Agenda item
FLAG RAISING CEREMONY FOR THE PURPLE FLAG
Minutes:
Cllr Wells had emailed the Chairman prior to the meeting, expressing concern at the size of the flagpole. He felt it was not long enough. He also noted that there was no sign of illumination. Mr Oliver responded that the pole length was as specified in the Major Scheme plans and that six metres in length was a standard specification that had been used in other boroughs.
Mr Goy echoed Cllr Wells’ concerns on the ‘dwarf’ pole; with a 1.5m wide flag, hanging down further, it could be a grabbing challenge for a person standing on another’s shoulders.
Tina Slater informed the Group that no date had yet been received from LBB Planning Department to hear the planning application for the flagpole. This was delaying the siting of the Purple Flag. Permission was not required for the associated plaque.
The Chairman remarked that perhaps the flagpole could be erected and a retrospective planning application be submitted. The Chairman asked to be informed if the application for the flagpole was not presented to Plans Sub Committee 3 on 11th May.
Post meeting note:
The date of the Plans Sub Committee 3 has been moved from 11th May to 9th May. The flagpole is on the agenda.
The web link to the planning application is:
http://cds.bromley.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=126&MId=5796&Ver=4
Marsha Berg expressed the view that many residents did not understand the meaning of the Purple Flag, and that more publicity was required to remedy this. The Chairman suggested a target date for the raising of the Purple Flag of 19th May at 8.00pm.
The Purple Flag plaque was made of stainless steel. The wording on the plaque was, “This Purple Flag is in recognition of Beckenham’s safe, diverse and vibrant night-time economy.”
Illumination could be achieved via the lamp column adjacent to the pole. There would be a cost for this, which would be advised by Street Lighting and would depend on what kind of additional equipment was needed.
Mr Goy sought assurances that the illumination would not shine into flats above shops in Rectory Road. He was informed that the beam would be vertically upward.
Ms Slater updated the Group concerning plans to apply for a renewal of the Purple Flag. The renewal bid had to be finalised by the end of June 2017. A draft of the bid would be circulated to the Group by the end of May for comments. In preparation for this, various data streams were being collated. This would include data about crime, health, alcohol, and public perceptions of Beckenham.
A perceptions survey was currently being circulated; this could be found at the following web link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7CN3D5J. The link had been disseminated to Copers Cope Area Residents Association and West Beckenham Residents’ Association, as well as Councillors.
RESOLVED that
(1) The Chairman be informed if the application for the flagpole was not presented to Plans Sub Committee 3 on 11th May.
(2) Subject to planning permission, the target date for the raising of the Purple Flag would be Friday 19th May at 8.00pm.
(3) A draft of the bid for the renewal of the Purple Flag accreditation would be circulated to the Group by the end of May for comment