Issue - meetings

To seek approval for the adoption of a TDC policy in respect of applications for events held on Council owned land.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)    notes the contents of the joint report;

(b)    formally adopts the Tendring District Council Open Space Event Policy for Council owned land, as set out in the Appendix to the joint report, and authorises it to take immediate effect (subject to the call-in process); and

(c)    authorises the Assistant Director (Building and Public Realm) to update the policy with any future legislative or best practice changes, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders.

Cabinet considered a joint report of the Portfolio Holders for Leisure & Public Realm; Assets; Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism; and Partnerships (A.6), which sought its adoption of a policy in respect of applications for events to be held on Tendring District Council owned land.

It was felt that the policy, if adopted, would provide effective regulation and enforcement for events that would improve services to the community, promoting businesses and tourism. The policy provided guidance to support the Council to manage the difficult balance needed to maximise event benefits whilst minimising the challenges faced in holding them. Effective planning and management of events using an agreed policy framework would:- 

·      maximise safety for those working and attending events; 

·      ensure the promotion of the Licensing Objectives; 

·      ensure that events protect and enhance the environment, meet community needs and promote economic growth; 

·      provide a framework for the application process to seek approval for outdoor events;

·      ensure that pre-event consultation takes place; 

·      maximise the opportunity for increased spending that would make a positive contribution to the local economy; 

·      minimises any negative impact of events to the residents and businesses of the District;

·      set out a scale of charges for events; and

·      support the existing and future events programme(s) with events throughout the year to maximise the positive impact of events to Tendring’s economy.

Fully recognising that the adoption of a policy for events on council land would improve administration and efficiency associated with applications for events, provide a basis for setting fees and charges, reduce complaints concerning inconsistency of decisions made and increase clarity around the roles and responsibilities of both applicant and administrator:-

It was moved by Councillor Barry, seconded by Councillor Kotz and:-

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)    notes the contents of the joint report;

(b)    formally adopts the Tendring District Council Open Space Event Policy for Council owned land, as set out in the Appendix to the joint report, and authorises it to take immediate effect (subject to the call-in process); and

(c)    authorises the Assistant Director (Building and Public Realm) to update the policy with any future legislative or best practice changes, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders.