Purpose

Cabinet to assess options, considering
feedback from the consultation, and take the decision on the most
appropriate forum and area to be formally designated.

Content

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).