Issue - meetings

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Davies and Jenks and for lateness from Councillor Allison. 

The Chair advised that the Forum part of the meeting would on this occasion firstly consider an item in respect of the Committee agenda – Deputations and petitions. In practical terms the first three Committee items would be considered first.

The Chair also on behalf of Area Committee Councillors, and the community as a whole, expressed shock and distress over the burning down of the Al-Rahma Islamic Centre and Bravanese Centre on 5 June 2013.  The Centre had provided advice, education, and  support to the Somali Bravanese community, and the Committee’s heart went out to them. The Chair also advised that there had been many offers of support and help from many groups in the local community which showed a standing together spirit in adversity of which the Chair stated she was immensely proud of.  The Chair also advised that there was a statement from the Council on chairs.

NOTED

The Chair also advised that an officer from the Council (Alex Fraser) was present in respect of the Borough tree strategy and was happy to talk to attendees at the back of the room.  Also there was information at the back of the room relating to the changes to permitted development from 30 May 2013. This included the size of house extensions allowed, although this did not apply to conservation areas.

The Chair also referred to the Health Service  Clinical Commissioning Group Public meeting on 19 June 2013 commencing at 6pm to 7.30pm at the Moravian Church Hall, Priory Road.