Decision - Pedestrian Network Phase 2

(1)      That the Cabinet Member gives approval for officers to conduct public consultation with key stakeholders and residents on Phase 2 of the Pedestrian Network proposals detailed in this report. Members will be informed of the outcome of consultation and permission to proceed with the scheme will be sought at a future Environment Cabinet Member Meeting following public consultation.

The Pedestrian Network improvements will target key points in the city that are heavily used by pedestrians but fail to offer adequate pedestrian facilities.   This project will benefit local businesses, residents and visitors by creating a more attractive, accessible and legible route through East Street to the seafront.

By granting approval to consult on the plans the Cabinet Member will allow Officers to amend the design in line with the views of local people and present an improved final design to the Member in March 2009.

Progressing the scheme with minimal external consultation was rejected due to the scope and location of the scheme.   The improvements will affect the busiest parts of central Brighton and affect a large number of users and it was therefore felt that to ensure the scheme benefited everyone a city-wide consultation was required.