Decision details

RESOLVED that Cabinet considered each proposal for neighbourhood forum and area designation together with consultation responses and determined to agree option (2): -

That East Cliff and Springbourne Neighbourhood Forum and Area be designated, and that Option 1: the East Cliff Neighbourhood Forum and Area proposal is refused.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

To meet the statutory obligations including provisions set out in (i) the Localism Act 2011 (ii) the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 and the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended by the Neighbourhood Planning Act 2017) and (iii) the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012 (as amended).

During the debate the following reasons for the refusal of Option 1 were cited:-

·        The neighbourhood forum would split a ward which has some of the greatest challenges in terms of deprivation

·        The Neighbourhood Forum and Area does not have the backing of all three East Cliff & Springbourne ward councillors

·        The Neighbourhood Area is not considered to be inclusive as it excludes the Springbourne area, and as such does not align to Council values to empower more residents and communities to have a say about what is important in their area. Excluding people from decisions made in their local area can impact on community cohesion, health and social inequality.

·        The seafront is not included within the neighbourhood area (something which is strongly supported by residents)

·        Overall, the consultation feedback demonstrates less support for Option 1 (when compared with Option 2).