Agenda for Economic Development & Culture Committee on Thursday, 17th September, 2015, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 163 KBVenue: Conference Room 2, Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton. View directions
Contact: Ross Keatley Democratic Services Manager
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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 (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: A) Declaration of Substitutes
14.1Councillor Barradell was present in substitution for Councillor Yates.
B) Declarations of Interests
14.2 Councillors C. Theobald, Barradell and Morris declared they were all Members of the Planning Committee, and as Item 19(C) – Petitions, related to a potential planning application they all agreed to withdraw from the meeting during the consideration and vote on the item.
C) Exclusion of Press and Public
14.3 In accordance with Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the Act”), the 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.
14.4 RESOLVED - That the public are not excluded from any item of business on the agenda. |
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To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 18 June 2015 (copy attached). Minutes: 15.1 RESOLVED – That the Chair be authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2015 as a correct record. |
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Chair's Communications Minutes: 16.1 The Chair gave the following communications:
“I’d like to start today by making a public comment on the seafront. We as a council are doing our bit to improve the seafront, with a £100 million investment strategy in the Kings Road Arches, the West Street Shelter Hall, the ongoing development proposals for the King Alfred and in the coming period a plan for the Madeira Terraces. We are doing our utmost to protect and develop the seafront, and others need to do their bit. I am pleased to note that the Aquarium Terraces leaseholders have recently submitted a planning application which is going through the normal processes. I trust that this represents a renewed interest in the site as it can’t be left as it is.
On a more positive note, I’d like to welcome all those attending the Rugby World Cup matches in the city this weekend, players, teams, officials, media and supporters – it’s a huge benefit to the city and will bring a great deal of economic activity and interest well beyond the games themselves.
We also have the The Dark Knight Rises Batsuit, and the The Costume Games in the city until the 20 September, and will be hosting an exhibition of photographs of Britain’s piers by Simon from 3 October.
Significant funding has been secured from the Ellerman Foundation for an 18-month project on Royal Pavilion & Museums’ nationally important film and media collection,and libraries Extra has started at Portslade and Woodingdean Libraries, enabling people to use Portslade and Woodingdean Library 6 days a week.
From 1st April to 1st September VisitBrighton have confirmed 40 events of varying types and size for the city a 58% increase on last year with a total direct economic benefit in excess of £40m for the city. September is a busy month for major conferences in the city bringing tens of millions of pounds with them in economic activity.
The total number of visitors to the city now exceeds 11.4 million (10 million day trips & 1.43 million overnight visitors). Whilst the number of staying trips declined slightly from 2013, the total number of nights spent in the city by staying visitors increased to almost 5 million. The total value of tourism to Brighton & Hove in now £829.7 million (up 4.6% on 2013) and tourism accounts for 15,902 FTE jobs (21,682 actual jobs) which means that 18% of all employee jobs in Brighton & Hove are in tourism related sectors.
I attended and spoke at the official launch of Entrepreneurial Spark in Brighton earlier this month. The exciting new incubation space, known as a ‘hatchery’, is backed by RBS Banking Group and KPMG, and provides 80 start-ups and existing businesses with free workspace, services and intensive business coaching for at least six months. This is the first ‘hatchery’ to open in the South East
Brighton & Hove benefits from a highly entrepreneurial population, ranking in the top five of UK cities for start-ups with around 2,000 new businesses formed per year. Entrepreneurial Spark’s decision to locate in the city is therefore very welcome in ensuring that more of our entrepreneurs can receive the help and support they need to survive, succeed and create much-needed jobs in the city.
The Greater Brighton Economic Board – for which Brighton & Hove City Council is the lead authority – submitted its initial Devolution Prospectus to the Secretary of State on 04 September. The proposals contained within our Devolution Prospectus build on our successful City Deal and Coast to Capital LEP Growth Deal and are focused on accelerating growth and increasing productivity.
It is important to stress our initial submission remains very much a work in progress. It outlines all of the areas that we wish to explore further with Government, partners and wider stakeholders – including our neighbouring authorities, the Gatwick Diamond and the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership. Nevertheless, it signals our strong commitment to agreeing a Devolution Deal. I will, of course, keep you informed as this work progresses.
A much more detailed version of these comments will be put online and in the minutes, and I’m grateful to all the staff involved in the work to bring economic, cultural and tourism success to Brighton and Hove.” |
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Call Over (a) Items (20 – 23) 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: 17.1 The following items were reserved for discussion:
Item 20 Options for Investment to Preston Park Cycle Track Item 21 Greater Brighton Economic Board 2014/15 – Annual Report Item 23 Development of New City Employment & Skills Plan (2016-2020)
17.2 The Democratic Services Manager confirmed that the items listed above had been reserved for discussion, and that the following reports of the agenda, with the recommendations therein, had been approved and adopted.
Item 22 Flood Risk Management Supplementary Planning Document for Shoreham Harbour |
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To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions presented by members of the public to full Council or at the meeting itself.
(i) St Aubyns Playing Field, Rottingdean.
(b) Written Questions: to receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 10 September 2015;
(c) Deputations: to receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 10 September 2015.
(i) The Cycle Track Refurbishment Project – Friends of Preston Park Additional documents: Minutes: St. Aubyn’s Playing Field Rottingdean
18.1 The Chair noted the petition had been referred from Council on 19 March 2015; there was also an Officer amendment to the resolution from Council that had been laid round at the meeting for the Committee to formally vote on.
18.2 Before the Committee discussed the petition or the proposed amendment the Chair read the following response:
“This petition has been referred from Council on 19 March with an amended recommendation which has been laid round for the Committee at the meeting. In planning terms a Local Green Space is a designation that could only be made through a development plan. There are two options for bringing such a designation forward in relation to the Playing Fields at St Aubyns:
• Rottingdean Neighbourhood Plan; or • Part 2 of the City Plan.
It is likely the Neighbourhood Plan will come forward earlier and therefore this is likely to be the preferred option. We are aware the Local Green space at St Aubyns is identified as a priority in the Neighbourhood Plan Vision document. In terms of designation – the land would be required to meet the criteria for Local Green Space set out in Paragraphs 76 and 77 of the National Planning Policy Framework. The proposed designation will be assessed at examination stage of the Neighbourhood Plan by an independent assessor.
In view of the number of heritage assets on the site the Planning Brief allows for a developer to put forward clear and compelling justification for some harm to some assets in order to put forward a viable scheme. The Council, as local planning authority would need to assess if the overall benefits of the scheme would outweigh this harm. This could involve some development on part of the playing fields if the overall scheme was assessed as being beneficial.
A planning application and two listed building applications have been submitted for the site. The planning application requires additional information before being validated but should be on the council’s planning register later this month.”
18.3 Councillor Peltzer Dunn noted that the proposed Officer amendment was a sensible way forward; however, he recognised the concerns of residents and suggested that the word ‘substantial’ be added before the word ‘part’ on the second and sixth line of the amendment. The Committee agreed to this wording.
18.4 In response to Councillor Druitt it was clarification that designation of local green space would give the land protection equivalent to that of ‘green belt’. It was also updated that the planning application for the site had been validated by the Development Control section that day.
18.5 The Chair then put the proposed amendment to the vote. This was carried.
18.6 The Chair then put the amended recommendation to vote. This was carried.
18.7 RESOLVED: That the Committee recommend that Rottingdean Parish Council consider the designation of all, or a substantial part, of the playing field at St Aubyns in the emerging neighbourhood plan as a local green space. OR, in the absence of such a plan coming forward that during the preparation of Part 2 of the City Plan consideration be given to formally designating all, or a substantial part, of the playing field as local green space.
Preston Park Cycle Track
18.8 The two deputations in relation to this item were considered together with the report at Item 20 on the agenda. |
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To consider the following matters raised by councillors:
(c) Letters: to consider any letters:
Cllr. Tracy Hill – Fair Trade Steering Group Minutes: 19.1 The Chair noted there was a Member letter from Councillor Hill in relation to the Fair Trade Steering Group. As Councillor Hill was not present at the meeting to present the letter it was agreed the full response (below) would be included in the minutes
“The City Council is a strong advocate for ensuring that workers are paid fair wages and that they are able to attain sustainable employment. We appreciate the work that you do in promoting Fair Trade principles and stopping the exploitation of workers and I hope that the modest support that we have given you in terms of the grant awards in recent years has been of value.
Brighton remains a Fair Trade City and we are keen to encourage and promote fair trade across the wider business community. Whilst I understand your request regarding the use of Trader Permit fees to incentivise the adoption of Fair Trade amongst our local business community, you will appreciate that we do receive many such requests from a range of organisations.
To ensure that we take due consideration of these requests along with the councils own obligations we have already asked officers to look at this issue in more detail. The review will cover all Permits that are issued by the City Council and there will be a report coming to the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee in November.
There may be other opportunities to encourage sign up from the business community o Fair Trade and would be happy to meet with you and representatives from our local business support networks to see how this can be taken forward.
I will ask colleagues in our Economic Development Team to facilitate the first meeting.”
19.2 RESOLVED – That the Committee note the letter. |
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Options for Investment to Preston Park Cycle Track
Joint report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing and the Assistant Chief Executive (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Economic Development and Culture Committee.
(1) Authorises officers to prepare and submit a grant application to British Cycling for a grant to carry out upgrades to the cycle track to return it to a state suitable for competitive use.
(2) Authorises the Director of Environment Development & Housing and the Director of Finance and Resources to sign off the grant funding application.
(3) Agrees that £100,000 of s106 contributions for Preston Park will be allocated as match funding for the scheme, representing up to 35% match funding.
(4) Authorises subject to a successful grant funding the procurement of a contract for works to upgrade the perimeter fencing as set out in the report;
(5) Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing to award the contract following the recommendations of the evaluation panel and the results of the tendering process.
(6) Agrees to increase the hourly rental for the track for events organised by commercial operators to £50/hour from 1st November 2015.
(7) Notes that any future decisions on the expenditure of Preston Park parking surplus and the remainder and any s106 funds for Preston Park are informed by the Management Plan for the park, which falls under the remit of the Environment, Sustainability & Transport Committee. Minutes: 20.1 The Chair noted that there were two deputations in relation to the report; he called forward the first deputation from Tony Benton on behalf of the Friends of Preston Park.
20.2 Tony Benton addressed the Committee with his colleague Sue Sheppard. He stated that for the avoidance of doubt the Friends of Preston Park were not opposed to the refurbishment of the cycle track, and the welcomed this in terms of the benefits for cyclists, general health and wellbeing and heritage; however, they believed there were other projects and improvements in the park that had merit. The report only set out the scheme for the cycle track, but lacked information on the benefits of other schemes that could be funded through the use of s106 money. Mr Benton argued that the Committee should have the opportunity to look at all potential schemes and balance the benefits of each before a final decision was made.
20.3 In response to a query from Councillor Druitt the Chair highlighted that this matter had come before the Committee as it had the remit for leisure and sports; the others matters raised by the deputation in relation to park maintenance would fall under the remit of the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee. He added that with ongoing development along Preston Road there was the potential for some of the schemes mentioned by the deputees to come forward in the future and he offered assurance that this would be looked at by the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee, Councillor Barradell also offered to look into this matter as the Deputy Chair of that Committee.
20.4 RESOLVED – That the Committee note the deputation.
20.5 The Chair then called forward Anthony Roger to present the second deputation on behalf of the users of the Preston Park Cycle Track.
20.6 Anthony Rogers addressed the Committee and stated that the position of the users of the track largely aligned with the points made in the Officer report. The users of the track recognised the position put forward by the Friends of Preston Park, but they highlighted there were potentially greater economic opportunities from the refurbishment of the track. Testimonials were provided form other users of the track in particular from women and children; the track had served as a means to not only improve physical health, but also mental health through improved self-esteem.
