Agenda item

Request to install a flagpole structure with associated rigging on the Stone Jetty Morecambe by Morecambe Town Council

(Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Hanson & Hamilton-Cox)

 

Report of the Head of Regeneration & Planning

Minutes:


(Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Hamilton-Cox and Hanson)

 

Councillor Hanson, having declared an interest in this item as a member of Morecambe Town Council, left the meeting at this point and did not participate in the discussions or the vote.

 

Cabinet received a report from the Head of Regeneration and Planning to consider the request of Morecambe Town Council for the erection of a flagpole and associated rigging on the Stone Jetty.

 

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

 

Option 1-  to support the Town Council’s request to site a mizzenmast flagpole on the Stone Jetty.  This would lead to conflict with the provision of disabled parking spaces and access for maintenance of the Stone Jetty.

 

Option 2 - not to support the Town Council’s request to site a mizzenmast flagpole on the Stone Jetty.  This would protect the facilities for disabled parking and access maintenance but would inevitably be a cause of disappointment for those who support the celebration of a national hero and a historical victory in this manner.

 

Councillor Sands proposed, seconded by Councillor Barry:-

 

“(1)      That Morecambe Town Council be advised that the City Council regrets that it cannot be supportive of the proposal on this occasion because of the adverse effect that the structure would have upon the provision of parking and access for disabled anglers and the ability to use the maintenance ramps to adequately maintain the sea defences in this location.

 

(2)        That Cabinet recognises the reasons for the proposal and would not object to the principle of permitting the installation of such a structure if a more appropriate location was identified by Morecambe Town Council.”

 

Councillors then voted:-

 

Resolved unanimously:

 

(1)        That Morecambe Town Council be advised that the City Council regrets that it cannot be supportive of the proposal on this occasion because of the adverse effect that the structure would have upon the provision of parking and access for disabled anglers and the ability to use the maintenance ramps to adequately maintain the sea defences in this location.

 

(2)        That Cabinet recognises the reasons for the proposal and would not object to the principle of permitting the installation of such a structure if a more appropriate location was identified by Morecambe Town Council.

 

 

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

 

Head of Regeneration and Planning

 

Reasons for making the decision:

 

The regeneration of Morecambe Town Centre was a part of the economic Growth key priority in the Corporate Plan 2012-2015.  The maintaining of sea defences was a duty for the Council as owner of this part of the coastline, and aligned with the Corporate Plan priority to keep the district safe.  The provision of facilities for anglers with disabilities was a specific objective of the design of this part of the coastal defences and the removal of this facility without overriding justification would conflict with the Corporate Plan priority which seeks to improve the health and well being of local residents by participation in sports and leisure activities.

 

Councillor Hanson returned to the meeting at this point.

 

Supporting documents: