Agenda item - Improving the Availability of Beach Huts and Chalets

Proposed by Councillor Platts on behalf of the Labour Group.

52.1      The Notice of Motion as listed in the agenda was proposed by Councillor Platts on behalf of the Labour Group and formally seconded by Councillor Allcock who reserved his right to speak in the debate.

52.2      Councillor Nemeth moved an amendment on behalf of the Conservative Group which was formally seconded by Councillor Mears.

52.3      Councillors Ebel, Fowler and Allcock spoke on the motion and the amendment. Councillor Platts thanked everyone for their comments and confirmed that she did not accept the amendment.

52.4      The Mayor noted that the amendment had not been accepted and therefore put the amendment from the Conservative Group to the vote and called on each of the Group Leaders to confirm their position as well as the Groups in turn followed by each of the Independent Members:

Councillor Mac Cafferty stated that the Green Group were against the amendment and this was confirmed by the Green Group Members;

Councillor Platts stated that the Labour Group were against the amendment and this was confirmed by the Labour Group Members;

Councillor Bell stated that the Conservative were in favour of the amendment and this was confirmed by the Conservative Group Members;

Councillor Brennan confirmed that she was voting against the amendment;

Councillor Fishleigh confirmed that she was voting in favour of the amendment;

Councillor Janio confirmed that he was voting in favour of the amendment;

Councillor Knight confirmed that she was voting against the amendment.

52.5      The Mayor confirmed that the amendment had been lost and therefore put the motion as listed to the vote:

This Council notes that we are currently conducting a consultation on beach chalets and that due to demand, the waiting lists are currently closed; Council also notes that a report is due to go before committee after the current consultation ends in November in order the receive the findings of this consultation;

Council requests that this report:

1.     Explores options to finance the building of additional beach chalets or beach huts to rent or to purchase;

2.     Identifies locations for more chalets and huts along parts the seafront including less well-visited parts to help regenerate those areas and provide essential footfall for local businesses including east of the Palace Pier;

3.     Identifies how beach huts and chalet income east of the Palace Pier could support additional borrowing and regeneration of Madeira Terraces and contribute to the wider area’s regeneration and renewal.

52.6      The Mayor then called on each of the Group Leaders to confirm their position as well as the Groups in turn followed by each of the Independent Members:

Councillor Mac Cafferty stated that the Green Group were in favour of the motion and this was confirmed by the Green Group Members;

Councillor Platts stated that the Labour Group were in favour of the motion and this was confirmed by the Labour Group Members;

Councillor Bell stated that the Conservative were in favour of the motion and this was confirmed by the Conservative Group Members;

Councillor Brennan confirmed that she was voting for the motion;

Councillor Fishleigh confirmed that she was voting for the motion;

Councillor Janio confirmed that he was voting for the motion;

Councillor Knight confirmed that she was voting for the motion.

52.7      The Mayor confirmed that the motion had been carried unanimously.

52.8      The Mayor then called a short adjournment from 21.13 to 21.28 hours.