Agenda for Economic Development & Culture Committee on Thursday, 21st June, 2012, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 223 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall. View directions
Contact: Penny Jennings 29-1065
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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 – Statements by all Members present of any personal interests in matters on the agenda, outlining the nature of any interest and whether the Members regard the interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct.
(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: 1 a) Declarations of Substitutes
1.1 Councillor Cox was present in substitution for Councillor Carol Theobald and Councillor Lepper was present in substitution for Councillor Fitch.
1 b) Declarations of Interest
1.2 There were none.
1 c) Exclusion of the Press and Public
1.3 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.
1.4 RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of items 16 and 17. |
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(a) Minutes of the Cabinet Member Meeting, Culture, Recreation & Tourism held on 6 March 2012 (copy attached for information);
(b) Minutes of the Cabinet Member Meeting, Planning, Economy, Employment & Regeneration held on, 29 March 2012 (copy attached for information). Additional documents: Minutes: 2.1 The minutes of the Cabinet Member Meeting Culture, Recreation & Tourism (6 March 2012) and the Cabinet Member Meeting, Planning, Employment, Economy & Regeneration (29 March 2012) were noted. |
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Chair's Communications Minutes: Economic Development – Supporting Business
3.1 Training sessions and workshops would be taking place between July and November as part of the Ride the Wave business support programme to help entrepreneurs in the city.
Royal Pavilion & Museums: World Stories: Young Voices – new permanent gallery at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery – opens 23 June 2012
3.2 A permanent galley would be opening at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery on 23 June 2012; the gallery would be the South East region’s flagship museum project for the London 2012 Festival, which was part of the Cultural Olympiad programme, Stories of the World. The project had enabled young people of all backgrounds, aged between 14 and 25 across the UK, to become ‘curators’ of museum and archive collections with objects from around the globe.
Arts - May Festival month
3.3 There had been a highly successful festival month in May in the city which had generated good tickets sales.
VisitBrighton
3.4 In the first five months of 2012 the Convention Bureau had secured 17 conferences for the City which would bring economic impact of £55m to the City. An innovative interactive video map of the city had been launched on VistBrighton.com to encourage greater exploration by visitors.
Sports and Leisure - TAKEPART, Brighton & Hove Festival of Sport (23rd June - 8th July
3.5 The TAKEPART festival programme had been published and copies were available at public buildings, or could be viewed online on the Councils website. The festival provided opportunities for people to take part in sports and leisure activities across the city.
Seafront
3.6 The Seasonal Beach Lifeguard Service was now operational and lifeguards would be patrolling the bathing beaches everyday until 9 September.
Other events
3.7 The Jubilee weekend was very successful for the city with 65 Street parties across the city, and a range of picnics and walks. Three Beacons were lit along the coast at Hove, Brighton and Rottingdean locations and they would be included in a national publication to mark the occasion.
3.8 The Olympic Torch would be coming to Brighton and Hove in July as part of its national tour on the way to the start of London 2012. There was a full programme planned, and details were available on the website.
3.9 At this point in the proceedings the Committee was given a presentation by the Strategic Director, Place and the Strategic Director, Communities outlining the service areas that fell within the remit of the Committee. |
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Constitutional Matters Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy attached) Decision: 1) That the committee’s terms of reference as set out in this report, be noted; and
2) That the establishment of an Urgency Sub-Committee consisting of the Chair of the Committee and two other Members (nominated in accordance with the scheme for the allocation of seats for committees), to exercise its powers in relation to matters of urgency, on which it is necessary to make a decision before the next ordinary meeting of the Committee be approved. Minutes: 4.1 The Committee considered a report of the Monitoring Officer providing information on the Terms of Reference of the Committee and the matters related to the appointment of its Urgency Sub-Committee.
4.2 In response to a query from Councillor Brown it was confirmed that the proposed emergency sub-committee would consist of a Member from each of the three political groups.
4.3 RESOLVED – That:
1) That the committee’s terms of reference as set out in this report, be noted; and
2) That the establishment of an Urgency Sub-Committee consisting of the Chair of the Committee and two other Members (nominated in accordance with the scheme for the allocation of seats for committees), to exercise its powers in relation to matters of urgency, on which it is necessary to make a decision before the next ordinary meeting of the Committee be approved. |
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To consider the following matters raised by members of the pubic:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions presented to the full council or at the meeting itself; (b) Written Questions: to receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on 14 June 2012, (c) Deputations: to receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on 14 June 2012. Minutes: 5.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Resources detailing a petition in relation to discouraging visitors to the city whom required excessive security measures.
