PRESENT:

John Sprackling (JS) Chairman

Wayne Hancock (WH) Vice-Chairman

Carol Parkin (CP) Secretary

Keith Alcroft (KA) Planning Officer

Bob Young (BY) Magazine Advertising

Cllr Mrs May Haines Ward Councillor

Cllr Peter Pawlowski Ditto

Cllr Neil Sorton Ditto

Approx. 15 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES            ACTION

JS welcomed the three Canford Cliffs Ward Councillors and all those present.

Apologies: Apologies received from Terry Stewart, Michael Bond, Daphne Howell, Martin Heath & Ken Sanson.

Accuracy: After receiving no comments, JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a            JS true and accurate record of the meeting held on 12 OCTOBER 2011.

2. MATTERS ARISING Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel sites update: JS reported…           

1.            Quayside (former Dolphin Quays) development – JS said that his attention had been drawn to the Private Eye No.1300 dated October 28 2011, which included a piece about Dr Gerald Smith. Dr Smith was the ‘mastermind’ behind the Dolphin Quays development. At Dr Smith’s Confiscation Hearing at Inner London Crown Court on 13/11/07, HHJ Roberts determined the time for payment as 12 months and, in default, HHJ Roberts ruled that Dr Smith’s current eight year sentence should be extended by a further eight years. The final sentence of the piece in Private Eye says that Dr Smith is not exactly unknown at the offices of a company based at London’s Centre Point, so if this is to be believed, he must be out on licence.

2.            Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto

3.            Quay Thistle Hotel site – ditto

4.            Old Orchard House. 39-61 High Street – ditto

5.            Land at West Quay Road (Mixed use regeneration and new public quayside

to include; the demolition of a listed gate post and all existing buildings on site; the redevelopment of the site with 373 residential units provided in six apartment blocks with basement parking and courtyard) – Application was refused at special Planning Committee meeting on 01/11/11.

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

147 Banks Road (Damage to four Corsican pines) – On 20 October 2011 at Bournemouth Magistrates Court, Alistair Barrington Collier and Harvey Lee were found guilty of five offences of causing or permitting protected trees to be destroyed.

Sentencing will take place on 18 November 2011 at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Chairman’s Note: A bankruptcy order was made against Harvey Lee on 07/11/11

Other current Planning Enforcement issues include…

Victoria Education Centre (St Aldhelms Road entrance) – The school has carried out some suitable planting and erected a chain link fence.

19 Mornish Road (Tree replacement) – This property has been sold by the Receiver.

The new owners have agreed to comply with Tree Replacement Notice.

23 Ravine Road – The unauthorized felling of two trees was the subject of a

An appeal against a Tree Replacement Notice was heard today and the appellant informed the Inspector that he had lodged an appeal against the Magistrate’s decision. Whilst this is ‘by right’, an appellant has to lodge this within three weeks of the Court Hearing and it will now be down to the Authorities to decide if an out-of-date appeal will be accepted. Heavytree Road (Unauthorised felling of the 12m Scots pine as reported in the Daily Echo dated 23/06/10) – Case to be heard at Poole Magistrates Court on 12/12/11.

Community Working Group (CWG): The next meeting will take place on 15/11/11.

Council Budget 2012/13 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report: William Mutlow reported that the Council was forecasting a £938,000 deficit for the year but after various actions to mitigate this, the pressure at the end of September was reduced to £402,000. This was mainly due to a reduction in Adult Social Care and Transportation Services. This is still a very fluid situation.

NS added that there are continuing pressures in Children’s Services. For instance, the estimate of children in care has been increased from 135 to 145.

JS said that the Medium Term Financial Plan has a £1.5m 3 year (2011 to 2014) target for the Employee Cost Efficiency Review Programme. £1m will be delivered through the Trade Unions acceptance of proposed changes from 2012/13 but a residual £0.5m remains to be delivered if the target is to be reached.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No new developments.

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

Footpath 82 Spur – ditto

Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden): WH reported that he has had an offer of another donation towards the sunken gardens. He went on to say that some of existing plants have been stolen, and another of the benches has been vandalised and burnt. Both these incidents have been reported to the Council.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – JS said that he had recently been informed by a representative of the Church’s insurers that non-church organisations using the Parish Centre should have PLI cover. He will investigate if the PLI insurance which the Association has taken out in connection with work carried out at the Sunken Garden covers the Parish Centre too.

Hazel Clifton pointed out that the Canford Cliffs Village Hall PLI policy covers for users of the Hall. Stan Alfert felt that this should apply to the Parish Centre policy too.

Poole Council’s Efficiency Review Programme: JS reported that the Head of Property Services and Asset Management has left the Council’s employment and the functions of this Unit have been split in two. Property Services is being taken over by Transportation Services and Asset Management is being taken over by Financial Services There is a 3rd element – their business support team, which will be redesigned to fit in with the existing teams in the other two Service Units.

The next Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview and Scrutiny Committee is fixed for 23/11/11

Localism Bill & National Planning Policy Framework: No new developments. Chairman’s Note: Since the meeting, I’ve received the following Press release…

“The Localism Bill, which includes measures for major reform of the planning system in England, is now waiting for Royal Assent, having completed its scrutiny by Parliament.

Court Hearing on 12/08/11 and the Magistrates found the case proven.

The legislation abolishes regional strategies, establishes new plan-making in the shape of neighbourhood plans, creates a new duty on neighbouring planning authorities to “cooperate” on issues which cross council boundaries, brings in compulsory pre-application scrutiny and abolishes the Infrastructure Planning Commission, paving the way for the commission’s functions to be carried out by a new unit in the Planning Inspectorate and decisions to be made by minsters who are democratically accountable to the public.

When the commission is abolished next April, decisions on nationally significant infrastructure projects like power stations and new reservoirs will be considered by a yet-to-be established Major Infrastructure Planning Unit in the Inspectorate, which will make a recommendation to the relevant Secretary of State who will make the final decision.

During the final consideration of the Bill in the Commons, Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark insisted there was now considerable political consensus over much of the legislation.

He told the Commons, which approved all the most recent Lords amendments: “It is important to say that we want to see more planning, not less. We feel that over time the imposition from above has stood in the way of local communities expressing their own vision of the future of their community. That is what we want to give them a greater chance to do. At the heart of that is the need to achieve sustainable development. Section 39 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 provides a duty on those preparing local plans to do so with the aim of contributing to the achievement of sustainable development. Amendment 370 extends that principle to neighbourhood planning, with an explicit condition that it should contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. The duty to co-operate will require that public bodies should co-operate effectively on sustainable development.”

Mr Clark also made it clear that although sustainable development was not defined on the face of the Bill it would be in the National Planning Policy Framework, the final version of which is planned for publication in April 2012.”

Offshore Wind Farm – RP reported that the saga of the NAVITAS Wind Farm rumbles on. Construction is due to start in 2016 or 2017. The Royal Yacht Squadron at Cowes on the Isle of Wight has now added their voice to the opposition. RP is worried that there is no co-ordination between Dorset and Hampshire and this is needed in order to make some headway into opposing this proposed Wind Farm which will be implemented by the Government without any Planning or Public Consultation at all. RP requests that through our Ward Councilors there is continuing dialogue with our local MP and any further bodies who could help.

Lindsay Road and St Aldhelms Road Junction: No new developments.

BPCCRA Autumn Magazine: JS said that the Autumn 2011 magazine had been

largely distributed and that he was grateful to John Gunton for organising this.

Application to register Baiter and Whitecliff Recreation Ground as a town green – No further developments.

Chairman’s Note: Since the meeting, I have been, belatedly, informed of a meeting held on 27/10/11 between the Head of Leisure Services, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Head of Legal & Democratic Services, a legal officer and three representatives of the Parkstone Bay Association to seek a way forward.

Green Waste scheme – A fortnightly collection service will be offered to all households in Poole running from March-November.

Only those households choosing to opt-in to the scheme would pay for the service. The charge will be £31 a year, although those residents who sign up by 31 March 2012 will receive a 30% discount for the first year of the scheme. Registration is due to commence on 1st December 2011.

JS said that he would include, in the Minutes, an extract from a note from Cllr Mrs            Dion, the Portfolio Holder responsible for Environmental Services

“There will be no prioritising areas and anyone who signs up sooner rather than later can expect a full bin collection service beginning in March next year. People who sign up towards the end of the discount period (i.e. March 31st 2012) may face a bit of a delay, but officers are working on the exact timings. Therefore all Branksome Park residents have equal opportunity to sign up for the scheme. They also have the option to have more than one bin if they wish, but each is charged the same.

It will only be those residents who do not opt in to the scheme that will face a further choice of whether to home compost (and, as you say, much is not compatible with composting) or to take their green waste to the recycling centre. Whilst there is not law against bonfires, it does risk upsetting neighbours when people habitually burn and the consumer protection services receive many complaints each year for that reason.

We will not be ‘policing’ black bins by any means, but the point about allowing green waste in small black bins only a) is designed to encourage people to swap large black bins for smaller ones, and means that people in flats or very small gardens who would not use a green bin, do not feel penalised or discouraged from putting what would be a very small amount of green waste in their black bin (such as an old bunch of flowers or a few weeds). We do want, however to discourage people from filling large black bins full of green waste on a persistent basis. These residents will be written to reminding them of alternative options, and if they still persist, may face not having their bin emptied and, ultimately, perhaps having it swapped for a small one.”

Compton Acres – The proposed meeting has yet to be arranged.           

Canford Cliffs Village Christmas Lights – JS reported that, having consulted the Association’s Executive, it had been agreed to make a contribution of £750 towards            No the lights.            further

Chairman’s Note: Owing to another commitment, I was unable to attend the switching on of the lights but am told that this was very sociable

3.            NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Keith Alcroft reported that           

19 Links Road (Sever land and erect a detached dwelling house and replacement garage at land to the rear) – Application registered on 12/10/11. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of the Assn on 10/11/11.

Other current planning issues

35 Bingham Avenue (Demolition of the rear of the existing semi-detached house and garage and the construction of a new two storey extension to the rear of the property and detached garage) – Letter of objection lodged on behalf of the Assn on 13/10/11.

24 Ravine Road (Overhang on right hand side of garage is 800mm but should be 200mm) – Retrospective application granted by Planning Committee on 20/10/10.

15B Bury Road (Demolish the existing bungalow. Replace with 5 bedroom family home. Improvements to landscape) – Application granted with conditions on 17/10/11.

11 Compton Drive (Remodelling of existing house and erection of a new detached dwelling) – Application registered 24/08/11.

8 Shore Road (Demolition of existing dwelling, erection of three duplex apartments with underground car parking) - Application refused on 28/10/11.

5 Excelsior Road (Demolish existing buildings and erect 1 No 4 bed house with integral garage) – Amended plans lodged on 25/10/11 and application to be determined at the Planning Committee meeting on 17/11/11.

60A Kings Avenue (Tree Replacement Notices to replant 3 Scots Pines) – Confirmation awaited that the Council’s Arboriculturist visited both 60 and 60a to check tree issues and that letters sent to the owners requesting planting under Treework/Planning conditions.

4.            REPORT RE CANFORD CLIFFS & PENN HILL AREA COMMITTEE MEETING (26/10/11) – The main items were a presentation by one of the Strategic Directors about the Twin Sails Bridge and a presentation the Leader of Council, Cllr            No Mrs Elaine Atkinson on the Council’s 2012/13 Budget. This was the same as the            further presentation to the Budget Consultation meeting with Residents’ Associations            action mentioned at the last meeting.

5.            ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JS reported that the total Assn. funds as at 31st October amounted to £34,362.48.            JS

6.            ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Magazine Advertising Manager – JS said that he was very sorry to report that, after six years in the role, Bob Young has indicated that he would like to step down as Magazine Advertising Manager but is willing to be responsible for the Spring 2012 magazine, if the Association has been unable to find a replacement in the meantime.

Campaign for Tree Management – JS reported that a petition is being circulated for ‘Tree Management’ by the Council. JS has been sent a copy but the name of the originator is not shown.

RP pointed out that there is a clear argument for responsible Tree Management by the Council as a number of trees are adding nothing to the environment, whilst still being under a TPO. There appears to be no forward planning for replacing the trees that are coming or have come to the end of their life.

SA pointed out that there are several categories to be considered; private land, Council land, Conservation Area, areas covered by TPOs and that it would be extremely difficult to put all this under one Tree Management plan.

JS said that, because the Council was facing severe financial constraints, he was wondering how members would feel about offering to help the Council financially to prosecute ‘tree cases’? This provoked a lively discussion but, at the end of the day, it was agreed that the Association should not get involved.

