Brighton & Hove City Council
Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee
4.00pm24 September 2020
Virtual skype meeting
MINUTES
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Present: Councillor Ebel (Joint Chair), Powell (Joint Chair), Rainey (Deputy Chair), Appich (Opposition Spokesperson), Nemeth (Group Spokesperson), Evans, Mac Cafferty, Mears, O'Quinn and Simson |
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Other Members present: Lola Ban Joko, Joanna Martindale, Anusree Biswas Sasidharan, Nick May.
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PART ONE
18 Procedural Business
1(a) Declarations of substitutes
1.1 There were none.
1(b) Declarations of interest
1.2 Councillor Powell declared her ongoing employment with Sussex Police and that her partner was involved as a consultant working with various local charities.
1.3 Councillor Appich declared her position as chair of the City Fair Trade group.
1(c) Exclusion of press and public
1.4 In accordance with Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the Act”), the Planning 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.
1.5 RESOLVED – That the public be not excluded during consideration of any item of business on the agenda.
19 Minutes
19.1 AGREED – that the minutes were a correct record of the meeting on the 29th July 2020.
20 Chairs Communications
20.1 The Chair had the following communications:
“Good afternoon and welcome to this meeting of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee. I’d like to inform those present that this meeting is being webcast live and will be capable of repeated viewing.
First of all, I would like to congratulate my colleague Steph Powell, it is her birthday, and I hope she will enjoy spending a few hours with us today.
I would like to start with an update on the Tourism, Events & Cultural sectors, on which the Covid-19 pandemic had quite an impact.
VisitBrighton has been busy promoting the #nevernormalbrighton tourism recovery campaign since the beginning on August. The Never Normal concept builds on and makes the most of Brighton’s unique culture and life. It celebrates the uniqueness of this free-thinking city full of independent individuals. Brighton has always had a rich and diverse history and identity. The Never Normal idea captures the essence of this. Brighton doesn't do ‘normal’, has never done ‘normal’, and hopefully never will.
Within Brighton & Hove the campaign can now be seen at The Warren (who also hosted a #nevernormalbrighton day), Sea Lanes on Madeira Drive, posters along the seafront and a banner on the Brighton Centre.
Regionally, over the past month the campaign has been seen:
· In local papers
· On digital advertising boards, and
· Via sponsored adverts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat
VisitBrighton has also secured £390k worth of positive destination coverage in regional and national titles in July and August including: The Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, Discover Britain, and Olive Magazine
Visitbrighton.com had 525,000 page views whilst we communicated with over 60,000 followers on Twitter, almost 30,000 on Facebook and 25,000 on Instagram in July and August.
Supporting our partner businesses through the pandemic, we are issuing 2-3 newsletters per week to our tourism business database, providing updates on latest government guidance, funding opportunities for business and carrying information and guidance on the latest Alert Levels.
Preston Manor reopened on 11th September and will be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday afternoon and Monday over the winter period. 76 people visited over the first weekend. Most people had booked admission tickets in advance, but several admissions were walk-ups. I have given radio interviews on BBC Sussex to promote the reopening of Preston Manor and the Royal Pavilion and to encourage people to visit our museums.
As with the Royal Pavilion, a 'Welcome Back to Preston Manor' film was produced in-house by Nicola Adams (from the RPM Marketing team), and this was viewed over 6000 times in the first five days after going live. The film is available to watch online (https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/prestonmanor/plan-your-visit/)
The Royal Pavilion had a surprise visit by Visit England and will receive a Good to Go tick from them as they were very impressed by the COVID safe measures in place.
Plans are moving forward for reopening Brighton Museum and Art Gallery in mid-October (COVID allowing) with a headline exhibition of Bowie by Geoff MacCormack: Rock 'n' Roll With Me 1973-76 displaying photographs by Geoff MacCormack of his time touring with his friend David Bowie.
RPM's digital offer has been featured as a highlight of the national Heritage Open Days festival in their latest posting https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/news-desk/news/anytime-from-anywhere-events
The Events Industry has been particularly hard hit by the Coronavirus pandemic. The whole of the main season of events was lost between March and the present time. Since lockdown was eased there have been green shoots of recovery with the Council providing a great level of support to The Warren, a socially distanced, Covid-safe cabaret venue installed on Brighton Beach.
The Events team are continuing to work with organisers, local and national, to explore opportunities to rejuvenate the sector when possible. The targeting of money from the Discretionary Fund to individuals and companies with the Events and Creative Industries sector was greatly needed and appreciated by many.
I have met with representatives from the i360, I have visited Shelter Hall & met with local business stakeholders to discuss how businesses are adapting to the global pandemic.
The work to make Brighton & Hove an anti-racist city is also progressing. Over the last few weeks, Steph has had several meetings with individuals and groups and invited Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups to the Anti-Racist Community Advisory Group to bring their collective experience of decades of anti-racism work to work with us to define priorities, engage more widely and over the long-term with the diverse range of communities across the city and, importantly, to challenge us to progress as fast and far as we need to travel. This is a very wide-ranging piece of work that will take many month – indeed years. We are establishing a blueprint for this work which is about dismantling old ways of doing things within the BHCC institution. And it’s vital that a wider range of voices are present in our council committees; we have a report later on the adoption of a new standing invitee to the TECC committee that follows the council’s work to recruit Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community representative co-optees into our decision making processes. I will explain in further and in more detail our work on becoming anti-racist further on in the agenda as we have a few items on the agenda that are related to our work to become an anti-racist city.
