Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance seeking approval of the Events and Concessions Strategy 2023 – 28 (the Strategy) which outlined the rationale and approach the Council would develop for annual events and concessions. 

The report provided background information regarding events held by the Council in its parks and open spaces.  The Strategy set out how the Council would deliver events and concessions, stimulate revenue income, support local businesses and encourage new tourism into the District.  It was noted that the Strategy also detailed a governance approach where Members would review and feedback on proposed annual events and concessions calendar.

Councillor R H Siddall proposed an amendment to the Strategy, that under the section ’Governance and Delivery of Events / Concessions’ that the third paragraph be amended to include the Leader of the Opposition in any discussions.  This proposal was duly seconded and agreed by the Committee.

The Commercial Manager responded to some questions and comments from Members advising:

·                 Officers would be reviewing the use of diesel and petrol engines and electronic reproduced music.

·                 The Council did engage with local residents when it had major events taking place.

·                 Terms and Conditions had been amended to ensure that events were not set up and set down outside certain hours.

In response to a comment regarding avoiding the use of ice cream trucks which produced a lot of fumes, the Chairman advised this would be noted.

The Chairman moved the recommendation with the earlier amendment agreed.  This was duly seconded.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor K M H Lagan requested a recorded vote which was duly seconded. 

For the recommendation:

Councillors Mrs P A Channer, Mrs J L Fleming, N G F Shaughnessy, R H Siddall, W Stamp, C Swain, Mrs M E Thompson and S White.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors A S Fluker and L M H Lagan.

Abstention:

There were none.

RESOLVED That the Events Strategy 2023 – 28 (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) be approved subject to the following amendment to the section ‘Governance and Delivery of Events / Concessions’:

It is anticipated that large scale events (more than 500 attendees) will be limited to no more than 10 per annum. In exceptional circumstances this could be increased if an opportunity arises within the calendar year and is agreeable to the corporate leadership team, Leader of the Council, Opposition Leader and Chair of Strategy and Resources Committee.  Large scale events could include the following: Bank Holiday markets, Maldon mud race, fireworks displays and live music events.