Agenda item - Chairman's Communications

240.1         The Chairman explained that afternoon’s meeting of the Planning Committee was being web-cast as part of the on-going pilot study which would run until June 2009. Members were reminded to speak directly into the microphones and to switch them off when they had finished speaking in order to ensure that they could be heard clearly both within the Council Chamber and the public gallery above.

240.2         The Chairman read out a statement from the Brighton and Hove Federation of Disable People, as follows:

                   The Brighton and Hove Federation of Disabled People has been exploring ways for disabled people to be more involved in local planning processes. These include consultation around the Local Development Framework and involvement at the earlier stages of planning applications. Theses new arrangements will also enable the Planning Department to engage with and to draw on the experience and expertise of a wider community of disabled people.

                   The Board of Trustees requests that the Federation retains its seat on the committee but will not be sending a representative whilst piloting the new way of working.

                   The Board thanks the Planning Committee for the opportunity and support to enable disabled people to be more meaningfully involved.