“The proposal of Devon County Council to switch off street lighting in the City for part of the night time has raised a good deal of concern with residents in the City. Whilst the contribution this would make to the financial savings required of the County Council and the reduction in energy consumption it would provide, is acknowledged, it is important that full and meaningful public consultation is undertaken before any decision is taken.
The City Council therefore requests Devon County Council to embark on a thorough consultation with members of the public, businesses and the City Council on its proposal before determining what action to take.”
Minutes:
Councillor Mrs Henson, seconded by Councillor Taghdissian, moved a Notice of Motion in the following terms:
“The proposal of Devon County Council to switch off street lighting in the City for part of the night time has raised a good deal of concern with residents in the City. Whilst the contribution this would make to the financial savings required of the County Council and the reduction in energy consumption it would provide, is acknowledged, it is important that full and meaningful public consultation is undertaken before any decision is taken.
The City Council therefore requests Devon County Council to embark on a thorough consultation with members of the public, businesses and the City Council on its proposal before determining what action to take.”
Councillor Mrs Henson expressed particular concern about the impact of the proposal on younger residents of the city, including students, who were more likely to be out late at night. She felt that the proposals were in conflict with the aspiration to create a “café culture” in the City.
Councillor Macdonald, seconded by Councillor Edwards, proposed an amendment to the second sentence of the Notice of Motion to read:
"Whilst part-night lighting will -
- all in accord with the aims of Exeter’s Green Infrastructure Strategy, it is important that full and meaningful public consultation is undertaken before any decision is taken."
In proposing the amendment, Councillor Macdonald stated that she was not wishing to detract from the intention of the original motion but to augment the points made. Whilst acknowledging some environmental benefits, other members commented on the detrimental effect the proposals would have on safety and security in the City.
The proposed amendment was put to the vote and carried and the substantive motion was amended accordingly.
Councillor Hobden, seconded by Councillor Fullam, proposed a further amendment in the following terms:-
“The proposal of Devon County Council to switch off street lighting in the City for part of the night time in order both to make financial savings and to reduce our carbon footprint has raised concern with residents in the City.
Exeter City Council notes that delay in reducing CO2 emissions or failing to reduce them will incur further penalties according to current legislation resulting in progressively increased costs to the environment and to the Council Taxpayer.
This Council therefore resolves to seek urgent consultation with Devon County Council to agree details of the proposal’s implementation so as to produce the best and safest outcome for the people of Exeter.”
Cllr Hobden stated that, whilst not in conflict with the amended motion, the further amendment recognised that Devon County Council had already taken the decision regarding a reduction in street lighting, along with many other local authorities throughout the country. The amendment sought to emphasise the impact of failing to reduce CO2 emissions. She suggested that further consultations on the implementation of the proposals should be undertaken with community associations. Councillor Fullam commented that all cuts would impact on some sectors of the community and it was important that consultation was undertaken within wards.
The second amendment was put to the vote and lost.
The amended substantive motion was put to the vote and carried in the following terms:-
“The proposal of Devon County Council to switch off street lighting in the City for part of the night time has raised a good deal of concern with residents in the City.
Whilst part-night lighting will -
- all in accord with the aims of Exeter’s Green Infrastructure Strategy, it is important that full and meaningful public consultation is undertaken before any decision is taken.
The City Council therefore requests Devon County Council to embark on a
thorough consultation with members of the public, businesses and the City
Council on its proposal before determining what action to take.”