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Agenda item
Questions (if any) from:
a) Members of the public under Rule 11
b) Councillors under Rule 12
Minutes:
31a. Members of the public under Rule 11
A written question was received from Max Hewitt and a written response supplied by Councillor Barnett.
A written question was received from Chris Hurrell and a written response supplied by Councillor Roark. Chris Hurrell submitted a supplementary question in writing and Councillor Roark said she would respond in writing.
A written question was received from Myriam Lengline and a written response supplied by Councillor Rogers. Myriam Lengline was presented and in a supplementary question asked how often the Council will revisit the development sites around Harrow Lane to make sure that water drainage plans are put in place and that other conditions are followed. Councillor Rogers said that she would discuss this with officers to make sure that regular visits are made.
A written question was received from Richard Price and a written response supplied by Councillor Roark. Richard Price was present and in a supplementary question asked Councillor Roark to clarify if the Local Nature Reserve is still designated as an Urban Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitat. Councillor Roark said she would need to discuss with officers before responding in writing.
A written question was received from Andrew Cordle and a written response supplied by Councillor Rogers. Andrew Cordle was present and in a supplementary question asked how residents with limited mobility and limited digital access are meant to be aware of planning notices? Councillor Rogers replied that this is reviewed on a regular basis and these issues are taken into account, but with current budget pressures it is too expensive to send letters.
31b. Councillors under Rule 12Questioner
Question
Reply given by
Councillor Patmore
In Sept we were told the Premier Inn development was a done deal and we deferred a decision on increasing the capital budget. We have had no further information. Can you give us an update on the situation?
Councillor Barnett replied that this was discussed last week, and he had said that negotiations are continuing. When they are concluded a report will be presented on the outcome.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Haffenden
I previously asked about a review of the rules that tenants in temporary accommodation must abide by. Can we have an update on that review?
Councillor Willis replied that a full housing and homelessness review is about to begin, the aim is to have a draft coming to Full Council next July following consultation.
Councillor Willis
Councillor Turner
Can you give an update on Orbit housing association delivering sustainable homes at Harrow Lane?
Councillor Willis replied that there is good progress. Building is expected to start in February with first completions in January 2025. Orbit are committed to the sustainable modern methods of construction as originally proposed.
Councillor Willis
Councillor Beaver
Will you give residents the same guarantee for Bulverhythe Recreation Ground as you gave for Tilekiln Playing Fields, that ‘our priority has to be to protect and invest in our green spaces…’?
Councillor Barnett replied that there have been discussions with the Friends of Combe Valley CIC and those discussion continue. Councillor Barnett said he would be meeting with the CIC to hear their proposals for the recreation ground.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Collins
The area around Starsky and Hatch in Bottle Alley has been blighted by late night raves leaving litter, bottles, broken glass, needles and human waste. There were plans and funding in place for CCTV. Will you investigate the delay and see that the cameras are installed as planned?
Councillor Rogers replied that that police have increased patrols in the area. The issue is that there is a low ceiling in Bottle Alley and CCTV is not suitable as it is likely to get vandalised.
Councillor Rogers
Councillor Fernando
Some of the services provided by East Sussex County Council have fallen below our expectations, will you push for Hastings to become a unitary authority so we can deliver for our residents?
Councillor Barnett replied that he would welcome Hastings Borough Council becoming a unitary authority as long as it was run by Hastings.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Jobson
There are almost 32,000 unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMO) in England with 159,340 tenants. Do you have figures for local unlicensed HMOs in Hastings?
Councillor Willis replied that he shared Councillor Jobson’s concerns, and he would reply in writing with the figures for Hastings.
Councillor Willis
Councillor Pragnell
Are you aware of the recent death of former Councillor Ray Marchant and will you join me in wishing condolences to his family?
Councillor Barnett thanked Councillor Pragnell for bringing this to his attention and proposed a minute’s silence.
The Mayor asked all present to stand and the meeting observed a minute’s silence.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Bacon
Can you update us on the latest with the Stade Hall?
Councillor Cannan replied that the agreement with East Sussex College comes to an end in January 2024 and they didn’t wish to renew. After seeking Expressions of Interest 3 strong bids were received. After an evaluation process the winning bid was Spun Glass Theatre.
Councillor Cannan
Councillor Edwards
The Council owns a property in Wellington Square and there were ambitious plans to refurbish it from top to bottom. It is now being used as temporary accommodation and is in bad condition. What are your plans to repair the property?
Councillor Evans replied that she understands that the property has been refurbished and it is not in the state it formerly was. The funding for the project will be redirected elsewhere for dwellings in the town centre.
Councillor Evans
Councillor Carr
I met with representatives from Southern Water and our MP after the floods in the town centre. Southern Water asked if Councillor Barnett would be able to join a subsequent meeting. Will you commit to scheduling a meeting for us all to debate Southern Water?
Councillor Barnett replied that it was good to see so many local councillors working on the flood response. There were multiple areas of attention over the weekend, and he was working with local residents to secure a visit from UK Power Networks to get power restored.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Bishop
Can you provide an update on the West Hill Café?
Councillor Batsford said the Expressions of Interest for proposals to redevelop the Café have been warmly received and conversations so far have been very positive and exciting.
Councillor Batsford
Councillor Sinden
I understand we now have bleed cabinets situated around the town, can you update us on these?
Councillor Rogers thanked Councillor Carr for bringing the project to her attention. Bleed cabinets contain items to help someone suffering from a severe blood trauma. Cabinets have been positioned in local hotspots and there will be training for local businesses on how to use them.
Councillor Rogers
Councillor Webb
Can you update us on progress to ensure Summerfields Leisure Centre is more sustainable in its energy use?
Councillor Batsford replied that the Council have worked with Summerfields and Freedom Leisure to ensure the swimming pool can remain open. The Council has been successful in securing £100,000 of Sport England grant funding to support the cost of gas and electricity through the winter period. A capital bid has also been submitted to support eco-friendly energy use for the swimming pool.
Councillor Batsford
Supporting documents:
- Questions to Full Council 22.11.23 v2, item 31. PDF 121 KB
- Supplementary question Chris Hurrell 22.11.23, item 31. PDF 88 KB
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