Finally, I would like to give an update on planning policy matters.
I would like to remind everyone that the consultation on City Plan Part 2 has opened on 7th September. We ask residents and stakeholders to submit their comments electronically if possible. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, libraries are unfortunately not able to provide paper copies of the plan. However, paper copies can be sent out on request and the consultation period has been extended by two weeks to ensure residents have enough time to respond to the consultation under the changed conditions. Responses can be submitted until 30th October.
Additionally, Government is planning to reform our planning system. There are changes planned to the current system, as well as the Government’s White Paper, which will bring more substantial changes.
I am concerned that the new housing targets are unrealistic, as our city is geographically constrained, between the sea and the South Downs. The new housing targets do not take into account what residents in this city really need – which is truly affordable housing and social rents. The focus is on build, build, build at any cost. And should the proposed changes become reality, even more unaffordable housing will be provided, which is often bought by investors from abroad, and not by local residents.
I am also very concerned that the proposed changes will give more power to developers, and less opportunity for local planning authorities and residents to stop unsuitable development.
Another major concern is the government’s plan to divide cities up into growth, renewal and protected zones. National Development Management Policies (in a revised NPPF) will not provide sufficient scope for responding to particular ‘local circumstances’ e.g. management of HMOs; local need for genuinely affordable housing; nature of local heritage assets; higher accessibility standards; energy efficiency standards, etc. ‘One size fits all’ approach takes away local democracy.
Both, the proposed changes to the current system and the White Paper are out for consultation. The consultation for changes to the current system closes on 1st Oct, and the consultation on the White Paper closes on 29th Oct. I encourage residents and local stakeholders to respond to these consultations.”
21 Call Over
21.1 The following items were called:
25 Update to Food Planning Advice Note PAN 1
26 Anti Slavery Pledge
27 Rewilding of Waterhall Golf Course
28 Footprint the responsible event for the UK property
30 The Hippodrome Middle Street – Urgent Works Notice
31 Support for the City’s Creative and Cultural Sector
32 Public Space Protection Orders – Dog Control
33 Mary Clarke Statue Appeal Update
34 Appointment of a Standing Invitee to the TECC Committee
21.2 The following items were not called and as a result were agreed as per the recommendations in the report:
29 Draft Urban Design Framework Supplementary Planning Document (UDF SPD)
22 Public Involvement
22.1 There were none.
23 Items referred from Council
(a) Petitions
(i) Add a sign to the Queen Victoria Statue in Hove, explaining the Impact of the Empire.
23.1 The Chair gave the following response:
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“Thank you for this petition and to the many other residents that have already contacted the council with their ideas and suggestions.
We’re currently curating information about plaques, monuments, statues and street names on public land and the processes for making any changes – removal, renaming and so forth, which was also a commitment stated publicly by the previous Labour administration. We are also looking at upcoming opportunities for such as naming of new residential schemes. We are aiming to have a programme of action by November.
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We will be working the council’s BME Workers Forum, our local Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and historians to ensure we fully understand the history of our statues and street names and all suggestion put forward by residents. The review is not about airbrushing our island’s history but educating ourselves about it, understanding how it influences us today and celebrating the histories and her-stories of our Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities of our cities. We would like to explore with Black History how we can support them to progress the Black History walk that they have researched and designed; we will be considering how any other educational pieces in the city can be aligned and complimentary to this including the possibility of a sign at the Queen Victoria Statute.
(ii) Prioritise & Support Community Led Affordable Housing for Private Developers in the City
23.2 The Chair gave the following response:
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“I welcome this petition which has been referred to TECC Committee for consideration from full council.
I also welcome the valuable work of community led housing projects.
In terms of an update - I can confirm that we have a long-established direct link between the Housing Strategy Team and Brighton & Hove Community Land Trust. There are monthly meetings held between both that have continued throughout lockdown.
The meetings are currently focusing on specific matters such as Public Works Loan Board funding - which has been discussed for some time. Counsel’s advice has been sought on the recommendation of the city council’s legal team. Now, Finance and Housing are drafting an initial report to progress this further.
Identifying potential sites is regularly discussed and dealt with on an ongoing basis. So far 5 council owned sites, in addition to the original pilot scheme at Plumpton Road, have been confirmed through the Housing Supply Members Board. Further sites are currently being considered. Two sites will be taken to Housing and P&R Committee in November and December seeking approval to dispose.
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In addition, I know colleagues chairing the council’s Housing Committee are keen to encourage the exchange of information between council officers and the Community Land Trust around minimising the carbon emissions of new homes and to identify additional sites for community-led housing in our city where the council is not in a position to develop them itself”
(iii) Declare Brighton & Hove to be an Anti-Racist City
23.3 The chair gave the following response:
“Thank you, Mo, for this petition which was accepted at Full Council in August. I would also like to thank you for staying the whole duration of the Full Council meeting in order to be able to listen to the debate for the BLM / Anti-Racist Council Notice of Motion, despite the meeting finishing very late.
In July we held a special TECC committee to accept and approve the council’s pledge to work toward becoming an anti-racist council. We also agreed for officers to bring a progress report on the council’s work toward becoming an anti-racist council, developing our anti-racism strategy and leading the city towards becoming an anti-racist city to November’s TECC committee meeting. I would like to provide a short update today and give a full response to the petition as part of the progress report at the next committee meeting.
Pledging to be an anti-racist council means we will use our resources and change what we do to actively dismantle racist structures and challenge racial inequality. And that we will work in partnership with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people including council staff, residents and community groups to directly shape our anti-racism strategy through their lived experiences and diverse perspectives.
The council also fully appreciates the commitments and work done so far by many people and organisations in the city to be anti-racist.
We have called on all services and employers in the city to do everything they can to work towards Brighton & Hove becoming an anti-racist city and the council is ready to play its part. We have already started this conversation with our public sector partners at a meeting of the City Management Board (which is attended by senior officers from all the public sector organisations) in early July. They committed to sharing their plans, joining up action and being informed and led by the community. Their first step was agreement to a civic leadership programme to support and empower Black, Asian and minority ethnic civic leaders in the city. The programme is being delivered in partnership with Operation Black Vote.
Sussex Police is a member of the City Management Board and was part of the July discussion. The council’s CEO is writing to the Police & Crime Commissioner asking her to respond to the specific actions requested in the Council’s Motion agreed on 13th August. Language is constantly evolving. The council works with and listens to the thoughts and opinions of our staff, residents and community groups to understand the right language to use when talking about ethnicity, culture, faith and national identity.
We understand that everyone is an individual and not all people will feel comfortable with the same language. And importantly that by using acronyms and overly simplified language we reduce and diminish the diversity of communities.
We welcome continued discussion and conversation about culture and language when discussing race, racism and identity. And we will work to ensure that we use specific and relevant terminology when talking about the impact of racism on Black African people, Asian people and others.
With regards to schools, pleased that all training offered by the council to schools, teachers and trainee teachers will now include building understanding of the impact on pupils and staff of bias, discrimination, privilege and institutional racism.
Working with a group of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic school staff an initial action plan has been created looking at staff training, recruitment and retention, support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic school staff and pupils and decolonising the curriculum. The next step is to engage with a larger number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic school community to deepen the actions in the plan. I know, too, that my colleagues in Children, Young People and Skills have started to progress this work and are also supporting other initiatives such as the Multicultural Book Fund, so that we can enact changes for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic pupils in our schools in as many ways as possible.
In terms of procurement we have already amended our procurement processes to include that all tenders have a standard weighted equality question, and ask for specific Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic equalities information, and that the Procurement Advisory Board form request anti-racism commitment from all commissioners in the council.
Internally the council has established a fair and inclusive team. The purpose the team is to offer staff an additional safe space to raise and report issues of discrimination. A member of the team will listen to staff concerns in confidence and offer support and advice on the options available to the person so that they can make their own, informed decision about what they want to do next. The team consist of Human Resources and non-Human Resources staff including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff.
The council has recently run a funding programme specifically for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community and voluntary groups in the city. The deadline for applications was 11th September and bids are currently being appraised. There were 29 applicants requesting approximately 56k. The fund is only 25k in total. The Members Advisory Group overseeing the council’s grant programme will be reflecting on this and in discussion with officers considering the future of the Communities Fund within which the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic fund was run.
The council last week facilitated the first meeting of the Community Advisory Group convened to shape and guide the council’s anti-racism actions and development of our anti-racism strategy. The group provided clear and constructive feedback that the council needs to demonstrate that it understands and is committed to becoming anti-racism before more engagement with communities. It needs to build up, as an institution its trust and confidence with residents and communities, through open and detailed discussion about its challenges and the work it is doing and will be doing to become anti-racist.
Going forward to the council would like to include discussion on the other elements of the petition in its work with the group. These include:
· enabling an anti-racism adult education programme
· working with business community to be anti-racist
· collaborating with universities and Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority groups on researching the history of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority people and anti-racism in the city
· Inclusive festivals
The i360 is not owned by the city council, and as such we do not have day to day control over the decisions the i360 makes, and the council does not have a contractual relationship with British Airways. However, it was made very clear to the i360 that the council does not support British Airways as a sponsor and would like to see a new sponsor, when the current sponsorship expires next year, that shares the values of the city, especially with respect to sustainability, equalities, and the city’s role as a City of Sanctuary.
Finally, it is vital to recognise that this work exists also because so little responsibility was taken for it in the past and too little engagement was undertaken. Consultants had commented in 2015 that our council needs to do more – I want to take this opportunity to not only share the work done to escalate and progress this to date but to state that actions both now and in weeks and months to come will speak louder than words.”
(b) Notices of motion:
(i) Committing to Make Brighton & Hove Free of Modern Slavery
23.4 Councillor Dee Simson proposed the following amendment:
“That a future report be brought back to TECC Committee on the 11 March 2021 as an update.”
23.5 Councillor Powell formally seconded the amendment.
23.6 The motion was passed.
23.7 RESOLVED - That:
1) Committee respond to the motion concerning Committing to Make Brighton & Hove Free of Modern Slavery either by noting it or where it is considered more appropriate, calling for an officer report on the matter as requested, which may give consideration to a range of options.