5.2 Mr Coady, the lead petitioner, presented his petition in the following terms:
“We the undersigned petition the Council to discourage visitors who require excessive security measures. While we welcome anyone of any faith, creed or persuasion to visit our city, we consider the security measures disproportionate to the actual risks. If the risks are truly in proportion to the quantum and expense of the security operation, it would seem that these conferences are subjecting everyone living or passing by to an unacceptable risk of collateral damage and so should consider holding their conference somewhere remote. Given the restrictions to anyone entering the secured area, it is difficult to see how these visitors are engaging in any form of democratic exchange, not to mention the limited scope for delegates to contribute to the local economy outside the secured zone”
5.3 The Chair noted receipt of the petition.
5.4 RESOLVED – That the contents of the petition be received and noted.
5.5 There were other petitions, written questions or deputations. |
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Issues Raised by Councillors 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. Minutes: 6.1 There were no petitions, written questions, letters or notices of motion raised by Councillors. |
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Oral update by the Strategic Director, Communities, Minute extract and report considered at meeting of Policy and Resources Committee held on 24 May 2012 (copy attached) Additional documents: Minutes: 7.1 The Committee considered a verbal update from the Strategic Director, Communities, in relation to Saltdean Lido, and it was highlighted that since the Council had taken back the lease the following three areas of work had been undertaken: investigations in relation to the state of repair of the building and facilities; trying to gain a better understanding of the potential short and long-term future of the lido, and how best to operate the facilities. Work was being undertaken to ensure the interested community associations were being updated and would be consulted as work and plans progressed.
7.2 In response to a query from Councillor Janio it was confirmed that the financial decisions in relation to the Lido would need to be agreed through the Policy & Resources Committee.
7.3 Councillors Brown, Smith and Morgan commended the work of Officers and local resident groups to bring the site back into Council management, and welcomed the facility being bought back into use.
7.4 The Chair noted that procurement options were currently being examined, and all interested parties would be consulted in trying to find a longer term solution.
7.5 RESOLVED – That the verbal update be noted. |
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Royal Pavilion & Museums Catering Review Report of the Strategic Director, Communities (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: 1) To approve the seeking of tenders in respect of all catering provision for RPM under contractual arrangements which will subsist for a period of five years with an option to extend for up to a further two years.
2) To authorise the Strategic Director, Communities to consider and determine, with a view to driving efficiencies and value for money:
i. how the tendered opportunities should be packaged eg. whether there should be division into lots; ii. whether the tender should take place jointly with Brighton Dome and Festival Ltd (BDFL) and if so, how best to structure the tender/ contractual arrangement.
3) To authorise the Strategic Director, Communities to accept tender(s) in accordance with officer recommendations following the tendering exercise and to approve the award of contract(s) accordingly.
4) To approve the use of external catering expertise in visitor attraction/venue market to assist with the tender process.
5) To note that a report on the result of the tendering process will be brought to Policy and Resources Committee for agreement. Minutes: 8.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities in relation to the current position of catering facilities across the Royal Pavilion & Museums (RPM) and the recommendations for future business development to overcome current deficits in catering income and maximising future income to maintain and develop the RPM services including learning, out reach and community engagement projects.
8.2 Councillor Morgan welcomed the range of organizations to be included in the tendering process, and asked if some of the profit could be used to support community and voluntary sector activities in the community. The Chair noted this suggestion. The Head of RPM noted that the income generated by RPM supports RPM work with communities.
8.3 Councillor Cox noted his support for the report, but queried the use of consultants. In response the Chair and the Strategic Director, Communities explained that the use of consultants was necessary as the Council did not have the level of expertise of catering facilities in historic buildings; the use of consultants would speed the procurement process and delivery. Councillor Littman noted that the use of consultants seemed to be justified as part of the procurement exercise.
8.4 Councillor Brown noted her support for the proposals, but raised concerns in relation to the potential lose of the Visitor Information Centre (VIC), this concern was also echoed by Councillor Smith. Officers confirmed a report would be bought to a later meeting of the Committee concerning the VIC which would consider a series of new creative solutions.
8.5 Councillor Lepper noted that the RPM visitor numbers were increasing, but the income from the catering facilities continued to decline. In response the Head of Royal Pavilion & Museums noted that reduction in income could be related to the general economic downturn and the use of such facilities being considered secondary expenditure; she also noted problems in relation to the size of groups who visited and the location of facilities.
8.6 RESOLVED –
1) To approve the seeking of tenders in respect of all catering provision for RPM under contractual arrangements which will subsist for a period of five years with an option to extend for up to a further two years.
