Day: May 17, 2013

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Hove and Portslade, has submitted a number of Freedom of Information requests to Brighton & Hove City Council. His action follows repeated calls from residents and businesses about the failures of the City’s Planning Department.

Mike has written to Penny Thompson, Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council, to request ten specific responses which relate to complaints about the number of planning applications that are turned down at the last minute, despite seemingly being deemed acceptable to planning officers.

Information requested from Brighton & Hove City Council by Mike includes”

•        Number of planning applications submitted each year since 2000.
•        Number of approvals by Officers each year since 2000.
•        Number of approvals by Committee each year since 2000.
•        Number of refusals by Officers each year since 2000.
•        Number of refusals by Committee each year since 2000.
•        Number of applications sent to Committee each year since 2000.
•        Number of appeals each year since 2000.
•        Number of resubmitted applications each year since 2000.
•        Number of applications not determined by target decision date each year since 2000.
•        Number of planning applications submitted each year since 2000 that are actually built.

Mike said:

“Numerous unrelated complaints have been put to me by local builders about the Planning Department at Brighton & Hove City Council dragging its heels and holding back development in the city. Brighton & Hove desperately needs new construction of homes, businesses as well as Major Projects, which will help boost our local economy. I hope that the responses that I receive shed some light on how effective the Planning Department is. I am keen to get to the bottom of this matter.”

Two Hampshire Constabulary police officers joined lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)  colleagues from across the country in a video for the ‘It Gets Better’ campaign.

The film has been released by the Association of Chief Police Officers and The College of Policing to mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, today, May 17.

It features the experiences of 36 police officers and police staff from 16 forces and is available to view on YouTube.

It’s the first time a collective of LGB&T police officers and staff nationally have come together to tell their stories to provide a message of hope and encouragement to vulnerable young LGB&T people.

Inspector Julie Fry is chair of Hampshire Constabulary LGB&T Resource Group and features in the film.

She said:

“It’s very powerful to see so many openly LGB&T members of the national police service together on one occasion. The film delivers what is a very strong and consistent message that, although many people have experienced adversity with their coming out stories, you can still achieve what you want, you can be successful, there are people to assist with that journey and that it does get better.”

The film is opened by Assistant Chief Constable Steph Morgan who is the national police lead for LGB&T issues and a former Hampshire Constabulary officer.

She said:

“Growing up as a young lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans person is often a day-to-day struggle which can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety and suicidal feelings. The ‘It Gets Better’ project exists to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential and positivity their lives will reach if they can just make it through their teenage years. We want young LGBT people to know It Gets Better; they’re not alone and we’re here to help.”

Hampshire Constabulary has a network of Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLOs) dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

All police officers and staff in Hampshire Constabulary are able to support LGB&T people but LAGLOs are available if you want to speak to someone with an extra understanding.

You can find out more about their work and how to contact them here or follow them on Twitter

To view the film, CLICK HERE:   http://youtu.be/LewPhMPUcJU

Local TV and radio personality Zoe Ball will be making an appearance at the Hilton Brighton Metropole’s Mid-Summer Charitable Ball on Saturday, June 22.

On the night, Zoe will help judge a dance competition. Fundraising events, including a silent auction, will hope to raise £50,000 to be split equally between Rockinghorse Children’s Charity and Hilton in the Community Foundation.

Ross Mounsey, General Manager of Hilton Brighton Metropole, said:

“To have Zoe on board gives our event a real boost and we look forward to welcoming her to the Ball in June.”

Event: Mid-Summer Charitable Ball

When: Saturday, June 22.

Where: Hilton Brighton Metropole

Tickets: £75 per person or £700 for a table of ten, including drinks, 3 course dinner and entertainment.

To book, telephone Nicky Willard: 01273 715043

Or EMAIL: