations on support for the retail sector;
(ii) Endorses the work being undertaken by officers to support local retailers. Minutes: 62.1 The report was not subject to callover and therefore the report’s recommendations were agreed.
62.2 RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee notes progress against the Overview and Scrutiny Panel recommendations on support for the retail sector; and
(2) Endorses the work being undertaken by officers to support local retailers. |
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Major Projects Update Oral update by the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached) Minutes: 63.1 The report was not subject to callover.
63.2 RESOLVED - That the contents of the Schedule be noted and received. |
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Items Referred For Council To consider items to be submitted to the [Insert Date] 2012 Council meeting for information.
In accordance with Procedure Rule 24.3a, the Committee may determine that any item is to be included in its report to Council. In addition, any Group may specify one further item to be included by notifying the Chief Executive no later than 10am on the eighth working day before the Council meeting at which the report is to be made, or if the Committee meeting take place after this deadline, immediately at the conclusion of the Committee meeting
Minutes: 64.1 There were none. |