2) To authorise the Strategic Director, Communities to consider and determine, with a view to driving efficiencies and value for money:
i. how the tendered opportunities should be packaged eg. whether there should be division into lots; ii. whether the tender should take place jointly with Brighton Dome and Festival Ltd (BDFL) and if so, how best to structure the tender/ contractual arrangement.
3) To authorise the Strategic Director, Communities to accept tender(s) in accordance with officer recommendations following the tendering exercise and to approve the award of contract(s) accordingly.
4) To approve the use of external catering expertise in visitor attraction/venue market to assist with the tender process.
5) To note that a report on the result of the tendering process will be brought to Policy and Resources Committee for agreement. |
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Implications of the National Planning Policy Framework for Decision Making
Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: 1) That the Committee notes the implications of the National Planning Policy Framework on the Brighton & Hove Local Plan, Waste Local Plan, Minerals Local Plan and for the emerging City Plan Part 1.
2) That the Committee agrees the policies in the adopted Plans, as assessed against the NPPF in the tables set out in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to this report, should continue to be given weight as material planning considerations in decision making under the planning Acts until such policies are superseded by emerging and adopted policies in the City Plan and Waste & Minerals Plan. Minutes: 9.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place in relation to the implications of the National Planning Policy Framework on the Brighton & Hove Local Plan, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove Waste Local Plan and the Brighton & Hove Minerals Local Plan in determining planning applications.
9.2 RESOLVED
1) That the Committee notes the implications of the National Planning Policy Framework on the Brighton & Hove Local Plan, Waste Local Plan, Minerals Local Plan and for the emerging City Plan Part 1.
2) That the Committee agrees the policies in the adopted Plans, as assessed against the NPPF in the tables set out in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to this report, should continue to be given weight as material planning considerations in decision making under the planning Acts until such policies are superseded by emerging and adopted policies in the City Plan and Waste & Minerals Plan. |
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Update on the Economic Strategy & the City Prospectus Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached) Decision: 1) Support the proposed refresh of the economic strategy; 2) Agree in principle a proposal for the City Prospectus website to be hosted by the Economic Partnership subject to legal and financial agreement. Minutes: 10.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place with an update on activities relating to the creation of the economic Strategy and the City Prospectus.
10.2 Councillor Mac Cafferty noted he had visited the Brighton Centre with other Members and commended the work undertaken by Officers; he went on to note that this was an excellent initiative. There would be a soft launch in September, and the Strategy would help form the robust base to increase productivity and grow businesses in the city.
10.3 Councillor Morgan went on to note the importance of the digital media sector for the city, but highlighted that there was still the need to provide the business space for small to medium sized manufacturing businesses which could offer secure stable positions for lower skilled workers. The Chair agreed with these comments and noted that over 50% of local businesses were looking to expand in the next year.
10.4 Councillor Brown noted the advantages in the city for businesses, and explained that there was a need to provide new roles for graduates and hoped the city prospectus could be a tool to do this. Councillor Smith went on to add how important the Brighton Centre was for the local economy, and noted the improvements that had already been made on a limited budget.
10.5 Councillor Littman also commended the positive nature of the report.
10.6 Councillor Janio highlighted his view that there was still more work to be undertaken to create a better climate for small and medium size businesses in the city.
10.7 RESOLVED – That the Committee:
1) Support the proposed refresh of the economic strategy;
2) Agree in principle a proposal for the City Prospectus website to be hosted by the Economic Partnership subject to legal and financial agreement. |
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Peter Pan Leisure Site, Madeira Drive, Development Proposal
Report of the Strategic Director, Communities (copy attached)
Please note: There will also be a brief power-point presentation in respect of this item. Additional documents: Decision: 1) To seek approval to grant Landlord’s consent, subject to final determination of Heads of Terms by Policy Resources Committee, for the Brighton Bathing Pavilion development on the former Peter Pan site on Madeira Drive.
2) This report details the process that officers have undertaken to market this site for redevelopment and selection process which has resulted in the preferred developer being chosen. Minutes: 11.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities to seek approval to grant Landlord’s consent, subject to final determination of Heads of Terms by the Policy & Resources Committee, for the Brighton bathing Pavilion development on the former Peter Pan site on Maderia Drive, and received a presentation detailing the scheme put forward by the preferred developer.
11.2 In response to queries about the presentation the agent from the preferred developer explained that: the inside of the building would have cafes, dining areas and spa facilities in a family orientated environment, and the art deco style exterior would be white.
