Agenda for Economic Development & Culture Committee on Thursday, 10th March, 2016, 4.00pm
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Agenda and minutes
PDF 192 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) Declarations of Substitutes
40.1 Councillor Hamilton was present in substitution for Councillor O’Quinn.
(b) Declarations of Interest
40.2 There were no declarations of interests in matters listed on the agenda.
(c) Exclusion of Press and Public
40.3 The Chair noted that there were no Part Two items listed on the agenda. |
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To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2015 (copy attached). Minutes: 41.1 RESOLVED – That the Chair be authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2015 as a correct record. |
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Chair's Communications Minutes: 42.1 The Chair gave the following communications –
Royal Pavilion & Museums
“We have the following exhibitions and collections across the city’s museums and cultural spaces
· A collection of rare Star Wars items loaned from the private collections at Hove Museum & Art Gallery · The ‘Museum Lab’ at Brighton Museum’s offering the public opportunities to engage with material from our collections with a special emphasis on Designated Natural Science collections. · ‘Pavilion Blues: Disability and Identity’, a display telling the little-known story of the 6,000 amputee soldiers who received treatment, rehabilitation and training at the Hospital for Limbless Men in the Royal Pavilion during the First World War. · Preston Manor is to host a unique display of artefacts and documents from the personal collection of local witch Doreen Valiente: the exhibition ‘Folklore, Magic and Mysteries: Modern Witchcraft and Folk Culture in Britain’ opens on 2nd April. · 'Fashion Cities Africa', the first major UK exhibition dedicated to contemporary African fashion opens at Brighton Museum on 30 April”
Tourism & Venues
“This week we will be hosting a trip for 25 Chinese tour operators which is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the city so that it can be included within future holiday packages. VisitBrighton has engaged Brighton-based agency China Travel Outbound to follow-up on this visit and ensure the tour operators have all the information they need.
The Brighton Centre has recently installed a Changing Places accessible facility which is available for delegates, event customers and will also be made available to members of the public (event dependant).
The Brighton Centre has also received the Gold standard charter for Attitude is Everything. Attitude is Everything improves Deaf and disabled people’s access to live music to implement a Charter of Best Practice across the UK – we are only one of only seven venues across the UK to have been awarded the Gold standard.”
Ice Rink
“Following the receipt of petition to Full Council last year calling on the city council to support efforts to build a new ice arena in the city I have requested that officers draw up a report for the next meeting of this Committee which sets out:
· The history of ice arena provision and previous proposals in the city. · An overview of the funding and operation of ice arenas in the UK. · A soft market testing exercise to identify if there is the potential for an ice arena in the city.
The report if agreed will contain a recommendation to initiate a four month period of soft market testing from potential site owners, potential developers and potential operators. If the soft marketing testing shows there is the possibility of a viable ice arena, then the information gained will help inform the next steps to seek an ice arena for the city - built and run at no cost to the council.
This appeal would be made through the most appropriate ice sports associations and relevant media to reach a wide audience of potential investors, developers and operators. While the council does not have a site for an ice arena, we would work with developers to see if potentially suitable sites can be identified in the city.
I hope that today marks the first step in a process which will lead to the return of a permanent ice sports arena to Brighton and Hove.” |
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Call Over (a) Items (46 – 52) 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: 43.1 The following items were reserved for discussion:
Item 46 Library Plan Item 47 Dalton’s Bastion Site, Maderia Drive – Leisure Attraction Proposal Item 48 City Employment & Skills Plan 2016-2020 Progress Report Item 49 Toad’s Hole Valley Supplementary Planning Document - Issues and Options Consultation Item 51 Coastal West Sussex and Greater Brighton updated Local Strategic Statement for Delivering Sustainable Growth 2015 – 2031
43.2 The Democratic Services Officer 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 50 Planning Advice Notes on energy efficiency Item 52 Local Aggregates Assessment for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove |
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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;
i) Planning Brief – Hove Seafront Petition from Save Hove (Valerie Paynter) referred from the Council meeting held on the 17 December 2015 (123 signatures). ii) No Shakedown in Stanmer Lead petitioner – Stanmer Preservation Society
(b) Written Questions: to receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 3 March 2016; (c) Deputations: to receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 3 March 2016. Minutes: 44.1 The Chair explained that one petition had been referred from Council on 17 December in relation to a request for a planning brief for the Hove seafront.
44.2 The Chair read the following response –
“Many thanks for your petition. I note your concerns about the need for a planning brief for Hove Seafront.
