Issue - meetings

This paper seeks to update the Panel on the progress made in relation to the public consultation into the proposed banning of amplification used by street entertainers in the Abbey Church Yard, Kingston Parade and Abbey Green.

The Environmental Protection Manager gave a brief presentation to the Panel regarding this item. A copy will be attached online as an appendix to theses minutes and will also be placed on the Minute Book, a summary is set out below.

Public Space Protection Order Consultation

·  Since 2009, over 279 complaints of amplified music

·  Unreasonable use of amplification by buskers

·  Environmental Protection Act not best suited to deal with problem

·  Ban amplification in Abbey Church Yard; Abbey Green and Kingston Parade

·  12 week public consultation period – gather opinions. 1,300 responses since 5 January

·  Public Consultation event

·  Report to Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods

Consultation Workshop

·  Stakeholders - Residents / Businesses / Buskers / Members / Musicians Union

·  Broad brush option raised concern

·  Offers of support from the Business Improvement District, Abbey, Musicians Union and Buskers

·  Potential review of the buskers guide

·  Monthly open buskers meeting

Councillor Liz Richardson asked if a ban would be applied to certain times of the day or days.

The Environmental Protection Manager replied that the Council can set the parameters. He added that most involved now were seeking a quick resolution.

The Health and Environment Manager said that officers would like to report back to a Scrutiny Panel following the consultation, then to Cabinet before seeking a decision from Council in July 2015.

The Environmental Protection Manager said that outside of the Public Space Protection Orders the Community Protection Notices exist. He added that buskers now appear more willing to reduce levels.

Councillor Lisa Brett congratulated the officers on their work so far. She asked if further enforcement was likely following the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The Environmental Protection Manager replied that officers across the South West were in a dialogue to maintain a consistent approach to the matter. He added that Closure Orders were mainly a Police matter.

Councillor Lisa Brett commented that she felt that the Council could become more involved.

The Chair said that the matter will be addressed more in the future.

Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones said that he approved of busking within the City, but that amplification should be banned. He added that consideration should be given to expanding the proposed zone as far as the Mineral Hospital on Upper Borough Walls.

The Chair, on behalf of the Panel thanked the officers for their report and presentation and said that future report would be added to their workplan.