2) Committee responds to the motion concerning Black Lives Matter / Anti-Racist Council either by noting it or where it is considered more appropriate, calling for an officer report on the matter as requested, which may give consideration to a range of options.
3) Committee responds to the motion concerning Historic Motoring Events on Madeira Drive either by noting it or where it is considered more appropriate, calling for an officer report on the matter as requested, which may give consideration to a range of options.
4) A future report be brought back to TECC Committee on the 11 March 2021 as an update.
24 Member Involvement
(b) Written Questions
(i) Anti-Racism
24.1 Councillor Evans put the following question:
“Following the excellent report and debate at the last meeting of this committee, and the NoM passed at full council, could we please have a brief update on the progress of the work being done on Becoming an Anti-Racist Council?”
24.2 The Chair gave the following response:
“Thank you for your question I believe responses to the petition and NOMs have provided a short update for today’s committee and propose that further updates are provided in the progress report coming to the next committee meeting in November. “
(ii) Section 106 Monies
24.3 Councillor Bridget Fishleigh gave the following question:
“Do you agree that ward councillors should be involved in the allocation of Section 106 monies and, if so, would you please put a process in place to make sure we are consulted before the legal agreements are finalised by which time it’s too late?”
24.4 The Chair gave the following response:
“Thank you for your question about s106 contributions
I think it’s worth providing context on the rules for s106 contributions – they are required under national rules to make new development acceptable - they must be necessary and directly related to development. We generally seek them on developments of 10 or more homes.
Under the current system, ward councillors can provide comments to case officers on developer contributions - while the applications are being considered. Councillors are notified of new planning applications via the weekly list. At this stage you can propose what you consider are local priorities for developer contributions. However, officers need to look at these against adopted policies and national rules.
The sums due are mainly calculated using approved formulas in the adopted Planning Obligations Technical Guidance. In terms of where the sums are spent – this is based on priorities identified in strategies approved by councillors (such as the Open Spaces Strategy) and based on comments received from the relevant Teams consulted (such as City Parks and Transport). Any proposals would need to show clear links to the impact of the development in its locality
Looking to the future, the current system will be changing when the Community Infrastructure Levy starts on the 5 October. Funds collected through this levy will be able to be spent citywide to support the council’s infrastructure needs. There will be formal governance arrangements for agreeing how the money is allocated (probably through an annual bidding process). This will be agreed by this committee next year. In terms of how this affects you and other councillors - some of the funding will be ring fenced for spending in the wards where the permission was granted. It can be spent on local priorities in consultation with ward councillors and neighbourhood groups. In Rottingdean, these sums will be passed to the parish council for them to spend on their local priorities. At the same time, S106 obligations will be scaled back and will be used to secure affordable housing and on-site specific infrastructure requirements.
As the current system comes to an end in a few weeks, and the changes post CIL will include greater opportunities for councillors to be involved in how the levy is spent, I do not intend to make any changes to the existing arrangements as outlined in your question.
However, it must be noted that we are concerned about Conservative Government’s new Planning White Paper that sets out plans to abolish the existing system of developer contributions; and could lift the threshold for Section 106 payments under the current system. We are responding to this consultation as a council as these changes could come into play relatively soon.”
24.5 As a supplementary question, Councillor Fishleigh requested that the chair contact the 106 officer and arrange access of the draft 106.
24.6 The Chair agreed to follow up on this.
(iv) Anti – Social Behaviour on Hove Seafront
24.7 Councillor Nemeth gave the following question:
“Will the Chair provide an individual update on each of the Recommendations 3-8 of Agenda Item 7 (Anti-social Behaviour on Hove Seafront) from the 18th June 2020 meeting of this committee as reproduced below?
(3) Requested that the Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council writes to the Divisional Commander of Sussex Police to ask for assistance i) in dealing with the more serious breaches of by-laws and ii) in developing a joint strategy to make better use of CCTV resources on and around the seafront.
(4) Called on officers to draw up plans to regularise signage on Hove seafront to make existing rules clearer.
(5) Called on officers to prioritise the clean-up of various seafront graffiti hotspots such as the King Alfred and Hove Lagoon.
(6) Gave officers backing to spend from existing budgets a sum of up to £500 for packets of graffiti wipes that would be made available free of charge from the Seafront Office to anybody wishing to clean up graffiti on the seafront.
(7) Called on officers to discuss the ongoing overflowing bin situation with appropriate colleagues.
(8) Called on officers to circulate other ideas to further bolster ongoing efforts.”
24.8 The Chair gave the following response:
“Q1 Requested that the Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council writes to the Divisional Commander of Sussex Police to ask for assistance i) in dealing with the more serious breaches of by-laws and ii) in developing a joint strategy to make better use of CCTV resources on and around the seafront.
The Chief Executive is in regular contact with the Divisional Commander of Sussex Police and I have asked officers to make sure that this is actioned as soon as possible. I have been informed that additional police resource has been allocated to open spaces, including the seafront, in the city over the summer months.
Q2 Called on officers to draw up plans to regularise signage on Hove seafront to make existing rules clearer.
Through the project to better manage waste on the seafront, signage along the seafront will be reviewed and updated to assist the public in using the area responsibly. This will include rationalising signage and making it clear the behaviour that is expected and what the implications are if this is not met. The audit will include all signage relating to byelaws and water safety.
Q3 Called on officers to prioritise the clean-up of various seafront graffiti hotspots such as the King Alfred and Hove Lagoon.
Cityclean is responsible for removing graffiti from council property. It is not the council’s responsibility to clear graffiti from private property unless it is offensive. In August, graffiti was removed from council assets on the seafront from Hove Lagoon to Black Rock. This was part of a 2-week clean-up which targeted problem areas. A report is to be presented to Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee on 29 September seeking approval for new enforcement measures to be introduced to address graffiti on private property.
Q4 Gave officers backing to spend from existing budgets a sum of up to £500 for packets of graffiti wipes that would be made available free of charge from the Seafront Office to anybody wishing to clean up graffiti on the seafront.
Graffiti removal wipes have been decommissioned due to their costly and environmentally damaging nature. Products to paint over graffiti continue to be available via the Tidy Up Team and Community Clean Up Scheme, including paint (most common colours, black, white and magnolia) and equipment to facilitate painting, such as paint brushes, rollers, trays and personal protective equipment. Cityclean has reviewed the market for an alternative to the wipes. A graffiti removal spray, to be used with reusable rags redistributed from the hospitality industry has been tested and reviewed. Product risk assessments have highlighted the need for certain personal protective equipment. The wipes, rags and personal protective equipment are available via the Community Clean Up Scheme.
The new removal spray is likely to leave smears on communal bins, a problem which was common with wipes. Cityclean’s preference is for paint to be used to cover graffiti vandalism on communal bins, which is available from the Community Clean Up Scheme.
Q5 Called on officers to discuss the ongoing overflowing bin situation with appropriate colleagues.
As lockdown restrictions eased, footfall increased significantly along the seafront, resulting in higher levels of litter being produced. On one day, 11 tonnes of waste was removed from the beach, compared to the usual three tonnes on a normal busy summer’s day. An extra 60 large 1100 lite bins have been put in place to accommodate the increased demand for bins.
Q6 Called on officers to circulate other ideas to further bolster ongoing efforts.
Officers would be happy to explore further ideas regarding bolstering efforts to reduce ASB on Hove Seafront. If Cllr Nemeth would like to contact the Head of Safer Communities she would be happy to have those discussions with him and other relevant officers going forward.
I want to finish by saying that our city recently participated in the Great British September Clean. Councillors, including myself, and many, many residents have picked litter, removed graffiti, peel stickers and posters off our street furniture. Councillors are role models and I encourage all members of this committee to help keep Brighton & Hove tidy. I myself regularly pick litter on Hove beach (and even Brighton beach!), either on my own or in a group. There is something everyone can do, even if you just pick up a couple of items of litter every time you visit the beach or your local park.”
24.9 Councillor Nemeth sought legal clarification on the reason for not providing graffiti wipes despite having been agreed at previous TECC Committee.
24.10 The Head of Commercial Law stated that a response had been received.
(v) Fly Posting on the Seafront
24.11 Councillor Nemeth gave the following question:
“Would the Chair join community groups, amenity societies and tourist businesses by making a strong and unequivocal statement against fly-posting on the Brighton & Hove seafront, and will she pledge to call on colleagues to investigate and prosecute where possible those participating in fly-posting campaigns in tourist areas?”
24.12 The Chair gave the following response:
“I would agree that illegal fly-posting is a blight on the environment whether the Seafront or other areas. I mentioned in my response to your last question that Brighton & Hove participated in the recent Great British September Clean, where many of us Councillors, Cityclean operatives and volunteer tidy up teams took time to tackle some of this ourselves.
The legislation is very specific in relation to fly-posting in that the Fixed Penalty Notice can only be issued to the individual committing the act, not the venue or promoter relating to the event.
The Seafront has recently been added to the Environmental Enforcement Team’s patrol route and resources were increased over the summer months to deter environmental crimes, including fly-posting. Officers will continue to patrol the Seafront and will issue a Fixed Penalty Notice to anyone caught fly-posting.
Background Information on Fly-posting
Fly-posting, in the main, is illegal. Anyone caught fly-posting will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £150 under section 43 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. The Fixed Penalty Notice can only be issued to the individual committing the act, not the venue or promoter relating to the event.
The council actively removes fly-posting from council owned street furniture, bins, benches, signs etc. and rapidly responds to reported offensive and racist flyposting.
The council is not responsible for removing fly-posting from privately owned property.
There are exemptions for local events of a religious, educational, cultural, political, social or recreational character, or any temporary matter in connection with an event or local activity of such a character, which is not being promoted or carried out for commercial purposes.
There are further exemptions as specified in the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007”
24.13 Councillor Nemeth requested that the Chair consult Caroline Lucas MP as to the reason for her appearance as part of a poster campaign by a prolific poster campaign.
24.14 The Chair agreed to consult Caroline Lucas MP.
(vi) Sport on Hove Seafront
24.15 Councillor gave the following question:
“Will the Chair pledge to call for consultation with the many groups which participate in various sporting activities on the Hove seafront if/when further changes to the parking arrangements are considered?”
24.16 The Chair gave the following response:
“The changes to the parking arrangements adjacent to Hove Lawns were introduced as part of an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) that was advertised in the local press and on notices on lamp columns on 17th July. Feedback on the scheme is welcomed from everyone during the first six months of the scheme being in operation and all feedback will be presented to elected members before any decision is made regarding whether to make the experimental scheme permanent, amend it or remove it entirely. To take part in the formal experimental traffic regulation order consultation please visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/TRO-proposals and complete the online form for TRO-14-2020. Alternatively, you can provide general feedback on any of the Covid-19 urgent response temporary measures by completing an online survey at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/covid-19-temporary-measures.
If further parking arrangements are changed within the Hove seafront, then groups who participate in the various sporting activities can be involved in any consultation. Directly affected businesses would be consulted during the Traffic Regulation order (TRO) process as it is advertised for a 21-day consultation period with notices on street and in the press and on the Council website before anything is implemented. The other visitor / groups can participate in the consultation period during the advertising of the TRO with any concerns / objections being presented to the next available Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee for final approval before any changes any made.”
24.17 Councillor Nemeth noted enquired how sport would be promoted by TECC Committee for people who could not access the seafront as easily now that they could not drive there.
24.18 The Chair stated that parks were close to many residents, bus routes and cycle lanes were also an available option. Feedback was welcomed.
(vii) Covid and Sport
24.19 Councillor Nemeth gave the following question:
“What analysis has been carried out on the effects of COVID on sport and leisure in Brighton & Hove?”
24.20 The Chair gave the following response:
“Research that has been undertaken during the pandemic has been at a national level by Sport England which has indicated that the effects are changing throughout the pandemic. At a local level the focus has been to manage the impact of the closure of the sports facilities and work towards a phased re-opening to enable residents to participate in council facilities.
Due to the pandemic colleagues in Public Health have postponed a citywide consultation for a new Sport & Physical Activity Strategy. When it is possible for that consultation to take place it will give the opportunity for a better understanding of the impact of the pandemic on sport and physical activity participation in the city. Furthermore, Sport England provide participation data retrospectively for local authority areas and the future publication of such data will also provide a helpful insight into the effects in the city.”
(d) Petitions
(i) Fair Trade
24.21 Councillor Appich presented the Notice of Motion.
24.22 Councillor O’Quinn formally seconded the motion.
24.23 The motion passed.
24.24 RESOLVED – that:
1. Committee note the importance of Fair Trade as part of a sustainable future;
2. Committee note the Council’s continued commitment to Fair Trade as part of the minimum buying standards for food and catering contracts;
3. Committee note that opportunities to increase the Council’s commitment to buying Fair Trade for food and catering contracts continue to be sought and taken wherever possible within the current budgetary constraints;
4. A report be brought to the next meeting of this Committee setting out progress.
25 Update to Food Planning Advice Note (PAN)
25.1 The Committee considered a report which sought the approval of the 2020 Update to the Food Growing and Development Planning Advice Note (PAN). The report was provided by the Planning Manager.
25.2 Councillor Simson referred to section 106 and enquired of the use of this on developments.
25.3 Councillor O’Quinn stated that it was important for people to be skilled to grow their own food. It was stated that this could really help increase community bonds.
25.4 RESOLVED that:
1. The 2020 Update to the Planning Advice Note: Food Growing and Development, attached as Appendix 1, subject to the finalisation of any document design matters, including any additional images and visuals, by the Head of Planning and any minor editorial changes in consultation with the Chair of TECC Committee be adopted by Committee.
26 Anti-slavery pledge
26.1 The committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Housing, Neighbourhoods & Communities, which sought to provide on an overview of the work being coordinated locally by the Sussex Anti-Slavery Network and a briefing on the draft Brighton & Hove City Council anti-slavery pledge and statement of intent. The report was provided by the Exploitation Coordinator.
26.2 The Exploitation Coordinator clarified the aims of the report and noted that the effort to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking culminating in the anti-slavery pledge was commissioned by the Home Office to take effect across the country.
26.3 Councillor Simson referred to training for elected Members and enquired how soon these would become available.
26.4 The Exploitation Co-ordinator clarified that elected Member training was nearly finalised and that virtual meetings could be set up.
26.5 Ms Sasidharan sought clarification as to the methods of communication employed to convey this to the public.
26.6 The Exploitation Coordinator stated that the modern slavery and human trafficking info had been adopted by the City’s community safety and crime reduction strategy. It was noted that this was overseen every 2 months.
26.7 Councillor Appich referred to item 2.2 and sought clarification on the recruitment method and which committee this would be referred to.
26.8 The Exploitation Coordinator stated that the recommendation was to go to Full Council.
26.9 The Chair noted that the Administration would nominate someone.
26.10 Councillor MacCafferty sought confirmation of any work with statutory partners where possible and enquired of any ongoing efforts to engage with other groups that were also affected such as adults.
26.11 Nick May, Sussex Police, welcomed the anti-slavery pledge and that BHCC along with Sussex police were utilising modern legislation to combat the exploitation of children and other young people involved in county lines activity among others.
26.12 Councillor Powell emphasised the importance of communication of this. It was enquired if there was evidence of this following the vote for Brexit and during Covid.
26.13 The Exploitation Coordinator stated that during the Covid lockdown a number of women who were vulnerable had been criminally and sexually exploited throughout the major lockdown. It was further noted that it would be inappropriate to comment on Brexit.