Thursday’s Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee & Report of the Chairman of the Beach Hut Working Party – A new policy is to be discussed at tomorrow’s meeting whereby it is proposed to grant 5 or 10 year leases and to impose these on existing licensees. This is not going down well with some existing licensees.

Chairman’s Note: At the EO & SC meeting, Cllr Mrs Haines made the point that no consultation had taken place with current beach hut owners and those on the waiting list. The Allotment Review Working Party looked at allotments and invited current plot holders as well as those on the wait list to seek their views and it worked really well.

The decision has to go to Cabinet and then to the Full Council so current Beach Hut licensees can still make representation to Cabinet members about their concerns.

If current Beach Hut licensees are interested in forming a Poole Beach Hut Association to oppose the new proposals, they should contact Bob Lister <boblister@orange.net>

4 Nairn Road (Construction of a detached 4 bedroom house with integral double garage. Amended plans received 05.09.2011and 20.09.2011) – Ben Hurley expressed his appreciation to Cllr Mrs Haines for ‘Red-carding’ this application which is due to be determined at the Planning Committee meeting on 17/11/11.

BPCCRA 2012 AGM – Hazel Clifton asked if the Association had fixed the date for next year’s AGM. JS said that the Association would normally hold this on the 2nd Saturday in May Chairman’s note: HC has subsequently contacted JS and informed him that Canford Cliffs Land Society is holding its AGM on 12th May 2012 and the following Saturday            JS

(19th May) it is the Craft/Motor Neurone Fair. It has been suggested that the Association hold its AGM on the last Saturday in April (28th), as the Village Hall is free on that date.

Bulb planting in the pocket park between Bessborough Road and Haven Road – The CCLS is planting bulbs on the weekend 19/20th November between 10 – 12 midday. Everyone is welcome to join them. Please bring a trowel with you.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.30 pm

Date of next Meeting: Wednesday 14th December 2011 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road) NB To be concluded by Mulled wine & Mince pies.

PRESENT:

John Sprackling (JS) Chairman

Wayne Hancock (WH) Vice-Chairman

Carol Parkin (CP) Secretary

Keith Alcroft (KA) Planning Officer

John Gunton (JG) Magazine Editor

Cllr Mrs May Haines Ward Councillor

Approx. 18 Members/Wardens

1.APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES

JS welcomed Cllr Mrs Haines and all those present.

Apologies: Apologies received from Cllr Neil Sorton (Holiday), Bob & Phyllis Young, Paul Turner, Jan Robins, Daphne Howell & Ken Sanson

Accuracy: After receiving no comments, JS said that he would sign the minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 14 SEPTEMBER 2011.

2. MATTERS ARISING Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel sites update: JS reported…

1.            Quayside (former Dolphin Quays) development – No new developments

2.            Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto

3.            Quay Thistle Hotel site – ditto

4.            Old Orchard House. 39-61 High Street – At last night’s Cabinet meeting, JS was informed that formal proceedings to recover the 3rd installment of the Employment Contribution of £150,000 due on 01/01/11 were commenced on 14/09/11, after nine requests. The final installment of £200,000 is due on 01/01/12

5.            Land at West Quay Road (Mixed use regeneration and new public quayside to include; the demolition of a listed gate post and all existing buildings on site; the redevelopment of the site with 373 residential units provided in six apartment blocks with basement parking and courtyard) – Application to be determined at special Planning Committee on 02/11/11 @ 9.15 a.m.

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

Other current Planning Enforcement issues include…

147 Banks Road (Damage to four Corsican pines) – Court Hearing fixed for 17 -19 October 2011 at Bournemouth Magistrates Court.

Victoria Education Centre(St Aldhelms Road entrance) – The school has carried out some suitable planting and erected a chain link fence.

19 Mornish Road (Tree replacement) – Action still pending.

Community Working Group (CWG): The next meeting will take place on 15/11/11.

Council Budget 2012/13 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report:

William Mutlow reported that the Council is forecasting a £907,000 deficit for the year, a deterioration on the previous month’s figure, owing to increased pressures on the Council since his last report. Adult Social Care, for instance, has gone up by £186,000. Even though the Council has an Efficiency Programme in place, costs will go on fluctuating throughout the rest of this year. The Council will have to keep on identifying big savings for the next three years and we should not underestimate the tough job they have.

Four members of the Association went to Monday’s Budget Consultation meeting with Residents’ Associations, chaired by the Leader of Council, Cllr Mrs Elaine Atkinson.            During the current year 2011/12, the Borough of Poole had to cut their budget by £15 million. Next year there will be £18 million savings which have still to be identified. This year, for instance, there has been a reduction in the head count of 250. Our Council have an extremely tough job on their hands. There will be a presentation at the next Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting which will be held at St. Luke’s on Wellington Road on October 26th, and the Council will be looking for suggestions from residents which may assist them. They are doing their best to engage with the residents and want to hear what people are saying.

WM therefore urges residents to attend the meeting.

JG asked WM to confirm that there will be no Council Tax increase next year.            WM says that this really rather depends on the Government as they too are looking for savings. The Government has a public service liability of £2,540 billions!

WM asked if we could know know what services/expenditure provided by the Council are Statutory and what are Discretionary. JS said that he would ask if Cllr Mrs Atkinson could provide this information at the Area Committee meeting.

JS said that he would circulate Cllr Mrs Atkinson’s presentation with the Minutes so that those attending the Area Committee meeting would be able to ask questions from an informed position.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No new developments.

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

Footpath 82 Spur – ditto

Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden): An item about this appears in the latest Poole News, which has resulted in a donation towards the cost of the new planting.

CP said that residents visiting the sunken garden regularly comment on the good work being carried by the volunteers.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – Nothing to report

Poole Council’s Efficiency Review Programme: MH said that the Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for 27 Oct 11 will be concentrating on the Medium Term Financial Plan.

Localism Bill: JS said that, at the meeting with Residents’ Associations on Monday, the Head of Planning & Regeneration had said that it was unlikely that this will come into effect until April 2012.

Offshore Wind Farm – Roy Pointer reported that a seminar on October 22 to be held by the Bournemouth Natural Science Society has now been cancelled due to lack of support, and it seems that the initiative to oppose this Offshore Wind Farm has run out of steam. Partly as it appears that nothing locally can be done to prevent it happening

.

Lindsay Road and St Aldhelms Road Junction – MH said that there would be a ‘For information only’ report about this at Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting on October 26th but the Council has no funds to effect any improvements at the present time.

BPCCRA Autumn Magazine – JG reported that the magazine is now with the printers and it is hoped out that this will be delivered to Wardens during the next two weeks commencing 17th.October.

3.            NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Keith Alcroft reported that he had been contacted about 35 Bingham            KA Avenue (Demolition of the rear of the existing semi-detached house and garage and the construction of a new two storey extension to the rear of the property and detached garage) – The Chairman would be sending a letter of objection on behalf of the Assn, the proposed extension would adversely affect the daylight and amenity of the adjoining neighbour.

JS reported that

24 Ravine Road (Overhang on right hand side of garage is 800mm but should be 200mm) – This retrospective application is due to be determined at next Thursday’s (20/10/10) Planning Committee meeting

Other current planning issues

15B Bury Road (Demolish the existing bungalow. Replace with 5 bedroom family home. Improvements to landscape) – Application registered 22/08/11. 11 Compton Drive (Remodelling of existing house and erection of a new detached dwelling) – Application registered 24/08/11.

8 Shore Road (Demolition of existing dwelling, erection of three duplex apartments with underground car parking) - Application registered on 15/08/11 has been ‘red-carded’ the application, unless the Planning Officer is minded to refuse.

5 Excelsior Road (Demolish existing buildings and erect 1 No 4 bed house with integral garage) – Application was registered on 11/05/11 to be determined at Planning Committee meeting on 17/11/11.

60A Kings Avenue (Tree Replacement Notices to replant 3 Scots Pines) – Confirmation awaited that the Council’s Arboriculturist visited both 60 and 60a to check tree issues and that letters sent to the owners requesting planting under Treework/Planning conditions.

5.            ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JS reported that the total Assn. funds as at 30th September amounted to £34,252.16.            JS

6.            ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Baiter and Whitecliff Recreation Ground – The application to register Baiter and Whitecliff Recreation Ground as a town green, submitted by the Parkstone Bay Association was considered at a meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee on 07/09/11 and is to be considered by an independent Public Inquiry, at a date which has yet to be determined.

Impact of proposed ban on Green Waste in Refuse Bins in Branksome Park – Roy Pointer referred to the Council proposal to ban garden waste being placed in the ‘black’ general waste bin. He is concerned that, if implemented, this proposal will bring about an undesirable growth in garden bonfires, where residents cannot be bothered to transport their green waste to the waste recycling centres.

His concern is heightened by the sheer volume of tree debris, leaves, grass cuttings and other green waste which arises in the sylvan setting that comprises the bulk of this area. Two of his near neighbours already indulge in this nuisance and this has led to complaints from others in the area, which will in all probability increase if the Council’s intentions are implemented. The Council website states that there is no prohibition on bonfires, except that they should not cause a nuisance.

RP has written to Andrew Flockhart, one of the Strategic Directors. about this.

TV firm seeks compulsive hoarders – JS said that he had been contacted Sarah Allen, Casting Producer, Twenty Twenty TV Tel: 0207 284 2020 Ext 7871 and wondered if he might mention at the Association’s next meeting that Twenty Twenty TV are looking for people to take part in a four part documentary series which will sensitively tell the story of what it’s like to suffer from hoarding. The series will take a very therapeutic approach offering a unique six week treatment programme which involves a combination of group therapy, one-on-one treatments, and specialist cleaning services. This is a very positive, pro-active and sympathetic documentary which will show how hoarding affects real lives whilst exploring the complexities of this misunderstood illness.

It is understood how important trust is when it comes to sufferers sharing their stories, and that it is often extremely difficult for people who hoard to open up their homes, but we hope that by bringing together our therapist’s approach with support from specialist cleaning/de-cluttering teams, we might start them on a road towards recovery. We are not offering a cure, but what we are offering is an intensive, personalised course of treatment with a view to helping improve hoarding behaviour.

Compton Acres – MH reported that she has been following up with Planning Enforcement and Environmental Health, the numerous complaints received after the function at Compton Acres Italian Villa on August Bank Holiday Sunday. The extremely loud music and, at times offensive songs, at this event caused a lot of distress to nearby residents. Environmental Health have met with Beales Gourmet who are responsible for supervising the Italian Villa. The next step is that there will be a meeting between Beales, Environmental Health, Planning Enforcement, MH and up to six residents to explore the way forward.

Canford Cliffs Village Christmas Lights – MH reported that the lights will be switched on by the Mayor on November 11th at approximately 6pm. There will be mulled wine and canapés from 5.15 onwards at the Kitchen Haven on Haven Road, Canford Cliffs.

Green Wheely Bins – MH reported that the original proposal that there would be a charge of £31 per annum for the provision of a green garden waste bin had been voted down. The Council is now looking at different options of handling ‘the green bin’ situation. They are hoping to tap into the scheme whereby Councils with a fortnightly black bin collection will be given assistance by the Government to re-instate a weekly collection. The question of green bins and garden waste generated a lively debate at the meeting.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.15 pm

Date of next Meeting: Wednesday 9th November 2011 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14th SEPTEMBER 2011 AT 7.30PM

IN ‘THE LOUNGE’, BRANKSOME ST. ALDHELM’S PARISH CENTRE

PRESENT:

Terry Stewart President

John Sprackling (JS)Chairman

Wayne Hancock (WH)Vice-Chairman

Carol Parkin (CP)Secretary

Keith Alcroft (KA) Planning Officer

Bob Young (BY) Magazine Advertising

Cllr Neil SortonWard Councillor

Approx. 15 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES

JS welcomed Cllrs Neil Sorton, Ken Sanson, Chairman of Sandbanks Assn and all those present.
Apologies: Apologies received from Cllr Mrs Haines (Holiday), Michael Bond, Paul Turner & Roland Cunnell
Accuracy: After receiving no comments, JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 10 AUGUST 2011.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel sites update: JS reported…
1.    Quayside (former Dolphin Quays) development – No new developments

2.    Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto

3.    Quay Thistle Hotel site – ditto

4.    Old Orchard House. 39-61 High Street – ditto

5.    Land at West Quay Road (Mixed use regeneration and new public quayside to include; the demolition of a listed gate post and all existing buildings on site; the redevelopment of the site with 373 residential units provided in six apartment blocks with basement parking and courtyard) – Application to be determined at special Planning Committee on 02/11/11 @ 9.15 a.m.
Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

19 Mornish Road (Tree replacement) – Action still pending.

55 Canford Cliffs Road (Removal of the gates, railings, fence and hedge, and the erection of a low stone wall with planting behind) – ditto Land adj. to

20A Chaddesley Glen (Land be reinstated) –

It seems that the LPA has decided that it is not in the public interest to pursue the boundary treatment at 55 Canford Cliffs Road and 2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road.