I can assure you that with the adoption of the City Plan, the retained Local Plan policies and supplementary guidance – there is already a robust framework in place for making decisions on planning applications in this area. In the case of Shoreham Harbour – there will also be the Joint Area Action Plan which will also be providing a clear policy framework for decisions in South Portslade and Aldrington Basin areas.
In addition to this there are pressures for planning briefs in other parts of the city where there isn’t a clear policy framework in place.
For these reasons and due to the limited resources available for planning project work I am advised it would not be possible to prepare a planning brief for Hove Seafront at this time.”
44.3 Councillor Peltzer Dunn proposed that the Committee receive a full report to a future meeting.
44.4 This was seconded by Councillor Nemeth.
44.5 The Chair put the proposal to the vote. This was not carried.
44.6 RESOLVED – That the Committee agreed to note the petition.
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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: 45.1 The Chair noted there were no items listed under Member Involvement. |
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Report of the Assistant Chief Executive (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 46.1 The Committee considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive. Sally McMahon, Head of Library Service, introduced the report and explained that it included the results of the Public Consultation that was conducted between November 2015 and February 2016. It was detailed to the Committee that the public survey received a good response with 1,124 responses and all the findings and comments collected were published on the website.
46.2 The Head of Library Services noted that some concerns were raised in the comments and these were being collated into a paper. The main concern related to the public wanting more detail about the Library Plan.
46.3 It was explained to the Committee that any potential disposal of the current Hove Library building would be subject to further evaluation and a report would be brought to the Policy & Resources Committee for approval. It was added that the moving of Hove Library to Hove Museum would save Brighton & Hove City Council an estimated £350,000 per year, plus the on-going maintenance and repairs needed currently estimated at £750,000. The Head of Library Service explained that if Hove Library were to remain in its current location, the estimated saving would need to be found elsewhere within the library service.
46.4 In response to Councillor C Theobald, the Head of Library Service explained that when the library changes were reviewed, monitoring work would be undertaken to ensure the new library system was meeting the needs of the library users.
46.5 The Head of Library Services clarified to Councillor Peltzer Dunn that the missing 9% of transport user statistics were library users using taxis, or they did not answer the question. It was also noted that they wished to create an outside space at Hove Museum, which was linked to the museum and library complex, to have activities for children.
46.6 It was confirmed that the questions were drafted by Council Officers, the Head of Library Services included, and staff that had expertise in consultations. The questionnaire was comprised of multiply choice questions and four open ended questions for more detailed responses.
46.7 In response to Councillor Druitt, it was explained that Libraries & Information Services would have to reduce expenditure, like all departments within the Council. It was expressed that the timing was challenging as the budget had already been set for 2016/17; however, it was noted that they wished to give the public a full three months of consultation.
46.8 The Head of Library Services explained that she was of the view that the public would be willing to volunteer to support the libraries; therefore, ensuring longer opening hours. It was stated that 292 people, who took part in the consultation, expressed an interest to volunteer on the anonymous survey and the libraries already used 170 volunteers.
46.9 In response to the Chair, it was clarified that if the Hove Library didn’t move to the Hove Museum site, the saving would be the equivalent to the closure of five to seven community libraries.
46.10 Councillor Yates noted that the decision in relation to the Hove Library move would be decided at a Policy & Resources Committee and the Planning Committee would have to agree the plans that proposed any significant changes to the Carnegie building. It was added that the recommendations were to note the outcome of the consultation and agree to refer the report to the next Full Council meeting.
46.11 It was also commented that libraries resources should not be focused to central Brighton and Hove as services were needed across the city. Councillor Yates explained that if he would choose to move one library, instead of closing five to seven community libraries as it was important that residents across the city could retain library access.
46.12 Councillor Druitt noted his view that there was a large amount in the report that he supported, including; the modernisation of the service; extended opening hours; the use of community hubs. He also questioned whether there was an alternative to keep Hove Library in the Carnegie building, for instance, using the money from the Kings House sale.
46.13 Councillor C Theobald stated that the Carnegie building was historic with listed fixtures, and it should be made a recommendation to ensure these were retained.
46.14 Councillor Nemeth referenced that the report stated the amount of space for library service delivery will reduce by about 15%, but this included flexible space. He added that if this was not included in the statistics, more space from either the new library or the museum could be lost and this could lead to an given more greatly reduced service, therefore he could not support the Officer recommendations.
46.15 Councillor Robins noted that Members should consider the plan as a whole rather than support parts and not others. He expressed that budget savings needed to be made from within the.
46.16 The Chair concluded the debate and stated that he had respect for all those that had campaigned to keep the building. He noted that the Library Plan included extended hours and no library closures; therefore, would be supporting the recommendations.
46.17 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
46.18 RESOLVED –
1) That the Committee agreed to note the results of the public consultation as outlined in the report.
2) That the Committee agreed to recommend that the Libraries Plan 2016-2020, and the changes to Library Services proposed as part of this Plan, as contained in the appendix to the report, and outlined in brief in section 3 with amendments in section 6, are referred to Full Council for adoption. |
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Dalton’s Bastion site, Madeira Drive – Leisure attraction proposal
Joint report of the Assistant Chief Executive and the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 47.1 The Committee considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive & Acting Executive Director, Environment Development & Housing. Ian Shurrock, Head of Sport & Leisure, introduced the report and explained that the purpose of the report was to seek approval to grant Landlord’s consent, subject to final determination of Heads of Terms under officer delegated powers, for the development of a new zip wire leisure attraction and café on the Dalton’s Bastion site on Madeira Drive.
47.2 The Head of Sport & Leisure explained to the Committee that a Seafront Investment Plan was currently being developed building upon the draft Seafront Strategy and was responding to the recommendations of the Seafront Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel. It was added that Madeira Drive had been highlighted as an area in need of investment and this proposal would maintain a leisure attraction on the Dalton’s Bastion site after the Brighton Wheel ceased to operate.
47.3 The Chair agreed to accept three questions from C.A. Heal & Sons. The Head of Sport & Leisure read the following questions and responses -
Why no tendering process on expiry of the (upper level) 5 year lease and the lower level 10 year lease granted in 2014?
The current lease for the upper level (Dalton’s Bastion) is for 5 years and is due to expire on 29th August 2016. The lease is outside of the Landlord and Tenant Act. When a lease expires the council will consider the performance of the business and tenant and the demand for the premises and the level of investment when deciding whether to offer a new lease. This is standard practice with all seafront properties that do not have security of tenure.”
Whether limitations on usage as a café (in the 2014 lease) will continue?
Paramount Entertainments Ltd propose to continue to operate a beach goods and ice-cream parlour at beach level as permitted under the 2014 Lease.
The impact of noise nuisance on those playing mini-golf underneath?
The proposed route for the Zip wire does not pass over the mini golf site.
47.4 It was clarified to the Committee that the proposed hours for the attraction were to be open between 1000 hours – 2300 hours and would not exceed this. Toni Manuel, Seafront Development Manager, added that the zip wire leisure attraction would operate all year round but the opening times could vary seasonally.
47.5 Councillor Greenbaum noted that she had received an email from the Kingscliffe Society regarding the development and wished that the public were informed and consulted before a press release. Councillor Robins agreed with Councillor Greenbaum and added that he was pleased to keep an attraction on the Dalton’s Bastion site.
47.6 In response to Councillor Peltzer Dunn, it was explained that the Brighton Wheel was currently on highway land; however, subject to Planning, the highway land would become council Seafront land to ensure the entire site could fall under one Lease.
47.7 The Chair commented that he was pleased an attraction would be replacing the wheel and it would have a positive impact on Madeira Drive.
47.8 RESOLVED – That the Committee agreed to grant Landlord’s consent for the Brighton Zip and cafe development on the Dalton’s Bastion site on Madeira Drive and that officers negotiate Heads of Terms for the required Agreement to Lease and Lease to be agreed under delegated powers by the Acting Executive Director, Environment, Development & Housing, Assistant Director Property & Design and the Head of Law. |
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City Employment and Skills Plan 2016-2020, Progress Report Joint report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services and the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached) together with an extract from the proceedings of the Children, Young People & Skills Committee meeting held on 7 March 2016 (to follow). Additional documents: Minutes: 48.1 The Committee considered a joint report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services and the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing. Cheryl Finella, Economic Development Programme Manager, introduced the report and stated that it was an update report to inform the Committee on the development of the new City Employment & Skills Plan (2016-2020) and to inform the Committee of the outcomes from the consultations, the emerging priorities and recommendations for action.
48.2 The Economic Development Programme Manager highlighted in her introduction that the apprenticeship levels within Brighton & Hove were low, with a low level of completion. It was stated that an Apprenticeship Levy was to be introduced in April 2017, resulting in large employers being taxed that would receive the money back if they were to employ a new apprentice.