26.14 RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND:
1. That full Council be recommended to agree that Brighton & Hove City Council signs up to the Anti-Slavery Pledge and statement of intent as drafted (appendices one and two refer); and
2. That full Council be recommended to appoint an elected Member to champion the work required under the auspices of the pledge.
27 Rewilding of Waterhall Golf Course
27.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture which sought approval to lease the former Waterhall Golf Course site and for Cityparks to undertake rewilding at the Waterhall site. In addition that a marketing exercise is undertaken of the remaining land and buildings not required for the rewilding to seek alternative uses. The report was provided by the Head of Sport and Leisure.
27.2 On behalf of the Labour Party, Councillor Appich moved a motion to amend the wording preceding the recommendations as shown below in strikethrough, to replace recommendation 2.3, insert a new 2.4 and 2.5 and to renumber the existing 2.4 so that it became 2.6 and to further amend it as shown in strikethrough and bold italics below:
That the Tourism,
Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee recommends to
the Policy & Resources Committee that it:
2.1 Notes that the Community Interest Company (CIC) agreed by Policy & Resources Committee on 23rd January 2020 as the preferred leaseholder for the former Waterhall Golf Course site will not be concluding lease arrangements.
2.2 Agrees that the Council’s Cityparks Service undertake rewilding at Waterhall and submit funding applications for Countryside Stewardship Grants to support this work. Community engagement will be a major part of the rewilding activities undertaken.
2.3
Agrees to a marketing exercise being undertaken of the buildings
located on the site as per 3.12 and conclude lease agreements with
preferred leaseholders,
who will
undertake activities which complement re-wilding.
2.3 That a feasibility study be undertaken for the removal of the clubhouse to facilitate the rewilding of this open, high, inter-visible Downscape, and its replacement by a new building near the site of the old Waterhall Farm and cottages, which might be used as a café, farm shop, rewilding project offices, or similar
2.4 That a programme of community consultation take place prior to any marketing of the existing or new buildings, and in the light of 2.3 above
2.5 That a further report is brought to this Committee 1) to advise the Committee on the implications of formally designating Waterhall (former) Golf Course as statutory access land and 2) to report the outcomes of the recommendations at 2.3 and 2.4.
2.4
2.6
Delegates
authority to the Executive Director, Economy, Environment &
Culture to implement the recommendations 2.2 and
to
2.53.
27.3 Councillor O’Quinn formally seconded the amendment.
27.4 Councillor Nemeth enquired if it was known that the preferred leaseholder was already registered with the rural agency.
27.5 The Head of Operations – City Parks confirmed that joining land was registered with the Rural Pavements Agency.
27.6 Councillor Nemeth enquired if BHCC had already reached the maximum limit of the available Basic Special Premium.
27.7 The Head of Operations – City Parks stated that BHCC had not yet reached the maximum limit and that there were no restrictions on applying for this at the moment.
27.8 Councillor Nemeth enquired if neighbours had been consulted on this and sought further clarification as to the status of the golf club’s possessions.
27.9 The Sports Facilities Manager stated that access had been provided to the premises to collect belongings during the Covid lockdown.
27.10 The Head of Operations – City Parks stated that the farmer in local vicinity along with the National Trust had been consulted. It was clarified that the adjoining land was owned by BHCC.
27.11 Councillor O’Quinn requested evidence regarding changes brought about by the sheep grazing programme implemented in 2010.
27.12 The Head of Operations – City Parks stated that information as available on certain sites being monitored.
27.13 A vote was taken on the amendment was passed.
27.14 RESOLVED – That Committee:
1. Notes that the Community Interest Company (CIC) agreed by Policy & Resources Committee on 23rd January 2020 as the preferred leaseholder for the former Waterhall Golf Course site will not be concluding lease arrangements.
2. Agrees that the Council’s Cityparks Service undertake rewilding at Waterhall and submit funding applications for Countryside Stewardship Grants to support this work. Community engagement will be a major part of the rewilding activities undertaken.
3. That a feasibility study be undertaken for the removal of the clubhouse to
facilitate the rewilding of this open, high, inter-visible Downscape, and its
replacement by a new building near the site of the old Waterhall Farm and
cottages, which might be used as a café, farm shop, rewilding project offices, or similar.
4. That a programme of community consultation take place prior to any marketing of the existing or new buildings, and in the light of 2.3 above
5. That a further report is brought to this Committee 1) to advise the Committee
on the implications of formally designating Waterhall (former) Golf Course as
statutory access land and 2) to report the outcomes of the recommendations at 2.3 and 2.4.
6. Delegates authority to the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture to implement the recommendations 2 to 5.
28 Footprint - the responsible event for the UK property industry
28.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director Economy, Environment & Culture which sought to consider the request from Brighton Design for the conference event “FOOTPRINT” to take place on Hove Lawns on the 14th – 17th September 2021. The report was provided by the Head of Sport and Leisure.
28.2 Councillor Appich enquired if other areas were being considered and if landlord’s consent was required for other sites.
28.3 The Head of Sport and Leisure stated that there was no indication that other areas were to be used however landlord’s consent would be required should any other areas be considered.
28.4 RESOLVED that Committee:
1. Grant Landlord’s Consent for the event ‘FOOTPRINT’.
2. Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture to undertake the necessary requirements for Landlord’s Consent.