11.3 Councillor Morgan welcomed the scheme and any steps to help regenerate Maderia Drive; however, he noted that Ward Councillors had not, as yet, been involved or consulted on any of the proposals. Councillor Morgan noted that as Ward Councillor he would not express a view either way, and abstain from taking part in the vote. Officers noted the comments in relation to consultation and hoped this could be avoided in future.
11.4 Councillor Mac Cafferty welcomed the presentation and the scheme and highlighted that it would create 200 jobs and bring approximately £10 million into the local economy. Councillor Brown made similar comments, and welcomed the proposed year round use of the facility.
11.5 Councillor Janio asked if the scheme would affect the potential to redevelop Black Rock, and it was explained that it would not.
11.6 RESOLVED
1) To seek approval to grant Landlord’s consent, subject to final determination of Heads of Terms by Policy Resources Committee, for the Brighton Bathing Pavilion development on the former Peter Pan site on Madeira Drive.
2) This report details the process that officers have undertaken to market this site for redevelopment and selection process which has resulted in the preferred developer being chosen.
Note: Councillor Morgan abstained from the vote on this item. |
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Ultrafast Broadband Bid 2012: Wired for Growth Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached) Decision: 1) Note the recommendation of the allocation of up to £150,000 by Policy & Resources Committee on 14th June 2012 from unallocated general reserves to support submission of an Ultrafast Broadband Bid to government, costs including expert consultancy and legal costs;
2) Support submission of a bid to the government in accordance with the timetable and criteria when published;
3) Delegate finalisation of the bid to the Strategic Director Place.
Minutes: 12.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning the Council’s bid for ultrafast broadband.
12.2 RESOLVED - That the Committee
1) Note the recommendation of the allocation of up to £150,000 by Policy & Resources Committee on 14th June 2012 from unallocated general reserves to support submission of an Ultrafast Broadband Bid to government, costs including expert consultancy and legal costs;
2) Support submission of a bid to the government in accordance with the timetable and criteria when published;
3) Delegate finalisation of the bid to the Strategic Director Place.
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Amendments to Wooden Beach Hut Specification - Hove Promenade
Report of the Strategic Director, Communities (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: 1) That the Economic and Development and Culture committee members note the result of the consultation exercise on changes to the specification of beach huts and the temporary change of use.
2) That the Economic and development and Culture committee member approve the changes taking in to account the results of the consultation. Minutes: 13.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities in relation to consultation undertaken to introduce amendments to the beach hut specification on the painting of the beach hut doors and the letting of the hut for exhibitions.
13.2 RESOLVED
1) That the Economic and Development and Culture committee members note the result of the consultation exercise on changes to the specification of beach huts and the temporary change of use.
2) That the Economic and development and Culture committee member approve the changes taking in to account the results of the consultation. |
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Ovingdean Conservation Area Review
Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: 1) That the Ovingdean Conservation Area Character Statement is adopted, subject to any minor grammatical and non-material alterations agreed by the Strategic Director of Place following consultation with the Chair of the Economic Development and Culture Committee
2) That the proposed boundary changes, as illustrated in annex 4, be approved and formally designated as part of the Ovingdean Conservation Area under section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Minutes: 14.1 The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place in relation to the response to the recent consultation on a review of the Ovingdean Conservation Area.
14.2 Councillor Smith noted his full support of the recommendations, and stated his belief that the review had also been supported by the residents of Ovingdean. Councillor Janio also echoed these comments and stated that he welcomed the protection of valuable areas of the city.
14.3 RESOLVED
1) That the Ovingdean Conservation Area Character Statement is adopted, subject to any minor grammatical and non-material alterations agreed by the Strategic Director of Place following consultation with the Chair of the Economic Development and Culture Committee
2) That the proposed boundary changes, as illustrated in annex 4, be approved and formally designated as part of the Ovingdean Conservation Area under section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. |
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Major Projects Update Note: This will be a standing item on future meetings of the committee, but will be dealt with under Chair’s Communications at the meeting on the 21 June, 2012. Minutes: 15.1 It was explained that information in relation to this item had been covered during the presentation of the Strategic Directors at Item 3. |
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Part Two Minutes - Exempt Category The non public minutes of the Cabinet Member Meeting, Culture Recreation and Tourism, 6 March 2012 have been circulated for information (circulated to Members only). Minutes: The Press and Public were excluded during consideration of the following items which were exempt under Paragraphs 2 & 3 of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended.
16.1 The part 2 minutes of the Cabinet Member Meeting Culture, Recreation & Tourism (6 March 2012) were noted. |
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Part Two Proceedings To consider whether the items listed in Part Two of the agenda and decisions thereon should remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public. Minutes: 17.1 RESOLVED - That the above item remain exempt from disclosure from the press and public. |