20.7 In response to Councillor C. Theobald it was explained that the nearest similar facility was in Herne Hill. It was also clarified that the match funding had been driven by the national body, which had stepped in to prevent the facility falling into disuse.
20.8 RESOLVED – That the Committee note the deputation.
20.9 The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to Options for Investment to Preston Park Cycle Track. Following the introduction the Chair added that the facility was unique and historic; he added if the recommendations were agreed then work on the fence design should be undertaken in close consultation with the Friends of Preston Park and the cricket club. The proposals in the report were a strong example of using Council funding to unlock other areas of funding as an important means to keep facilities operational. It was appropriate that the fees and charges should be updated to ensure the track could work towards becoming self-funding.
20.10 It was confirmed for Councillor Peltzer Dunn that the management plan for the park would fall under the remit of the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee. Assurance was provided that with the new fence and other ongoing repairs to the track the facility would have a reasonable lifespan going forward, as well as remaining fit for the current use. The changes to the fees and charges would allow a small reserve to be used for ongoing maintenance.
20.11 In response to Councillor Druitt it was clarified that the proposed charges had been benchmarked against similar facilities, and would provide enough to build up a small reserve.
20.12 In response to Councillor C. Theobald assurance was provided by Officers that the park management plan would be used to prioritise other projects in the park for future.
20.13 In response to Councillor Nemeth it was clarified that the national body had reviewed all fences on tracks across the country following a fatal incident.
20.14 Councillor Robins noted his support for the report and echoed the importance of working closely with the cricket club; however, he did query the proposed charging level.
20.15 Councillor Morris welcomed the report as a means to support sport within the city, provide an important facility and potentially boost tourism.
20.16 Councillor O’Quinn and highlighted that the funding would allow the facility to be used for regional competitions.
20.17 Councillor Barradell noted this was a means to protect the important and historic site; she also considered the proposed level of fees and charges to be appropriate.
20.18 The Committee agreed to a minor textual amendment to recommendation 2.8 to highlight that the management plan for the park was the remit of the Environment, Sustainability & Transport Committee.
20.20The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
20.20 RESOLVED: That the Economic Development and Culture Committee.
(1) Authorises officers to prepare and submit a grant application to British Cycling for a grant to carry out upgrades to the cycle track to return it to a state suitable for competitive use.
(2) Authorises the Director of Environment Development & Housing and the Director of Finance and Resources to sign off the grant funding application.
(3) Agrees that £100,000 of s106 contributions for Preston Park will be allocated as match funding for the scheme, representing up to 35% match funding.
(4) Authorises subject to a successful grant funding the procurement of a contract for works to upgrade the perimeter fencing as set out in the report;
(5) Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing to award the contract following the recommendations of the evaluation panel and the results of the tendering process.
(6) Agrees to increase the hourly rental for the track for events organised by commercial operators to £50/hour from 1st November 2015.
(7) Notes that any future decisions on the expenditure of Preston Park parking surplus and the remainder and any s106 funds for Preston Park are informed by the Management Plan for the park, which falls under the remit of the Environment, Sustainability & Transport Committee. |
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Greater Brighton Economic Board 2014/15 Annual Report Report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That Economic Development & Culture Committee (‘Committee’) notes the content of the Board’s 2014/15 Annual Report, which is attached as Appendix 1. Minutes: 21.1 The Committee considered a report in relation to Greater Brighton Economic Board 2014/15 Annual Report. The purpose of the report was to submit the Board’s 2014/15 Annual Report to the Council. A brief presentation was given by the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing.
21.2 Councillor Barradell welcomed the report, and added that the Planning Committee had recently approved the new engineering building at the University of Brighton; which she considered to be of particular architectural merit. It was also confirmed that Horsham District Council were now a member of the strategic board.
21.3 Councillor C. Theobald also welcomed the report and the work of the Board. In response to her queries about Circus Street it was clarified that the full demolition of the site was expected before December.
