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 (cancelled).

Key Decisions and Discussions

Eastbourne Borough Council Conservation Advisory Group

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.

Energy Efficiency and Retrofit in Protected Settings

Alex Moojen, Conservation Officer, provided a briefing on promoting energy efficiency and managing retrofit considerations for listed buildings and conservation areas. The discussion covered various topics, including the placement of solar panels, evolving standpoints of bodies like Historic England, options for window frames and glazing, and the importance of public education on these matters. The group acknowledged the ongoing public drop-in advice sessions at The Beacon shopping centre and the status of a window audit across conservation areas.

Planning Applications for Consideration

1. Manor Garden Cottage, 25 Compton Place Road, Eastbourne BN20 8AB – Ref: 230811

The group expressed serious concerns about the lack of detail for this large-scale application, particularly the proposed three-storey intervention. They felt it 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 develop a more sensitive and appropriate proposal.

1. 10 Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3HP – Ref: 240025

The group felt that 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. They noted the over prominence of the front extension to the infill on Susan’s Road. Consequently, the amended scheme was seen as only just preserving, rather than enhancing, the character and appearance of the conservation area. The group requested that officers liaise with the applicant to share their concerns and encourage reconsideration.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet for the meeting.

Lewes District Council Planning Applications Committee

The Lewes District Council Planning Applications Committee on 12 June 2024 saw the election of Councillor Paul Keane as the deputy chair for the remainder of the 2024/25 municipal year. The committee also discussed several planning applications, including:

1. Multi-storey Car Park, Daker Road, Newhaven BN9QX – Ref: LW240282

The proposal for additional lighting and greenery walls was approved, with conditions to address concerns about lighting glare and ensuring the car park is well-lit and safe.

1. South Down, Goat Lane, Ringmer – Ref: LW230360

The committee approved the demolition of an existing dwelling and the erection of one detached dwelling and two semi-detached dwellings, with conditions to address concerns about privacy, landscaping, and parking.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet

The Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet meeting on 12 June 2024 focused on the social housing regulation update and the sustainable procurement policy.

Social Housing Regulation Update

The update introduced new objectives around safety, transparency, and energy efficiency, strengthening the regulator's enforcement powers. The council's participation in a pilot scheme and ongoing work to improve compliance were highlighted.

Sustainable Procurement Policy

The policy aims to align procurement with the council's environmental plans, meet external climate change assessment criteria, and incorporate lessons learned during consultation. The policy will guide how the council evaluates tenders and providers, emphasizing environmental, economic, and social factors.

Lewes District Council Licensing Committee

The Lewes District Council Licensing Committee scheduled for 13 June 2024 was cancelled.

Conclusion

This week's meetings highlighted the council's commitment to energy efficiency, sustainable procurement, and social housing regulation. The discussions and decisions made will have a significant impact on the community, particularly in terms of housing standards and environmental sustainability. The approval of planning applications with conditions reflects the council's careful consideration of community concerns and regulatory requirements.

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 most impactful meeting this week was the Lewes District Council Full Council on Monday 20 May 2024. This was the Annual Council Meeting, which primarily focused on the election of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Council, along with other administrative matters.

Election of the Chair and Vice Chair

Councillor Lesley Boniface was elected as the new Chair of the Council. She was nominated by Councillor Christine Brett and seconded by Councillor Davis. Councillor Brett praised Boniface's professionalism and community involvement, particularly noting her past role as Mayor of New Haven. The council unanimously elected Councillor Boniface.

For the Vice Chair position, Councillor Paul Keene had withdrawn his nomination. Consequently, Councillor Nicholson nominated Ian Alexander, highlighting his dignified service and recent involvement in a royal visit at Charleston. The council unanimously appointed Ian Alexander as Vice Chair.

Administrative Matters

The meeting also covered several routine administrative items:

• Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Koopland, Deney, Fabry, and Keene.
• No declarations of interest were made.
• The minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 February 2024 were approved.
• There were no urgent items to discuss.
• Ian Alexander provided a summary of his engagements over the past year, noting over 40 events and interactions with royalty.
• The Leader of the Council confirmed no changes to the existing Cabinet.
• The council approved the Annual Pay Policy Statement for 2024-2025.
• The calendar of meetings for 2024-2025 was ratified with minor changes.
• There were no urgent decisions by the Cabinet or Cabinet Members to report.
• The next meeting was 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 available.

This week's focus on leadership elections and administrative approvals sets the stage for the council's activities in the coming year. The unanimous support for both the Chair and Vice Chair indicates a strong consensus among council members, which could lead to more cohesive decision-making processes. The approval of the Annual Pay Policy Statement and the ratification of the meeting calendar are routine but essential steps in ensuring the council's smooth operation.