Agenda item

Having complied with the Motions Procedure as set out in the council’s Constitution the motion attached will be proposed by Cllr Plowman and if duly seconded it will then be discussed at this meeting.

Cllr Plowman proposed his amended motion which had been circulated prior to the meeting. This was seconded by Cllr Bell. The motion was as follows:

The construction and dismantling of the large stage for the BEL Events in Priory Park on July 30th and 31st caused serious damage to fabric of Park similar to the damage caused by the operation, construction and dismantling of the Ice rink. The weather was a contributing factor but with climate change, this will become more severe and unpredictable.

1.    In the light of this and recognising the Events Strategy and Policies for Chichester District 2020-2025  are evolving documents, Council require Cabinet to consider the following addition of a third bullet point is proposed to Page 5 under the heading CDC hire of land to recognise the limitations of Priory Park.

The district has its challenges when it comes to hosting events, the following needs to be recognised in order to manage expectations:

-       CDC Hire of Land

o   We have limited number of suitable spaces for events to take place, with the majority of these being in Chichester City Centre

o   The largest spaces and most suitable spaces are close to residents and a major tourist destination, both of which impact the number, size and type of events we are able to host

o   Priory Park has limitations in terms of access and the dual role as a war memorial making it unsuitable for Headline and large scale feature events involving construction of major temporary buildings or structures which have the potential to damage the fabric of this historic Park.

2.    Council also requests that any Events Policies affected by this addition are reviewed by Officers, The Cabinet Member for Events and local District Council Members.

3.    That Cabinet set up a Task and Finish group to look at the operation, management and futurePriory Park particularly given the poor state of the buildings with the exception of Fenwick’s Café and the Guildhall.

Cllr Bell endorsed Cllr Plowman’s Motion and thanked Cllr Briscoe and Sutton for their positive involvement.

Cllr Sutton thanked Cllr Plowman and Cllr Bell for their engagement. He explained that the Events Policy is a living document. He outlined that Cllr Briscoe had apologised for the damage caused during a statement he had made during Public Questions at the September 2021 Cabinet meeting. He then explained that the remaining cricket fixtures had been played before treatment on the ground commenced in time for regrowth to occur before the next cricket season. He then gave his support to the amended Motion.

Cllr Oakley gave his support to the amended Motion. He asked who would set the Terms of Reference for the Task and Finish Group and whether it would include discussion on Chichester City Council managing the Park. Cllr Sutton confirmed that the Cabinet would be agreeing the Terms of Reference.

Cllr Brisbane raised concerns regarding noise complaints he and Cllr Lishman had received over the Battle of the Bands weekend. Reports were made to the Councillors that the council’s emergency phone line was not working. Mrs Shepherd agreed to look into the issue. Cllr Briscoe explained that four official complaints had been made to the council about the event.

Cllr Bangert wished to note the need for suitable events to be considered as the Park also provides history of the war

Cllr Apel requested clarification on why the Task and Finish Group would be the Cabinet and not Overview and Scrutiny Committee as originally stated in the Motion. Mr Ward explained that since any changes to the Events Policy would require Cabinet approval so the change to it being a Cabinet T&F group had been agreed Cllr Plowman and Cllr Bell.

Cllr Graves suggested a separate application form for Priory Park events.

Cllr Oakley suggested a member of CDC staff be present at all large scale events.

Cllr Sharp asked whether the Task and Finish Group would be able to progress the building works in the Park. Mrs Shepherd explained that there are some projects already looking at the Park but members should also consider the prioritisation exercise regarding the Future Services Framework as not all projects can be funded.

Cllr O’Kelly requested the Overview and Scrutiny Committee look at the Park. Mrs Shepherd explained that would be a choice for the Chair of that Committee.

Cllr Lintill noted the cooperation between members working on the Motion.

Cllr Plowman was then invited to sum up.

In a vote the motion as amended was carried.

RESOLVED

The construction and dismantling of the large stage for the BEL Events in Priory Park on July 30th and 31st caused serious damage to fabric of Park similar to the damage caused by the operation, construction and dismantling of the Ice rink. The weather was a contributing factor but with climate change, this will become more severe and unpredictable.

4.    In the light of this and recognising the Events Strategy and Policies for Chichester District 2020-2025  are evolving documents, Council require Cabinet to consider the following addition of a third bullet point is proposed to Page 5 under the heading CDC hire of land to recognise the limitations of Priory Park.

The district has its challenges when it comes to hosting events, the following needs to be recognised in order to manage expectations:

-       CDC Hire of Land

o   We have limited number of suitable spaces for events to take place, with the majority of these being in Chichester City Centre

o   The largest spaces and most suitable spaces are close to residents and a major tourist destination, both of which impact the number, size and type of events we are able to host

o   Priory Park has limitations in terms of access and the dual role as a war memorial making it unsuitable for Headline and large scale feature events involving construction of major temporary buildings or structures which have the potential to damage the fabric of this historic Park.

5.    Council also requests that any Events Policies affected by this addition are reviewed by Officers, The Cabinet Member for Events and local District Council Members.

6.    That Cabinet set up a Task and Finish group to look at the operation, management and futurePriory Park particularly given the poor state of the buildings with the exception of Fenwick’s Café and the Guildhall.