21.4 Councillor Nemeth asked specific queries in relation to work undertaken to attract large employers to the city. In response Officers explained that ‘Brighton for Business’ was an important body for inward investment; there was also close work with the Executive Director of the Economic Partnership to attract new investment and businesses.
21.5 In response to Councillor O’Quinn it was agreed that Officers would follow up with a briefing in relation to the PFI contract for the now closed COMART school.
21.6 The Chair stated that the Board had real benefits to the city region, and highlighted the proposal for an apprenticeship trading company. In relation to the lack of clarity around governance, it was explained that this matter was being taken forward by the current Chair of the Board from Adur District Council.
21.7 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
21.8 RESOLVED - That Economic Development & Culture Committee notes the content of the Board’s 2014/15 Annual Report, which is attached as Appendix 1. |
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Flood Risk Management Supplementary Planning Document for Shoreham Harbour Report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) Agree to adopt the Flood Risk Management Guide Supplementary Planning Document for Shoreham Harbour.
(2) Delegate responsibility for editorial or factual amendments to the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing in consultation with the Chair of the Committee. Minutes: 22.1 RESOLVED – That the Committee:
(1) Agree to adopt the Flood Risk Management Guide Supplementary Planning Document for Shoreham Harbour.
(2) Delegate responsibility for editorial or factual amendments to the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing in consultation with the Chair of the Committee. |
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Development of new City Employment & Skills Plan (2016-2020)
Extract from the proceedings of the Children, Young People & Skills Committee held on 20 July 2015 together with a report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee notes the report. Minutes: 23.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services in relation to Development of a New City Employment & Skills Plan (2016-2020). The report proposed the development of a new city employment and skills plan; the report had been agreed at the Children, Young People & Skills Committee on 20 July 2015 and referred to this Committee for information.
23.2 The Chair stated the importance of this work in tackling poverty and inequality, and highlighted this had been a key priority of the new administration in its first year.
23.3 Councillor Peltzer Dunn welcomed the report and highlighted the important role of the Council in working alongside businesses to development the workforce. Councillor Barradell agreed with this and added that it was vital that the Committee were provided with regular updates on the progress of this work.
23.4 Councillor Robins highlighted it was important to understand how different industries operated in practise, and made particular example of the construction industry.
23.5 Councillor O’Quinn highlighted her employment background in further education and sixth form, and welcomed the emphasis on skills for older people; she was also pleased to see the site at Wilson Avenue providing skills training. The Chair highlighted that the regional approach gave the authority greater access to resources.
23.6 Councillor Morris highlighted the importance of retaining engineering graduates, and it was hoped the new engineering building at the University would go some way to doing this.
23.7 In response to some of the points raised Officers explained that progress had been made to work with the construction sector, and all developments above 10 units were obliged to work with the local employment and skills team – often this meant requiring at least 20% of the labour to be local, this obligation also went down the supply chain.
23.8 The Chair then put the recommendation to the vote.
23.9 RESOLVED - That the Committee notes the report. |
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Major Projects Update Minutes: 24.1 The Committee considered a presentation and update form the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to the Major Projects Update. The Chair also added that he had requested Officers look at the format and information included in the report going forward.
24.2 In response to Councillor Peltzer Dunn the Chair and Officers clarified that there was scope to bring more cross-Committee work of the project boards together. It was proposed that a seminar could be held with Members to take view and look for a new way forward. Councillor Peltzer Dunn clarified that it was important the Committee understand its responsibilities and impact. Councillor Barradell also noted there was some scope to look at the current delegations to Committees.
24.3 In response to Councillor Druitt it was clarified that the s106 money in relation to the i360 would be expected to be spent in the seafront area around and near the site, but the detail of this has yet to be determined.
24.4 RESOLVED – That the Committee note the update. |
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Items Referred For Council To consider items to be submitted to the 22 October 2015 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: 25.1 There were no items referred to Council on 22 October 2015. |