The report will consider the options available to the Council to enforce a ban on releasing Chinese/sky lanterns and/or balloons on Council owned land and further.

(Non-key decision)

(1) That Cabinet grants the Director of Service Delivery delegated power to introduce a new condition into the Council’s event hire licences, banning the release of lighted sky lanterns and the release of helium filled balloons.

(2) That the Director of Service Delivery monitors the level of complaints relating to the use of sky lanterns and helium balloons in the Lewes District and, if necessary, reports back to Cabinet in six months’ time or at such other future date as might be warranted having regard to the level of complaints received, with a recommendation for any further or alternative regulatory measures that may be required.

(3) That the Council utilise its Customer Communications and Engagement team to communicate with Town and Parish Councils and external organisations, including landowning country Estates, through the Council’s website, District News and other means to consider their own position on the release of sky lanterns and helium balloons.