Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding Special Events on the public highway.

Smithfield Nocturne

Members were informed that this event was likely to be cancelled or relocated – the event organisers had submitted an application to move the event to the Cheapside area on a much larger scale.  It was agreed to investigate whether there were any issues between the organisers and market traders at Smithfield.

Members requested further details regarding the noise complaints which had been reported from as far away as the Barbican via a briefing note outside of the meeting.

Go Karting

Officers had requested further information from the event organisers on similar events; however the response had been limited.  At present, the City Corporation was not in a position to be able to support such an event because the vehicles were not road worthy and therefore not legal.   The legislative position was changing to permit races on the public highway, but the date for the new regulations coming into force was not known, and in addition races would need to be approved by the relevant official motor sports body.  Some Members also expressed concerns that non electric Go Karts would add to both noise and pollution levels.  Members noted that if the legal position changed, then a similar event might be supported in future particularly if electric vehicles were used.  Members were in agreement that this event should not be supported at this time.

RESOLVED – That,

a)    the retention of the British 10k, BUPA 10k and RideLondon events through the City with amended routes be approved;

b)    the likely removal of the Smithfield Nocturne from this year’s events calendar be noted; and

c)      the City Go-Kart Grand Prix would not be supported at this time.