29 Draft Urban Design Framework Supplementary Planning Document (UDF SPD)
29.1 RESOLVED – that Committee:
1. Notes the background information provided regarding the preparation of the Urban Design Framework Supplementary Planning Document (UDF SPD)
2. Approves the Draft Urban Design Framework Supplementary Planning
Document for public consultation for six weeks and authorises the Executive Director Economy Environment & Culture to make any necessary minor amendments to the Draft SPD in consultation with the Chair of TECC Committee prior to the public consultation.
30 The Hippodrome, Middle Street - Urgent Works Notice
30.1 The committee considered a report of the Executive Director Economy, Environment and Culture which sought authorisation to issue an Urgent Works Notice under Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (the Act) in respect of the grade II* listed Hippodrome in Middle Street, Brighton in order to preserve the listed building whilst it remains vacant. The report was provided by the Planning Team Leader.
30.2 The Planning Team Leader noted that the Hippodrome had changed hands and was under new ownership. It was stated that some of the works had already commenced since the purchase.
30.3 Councillor Simson sought clarification regarding the service of notice.
30.4 The Planning Team Leader clarified that the report sought the authority to serve notice. It was stated that there was sign of progress of works since the property had recently been acquisitioned however many works were still required some of which required specialist intervention.
30.5 Councillor Simson stated that it would be down to officer’s discretion as to whether the notice was delivered.
30.6 The Planning Team Leader agreed that discretion would be used and that dialogue with the new owners had already been opened. It was stated that the new owners had acted in good faith and that they would need some time.
30.7 RESOLVED – that:
1. A notice be issued under section 54 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (as amended), also known as an Urgent Works Notice, for the preservation of The Hippodrome, 52-58 Middle Street, Brighton.
2. The council carry out the works listed in the Notice should the owners not volunteer, with the Notice period, to do so.
3. Under s55 of the Act officers be authorised to recover the council’s
expenses incurred in carrying out the works required by the Notice.
31 Support for the City's Creative and Cultural Sector
31.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Economy, Culture and Environment which sought to set out the actions that have been taken by BHCC and other organisations to support the creative and cultural sector as a result of Covid-19. The report was provided by the Assistant Director Culture Tourism & Sport.
31.2 Councillor Appich enquired what specific efforts were in place to include groups with protected characteristics.
31.3 The Assistant Director Culture Tourism & Sport stated that, with regard to the arts and creative industries commission, a series of sub groups that influenced the direction were involved, it was clarified that in March the annual creative summit topic was proposed to be inclusion in an effort to refresh the artistic focus across the city.
31.4 RESOLVED – that:
1. Committee notes the difficult circumstances faced by many artists,
performers, practitioners, arts organisations and supporting freelancers as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
2. Committee notes the steps taken by the city council to prioritise the sector, as summarised in paragraphs 3.7 and 3.15 below.
3. Committee requests a report in January 2021 on the completion of the Arts Recovery Plan and on preparations for its implementation, as described in paragraph 3.17.
32 Public Space Protection Orders- Dog Control, Alcohol in Public Places and Gating
32.1 The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director Housing Neighbourhoods and Communities which sought to request that Committee endorse the continued use of the PSPOs relating to the existing gating orders, dog control and drinking in public places for three years until further review was required in 2023. It also sought to recommend that committee agree officers to work with residents to consider amendments to the Oxford Court gating PSPO and to bring a proposed amended Order back to Committee for approval. The report was provided by the Head of Safer Communities.
32.2 RESOLVED – that Committee:
1. Endorses the continued use of the PSPOs relating to the existing gating orders, dog control orders and drinking in public places for three years until further review is required in 2023. The orders will be amended to reflect the new relevant dates.
2. Agrees for officers to work with residents to consider amendments to the Oxford Court gating PSPO and to bring a proposed amended Order back to Committee for approval.
33 Mary Clarke Statue Appeal Update
33.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment and Culture which sought to detail the involvement from BHCC (Arts, Planning, Visit Brighton, Venues, City Transport, Royal Pavilion and Museums) in support of the Mary Clarke Statue Appeal. The report was provided by the Arts Development Manager.
33.2 Councillor Mears stated that the suffragettes were a symbol of democracy and women’s rights and confirmed her support for this. It was enquired if there was possibility of moving the location to the Pavilion Gardens.
33.3 Councillor Appich enquired if it was possible to explore voluntary contribution via hotels.
33.4 The Assistant Director Culture Tourism & Sport stated that it was possible to look at voluntary contributions.
33.5 The Chair stated that the current location was suitable but that this decision would be taken by Planning Committee.
33.6 RESOLVED – that Committee:
1. Notes the work of officers in Arts, Planning, Visit Brighton,
Venues, City Transport and the Museums Service in the support of the Mary Clarke Statue Appeal.
2. Notes the fundraising work being undertaken by the Appeal to
move forward with their plans.
34 Appointment of a Standing Invitee to the TECC Committee
34.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Lead Officer, Strategy, Governance & Law which sought to propose the appointment of Ms Stephanie Prior as a standing invitee to the TECC Committee.
34.2 RESOLVED – that:
1. Stephanie Prior be appointed as the Standing Invitee to the TECC Committee.
35 Items referred for Full Council
The meeting concluded at 8.00pm
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