48.3 It was explained to the Committee that two consultations had taken place which were both well attended. The Economic Development Programme Manager stated that three main themes emerged from them these being: no one left behind, to ensure everyone is benefitting from growth; learn to earn, to give affective career advise and support those making career transitions from learning to earning; benefitting from growth, key growth sectors could access employees with the right technical skills, aptitude and readiness for work.
48.4 In response to Councillor Yates, the Officer clarified that business support was currently being given further consideration. It was added that Brighton & Hove City Council were beginning to work collaboratively with West Sussex County Council and East Sussex County Council, as they were facing similar challenges.
48.5 It was explained to Councillor Druitt that groups of young people and apprentices had been involved in the consultation and that the City Employment & Skills Plan would involve different focus groups.
48.6RESOLVED:
1) That the Committee agreed to note the emerging priorities and recommendations for action to be taken forward for the new City Employment & Skills Plan (2016- 2020).
2) That the Committee agreed to note the development of an options appraisal model for delivery new vehicle to deliver apprenticeships in the city and the Greater Brighton City Region.
3) That the Committee agreed to note the report. |
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Toads Hole Valley Supplementary Planning Document - Issues and Options Consultation Report of the Executive Director for Environment Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 49.1 The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to Toads Hole Valley Supplementary Planning Document – Issues and Options Consultation. The Officer introduced and explained that the report provided an overview on the production of the Toad’s Hole Valley Supplementary Planning Document and it sought approval to consult on an Issue and Options paper that would inform the production of a Draft Supplementary Planning Document for the site.
49.2 It was detailed that the site would include 700 new homes, a new school and business space. The Officer added that a six week consultation with local residents and Councillors would take place in addition to the two meetings that had been organised.
49.3 In response to Councillor Yates, it was clarified that they wished to secure a GP surgery on the new site.
49.4 The Officer explained that the new school could be a primary, secondary or free school, dependent on the greatest need in the area. The Chair clarified that Toad’s Hole Valley would not be the site of the new university free school.
49.5 RESOLVED – That the Committee agreed to give authority to consult on the Issues and Options paper to inform the preparation of a Draft Supplementary Planning Document and to authorise the Acting Head of City Planning and Development may make any necessary minor amendments to the Issues and Options Paper prior to stakeholder consultation. |
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Planning Advice Notes on energy efficiency
Report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 50.1 RESOLVED – That the Committee noted the consultation findings and approved for publication the Planning Advice. |
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Report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 51.1 The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to Coastal West Sussex and Greater Brighton updated Local Strategic Statement - Delivering Sustainable Growth 2015-31. By way of introduction it was explained that the report sought approval of the update to the Coastal West Sussex and Greater Brighton (CWS&GB) Local Strategic Statement (LSS).
51.2 It was highlighted that the new Coastal West Sussex Strategic Planning Board was established in October 2012 to facilitate joint planning work; the LSS was prepared for the area and was agreed at the Board Meeting in late 2013 and subsequently ratified by the Committee in January 2014.
51.3 In response to Councillor Peltzer Dunn, the Officer clarified that Brighton & Hove faced challenges regarding green spaces and that there were more open spaces in other areas.
51.4 Councillor Yates added that the report showed that the established areas were struggling and newer areas had better opportunities; therefore, felt the Councillors needed to work together to try and resolve the problems.
54.5RESOLVED:
1) That the committee agrees the Coastal West Sussex and Greater Brighton Local Strategic Statement update January 2016 and the attached Memorandum of Understanding and Terms of Reference; and notes that the LSS will be subject to a full review in the medium term to assist with future development plan reviews and infrastructure planning.
2) That the committee notes the purpose and content of the LSS Monitoring and Delivery Framework in annex 4 of the LSS. |
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Local Aggregate Assessment for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove Report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Minutes: 52.1RESOLVED: That Committee:
1) Approves and agrees to the publication of the Local Aggregate Assessment 2014/15 for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove.
2) Delegates authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing, to approve and publish future annual Local Aggregate Assessments and report the findings to the Committee. |
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Major Projects Update Minutes: 53.1 The Committee considered the Major Projects Update that was circulated for information.
53.2 In response to Councillor C. Theobald it was clarified that demolition of Circus Street would start by the end of March and it was explained that the premises had only just been fully emptied.
53.3 It was clarified for to Councillor Robins that the original toll booths on the i360 site had deteriorated; therefore, they were being reconstructed.
53.4 RESOLVED – That the Committee note the update. |
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Items Referred For Council To consider items to be submitted to the 24 March 2016 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: 54.1 There were no items referred to Council. |