Other current Planning Enforcement issues include…

147 Banks Road (Damage to four Corsican pines) – Next Court Hearing fixed for 17 -19th October 2011 at Bournemouth Magistrates Court.

Victoria Education Centre (St Aldhelms Road entrance) – The school has carried out some suitable planting and erected a chain link fence.

2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road (Boundary treatment) – No new developments.ditto

23 Ravine Road (Unauthorized tree work) The Magistrates found the case proven but, as it was the defendant’s first offence, he was given a Conditional Discharge for two years and has to make a contribution towards the Council’s costs of £3,000, spread over 15 months. The Magistrates accepted the Council’s case that the two felled trees were in existence at the time of the Area TPO in 1966, as a ‘ring count’ showed that the tree was at least 56 years old.

Community Working Group (CWG):

The Minutes of the meeting on 10/08/11 will be circulated with the Minutes of this meeting

WH had submitted a question about the number of new closeboarded gates being introduced in Branksome Park and the Conservation Officer has confirmed that the Conservation Area Management Plans normally require gates of open design, in order to retain glimpses of properties and landscape behind, and to respect the openness of the area and enhance local distinctiveness. There is no reason for these provisos to be deleted.

Council Tax 2011/12 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report:

William Mutlow reported that the Council is forecasting a £697,000 deficit for the year, a £35,000 improvement on the July figure. The Council continues to face challenges because of the reduction in Government grants etc. which required savings of £14.97m in the 2011/12 Budget. An example of increased pressures being street lighting where cost to the Council is likely to have gone up by 23%. There have been savings as a result of the Efficiency Programme, but this is not a one-off effort, but will carry on over the next two years or so.
WM

A meeting with Residents’ Associations to discuss the 2012/13 Budget has been fixed for 10/10/11 at 2:00pm in the Committee Suite and JS & WH plan to attend.

Poole Partnership – JS said that he has still to contact Sylvia Webster, Neighbourhood Manager, Bourne Estate and it was agreed that he would take no further action but leave Ms Webster to contact him.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No new developments.

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

Footpath 82 Spur – ditto

Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden): It is hoped that there will be a piece about this in the next Poole News.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – Nothing to report

Poole Council’s Efficiency Review Programme: JS reported that Asset Management Plan is undergoing significant review at the moment and will be reported in public to the Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 27/11/11.

Localism Bill: The Council has promised to give a presentation on the Localism Bill once it has been enacted.

Ts reported on the proposed National Planning Policy Framework which will be the biggest change since the Second World War. This is generating a tremendous mount of controversy. There are major concerns from the National Trust and Campaign to Protect Rural England, who feel that these new proposals do not contain adequate protection for the countryside/Green Belt. The biggest worry is that the Planning Inspectorate, when the developer appeals to them, is likely to override the local council democratic decision. The word ’sustainable’ is rather ambiguous in that there is no specific definition of what ’sustainable development ” is, and developers are likely to take advantage of this.

Offshore Wind Farm – NS has received a letter from Robert Syms MP about the Navitus Bay Wind Park and read the following extract from this…

•    Conor Burns MP and I did meet with the Secretary of State for Energy, Chris Huhne MP last week. We raised concerns about the impact on the Tourist Trade and about the views our constituents would have of the new development. The Secretary of State listened to our concerns but did not make any great comments as the application hasn’t yet gone in. We expressed the view that we preferred the Wind Farm to be farther out. The key question was whether the water was shallow enough if the Wind Farm was placed farther out to sea.
•    Local Authorities will be consulted by the Infrastructure Planning Commission or its successor about the application, there has been no change to the process.
•    I personally am not keen on Wind Farms but it is the policy of the Government to build more. My view is I would prefer to get on with building more nuclear power stations.
•    There are no national statistics I am aware, of about accidents or break- downs about Wind Farms.

TS also drew member’s attention to the draft Dorset Renewable Energy Strategy . This advocates that Dorset should erect 180 industrial wind turbines across the County (excluding the AONBs) higher than Salisbury Cathedral – over 400 feet high. Dorset is producing less than 1% of electricity from wind farms, and as the government has made a commitment to Brussels that it will produce 15% of electricity from renewable energy by 2020, they are putting pressure on Dorset to produce more.
TS went on to say that there is a Council seminar on September 15 to discuss this. NS pointed out that this seminar is to discuss the whole question of renewable energy, not solely windfarms.

Lindsay Road and St Aldhelms Road Junction – No further developments

BPCCRA Autumn Magazine – JG hopes to get the magazine out by 21st October which means delivery week commencing 17th. Allowing three weeks for printing, that means everything to Marquee Print by 23 September.

Clubhouse and Tennis Courts at the Wilderton Road – JS understands that the current concessionaires have a seven year contract but are looking for a 21 year lease.

Private Sewer Transfer – JS was not able to persuade a representative from Wessex Water to come and explain the ins and outs of what was going to happen.

3.    NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Keith Alcroft reported that he had been contacted about the following two applications but could find no good planning reasons to object ..
15B Bury Road (Demolish the existing bungalow. Replace with 5 bedroom family home. Improvements to landscape) – Application registered 22/08/11.

11 Compton Drive (Remodelling of existing house and erection of a new detached dwelling) – Application registered 24/08/11.
NS said that he had been contacted about 8 Shore Road (Demolition of existing dwelling, erection of three duplex apartments with underground car parking) and has been ‘red-carded’ the application, unless the Planning Officer is minded to refuse.
JS said that the Land Registry entry shows that the Borough of Poole has a charge over this property…
3 (08.09.2008) RESTRICTION: No disposition of the registered estate is to be registered without a certificate signed by the applicant for registration or his conveyancer that written notice of the disposition was given to The Borough of Poole, Financial Services at P O Box 722, Civic Centre, Poole, Dorset BH15 2YE being the person with the benefit of an Interim charging order on the beneficial interest of Stephen Lee Gray made by the Poole County Court on 18 July 2008.

Other current planning issues

24 Ravine Road (Overhang on right hand side of garage is 800mm but should be 200mm) – retrospective application (APP/11/00330) lodged on 24/03/11. Still a ‘current’ application.

5 Excelsior Road (Demolish existing buildings and erect 1 No 4 bed house with integral garage) – Application was registered on 11/05/11 and has been ‘Red- carded’. Amended plans lodged on 31/08/11.

60A Kings Avenue (Tree Replacement Notices to replant 3 Scots Pines) – Confirmation awaited that the Council’s Arboriculturist visited both 60 and 60a to check tree issues and that letters sent to the owners requesting planting under Treework/Planning conditions.

5.    ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JS reported that the total Assn. funds as at 31st August amounted to £34,298.95.

6.    ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Newtown & Parkstone Area Committee meeting on 07/09/11 – William Mutlow said that he had attended this meeting. One thing that came up at the meeting was the purpose of the Area Committees and that this should not be just talking about ‘yellow lines’ but there should be other more meaningful discussions, with the Open Forum’ being held at the beginning of the meeting rather than the end.
‘Yellow lines’ are currently prominent on the Agenda of all Area Committee meetings as the Council are attempting to introduce parking restrictions throughout the Borough in answer to emergency service and refuse collection vehicles reporting difficulties in getting through some residential roads due to parking both sides. These are proving controversial.
WM quoted from the Minutes of the Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting held on 27/07/11 “The Council needed to give its Residents more responsibility and that Transportation Services needed to communicate directly with Ward Councillors before it considered imposing parking restrictions”
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.15 pm

Date of next Meeting: Wednesday 12th October 2011 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 10th AUGUST 2011

AT 7.30PM IN ‘THE LOUNGE’, BRANKSOME ST. ALDHELM’S PARISH CENTRE

PRESENT:

John Sprackling (JS) Chairman

Wayne Hancock (WH)Vice-Chairman

Carol Parkin (CP)Secretary

Keith Alcroft (KA)Planning Officer

John Gunton (JG) MAgazine Editor

Cllr Mrs May Haines (MH)Ward Councillor

Cllr Neil Sorton ditto

Approx. 15 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES
JS welcomed Cllrs Neil Sorton & Mrs May Haines and all those present.
Apologies: Apologies received from Terry Stewart (Funeral), Stan Alfert (New Grandson), Michael Bond, Bob & Phyllis Young, Chris Stracey & Ken Sanson.

Accuracy: After receiving no comments, JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true    JS and accurate record of the meeting held on 13 JULY 2011.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel sites update: JS reported…
1.    Quayside (former Dolphin Quays) development – No new developments

2.    Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto

3.    Quay Thistle Hotel site – ditto

4.    Old Orchard House. 39-61 High Street – ditto

5.    Land at West Quay Road (Mixed use regeneration and new public quayside to include; the demolition of a listed gate post and all existing buildings on site; the redevelopment of the site with 373 residential units provided in six apartment blocks with basement parking and courtyard) – Amended plans lodged on 07/06/11.

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:
19 Mornish Road (Tree replacement) – The property remains unsold. Any prospective purchaser will be advised of the legal requirement to plant a replacement tree to a specification detailed in the tree replacement notice
55 Canford Cliffs Road (Removal of the gates, railings, fence and hedge, and the erection of a low stone wall with planting behind) – ditto

Current planning enforcement issues
147 Banks Road (Damage to four Corsican pines) – Next Court Hearing fixed for 17 -19th October 2011 at Bournemouth Magistrates Court.
Victoria Education Centre (St Aldhelms Road entrance) – The school has carried out some suitable planting and erected a chain link fence.
2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road (Boundary treatment) – No new developments.
Land adj. to 20A Chaddesley Glen (Land be reinstated) – – thditto
23 Ravine Road (Unauthorized tree work) Court Hearing adjourned to 12th August 10am Bournemouth Magistrates Court, Stafford Road

Community Working Group (CWG): WH attended this afternoon’s CWG meeting but said that there were no Agenda items particularly effecting the Association and the    WH Minutes of the meeting will be circulated as soon as these were available.

JS said that his question about the open metal gates proviso in the Branksome Park Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan had not found its way onto the Agenda. If it is felt that this is no longer relevant, then it should be deleted. Having provisos which are ignored in practice undermines the authority of the Conservation Area Management Plan.

Poole Partnership – JS said that he has still to contact Sylvia Webster, Neighbourhood Manager, Bourne Estate.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No new developments.

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

Footpath 82 Spur –JS reported that the RMYC has just lodged a planning application (Construct an extension to the existing marina basin. Removal of part of hardstanding and provision of public footpath to foreshore) which it is hoped will resolve the problem of Footpath 82 Spur.

Possible Charitable Status for Assn: Mike Parkin reported that he has been in touch with a colleague who runs a multi-million pound autistic charity and the conclusion from this exchange was that it would be too much hassle on the part of the Association for relatively little reward – that is assuming that the Association is granted charitable status, which is not at all sure. There was some discussion on this amongst the members and the general conclusion was that it would present the Association with too much trouble for little reward. It was agreed that this item to be deleted from further consideration at this time.
Canford Cliffs Play Area/Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden): JS reported that the official opening of the new Treasure island play area above Canford Cliffs chine takes place tomorrow at 2.00pm. Chairman’s Note: I attended this event along with other members of the Association, our three Ward Councillors and a large group residents with their children. The official opening was a great success, Congratulations to all involved with this project.
WH reported that all was going well with the Sunken Garden, and that he would soon be ready for an injection of money from the Association for replanting. He estimated that initially he would need £500/750. JS asked the members for a show of hands to approve that this amount would be made available, and it was duly passed with no objections up to the value of £750..
CP asked for a vote of thanks to WH for his work on this project, both in getting it off the ground and his physical efforts at the working group each week. This was recognised by the Chairman who thanked WH.

Poole Council’s Efficiency Review Programme: JS reported that it was announced last Friday that Councils must publish lists of their assets. A review of the Corporate Asset Management Plan is to be presented at the Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 22/09/11.

Localism Bill: WH said that this subject was discussed at the CWG meeting he had been at today. This Bill is going through its third reading at the present time and is constantly changing.

Council Tax 2010/11 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report: nothing to report as there has not been any Cabinet meetings since the Association’s last meeting.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – Jan Robins said that she had had some experience in this matter through her involvement with the National Trust and agreed to seek advice about this on behalf of the Association.

Hedge at Kenilworth Court – MH doesn’t think this is worth pursuing any further as she is not getting any response to her letters.

Offshore Wind Farm – Roy Pointer reported that, as far as he can see, the Government have powers to enable this to go ahead. It is proposed that 200+ windmills will be erected West of the Isle of Wight. NS reported that the Councillors for Canford Cliffs Ward have been in touch with Robert Syms (MP). Mr. Syms and other concerned local MPs have asked for a meeting with the Secretary of State for Energy. If the Wind farm can be seen from the mainland, they will ask for the turbines to be sited further offdhore. There followed a lot of discussion amongst the members, mainly in opposition to the turbines both from an aesthetic and economical point of view. NS offered to ascertain the latest position on this and the statistics on the number of failures of existing turbines from Robert Syms.
Lindsay Road and St Aldhelms Road Junction – No further developments

3.    NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
JS reported that Keith Alcroft had not been contacted about any planning application during the course of the month but the following applications had been determined.
47A Lindsay Road (Erection of a Class C2 care home for the elderly with associated car parking) – Application granted on 21/07/11. 63 Haven Road (Outline application to erect four detached houses with parking/garaging provisions and formation of vehicular accesses (existing dwelling to be demolished) – application allowed by Planning Inspector on appeal on 19/07/11.
24 Ravine Road (Overhang on right hand side of garage is 800mm but should be 200mm) – retrospective application (APP/11/00330) lodged on 24/03/11. The house has not been built in accordance with the plans and the conditions have not been fulfilled. There is a new planting plan dated 13/07/11. The letter concludes with ‘We believe that the site will now be abundantly planted and full canopy closure should be achieved within two to three years’.
Other current planning issues
5 Excelsior Road (Demolish existing buildings and erect 1 No 4 bed house with integral garage) – Application was registered on 11/05/11 and has been ‘Red-carded’. Amended plans lodged on 04/08/11. 8 Shore Road – BPCCRA will continue to monitor possible tree work application. An entrance has been created on the Haven Road side of this property. This property is up for sale at ‘offers’ in excess of £2m.
60A Kings Avenue (Tree Replacement Notices to replant 3 Scots Pines) – Confirmation awaited that the Council’s Arboriculturist visited both 60 and 60a to check tree issues and that letters sent to the owners requesting planting under Treework/Planning conditions.
4.    REPORT RE CANFORD CLIFFS AND PENN HILL AREA COMMITTEE (27/07/11) – In the absence of Terry Stewart, JS reported that there had been a lengthy discussion on Traffic Regulation Order objections. May Haines gave a verbal report on Pinecliff Sunken Gardens and Canford Cliffs Pocket Park. The report on the Localism Bill had to be deferred as Cllr Mrs Judy Butt was unwell.
5.    ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JS reported on behalf of Paul Fearnley, Hon Treasurer, that Santander have, once again, been unable to provide downloads of their bank statements. PF was told me that this has been a problem since April following the integration of Alliance & Leicester and Santander. There is an incompatibility between the two systems and so far this has not been resolved.
As PF does not have a paper statement to hand he has been unable to finalise the cash flow for this month.

6.    ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Clubhouse and Tennis Courts at the Wilderton Road – JS reported that the Council intends to market a lease for the operation of the Branksome Park Tennis Courts and associated Pavilion premises as is. The successful tenderer will have to be a tennis operator who may be granted a lease for a period longer than seven years, dependent upon the successful proposal to operate the sporting facility.
The facility will still be used for the local provision of tennis and the Council will work closely with the chosen provider to ensure the community is well catered for in their programme.
The adjacent Bowls Club is unaffected. Extract from note from Head of Leisure Services to Cllr Sorton
The tennis facilities at Leicester Road have been operated under license from the Council by a private company for many years. We are required to re-tender periodically and we are hoping to find an operator to run the facility for public recreation and invest in its maintenance and improvement and pay us as well.
To get all of that we will need to offer a long lease and technically that is a ‘disposal of open space’ although the Council will retain ownership.

BPCCRA Autumn Magazine – JS asked for material for the magazine by the middle of next month.

Poole’s Sustainability and Energy policies (PCS31, 32 and 35) – JG, who is building his own house, listed the costs of ensuring ‘Level 3’ is met, and doesn’t think the Local Authority is fully aware of this.    For instance, the cost of getting the necessary certificates for a single house can be between £2,000 and £8,000.. JS said if JG send him details of his concerns, he would arrange frod this mater to be raised at the next CWG meeting.

Proposed article for Poole News - MH said that she has had an enquiry from the Editor of Poole News as to whether there would be any interest in putting an article in Poole News about what the Association is doing at the ‘Sunken Garden’ This was agreed and MH said that she would follow this up.

Sewers – Roy Pointer wondered if members were aware of the change in responsibility of the maintenance of sewers by local water companies. RP suggested that the Association should ask for a representative from Wessex Water to come and explain the ins and outs of what was going to happen. It was agreed that this was a good idea.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.20 pm

Date of next Meeting: Wednesday 14th September 2011 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

PRESENT:

John Sprackling (JS)

Carol Parkin (CP)

Keith Alcroft (KA)

Bob Young (BY)
Chairman Secretary Planning Officer
Magazine Advertising Cllr Mrs May Haines (MH)    Ward Councillor
Approx. 20 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES
JS welcomed Cllr (Mrs) May Haines and all those present, including Geoff Solomon, a former Chairman of the Assn who was about to leave Poole and move to live close to his son, near Silverstone.
Apologies: Apologies received from Cllr Neil Sorton, Terry Stewart, Chris Stracey, Daphne Howell & Ken Sanson
Accuracy: After receiving no comments, JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 08 JUNE 2011.

2. MATTERS ARISING Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel sites update: JS reported…
1.    Quayside (former Dolphin Quays) development – No new developments 2.    Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto 3.    Quay Thistle Hotel site – ditto 4.    Old Orchard House. 39-61 High Street – ditto
5.    Land at West Quay Road (Mixed use regeneration and new public quayside to include; the demolition of a listed gate post and all existing buildings on site; the redevelopment of the site with 373 residential units provided in six apartment blocks with basement parking and courtyard) – Amended plans lodged on 07/06/11.

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:
19 Mornish Road (Tree replacement) – The property remains unsold. Any prospective purchaser will be advised of the legal requirement to plant a replacement tree to a specification detailed in the tree replacement notice
th
Current planning enforcement issues
147 Banks Road
(Damage to four Corsican pines)
– Next Court Hearing fixed for 17 -19
October 2011 at Bournemouth Magistrates Court.
Victoria Education Centre
(St Aldhelms Road entrance) –
The school has carried out some
suitable planting and erected a chain link fence.
2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road
(Boundary treatment)
– No
new developments.
55 Canford Cliffs Road (Removal of the gates, railings, fence and hedge, and the erection of a low stone wall with planting behind) – ditto Land adj. to 20A Chaddesley Glen (Land be reinstated) –
ditto
23 Ravine Road
(Unauthorised tree work)
Court Hearing fixed for
25
Bournemouth Magistrates Court, Stafford Road
July at 10am
-
th
Community Working Group (CWG): Next meeting of Community Working Group is fixed for 10/08/11. WH has been asked to raise the issue of the open metal gates provision within the Branksome Park Conservation Area. If the LPA no longer feel that this is relevant then it should be deleted. Having provisions which are ignored in practice undermines the authority of the Character Appraisal and Management Plan. .

Council Tax 2010/11 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report: William Mutlow reported on the Council Budget Monitoring report (1 April 2011 – 31 May 2011) which shows that the Council’s Budget faces continuing pressures – the estimated over-spend at the end of the year is £732,000 – this will change during the year. The biggest pressure is Adult Social Care. There is much work going on, especially in the Efficiency Review programme. The Cabinet approved proposals in March to reduce the cost of employment by approximately £1.5m over two years – 2012/13 and 2013/14 and hope to obtain the agreement to this by the Trade Unions by the end of September this year. There is still a tremendous amount of work to be done.
JS drew attention to the Budget Simulator www.budgetsimulator.com/poole on the BoP website. Last year, 610 responses were received and it is one of many public consultation exercises and key stakeholders events which Members use in supporting the difficult budget choices they have to make.

Poole Partnership – JS reported that both he and WH had attended the Partnership Meet & Greet Event on 21/06/11 and it was a great success.    JS
Sylvia Webster, Neighbourhood Manager, Bourne Estate has suggested the idea of a small group from the Association going along to a presentation about the work of the Bourne Valley Action Group – with a walk around and lunch or early evening (Tea rather than lunch), Saturday morning or in the working week – whatever works best.
Several members expressed an interest and JS said that he would organize a mutually convenient date.
Public Rights of Way:
Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No new developments.    JS/RD Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto Bessborough Road – ditto Footpath 82 Spur –
Possible Charitable Status for Assn: JS has still to organise Sub-Committee.    JS
Chairman’s Note
: At last Monday’s Southern Poole Chairman’s Liaison
Group meeting, it was reported that, following RMYC purchase of Sandbanks Marina Yacht
Boatyard, the Sandbanks Assn are to press for restitution of footpath and removal of fence.
Canford Cliffs Play Area/Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden):
JS reported that Continental Landscapes will be starting on the new Treasure island play area being installed on the open space above the chines in Canford Cliffs today (13th July). Work is likely to take up to three weeks to complete
WH reported that we still have help from the Victoria Education Centre and we also have a working session each week with a group of ladies on a Wednesday morning from 10 until 12.30 and good progress is being made. It is hoped that the Eastern rockery will be cleared and ready for planting in autumn for next Spring and Summer. Wayne appealed for more help on a Wednesday morning. By next month he will be asking the Association for funding for plants.
MH added that she has been asked to speak at the next Area Committee meeting to bring this project to residents’ attention and possibly get more help.
Poole Council’s Efficiency Review Programme: JS reported that he had attended last Thursday’s Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting. The total Current 3-year Target for this programme for 2011/12 to 2013/14 had been reduced from £5,385m to £5,154m, of which £1,264m will be achieved this year.
JS/WH
JS JS
Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – JS is pursuing.

Amount Delivered
2011/12 £000’s    £000’s
Income Generation    289 Procurement 295 Revenues & Benefits    151
Amount Remaining    ACTION to be delivered
2011/12    - 243
145 86
474
Customer Transport ICT Print Strategy
55 0
Total ERP Programme 790
The review of the Corporate Asset Management Plan 2010-11 is to be presented at September’s meeting of the Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Localism Bill: The Bill is expected to receive the Royal Assent about October this year.    JS/TS
Hedge at Kenilworth Court – MH has written to Dr. Jolliff, one of the Directors for Kenilworth Court, asking if there are any plans for landscaping as the hedge on Haven Road is so    MH unsightly.
Poole & Christchurch Bays Shoreline Management Plan – Roy Pointer reported that there is a leaflet on the Shoreline Management Plan which can be printed off the BoP website.    RP Essentially there is no change to Canford Cliffs Ward.
RP went on to say that he had been to a presentation held by the Bournemouth Natural Science Society to talk about NAVITUS. NAVITUS proposes to establish a substantial wind farm off Poole Bay. Our own council plus Bournemouth and Dorset County Council will have no input with regard to planning etc., as this will be dealt with by HMG, with, it seems, no local consultation. With regard to the amount of electricity generated by this wind farm, the amount is miniscule compared to other wind farms in the UK, and the cost is phenomenal. Much of this will be borne by the general public in the form of a ‘stealth’ tax on electricity bills.
RP suggests that this is an extremely important matter, and feels that the Borough Councils and County Council should get together to oppose this proposal.
RP thought it was an excellent idea for as many of us as possible to contact our MP, Robert Syms, to express our feelings.
MH said that she would speak to Mr. Syms.
3.    NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Keith Alcroft reported…    KA
3 Ravine Road
(a) Application for a new planning permission to replace extant permission 07/01169/006/F to erect 3 storey block of flats. The Assn. lodged letters of objection on 20/06/11 & 28/06/11. Chairman’s Note – Application granted subject to Unilateral Undertaking on 14/07/11 (b) Application for a new planning permission to replace extant permission 08/01169/007/F to erect two storey extension to rear, erect dormer to front and erect dormer to side with additional roof lights. Chairman’s Note – Application granted subject to conditions on 14/07/11
Other current planning issues
1 Cliff Drive
(Addition of four additional windows where there was one large one before)
revised retrospective application granted on 06/07/11.
-
5 Excelsior Road (Demolish existing buildings and erect 1 No 4 bed house with integral garage) – Application was registered on 11/05/11 and has been ‘Red-carded’. The Assn. lodged a letter of objection on 10/06/11. 47A Lindsay Road (Erection of a Class C2 care home for the elderly with associated car parking) – Application registered on 31/03/11. Transportation Services report lodged on
Wednesday13thJuly.2011
Page3
MINUTESOFTHEBRANKSOME,CANFORDCLIFFS&DISTRICTRESIDENTSASSOCIATION
16/05/11.
ACTION
24 Ravine Road (Overhang on right hand side of garage is 800mm but should be 200mm) – retrospective application lodged on 24/03/11. The house has not been built in accordance with the plans and the conditions have not been fulfilled.
63 Haven Road (Outline application to erect four detached houses with parking/garaging provisions and formation of vehicular accesses (existing dwelling to be demolished)- subject to ‘Written representations’ appeal. (APP/Q1255/A/11/2145209). Site visit took place at 11.15 on 08/06/11. 8 Shore Road – BPCCRA will continue to monitor possible tree work application. An entrance has been created on the Haven Road side of this property. This property is up for sale at ‘offers’ in excess of £2m. 60A Kings Avenue (Tree Replacement Notices to replant 3 Scots Pines) – Confirmation awaited that the Council’s Arboriculturist visited both 60 and 60a to check tree issues and that letters sent to the owners requesting planting under Treework/Planning conditions.
5.    ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JS reported that the total Assn. funds as at 30th June    JS amounted to £34,367.39.
6.    ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Garden Waste Collection – The consultation runs until Friday 29th July but Option 6 below has been agreed ‘in principle’ pending a further report to Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 08/09/11. The cost to householders would be £31 per annum and it is felt that this option provides the best strategy of closing the gap in the Medium Term Financial Plan and enabling new properties to join the scheme at a reasonable price.
The proposed options were as follows… Option 1 – Do nothing – Continue the current scheme (April – October) Option 2 – Stop the free garden waste scheme entirely to all 22,000 households Option 3 – Stop the free garden waste scheme entirely to all 22,000 households, roll out no garden waste in black bin across whole Borough Option 4 – Continue the current scheme (April – October). No garden waste in black bin rolled out across whole Borough to those both on and off the scheme Option 5 – Extend the current free scheme to an additional 11,000 properties. No garden waste in black bin rolled out across whole Borough to those both on and off the scheme Option 6 – Offer a chargeable scheme for 9 months (March – November) No garden waste in black bin rolled out across whole Borough to those both on and off the scheme Option 7 – Offer a chargeable scheme for 12 months. No garden waste in black bin rolled out across whole Borough to those both on and off the scheme.
MH said that the initial pilot scheme of providing some households with green waste bins had been extremely successful and the Council were continually asked by others ‘when are we all going to get a green bin?’ The answer to this is that it will not be rolled out across the borough as it is unaffordable. The opinion of the committee of the Council when they discussed this matter was that the only way it could be rolled out across the whole borough was by charging a fee for this.
Much discussion followed. One member thought that starting to charge for a green waste bin was a negative step in recycling.
KA asked where the green bins waste currently goes. SA explained that green waste is converted into compost for sale at the recycling plant. MH pointed out that the recycling plant does not belong to the council.
After more discussion. JS said that we were not going to reach a consensus and asked everyone to look at the leaflets that Cllr MH had brought, and send the prepaid section back to the council with suggestions.
The proposal by RP was that that Association supports to retaining of the status quo and this was put to the vote, and the motion was carried.

Lindsay Road and St Aldhelms Road Junction – The problems of traffic in this area were discussed at length.    Paul Turner proposed Smart traffic lights or mini-roundabout but JS said that, in the current economic climate the cost was likely to be prohibitive.
Sheena Vickery suggested a ‘no right turn’ into St Aldhelms Road for motorists travelling from Westbourne. The signs would be cheap, but they need to be combined with a pedestrian refuge as otherwise speed would just increase. This proposal was opposed by Stan Alfert who said that this junction was widely used by residents living in Branksome Park who would otherwise be required to use The Avenue, which is already congested at times.
JS suggested the formation of a ‘sub-group’ to try to come up with a solution. This will be kept on the Agenda.
AIMCommunity – Richard Newland, Project Manager of this social inclusion project run by The Salvation Army in Poole has contacted JS. The organisation is working to try and create opportunities and hope for the many children in the Borough who struggle in education, at home, in their communities or have personal difficulties whether that is behaviour or learning based.
As a local project, Mr Newland is keen to try and increase the awareness of local residents of the work his organisation does, so they can both support the project in volunteering or perhaps even financially.
A charitable night is being organised in November and this will probably take place in Sandbanks/Branksome Park area.
Community Foundation – Tina Baker MinstF (Institute of Fundraising), Chief Executive, Community Foundation, Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole has also contacted JS. Ms Baker says that the fund is likely to grow to a £1m plus fund and though it has been pump-primed by the Poole Partnership, it is a registered charitable fund in its own right administered by Dorset’s Community Foundation. Its aim are to benefit the people and communities of Poole
Graffiti – Scottish & Southern Energy Sub Station Known as Site no 51 Haven Road – It was brought to the attention of the Association, by Mr. G. Davies, a member, that the sub-station was extremely unsightly, covered in graffiti and seemingly used for nefarious purposes. The Canford Cliffs Land Society have the problem in hand, along with the Borough Council and MH reported that the sub-station now has railings around and the graffiti is shortly to be cleaned by the Council.
Talbot Village Trust Planning Application – Paul Turner referred to the special session of the Public Inquiry into the Talbot Village Trust application which has been arranged for next Wednesday (20/07/11) from 6pm to 8.30pm. JS said that a small turnout could send the wrong message to the Inspector.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.32 pm and was concluded with a ‘glass’ and ‘nibbles’.
Date of next Meeting: Wednesday 10th August 2011 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

Promotion of Cycling – Poole, Bournemouth and East Dorset Cycling Club are campaigning for the ‘Right to Ride’ project, whereby people are being persuaded to use sustainable transport. Paul Turner offered to provide further information if this is wanted.

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 8th    JUNE 2011 AT 7.30PM

IN THE MAIN HALL, BRANKSOME ST. ALDHELM’S PARISH CENTRE

PRESENT:

• Terry Stewart President
• John Sprackling Chairman
• Carol Parkin Secretary
• Keith Alcroft Planning Officer
• Bob Young Magazine Advertising
• Cllr Mrs May Haines Ward Councillor
• Cllr Peter Pawlowski Ward Councillor
• Cllr Neil Sorton Ward Councillor
• Approx 15 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES

JS welcomed the three Ward Councillors and all those present
Apologies: Apologies received from Stan Alfert, Roy Pointer, Daphne Howell & Ken Sanson, Chairman, Sandbanks Assn.
Accuracy: JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of    JS the meeting held on 13 APRIL 2011.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel sites update: JS reported…
1.   Quayside (former Dolphin Quays) development – Chairman’s note: The Dolphin Quays rent review was due on 14/03/10. The Council commissioned a technical analysis of the current rent position and, based on this information, decided not to seek a review. Following the lease to Tesco Express in early 2010, I am informed that the Council’s property advisers recognise there is now a more positive position and the advice will be updated. This work is commercially sensitive and is not available for general release.

2.   Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – No new developments

3.    Quay Thistle Hotel site – ditto

4.    Old Orchard House. 39-61 High Street – ditto

5.    Land at West Quay Road (Mixed use regeneration and new public quayside to include; the demolition of a listed gate post and all existing buildings on site; the redevelopment of the site with 373 residential units provided in six apartment blocks with basement parking and courtyard) – Chairman’s note: Amended plans lodged on 07/06/11.

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

JS provided an up-date re 147 Banks Road (Damage to four Corsican pines) – The Council has requested the Court to consider re-fixing the trial as its chosen barrister is unavailable on the dates provisionally fixed for 21st, 22nd & 23rd July 2011. The Court’s further comments are awaited

Current planning enforcement issues

Victoria Education Centre (St Aldhelms Road entrance) – The school has carried out some suitable planting and erected a chain link fence.

19 Mornish Road (Tree replacement) – The property remains unsold. Any prospective purchaser will be advised of the legal requirement to plant a replacement tree to a specification detailed in the tree replacement notice

1 Cliff Drive (Addition of four additional windows where there was one large one before) – revised retrospective application registered on 19/02/11.

2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road (Boundary treatment) –No new developments.

55 Canford Cliffs Road (Removal of the gates, railings, fence and hedge, and the erection of a low stone wall with planting behind) – ditto

Land adj to 20A Chaddesley Glen (Land be reinstated) – ditto

Community Working Group (CWG): The Minutes of the Community Working Group meeting on 04/05/11 are now available and will be circulated with the Minutes of this meeting.

Council Tax 2010/11 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report: In the absence of William Mutlow, JS reported that Council Budget Monitoring (Financial Outturn) 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011 is to be presented at next week’s Cabinet meeting.

14 proposals were approved by the Cabinet on 16/03/11 and the aim of these is to save up to £1.5M from the costs of employment in 2012/13 and 2013/14. These proposals include the proposal to reduce the mileage rate payable to staff using their own cars for work purposes.
NS pointed out the changes involve a change in the terms and conditions of the staff and negotiations with recognised Trades Unions are continuing both at a local and national level.

Poole Partnership – JS reported that an Invitation had been extended by Poole Partnership to a Meet & Greet Event on Tuesday 21st June 2011 4pm – 6pm    JS Cattistock Room (Conference Room) Civic Centre. This event provides a unique opportunity to meet with elected members and a wide range of partners from the public, private and voluntary sector in Poole. There will be stands showcasing the work of partners and the opportunity to find out more about partnership working in Poole.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No new developments.

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

Footpath 82 Spur – ditto

Possible Charitable Status for Assn: JS has still to organise Sub-Committee.

Canford Cliffs Play Area/Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden): WH reported that the work on the garden so far has been carried out by Victoria School. The Eastern    JS/WH Rockery has been cleared and that is the area that will be concentrated on first. There was an article in the Bournemouth Echo, but as yet there had been no volunteers. WH called, yet again, for volunteers as there ought to be some participation by the residents, not only Victoria School. JS said that he would prepare a poster that can be put up on the Library Notice Board, the Village Hall Notice Board and the Post Office Notice Board. Chairman’s note: Since the meeting Wayne Hancock tells me that we have been successful in recruiting about six volunteers.
Daphne Howell and Wayne are holding a meeting for all volunteers at the Sunken Gardens, at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, 23rd June. All welcome!

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – JS is pursuing.

Poole Council’s Efficiency Review Programme: JS said that he hoped to have more to report following the next Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 07/07/11.

Localism and Decentralisation Bill: The second reading of the Bill took place in  the House of Lords yesterday (07/06/11).

Hedge at Kenilworth Court – MH reported that as far as the Council are concerned, now that the hedge has been cut back and no longer infringes the highway they will take no further action. An unfortunate consequence of this ‘cutting back’ has meant that it now looks extremely unsightly, but nothing further can be done by the Council. MH will pursue this issue further by contacting the Residents of the flats and garnering their opinions. Chairman’s Note: Concern has been expressed about the white ‘portakabins’ erected on the 3rd floor of this block and investigations are being carried out that these are in accordance with the planning consent granted in 2008.

Poole & Christchurch Bays Shoreline Management Plan – JS directed members’ attention to the website where there is a very good flyer on the study. Roy Pointer    RP will say a few words about this at the next meeting.

3.    NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Keith Alcroft reported…

5 Excelsior Road (Demolish existing buildings and erect 1 No 4 bed house with integral garage) – Application was registered on 11/05/11 and has been ‘Red- carded’.The Assn will be sending a letter of objection.

Other current planning issues
Rear of 16 Haven Road (Demolish existing extension and erect 1 No 2 bed house with associated parking) – Application refused on 17/05/11.

47A Lindsay Road (Erection of a Class C2 care home for the elderly with associated car parking) – Application registered on 31/03/11. Transportation Services report lodged on 16/05/11.

24 Ravine Road (Overhang on right hand side of garage is 800mm but should be 200mm) – retrospective application lodged on 24/03/11. The house has not been built in accordance with the plans and the conditions have not been fulfilled.

63 Haven Road (Outline application to erect four detached houses with parking/garaging provisions and formation of vehicular accesses (existing dwelling to be demolished)- subject to ‘Written representations’ appeal. (APP/Q1255/A/11/2145209). Site visit took place at 11.15 on 08/06/11.

8 Shore Road – BPCCRA will continue to monitor possible tree work application. An entrance has been created on the Haven Road side of this property. This property is up for sale at ‘offers’ in excess of £2m.

60A Kings Avenue (Tree Replacement Notices to replant 3 Scots Pines) – Confirmation awaited that the Council’s Arboriculturist visited both 60 and 60a to check tree issues and that letters sent to the owners requesting planting under Treework/Planning conditions.

5.    ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JS reported that the total funds as at 31st May    JS amounted to £33,782.45.

6.    ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Former Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane - NS said that he was expecting the Chairman to refer to the appeal decision in relation to the 80 bed Care Home at the site, which he had been keeping an eye on. The Inspector had  reversed the Council’s refusal and allowed the appeal. NS expressed his great surprise at this. JS pointed out that he reported on this in the last minutes and there is an article about this in today’s Daily Echo in which the new Chairman of the Planning Committee, Cllr Philip Eades, has expressed his concern too.

Use of Credit Cards by Council Officers - TS reported that due to all the comment in the press about ‘Council credit cards’ he had been informed by Poole’s Chief Executive that NO Poole Councillor has a credit card – this was confirmed by our Ward Councillors present – and the Council Officers are very carefully monitored on    ACTION expenses claimed through their credit cards. However John McBride feels that there  are too many issued credit cards and he is going to review this and reduce the number. PP pointed out that it was the Audit Commission which encouraged the use of credit cards by Local Authorities in the first instance.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.50 pm.

Date of next Meeting: Wednesday 13th July 2011 in the Main Hall at Branksome St    All Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)
NB Wine & ‘nibbles’ to be served in the Centre garden at conclusion of meeting

HELD AT 10.30am ON SATURDAY, 14^th MAY 2011

IN CANFORD CLIFFS VILLAGE HALL

PRESENT:

• Mr John Sprackling Chairman
• Mr Wayne Hancock Vice-Chairman
• Mr Paul Fearnley Hon Treasurer
• Mr Keith Alcroft Planning Officer
• Mrs Carol Parkin Secretary/Minutes Secretary
• Mr John Gunton Magazine Editor
• Robert Syms MP
• Cllr Mrs May Haines
• Cllr Neil Sorton
• And approx 40 Members/Wardens of the Association

1. WELCOME

The Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance. In particular he welcomed the guests mentioned above. JS said that he had been hoping that Liz Wilkinson, Poole Chief Finance Officer, would be our Guest Speaker but that Mrs Wilkinson had recently advised him that she would not be able to attend as she had a family commitment that could not be re-arranged.  This left it rather too late to find an alternative. JS said that this would provide more time for an open Question and Answer session for members.

2. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Cllr Peter Pawlowski, Terry Stewart, Michael Bond, Bob & Phyllis Young, Martin Heath, Pat & Laurie Martin, Amanda & Craig Beveridge, Rose Rogers, Dinah Rogers and Ken Sanson, Chairman of the Sandbanks Assn.

3. AGM 2010 MINUTES:  Accuracy & Matters Arising

The Chairman reminded members that the Minutes of the AGM held on 10^th May 2010 had been included in the Autumn 2010 magazine.  The Chairman said that he had not been contacted about their accuracy and asked for a show of hands to approve the Minutes as no queries had arisen.  This was given and the Minutes were approved.

4. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

The Chairman proposed to limit his report to the up-dating of items included in the Spring magazine as follows:

Borough of Poole- Local Development Framework - the public consultation on the Poole Site Specific Allocations and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document (DPD) closes on 27/05/11.

JS said that there is some concern that policies H10, BE23, BE24 in the Poole Local Plan are being lost and these are not adequately covered by policy PCS 23 in the Poole Core Strategy.  JS said that, for ease of reference, he would include the text of the relevant policies in the Minutes.  See foot of these Minutes.

Planning Enforcement, Tree Preservation Orders/Tree replacements

147 Banks Road (Felling of five trees) – at the Court hearing on 20/04/11, the two defendants pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ and the case was adjourned until 18th May at 2.00pm at Poole Magistrates Court for a case management hearing.  The date of the trial will be fixed at this Hearing.

23 Ravine Road (Felling of two TPO’d trees) – the defendant pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ and this case was adjourned for a case management hearing on 13th July at 2.15pm at Poole Magistrates Court when

Mr Hunter will have to appear he is not represented. This hearing will be followed by a trial at Bournemouth Magistrates Court at 10.00am on 25th July.

Heavytree Road – a Council Solicitor has informed JS that the Council is still waiting to hear from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and it is entirely in the hands of the CPS in this case

‘Sunken Garden’ at Pinecliff Gardens – Work has started on this project.

Public Rights of Way:

Footpath 82 Spur (Off Panorama Road) – At its Extraordinary General Meeting on 26/03/11, the Royal Motor Yacht Club members voted overwhelmingly in favour of purchasing the Sandbanks Boatyard and Marina Company for a price up to £1.5m.

There is some commercially sensitive ground still to cover before the purchase can be completed, and the representatives of the RMYC will be trying to sort out a number of issues that the SBMC Ltd has with its neighbours.

Sites in Poole formerly owned by Orb Estates and its subsidiaries – The Association continues to take a close interest in these properties (two of which are on Borough-owned land).

Old Orchard House. 39-61 High Street – The 3^rd instalment of the Employment Contribution of £150,000 due on 01/01/11 is outstanding.  There is a letter from the owners dated 12/05/11 which has been posted on the Planning Application website which refers to an ‘updated invoice’ but no other information is currently available.

Council Tax 2010/2011 – As JS mentioned in his report, there are two important programmes offering scope for producing efficiencies and savings – for the benefit of Poole’s council tax payers. Firstly, the Council’s Efficiency Review Programme and, secondly, the Corporate Asset Management Plan 2010-11 as one of our newly elected Ward Councillors, namely Cllr Peter Pawlowski, was the Strategic Director responsible for both schemes, JS said that he was hoping that he would be keeping a close eye on both these projects.

Friends of Poole Park – JS reported that Seven Developments exchanged contracts with owners of the Mezza Luna restaurant in Poole Park some months ago but there has been a delay in reassigning the lease.  JS said that he had been denied sight of the 2007 lease but plans to pursue this via the Information Commissioner.

Poole Borough Council – Committee Dates

JS informed members that they might like to note the following dates for committee meetings in the near future:

The next Canford Cliffs and Penn Hill Area meeting is not due to be held until 27 July.  JS said that one of the first decisions of the Conservative Group in May 2003 was the emasculation of the Area Committees by changing the composition of two Area Committees comprising Canford Cliffs, Penn Hill & Parkstone Wards and Alderney, Newtown and the former Bourne Valley Wards. He had recently ‘lobbied’ newly appointed Cllr Sally Carpenter about the composition of the Area Committees and Sally had replied “Personally I don’t think that area committees work very well and I will raise the issue as soon as I can to get a review”

Reconvened Meeting of Annual Council:                    16 May

Newtown and Parkstone Area Meeting*:                   18 May

Planning Committee:                      26 May

Personalia

Data Protection Officer – JS paid tribute to Stan Alfert who was stepping down as Data Protection Officer having been looking after the Membership database for the last 15/20 years. JS said that he was pleased to say that Stan would continue to attend the Association’s monthly meetings.

Ralph Dymond – JS was sorry to report that Mr Dymond, who was Chairman of the Assn from 1993 until May 1996, passed away on 21/02/11.  Prior to these roles, Mr Dymond was Honorary Secretary.  In more recent years, Mr Dymond has regularly attended the Association’s AGM.

JS also paid tribute to the help and support which he receives from the Association’s President. Terry Stewart.

5.            TREASURER’S REPORT

The income and expenditure for 2010 is broadly in line with that of the previous year and with the budget. This year we made donations of nearly £5,000 to community projects and assistance with legal costs relating to development.

We have £31,000 in the bank to cover any future costs relating to protecting the local environment.

We thank members for their continued support and encourage members if possible to pay subscriptions by standing order or online transfer. If you wish to pay by cheque I have agreed with Barclays that cheques can be made payable to BPCCRA.

In the Autumn we intend to ask members to update their standing order mandates for three reasons:

To transfer all income to our Barclays bank account so that we can close down the redundant Santander account.

To revise payment amounts to our current rate (some members are still paying £1 or £2 p.a. which does not cover the cost of the magazine)

To update our contact information, which is becoming seriously out of date.”

6.     APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR:

Peter Schofield had audited the Accounts and has agreed to continue for a further year.  JS asked for approval by the meeting and this was given by a show of hands.

7.            ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Wayne Hancock proposed that John Sprackling continue as Chairman and called for a show of hands to confirm his appointment.

1. 8. ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE

JS proposed that the following members be elected as the executive committee for the coming year be elected ‘en bloc’.

John Morrison suggested that we see if there are any nominations for the Executive Committee positions before proceeding as there may be people who wish to be involved.   JS replied that this was of course right and asked the meeting if there were any nominations.  There were none and so the existing Executive Committee were unanimously elected en bloc.

A show of hands carried the motion.

President                                     Terry Stewart

Chairman                                     John Sprackling

Vice Chairman                             Wayne Hancock

Treasurer                                     Paul Fearnley

Membership Secretary                Michael Bond

Planning Officer                           Keith Alcroft

Secretary/Minute Secretary         Carol Parkin

Magazine Editor                           John Gunton

Magazine Advertising                   Bob Young

7.    OPEN FORUM

JS welcomed Robert Syms MP who then proceeded to give a short talk to the meeting.  He began by saying that it is just over a year since the present government was formed, and gave a brief history of how it came into being as a coalition.   He explained that the Lib Dems were a relative small number in government in Mrs Thatcher’s day but now have quite a good representation.  It was therefore necessary to form a coalition with the Conservative Party to give a majority government in order to get on with the job of sorting out the economic mess which they are now doing.  Even so he expects the country’s debt to have doubled and income and expenditure to remain at the same level at the end of the present government’s five year period.

This period of austerity unfortunately means that there have to be cuts and there have had to be some tough decisions on where these will take place.

His second point is the problem we have always had with our benefits system.  A large number of people who are capable of work find that it is more economically viable to remain on the benefits system.  The unskilled jobs that have been created have been filled mainly with immigrants.  So the other thing that has to be done by the current Government is Welfare Reform.  He then went on to explain that the Government plan in order that when an unemployed person takes a job they remains better off by retaining some of their benefits which will be phased out over time.

The third issue that he went on to mention was immigration.  The cap that will be brought in will try to restore the immigration system to normality where there is a cap on low-skilled persons but the opportunity remains to allow immigration of required skilled persons.

The final point he brought up was the ‘police’ who are tied up in an enormous amount of bureaucracy.  The issue is not the number of police we have, but rather what we do with our police officers.  One of the Government’s objectives is to cut the amount of bureaucracy.

He ended by saying that he hoped that we would be in better shape next May.

JS then asked if there were any questions for Mr. Syms.

Denis Riley asked when the proposals to reduce the number of MPs from 650 to 600 would be put into effect.

Robert Syms replied that the legislation has already been passed and that probably would take effect by the end of this year or the beginning of next year and pointed out that this was not an easy task.

Roy Pointer then asked Mr. Syms to comment on the Government’s approach to the changes in the NHS and asked for his views as to why the current system could not be made to work super efficiently.

Mr. Syms answered by saying that the current Government intends to maintain the staffing levels of the NHS, and pointed out that the last Government made major changes without making any great announcements.  He feels that devolving decisions and money down to small units is the best way forward, and he thinks it right that the Government should pause to listen to what people are saying.

A member said that he is getting the impression – on the business of education and the NHS – that there is a lot of ‘cackhandedness’ going on.  Why does the Government make themselves easy targets for the other side of the house?

Mr. Syms replied that generally people are aware of the difficulties and challenges beforehand but sometimes there is unexpected public opposition as in the NHS.  He doesn’t feel that the Government on the whole has been cack-handed, but admits that in the case of the NHS and the forest issue they have not been too good.  He pointed out that the last Government sold 40,000 acres of forestry and never told anybody.  It is necessary when making changes to say why changes have to be made and what the Government has not done, regarding the NHS, is to fully explain the benefits of turning it upside down.  Some people in Government are good communicators whilst others just get on with the job and get into trouble. Mr. Syms doesn’t feel that the benefits were explained clearly.

A member then asked what was going to be done about Nick Clegg who has said publicly that he is totally opposed to the changes in the NHS.

Mr. Syms answered by saying that they just have to work together, and this means compromise.

Most of the time most of the Lib.Dems have voted for most of what the Government is doing.

John Gunton asked what does Mr. Syms think of the idea of ‘elected Police Commissioners’.

Mr. Syms replied by saying that to be absolutely honest he wasn’t sure.  For instance, if all the Police Commissioners were representatives of the BNP there would be problems.  So it really depends on the sort of person who wishes to stand for election to a Police Commissioner.  They would presumably all be sensible people, but there is always a risk that policing would become politicised.

John Gunton’s answer to this is to ‘trust the electorate’

Mr. Syms then gave the example of the elected mayor in London working quite well, whilst in Stoke on Trent the post was abolished and one or two other areas where it hasn’t worked out.  Therefore he has reservations.

Kevin Goldstein-Jackson asked was it true that Poole Business rates were paid to Central Government and even part of Poole Council rates, as this seems to mean that in effect we are subsidising others.

The short answer to this is ‘yes’.  All the business rates from across the UK go into one pot and are re-allocated.  Some areas benefit from this and some don’t.  Mr. Syms doesn’t know whether Poole benefits or not and so if it would be better to have control of our own business rates.  He suspects that it wouldn’t make a great deal of difference.  On the subject of Council rates there is something called the Council Tax Subsidy system where out of every £5 a tenant pays the council, £1 is put into a general pot, and out of this pot poorer councils – mainly Central London and other large cities – get subsidies.  Mr. Syms himself is very unhappy about this as it means the poor areas of Poole are subsidising other authorities.   This is a very complicated area which has gone on for years and needs reforming.

A member then asked ‘why are we constantly denied a referendum on the EU?’

Mr. Syms feels that before this is done, the most sensible thing for any government to do is to have a cost/benefit analysis to determine the benefits of Britain remaining in the EU.  At some point we may well have to have a referendum, but he doesn’t think that this point has been reached yet.  In the short term we have to get a much better financial agreement, and also to stop any further powers going to Europe.

JS thanked Robert Syms and brought the question/answer session to a close.

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

JS said that over 200 members receive the Minutes of the Association’s monthly meetings by e-mail   but approx 80 receive these by post.  This is costing the Association approximately £100/month for printing and postage.

This was discussed at a monthly meeting a little while ago and the meeting agreed to bring this up at the AGM with two options.

• Firstly to charge these members an additional cost to cover the minutes, and
• Secondly for these members to actively ‘opt in’ to being on the distribution list by contacting either JS or CP to confirm that they still require to receive these minutes, as there may be members who no longer wish to receive them.  If a member actively ‘opts-in’ his/her/their name will remain on the distribution list.

Stan Alfert asked the Chairman to confirm the costs per member.  JS replied that there were approximately 80 members receiving the minutes by mail and the cost was about £100 a month, to which SA remarked that the cost per month per member was approximately three times the amount of the yearly subscription subscription.

John Morrison said that he thinks the ‘opt-in’ idea is eminently suitable as he would not wish to exclude members on the basis that they do not have an e mail.

John Gunton suggested putting a copy of the minutes up in the Library.  JS said that this could certainly be done.

Kevin Goldstein-Jackson asked who these members were and JS reiterated that they were members who did not have access to the Internet.  It was suggested that copies of the previous minutes be available at meetings.

This will be one.

JS agreed that in the first instance we ask the members who receive minutes by mail to ‘opt-in’  to see if this eliminates any of them.

John Porter asked was it in fact the case that Mark Howell (PPP) declined to take up the offer of the Chairmanship of the Planning Committee, as reported in the Echo?

Neil Sorton said that this was an agreed Press Statement and he believed it to be the case.

John Morrison brought up the subject of Area Committees as he did not feel that they were working as they should.  Although these meetings are meant to be an opportunity for residents to raise concerns, the procedure for doing so is not clear.  This view was also expressed by a resident at the last Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting.

Ian Walker asked Robert Syms to comment on how the Localism Bill will affect the planning in Poole.

Mr. Syms replied that to comment fully on this would take a whole Seminar.  Essentially it will mean involving much smaller communities in Poole in the planning process, which he feels is a good thing.  He suggests that when it becomes law, we should try to arrange for somebody who is much more ‘au fait’ with the situation to come and give us a talk.  He hopes that it will lead to better planning.

John Porter said that he would be extremely interested to know why Seven Developments have taken over the Mezza Luna restaurant in Poole Park.  He has not so far been able to get any information from Poole Council and wonders if this is a ‘done deal’.

May Haines replied that she doesn’t know if this is a ‘done deal’.  Her understanding is that if Mezza Luna is classed as a restaurant, chances are that it would have to remain as such.  But as she hasn’t researched this subject she can’t tell us what exactly the situation is.

JS said that he was watching this situation closely.

John Gunton requested that people let him know if they have articles or pictures for the magazine.

JS thanked John Gunton for distributing the magazine.

Bob Milligan asked Mr. Syms if he could comment on the latest situation on the MP’s expenses fiasco.

Robert Syms replied that a system was set up at the end of last Parliament and this has caused a lot of upset for the new members.  However, now it has got much better, even though it is still not perfect.

9. REFRESHMENTS

There being no further questions, the Chairman closed the meeting at 11.45am and invited members to stay for refreshments.

John Sprackling

Chairman

NOTE FOR ALL MEMBERS WHO RECEIVE THESE MINUTES BY ORDINARY MAIL.

If you still wish to receive these minutes through Royal Mail on a monthly basis could you please inform either John Sprackling (751553) or Carol Parkin (706591).

If you do not contact either John or Carol your name will be removed from the Royal Mail distribution system and you will no longer receive minutes by this route. If you receive the minutes by email, these will continue to be distributed as at present.

This will ensure that only the members who wish to receive the monthly minutes by Royal Mail or by Email will continue to do so.

H10 Low density housing

Within the areas of low density housing shown on the proposals map, residential development will take the form of single detached dwellings in substantial plots which reflect the character of the area., the scale, form, siting and plot coverage of new dwellings in these areas should respect their open and/or treed character.

BE23 Conservation Areas – Low density development

Within The Avenue, Branksome Park, Brunstead Road, Canford Cliffs and Evening Hill Conservation Areas, residential development should take the form of single household detached dwellings on sites of a size consistent with that existing in the area.

BE24 Conservation Areas – Character

Within The Avenue, Beach Road, Branksome Park, Brunstead Road, Canford Cliffs, North Canford Cliffs and Evening Hill Conservation Areas, proposals for development, including changes of use from residential to institutional and other non-residential uses, or extensions to properties already in those uses, will not be permitted where the character of the area will be adversely affected by the bulk, appearance, height, massing, design, proximity to boundaries, effect upon existing trees, setting, removal of hedgerows along the boundaries of properties and the hard surfacing of garden areas for car parking.

PCS 23 – LOCAL DISTINCTIVENESS

Proposals for development will exhibit a high standard of design and will complement or enhance Poole’s character, local identity and cultural vitality. To meet these requirements, development will be permitted provided that:

A: it adheres to the following character and design principles:

i. it respects the setting and character of the site, surrounding area and adjoining buildings by virtue of its function, siting, landscaping and amenity space, scale, density, massing, height, design details, materials and appearance;

ii. public spaces and routes through sites are planned as an integral part of the overall development;

iii. doors and windows face onto public space, contributing to the appearance of the area and the safety of public spaces;

iv. in areas of commercial use, the arrangement of accesses and uses contribute to the vitality of the space onto which they face;

1. any external lighting does not harm the character or appearance of the area;

B: in the Town Centre and Associated Waterfronts:

i. building designs, quay walls, streetscapes and flood defences contribute positively to the urban waterfront character of Poole, having regard to the wider landscapes of Poole Harbour, the Dorset AONB and Holes Bay;

ii. new development on Poole Quay respects the historic environment, reflects traditional plot divisions, retains and enhances historic alleyways and street patterns and, where opportunities exist, provides new alleyways;

iii. proposals demonstrate how they enhance townscape quality, character and vitality of the area;

iv. it assists in reducing the dominance and severance of roads at key locations;

it preserves or enhances Listed Buildings and their settings, Conservation Areas, and features of historical or architectural interest, including views and settings of landmark buildings;

C: in Other Waterfront Areas:

i. it respects the shoreline character of the area, including the wider landscape of Poole Harbour, Poole Bay and the Dorset Area of Natural Beauty;

ii. in the vicinities of Holes Bay, Upton Marsh/Lytchett Bay and Upton Country Park, it does not have a detrimental impact upon the wider landscape character of these areas or the Town Centre;

iii. at Sandbanks, the uniform spacing and height of buildings on the Causeway is not disrupted, and harbour views through building gaps, and the mature wooded character and established beachline on the peninsula are retained;

iv. the setting of the sandspit is not harmed by overly dominant buildings or insensitive designs;

v. the peninsula’s interior and Conservation Area retains its character of predominantly detached houses;

D: Town and Local Centres:

i. it does not undermine the principal retail and community functions or vitality of the centre;

ii. shop fronts, signs and building frontages are high in quality and enhance the character of the centre;

iii. it supports the improvement and enhancement of the local centre by contributing to the delivery of:

a. new, high-quality paving, street furniture and lighting along pedestrian routes and in public squares / spaces;

b. hard and soft landscaping, including tree planting;

c. a reduction in the severance caused by roads in the local centre through the sensitive design of pedestrian crossings, parking areas, railings and other barriers, and traffic management measures;

d. better facilities and/or meeting places for young people;

e. the incorporation of public art as an intrinsic component of environmental enhancements;

E: within or visible from County Landscape Areas:

i. hedgerows and mature trees along roads are retained;

ii. it does not have a detrimental impact upon the County Landscape Areas, having regard to:

a. the coastal setting of Poole Bay Cliffs, Poole Harbour/ Holes Bay and Upton/Lytchett Bay Marsh, and associated distant views;

b. the setting of settlements, Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings within the wider landscape context of North Poole Heath/Farm Fringe, Merley/Canford River Terrace and Lower Stour Valley;

c. the open heathland character of Corfe Hills Heath and Canford Heath;

d. the countryside character of Upton Park and Farmland;

F: for sites containing or adjacent to Trees, Open Spaces and Woodlands:

i. it retains woodlands and mature trees and tree belts, particularly where such trees form a distinctive edge, ridge or canopy or provide an important enclosure for public spaces;

ii. it respects the setting and character of natural areas and viewpoints, including Compton Acres, Luscombe Valley, the Harbour, Poole Bay and Evening Hill;

iii. it does not have a detrimental impact upon the character of parks or other open spaces; and

G: within or adjacent to Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings:

i. it preserves or enhances the character of Conservation Areas and retains important historical or architectural features;

ii. it does not have a detrimental impact upon Listed Buildings, their curtilage or setting within a wider landscape context;

iii. it does not detract from landmark buildings or important views of these.

In those areas subject to significant change, where proposals are likely to change the “sense of place”, regard should be had to their setting and character, and in particular developments should positively reflect the overarching vision for the area. Innovative and high quality design should contribute to a significant enhancement of these areas

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13th APRIL 2011 AT 7.30PM

IN THE MAIN HALL, BRANKSOME ST. ALDHELM’S PARISH CENTRE

PRESENT:

• John Sprackling Chairman
• Stan Alfert Data Protection Officer
• Carol Parkin Secretary
• John Gunton Magazine Editor
• Bob Young Magazine Advertising
• Cllr Mrs Carole Deas Ward Councillor
• Cllr Mrs May Haines ditto
• Cllr Neil Sorton ditto
• Approx 30 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES
JS welcomed Cllrs Mrs Carole Deas & Neil Sorton – Cllr Mrs May Haines would be arriving later . Also, David Baker (Liberal Democrat), Susanna Carvell & Ian Walker, standing as Independent candidates at next month’s Local Election.

Apologies: Apologies received from Keith Alcroft, Chris Stracey, Roy Pointer, Anthony Vickery, Rose Rogers and Ken Sanson, Chairman, Sandbanks Association. Also from the following prospective candidates at next month’s Local Election.
Avril King (UK Independence Party) – Ms King only read her invitation when she arrived home today but unable to attend as she has another residents’ meeting this evening.
Peter Pawlowski (Conservative Party) – Mr Pawlowski sent his apologies as he has a prior engagement, which is a long-standing commitment on his part and he is unable to rearrange it.

Accuracy: JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 09 MARCH 2011.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel sites update: JS reported…
1. Quayside (former Dolphin Quays) developmen t – No new developments
2. Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane (Erect an 80-bed care home) – JS reported that the Council faced a formidable team at last week’s four day Public Inquiry, including a Barrister, Christopher Young of No 5 Chambers, who called five witnesses to give evidence. Mentnor must have spent an absolute fortune on this appeal. At the Inquiry, the Inspector was informed that the appellants only submitted
their evidence to the Council on the Friday before the Inquiry started but she decided that the evidence should stand and that there would be no adjournment for the Council to consider it. This inevitably placed the Council in a difficult position and did not have available someone from Adult Social Services who was able to give evidence. This is ‘bad form’ from the appellant’s side but something that was out of the Council’s control.
3. Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – No new developments
4. Quay Thistle Hotel site – ditto
5. Old Orchard House. 39-61 High Street – ditto
6. Land at West Quay Road (Mixed use regeneration and new public quayside to include; the demolition of a listed gate post and all existing buildings on site; the redevelopment of the site with 440 residential units provided in six apartment blocks with basement parking and courtyard) – ditto.

