Issue - items at meetings - Communal Bins

Report of the Director of Environment (copy attached)

1          That the introduction of a communal bin scheme in the central areas of            Brighton and Hove as defined in Annex 1 of the report be approved.

2          That it be noted that the following historic squares and terraces are      excluded from the scheme:

(i)      Sussex Square, Lewes Crescent, Chichester Terrace and Arundel         Terrace

(ii)     Brunswick Square and Brunswick Terrace

(iii)    Adelaide Crescent / Palmeira Square

67.1         The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment that requested approval of an extension of the communal bin scheme in central parts of the city, following consultation with residents, ward councillors, and interested parties (for copy see minute book). 

67.2         Councillor Theobald noted the petition presented earlier in the meeting in opposition to the proposals. He also noted letters of support from residents of Brunswick Square and requests from neighbouring areas for the introduction of communal bins. He had also received letters from persons initially against the proposal who were now in favour.

67.3         The Chairman noted that Councillor Kitcat had requested to speak to the item and invited him to address the meeting.

67.4         Councillor Kitcat was opposed to the introduction of communal bins for various reasons. He felt that consultation had been flawed, that the move toward communal bins was detrimental to the councils recycling programme and that the scheme was not sensitive to the locations proposed.

67.5         Councillor Theobald noted that there were no negative impacts on recycling in relation to the proposals and offered a written response to Councillor Kitcat detailing this. Councillor Theobald refuted that the consultation had been flawed noting the roughly equal amount of response for and against the proposals.

67.6         The Chairman noted that Councillor Watkins had requested to speak to the item and invited him to address the meeting.

67.7         Councillor Watkins noted that the Liberal Democrats did not oppose communal bins per se and noted their success in achieving cleaner streets. However he did feel that greater thought should be given the location and the impact of their presence on the street scene and for residents unfortunate enough to have one near their home.

67.8         Councillor Watkins noted the twice weekly refuse collection afforded residents in the most densely populated areas of central Hove. This had been offered in recognition of the sheer volume of refuse created in the locality. He was concerned that for those living in basement areas (where communal bin stores were located) the build up of refuse so near to their home, would be intolerable. He asked for more time for this to be considered and could not understand why this particular decision had been delegated to officers.

67.9         Councillor Theobald noted that that the change to the frequency of collections was not directly related to the proposals as regards communal bins. However, he noted that he did not feel it appropriate that some areas of the city should have twice weekly collections while other areas did not. He added that he was happy to speak with the Ward Councillors about the situation at any time.

67.10    The Chairman suggested that Councillor Theobald clarify the details as pertaining to the change to the frequency of collections with Councillor Watkins away from the meeting.

67.11    Councillor Mitchell was concerned that the majority of people affected by the proposal to place communal bins in their area were unaware it. She felt that the initial consultation exercise should have been followed up explaining the results of it and the conclusion that had been reached.

67.12    Councillor Theobald felt that there had been more than adequate publicity surrounding the proposals; this was evidenced by the correspondence that Members had received.

67.13    Councillor Mitchell suggested that any decision should be deferred until residents were fully aware of the proposals being made.

67.14    Councillor Theobald confirmed that  Sussex Square, Lewes Crescent, Chichester Terrace, Arundel Terrace, Brunswick Square, Brunswick Terrace, Adelaide Crescent and Palmeria Square were excluded from the scheme.

67.15    Councillor Mitchell asked if would be possible to also exclude the listed properties at 160-163 Marine Parade.

67.16    Councillor Fallon-Khan noted the concerns of residents in Nizells Avenue and the contribution made by Councillor Davis on their behalf. He noted that there were differences of opinion in the area and felt that the positive impact of the proposals would outweigh the localised opposition.

67.17    Councillor Mitchell noted that that when the communal bins scheme had been initially considered for the city centre it had been tested and every household had been contacted. Consultation had continued during the trial and following the conclusions of the trail before full implementation. Councillor Mitchell stated that communal bins had only been placed in areas where they had been requested, whereas the current proposals offered a different approach.

67.18    Councillor Theobald recalled the initial resistance to the scheme and noted that many of those initially opposed had been convinced of the benefits following a period of adjustment. He commended officers for their extensive work in this area.

67.19    RESOLVED -

(1)       That the introduction of a communal bin scheme in the central areas of            Brighton and Hove as defined in Annex 1 of the report be approved.

(2)       That it be noted that the following historic squares and terraces are      excluded from the scheme:

(A)    Sussex Square, Lewes Crescent, Chichester Terrace and Arundel         Terrace

(B)    Brunswick Square and Brunswick Terrace

(C)    Adelaide Crescent / Palmeira Square