July 13th 2009 - meeting minutes

Loaves and Fishes sculpture by John Skelton, Brighthelm Church and Community Centre

Photo by Peter Crowhurst

Council shambles on Royal Alex 'explained'

By Lynne Arnold, NLCA joint Secretary

Introduction

All were welcomed, particularly new members. 20 attended. Apologies were received from Margaret Daly, Jackie Fuller, Peter Stocker and Sharon Thomas.

Minutes of last meeting

These were approved, with the correction of Roy Skam’s name.

Speaker

Chris Seigal from City Car Club was unable to attend. We were fortunate to have Geoff Mead step in and give an interesting and informative journey along the Sussex coast from Hampshire to Kent. The variation in scenery both natural and human was dramatic and fascinating.

Environment

Licensing

- The hearing regarding Bill’s Produce Store is on Monday 27 July at 2pm. We had agreed at a previous meeting to support the Vine Street residents so Roy Skam and Sandy Crowhurst will attend, as will Cllr Ian Davey.

- After discussion with Mange Tout, they have agreed to serve drinks only to seated customers and that there will no amplified live music. The request to have alcohol served only with food is ongoing.

- The meeting decided unanimously that we would object to the applications from the Gloucester and Aruna’s Newsagents and request that no alcohol be sold before 8am, which is in line with other newsagents in the area.

- It was noted that the Licensing Act does not allow us to express concerns regarding need; it is up to the market to decide.

Planning

- It was agreed to make no comment on the following applications: 12 Frederick Street, 150 North Street, Pelham Tower, Pelham Street, 13 Trafalgar Street, 13-16 Vine Street, 30-31 Foundry Street, Blocks E & F New England Quarter.

- The meeting voted (7 for / 6 against) to make no comment on 40 Kensington Gardens/84 North Road.

- Ian Davey briefly explained the shambles that had occurred around the decision and subsequent appeal regarding the Royal Alex development. There has been a review of this process and the following has been agreed: (i) a new planning brief for the Royal Alex will be developed; (ii) in the case where the Planning Committee overturns the recommendation of the planning officers, the committee will take a recess and consult the planning rules to ensure that decisions are robust.

- The communal bins have arrived. If any resident has any comments or issues to raise, they should: (i) ring the Council as per the letter all residents had received; (ii) write on the NLCA website as it is the issue of the month; or (iii) email Peter Crowhurst and Cllr Ian Davey.

Reports

Runner

The collection for the next issue will be on 30 July. Street Representatives are equired for Orange Row, Blenheim Place flats, Portland Street and Regent Street. The meeting agreed that the Warburton Fund should cover the extra costs for a 200th edition of the Runner to be printed on glossy paper, with a coloured front page, plus the two centre pages being in full colour. However, if there was a need for more full colour pages the meeting felt this could be increased to four.

Brighton Society

No report

Police

There has been a small increase in antisocial behaviour. However, there had been positive results in catching some street drug suppliers and bike thieves. The Inspector will be attending our September meeting to discuss antisocial behaviour and any other issues.

Traders 

The next meeting will be on 27 July at Komedia at 6pm.

Website group

There is a vacancy for a website editor. If you are interested contact Peter Crowhurst.

Living Streets

Bruce Smith is willing to help anyone undertake a street audit of their street.

Social events

Theatre Group

The next theatre visit will be to ‘The Pillowman’ by Martin McDonagh. Contact Peter Crowhurst if you are interested in attending.

Other

- The Pavilion Gardens Café is hosting a tea party with music for NLCA residents on Sunday 16 Septemer 2009.

- Many thanks to Jackie Fuller, Ruth Goodall, Sandy Crowhurst and Kevin Daly for assisting in organising and publicising the Website Pub Quiz Supper night, which raised £65.

- A number of streets are having street parties this summer: Kemp Street on 2 August; Over Street on 13 September, and Kensington Place on 20 September.

Any other business

Roy Skam suggested that we combine with the Kingscliffe Society to campaign against anti-social behaviour.