This week I:

• Contacted the council about ongoing issues caused by the failure to properly landscape the Helix site. “Temporary” fencing, which blows over during high winds, has been in place for a number of years.
• Objected to an application to relax the licensing conditions for the Victoria Comet on Neville Street. The proposed variation would remove the food and event conditions affecting the first floor, in effect creating a new bar space in the Cumulative Impact / Special Stress Area. (The CIA/SSA is an area that has a high concentration of licensed premises, which can lead to increased crime and disorder and public nuisance.)
• Supported Central Arcade residents who are objecting to the planning application for changes to the arcade. The applicant has produced a noise impact report that does not address the potential impact on their flats.
• Continued to pursue the council’s housing team for clarity on their redecoration policy after repairs, which asks tenants to claim on their insurance. This is at odds with Shelter guidance that says the landlord is responsible.
• Attended the unveiling of the memorial stone to the victims of the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar in the Civic Centre Peace Garden. It was a deeply moving event.