In the last 7 days (since Saturday 08 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. Eastbourne Borough Council Conservation Advisory Group on Tuesday 11 June 2024.
2. Lewes District Council Planning Applications Committee on Wednesday 12 June 2024.
3. Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet on Wednesday 12 June 2024.
4. Lewes District Council Licensing Committee on Thursday 13 June 2024.

The Eastbourne Borough Council Conservation Advisory Group meeting on 11 June 2024 focused on energy efficiency in protected settings and the consideration of two planning applications. The group discussed the challenges of retrofitting listed buildings and conservation areas for energy efficiency, and expressed concerns about the details and impact of the proposed developments at Manor Garden Cottage and 10 Pevensey Road.

Energy Efficiency and Retrofit in Protected Settings: Alex Moojen, Conservation Officer, provided a briefing on encouraging energy efficiency and managing retrofit considerations for listed buildings and conservation areas. The report highlighted ongoing public drop-in advice sessions at The Beacon shopping centre and the status of a window audit across conservation areas. The discussion covered topics such as the placement of solar panels, evolving standpoints by bodies like Historic England, options for window frames and glazing, and the importance of educating the public on their rights and options under permitted development and single occupancy.

Planning Applications for Consideration:

• Manor Garden Cottage, 25 Compton Place Road, Eastbourne BN20 8AB – Ref: 230811: The group expressed serious concerns about the lack of detail for an application of this scale and size, particularly the proposal for a three-storey intervention. The group felt the application did not preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area or respect the adjacent listed building. The applicant was invited to work with officers to generate a more sensitive and appropriate proposal.
• 10 Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3HP – Ref: 240025: The group felt the previously approved scheme was superior and expressed concerns about the loss of railings, deep light wells, and changes to the roof and window design. The group noted that the amended scheme only just preserved, rather than enhanced, the character and appearance of the conservation area. Officers were requested to liaise with the applicant to share these concerns and encourage reconsideration.

For more details, you can refer to the CAG - Planning Applications Report - 11 June 2024 - final.

The Lewes District Council Planning Applications Committee meeting on 12 June 2024 saw the approval of several planning applications, including a notable decision on the construction of a new multi-storey car park in Newhaven. The committee discussed the impact of additional lighting and greenery walls on the car park's design, ultimately approving the application with conditions to address concerns about lighting glare and environmental impact.

Key Decisions:

• Multi-Storey Car Park, Daker Road, Newhaven BN9QX – Ref: LW240282: The proposal for 10 single head lampposts, four twin head lampposts, and four bulkhead fittings to be added to the top storey of the open-aired car park was approved. The addition of two new car parking signs on the northwest elevation and greenery walls along the northeast and northwest elevations was also included. The committee addressed concerns about lighting glare by ensuring that all perimeter lighting would have light guards and that the new lights would be LED and controlled by photo cells triggered by movement.

The Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet meeting on 12 June 2024 focused on updates to social housing regulation and the introduction of a sustainable procurement policy. Key decisions included the approval of the social housing regulation update and the sustainable procurement policy.

Social Housing Regulation Update: Councillor Peter Diplock introduced the social housing regulation update, highlighting the importance of the new Social Housing Regulation Act 2023, which came into force on 1 April 2024. The Act introduces new objectives around safety, transparency, and energy efficiency, and strengthens the regulator's enforcement powers. Oliver Jones, Lead for Housing, Homelessness & Community Safety, elaborated on the changes, noting the removal of the serious detriment test and the introduction of four new consumer standards: safety and quality, transparency, influence and accountability, tenancy standard, and neighbourhood and community standards.

Jones mentioned that Eastbourne had participated in a pilot inspection in October 2022, which helped shape their response to the new standards. He stated, It's the biggest change we've seen to social housing regulation in a decade or so. The Cabinet approved the recommendations laid out in the Social Housing Regulation Update.

Sustainable Procurement Policy: Serena Stallard addressed the Cabinet on the Sustainable Procurement Policy, expressing concerns about the environmental and human impact of electric vehicle production and other sustainable practices. Despite her concerns, Councillor Dan Butcher introduced the report, emphasizing the policy's alignment with the Council's environmental plans and ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Peter Jenion, who detailed the policy, noted that it would apply to both Eastbourne Borough Council and Lewes District Council. The policy aims to achieve value for money while minimizing environmental damage, incorporating lessons learned during consultation, and engaging with communities and contractors. Councillor Jim Murray responded to Stallard's concerns, acknowledging the issues but stressing the importance of sustainability in Council policies.

The Cabinet approved the Sustainable Procurement Policy as laid out in the report.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Decisions document from the meeting.

The Lewes District Council Licensing Committee meeting on 13 June 2024 was cancelled.

This week's meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to balance development with environmental and community considerations. The discussions on energy efficiency in conservation areas and the sustainable procurement policy reflect a commitment to sustainability and responsible governance. The approval of the social housing regulation update also underscores the importance of improving standards and transparency for tenants.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 18 May 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. Lewes District Council Full Council on Monday 20 May 2024.
2. Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council on Wednesday 22 May 2024.

The Lewes District Council Full Council meeting on Monday focused on several key administrative matters.

Election of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Council: Councillor Leslie Boniface was elected as the new Chair of the Council. Her nomination was proposed by Councillor Christine Brett, who highlighted Boniface's extensive community involvement and experience as the former Mayor of New Haven. Councillor Davis seconded the nomination, and Boniface was elected unanimously. Councillor Ian Alexander was appointed as the Vice Chair of the Council. He was nominated by Councillor Nicholson, who praised Alexander's previous service as Chair and his conduct during significant events, including a visit from the Queen at Charleston. Councillor Sri seconded the nomination, and Alexander was appointed unanimously.

Administrative Matters:

• Apologies for Absence: Apologies were received from Councillors Koopland, Deney, Fabry, and Keene.
• Declarations of Interest: No declarations of interest were made.
• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the meeting held on 19 February 2024 were approved as a correct record.

Announcements: Ian Alexander, the outgoing Chair, reported attending over 40 events throughout the district, including meeting royalty twice. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and noted the collaborative efforts of local charities and organisations.

Appointments Report: The Leader of the Council, Councillor Nicholson, confirmed there were no changes to the existing Cabinet. The report and recommendations from the Head of Democratic Services were moved by Councillor Nicholson and seconded by Councillor Mackles. The recommendations were approved unanimously.

Annual Pay Policy Statement 2024-2025: The Council approved the Annual Pay Policy Statement for 2024-2025. The proposal was made by Councillor Collear and seconded, with unanimous approval.

Calendar of Meetings 2024-2025: The calendar of meetings for 2024-2025 was ratified with minor changes. The proposal was seconded and approved unanimously.

Urgent Decisions by Cabinet or Cabinet Members: There were no urgent decisions to report.

Date of Next Meeting: The next meeting is scheduled for 6pm on Monday, 22nd July 2024. The meeting concluded at 6.15pm.

The Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council meeting on Wednesday 22 May 2024 has not yet been summarised. Further details will be provided once the notes are available.

This week's meetings highlight the importance of administrative continuity and the smooth transition of leadership roles within the council. The unanimous support for the new Chair and Vice Chair in Lewes District Council indicates a strong consensus and collaborative spirit among council members. The approval of the Annual Pay Policy Statement and the ratification of the meeting calendar for the upcoming year also ensure that the council's operations remain transparent and well-organised.