November 14th 2009 - meeting minutes

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

Photo by Peter Crowhurst

Police action on illegal parking by Domino's drivers

By Lynne Arnold, NLCA joint secretary

Introduction

All were welcomed, particularly new members. 17 attended. Apologies were received from Ruth Goodall and Bruce Smith.

Minutes of last meeting

These were approved, with the following amendments to names: Roy Skam and Francis Clark-Lowes; also we were not seeking a grant for the Runner but some recognition for the 200th edition. No matters arising.

Environment

Licensing

- It was reported that  'Go Local', 93 North Road, had been granted an alcohol licence 6.30am to 11pm. Roy Skam and Sandy Crowhurst raised the point that, although there was a poor presentation and the plans were incorrect, the licence was still granted. It was noted that in reality the 2003 Licencing Act is not working for residents. Sandy and Roy regularly attend hearings but feel they are of limited effectiveness. They will continue to object and attend hearings at the request of residents but only if residents also attend. It was felt that there is a need to show strength of objection at these meetings. It is worth attending to ensure that conditions are added.

- E-Kagen Sushi & Noodle Bar, 22-23 Sydney Street above Yum Yum, have applied for an off-site licence.

- Cafe Delice has been granted a licence 8am – 10.30 pm. (It was noted that we don’t know the result of the recent planning application for A3 usage.)

- Following up the emphasis on antisocial behaviour in the area it was agreed to ask for evidence from residents regarding their own experiences. This will be publicised on the website and in the Runner in February 2010.

Planning

The owner of the ATM at 95 Trafalgar St has appealed the enforcement notice, which will delay action longer. If anyone wishes to write to the Planning Inspector contact Barry or Sandy for details.

City in Bloom

Brighton & Hove have entered South-East in Bloom, which will affect a number of streets in the North Laine. More information to follow.

Police

Domino's have been written to by the police warning them that their vehicles are causing distress to residents and that they are only allowed to have two cars parking on the yellow lines outside their shop while they are collecting deliveries. If residents notice any infringement of this they should let the police know. Domino's say they are in negotiation to find other parking in the area.

Reports

Runner

The collection for the next issue is 26 November from 4pm from Ruth Goodall. We are still looking for an advertising person – it is getting urgent as we are losing advertisers and not getting any new ones. There will be another request in the February Runner. A suggestion to create a street focus, asking businesses from that street to advertise, was put to the meeting and accepted. This will be trialled, focusing on Trafalgar Street. Peter Crowhurst will look into seeking a grant for part of the Runner costs.

Brighton Society

The plans for the Amex Building on Edward Street have been passed, including an agreement to demolish the front building. The Old Market plans have been rejected again and the developers have lodged two appeals, one for each of the rejected applications

Police

No report

Traders

Concerns were expressed regarding the impending 15-30% business rate increase; chuggers on Kensington Gardens; and tables and chairs blocking access on Gardner Street. There will be a switch-on of the Christmas lights on 19th November 2009.

Website group

No report

Living Streets

No report

Social events

Theatre Group 

The group is going to see 'Dracula' on 15th December 2009. Contact Peter Crowhurst if you are interested in attending.

Christmas Social

The arrangements would be: Food and drink: Peter and Sandy Crowhurst; Raffle: tickets – Jackie Fuller, Prizes – contact Donatello's, My hotel, Carluccio's, Bill’s, Infinity Foods and Komedia, asking for items; invite guest speakers from 2009 to come; Photo quizzes -Henry Law and Peter Crowhurst.

Any other business

It was agreed to give a gift of £50 to RISE (formerly the Women’s Refuge Project) this Christmas.