CITY PLAN PART TWO: EMPLOYMENT AND RETAIL SECTION

INTRODUCTORY PRINCIPLES

Liberal Democrats support a "mixed economy" for our City in which people have equal opportunities and are able to develop their full potential. The City Plan should help enable this and ensure that people have the tools to succeed in order to ensure that we are a successful City.

We support the creation of an Enterprise Centre, in partnership with Coast to Capital, the Federation of Small Businesses and other organisations to support and develop our Local Enterprises; Self Employed People; Small Businesses; and Social Enterprises, including Mutuals and Co-operatives.

DM11: The provision of different size "live/work units" should be encouraged to provide residential space and workshop or office space for a range of needs. The space requirements for homes should be the same as for elsewhere in the City Plan.

DM12 Change Of Use: General Agreement. However, where there have been empty or underused shops for two years or more within a designated "shopping area", a more flexible approach should be pursued in order to consider the provision of more work/live units or residential units where appropriate (Justification: Changing Retail Trends; Need for more Affordable Residential units)

DM12/13: Change of Use should NOT be permitted where the premises are a Sub Post Office or a Crown Post Office (Justification: Important Community Resource; Banking and Posting Facilities for Businesses and Residents).

DM14: Brighton Marina. The Marina should be re-designated as a Local Shopping Centre because it serves both the considerable residential development here and East Brighton. Favourable consideration should be given to the provision of a Post Office here (Justification: Important Community Resource; Local Facilities; proximity to Tourist areas and Proposed Conference Facilities)

DM15: Commercial and Leisure Uses on the Seafront: Generally support the proposals.

The Council should also work with others, in partnership, to provide "stop off hubs" at spaced out points on the seafront for walkers and cyclists. This might include shelters; public seating; Information; signage; and refreshments. This would also help to meet the requirements of Natural England for a well designed Coastal Path. (Justification: Health; Safety; Residents and Tourists facilities which also boost the economy).

The Council should support safe leisure and sporting activities in the seafront area, including basketball; cycling; swimming; and walking. It will aim to provide some seafront support staff in the summer months and continue to be part of the "Red Flag" system for beach and sea safety.

DM16: Markets. General Support. Should also include rubbish/recycling facilities where possible.

DM17: General support, except to delete "New England Street Area" as a "search area for new hotel developments" (Justification: Existing Hotels in New England Area and Queens Road; Need for Affordable Homes in Central Brighton/London Road Areas; Need for Light Industrial workshop spaces).