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:
JS reported that he and his wife had attended the Hearing at Poole Magistrates Court on23/03/11 regarding the damage to four Corsican pines at 147 Banks Road. This case has been adjourned until next Wednesday (20/04/11) when certain other high profile tree cases are due to be heard at the same time. JS encouraged other members to show to the Magistrates that residents fully support Poole’s Planning Enforcement Team in pursuing prosecutions of offenders for the unauthorised felling of trees etc
Victoria Education Centre (St Aldhelms Road entrance) – The school has carried out some suitable planting but nothing else yet
19 Mornish Road (Tree replacement) – This property has been sold ’subject to contract’. The Local Planning Authority has a charge on the property and the Enforcement Officer has asked that the prospective purchaser be advised of the charge and the legal requirement to plant a replacement tree to a specification detailed in the tree replacement notice
17 Over Links Drive (Application to demolish existing and erect 2 detached houses granted on 31/01/08 but number of conditions should have been complied with before this development commenced) The two new buildings design and scale, including height, accord with the approved drawings, although some additional high level sky lights have been added to both and a window in the dormer features added, also at high level. The Enforcement Officer is inviting a minor amendment application for these additional windows Current planning enforcement issues
1 Cliff Drive (Addition of four additional windows where there was one large one before) – revised retrospective application registered on 19/02/11.
2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road (Boundary treatment) – No new developments.
55 Canford Cliffs Road (Removal of the gates, railings, fence and hedge, and the erection of a low stone wall with planting behind) – ditto
Land adj to 20A Chaddesley Glen (Land be reinstated) – No new developments.

Community Working Group (CWG):

Wayne Hancock is the Association’s representative and will be attending the next Community Working Group meeting on Wednesday 4th May. JS invited members to contact WH, if they had any issues that they would like him to take up.

Council Tax 2010/11 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report:

WM reported that the yearend projected underspend was £523,000 and up to 28th February 2011, 85.7% of the budget had been spent. The pressures are still there for future years and there are still quite a few matters outstanding, which have been outstanding for some months.

Poole Partnership – JS reported that at the Cabinet meeting on 16/03/11, Members approved the following allocations from the residual Poole Partnership resources:
(a) £52,800 towards the setting up of a Poole Communities Fund by the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Community Foundation;
(b) £15,000 to set up a separate fund hosted by the Council to support the voluntary and community sector during 2011/12. It is proposed that this be administered through the Council’s Grant Panel process on the advice of officers from Poole Council for Voluntary Service and the Council.

Public Rights of Way:
Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No new developments.
Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto
Bessborough Road – ditto
Footpath 82 Spur – At its Extraordinary General Meeting on 26/03/11, the The Royal Motor Yacht Club members voted overwhelmingly in favour of purchasing the Sandbanks Boatyard and Marina Company for a price up to £1.5m. There is some commercially sensitive ground still to cover before the purchase can be completed, and the representatives of the RMYC will be trying to sort out a number of issues that the SBMC Ltd has with its neighbours.
Possible Charitable Status for Assn:

JS said that Paul Fearnley, the Association’s Hon Treasurer, has recently written to him to say that the registering of the Association as a Charity has been on the rolling agenda for some time. The main advantage in doing so is that we could reclaim the basic rate income tax paid by the donor on all our subscription income. This would increase our revenue significantly. If the Association did this, it would have to have a declaration from each member willing to Gift-Aid the subscriptions. If, as is planned, the Association will be asking members to fill out a new application form and post it to us in the Autumn, it would be very sensible to cover this aspect at the same time. Tony Clayton has offered to help with the Sub-Committee, when this is set up.

Canford Cliffs Play Area/Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden):

WH reported that he had now received the signed and sealed licence from the Borough of Poole. Simon Legg has just returned from holiday and WH will arrange a meeting at the sunken gardens, to discuss responsibilities etc. Then, with the assistance of the Victoria Education Centre, the Association can begin the clearance of the eastern rockery. JS pointed out that this effort is a ‘feather in our cap’ as we are the first Resident’s Assn. to
take on a project involving council land – the sunken garden in Pinecliff Gardens which, at the moment, does not looks particularly attractive. CD interposed at this point and stated that she and WH had been working hard on this with the help of the Victoria Education Centre. Simon. Legg has agreed to try to get some press coverage for this. CD also said that she has been speaking with the officer at the Council dealing with the
Canford Cliffs Play Area and he said that extra money will be available for exercise equipment for adults. She ended by thanking WH for working so hard on this and Daphne Howell, who first mooted the idea.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – JS is pursuing.

Poole Council’s Efficiency Review Programme:

JS said that he had advised MH that he was disappointed that the entry for the Efficiency Review Programme Monitoring report in the Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Plan simply says ”TBA’.

Localism and Decentralisation Bill: The first 17 communities to test neighbourhood planning, a key feature of the Localism Bill, have been named and includes Cerne Abbas.

Hedge at Kenilworth Court –

JS reported that the hedge had been cut back but looked rather unsightly because the hedge on Haven Road now consisted of dead branches.

3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
In the absence of Keith Alcroft, JS reported…
Land at 8 Buccleuch Road (Creation of 1 No. new dwelling with 2 No. off road parking spaces) – Application granted by Planning Committee on 17/03/11, subject to conditions.
7 Ventry Close (Erection of 1no. dwelling and rationalisation of garage accommodation to no 7 Ventry Close) – Application granted by Planning Committee on 17/03/11, subject to Upfront Payment’.
Rear of 16 Haven Road (Demolish existing extension and erect 1 No 2 bed house with associated parking) – Application registered on 16/03/11
47A Lindsay Road (Erection of a Class C2 care home for the elderly with associated car parking) – Application registered on 31/03/11

Other current planning issues
63 Haven Road (Outline application to erect four detached houses with parking/garaging provisions and formation of vehicular accesses (existing dwelling to be demolished)- subject to ‘Written representations’ appeal (APP/Q1255/A/11/2145209). Interested party comments were required by 14/03/11.
8 Shore Road - BPCCRA will continue to monitor possible tree work application. An entrance has been created on the Haven Road side of this property. This property is up for sale at ‘offers’ in excess of £2m.
60A Kings Avenue (Tree Replacement Notices to replant 3 Scots Pines) – Confirmation awaited that the Council’s Arboriculturist visited both 60 and 60a to check tree issues and that letters sent to the owners requesting planting under Treework/Planning conditions.

4. REPORT RE CANFORD CLIFFS & PENN HILL AREA COMMITTEE MEETING -

JS reported that the topics discussed at the meeting included…
· Transportation budget 2011/12
· Planning Obligations (Recreational contributions) update
· Local Development Framework Public Consultations (A few copies of the two
Development Plan Documents were available at the meeting.
A lively discussion also took place about possible increases in admission numbers at Courthill School from September 2013.

5. ACCOUNTS TO DATE –

JS reported that the total funds as at 31st March amounted to £34,684.16

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

BPCCRA AGM on 14/05/11 in Canford Cliffs Village Hall – John Gunton said that he hopes to distribute the Spring Magazine at the beginning of next week. JS has invited Liz Wilkinson, Poole’s Chief Finance Officer, to be the Guest Speaker at the Association’s AGM and is currently awaiting confirmation that she will attend.
24 Ravine Road (Overhang on right hand side of garage is 800mm but should be 200mm) –
Carol Parkin reported that a retrospective Planning Application had been lodged on 24/03/11.
This has been lodged as the house has not been built according to the plans which were
passed and the conditions were not fulfilled.
Presentations by the prospective candidates standing in Canford Cliffs Ward – JS said that each candidates would be allowed to speak for two minutes in order to outline their hopes/aims and that there would be no follow-up questions, although would be an opportunity for members to meet candidates at the end of the meeting, Each candidate was introduced in alphabetical order.
David Baker – Liberal Democrat.
David began saying that he joined the Liberal Democrats as he thought they offered the fairest view towards people and people are what he is interested in. He is a member of BPCCRA and Chairman of one of the blocks of flats in the ward. He has served as a Councillor on Essex County Council for four years, prior to moving here. He is concerned that Poole Council are cutting services to both young and old, and wishes to ensure that residents’ money is spent wisely.
Susanna Carvell – Independent
After introducing herself, Susanna went on to say that just over one year ago she attended a Planning committee meeting. The application was refused by a margin of one vote, due to Carole Deas’ presentation, her hard work and commitment. She now supports Carole and that is why she is standing as an Independent candidate. She cares about people and seeks to change the climate at the Town Hall.
Carole Deas – Independent
Carole said that, although she is a Conservative, she is standing as an Independent candidate and has represented the Ward for the last eight years. She is particularly keen on Planning, especially in the Ward as she believes this is one of the nicest areas in Poole. She believes that the Planning Department have let down the residents of this Ward, and we have seen many applications which should never have happened. Precedents have been set and she has been fighting very hard to stop this from happening in the future. She would like change now and appeals for votes for the Independent candidates and promises that they will not let
us down.
May Haines – Conservative
May began by thanking the Chairman and members for giving her the opportunity to address the meeting. Since being elected in 2007 she has worked very closely with this Association and others dealing with local authority matters. A survey sent out last year to residents showed that the top issues concerning people were litter, dog fouling, speeding, congestion
and parking. Planning remains a major issue and she works with the Associations to resist any inappropriate planning. She pointed out that she has experience of this. She seeks to retain weekly black bin collections, as bi-weekly collections or less which some areas have are not popular. To sum up she said that she, Neil Sorton and Peter Pawowski are the Conservative team for this Ward and she would like the support of the residents.
Neil Sorton – Conservative
Neil introduced himself saying that he had been a Canford Cliffs Ward Councillor since 1999. Over the years he has acquired a deep knowledge of the problems and aspirations of the Ward. Last year he took over responsibility for Housing and Leisure, which includes open spaces and beaches and being a Ward Councillor he takes a special interest in this. He went on to say that his first priority is to keep down the level of Council Tax. Along with Councillor Haines he has an excellent record for attending Council meetings, Residents’ meetings and other groups such as Neighbourhood Watch. He has a large case load, much of which relates to Planning which he knows is of great interest and concern to residents. He points out that ultimately Poole’s planners are not masters in their own house as planning refusal by the council can be overturned by government appointed Planning Inspectors. He ended by saying that he and his fellow Conservative Ward Councillors will continue to endeavour to solve the problems in the Ward such as speeding, traffic congestion and anti-social behaviour, while seeking to protect front-line services, and he asks for support for himself, May Haines and Peter Palowski.
Ian Walker – Independent
Ian began by saying that he was very pleased to be able to address the meeting directly and to tell us the reason he is standing as an Independent candidate. As a resident for many years, he has become increasingly concerned about the grotesque over-development of our area. He accepts that this is a very beautiful place to live and that there is a need for additional housing stock, but finds it totally unacceptable that quality housing is being
demolished to allow for the building of hideous properties and blocks of flats which are out of character with the area. He finds it difficult to reconcile Poole Council’s policy of using resources carefully with the demolition of houses that are less than 10 years old. He went on to say that, whilst he welcomes the Localism Bill, he is concerned that more power will be given to a small elite of Councillors who have served far too long. He ended by showing the residents a flyer for an Open Day for a block of four flats built in-between two houses. He said that this is happening all the time and we must put a stop to it.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.45 pm.

Date of next Meeting: AGM on Saturday 14th May 2011 in Canford Cliffs Village Hall at 10.30am

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9th    MARCH 2011 AT 7.30PM

IN THE MAIN HALL, BRANKSOME ST. ALDHELM’S PARISH CENTRE

PRESENT:

• John Sprackling Chairman
• Keith Alcroft Planning OFficer
• Stan Alfert Data Protection Officer
• Carol Parkin Secretary
• Cllr Mrs May Haines Ward Councillor
• Cllr Neil Sorton ditto
• Approx 15 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES

JS welcomed Cllrs Mrs Haines and Neil Sorton and those present.
Apologies: Apologies received from Terry Stewart & Wayne Hancock who are attending the Community Working Group AGM, Michael Bond, Bob & Phyllis Young, William Mutlow & Ken Sanson, Chairman, Sandbanks Assn.
Accuracy: JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the    JS meeting held on 09 FEBRUARY 2011.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel sites update: JS reported…
1.    Quayside (former Dolphin Quays) development – No new developments

2.    Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane – ditto.

3.    Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto

4.    Quay Thistle Hotel site – ditto

5.    Old Orchard House. 39-61 High Street – The 3rd installment of the Employment Contribution of £150,000 which was due on 01/01/11 is outstanding.
Chairman’s note: The applicant has approached the Council requesting to vary the phased payment schedule, in light of the economic climate. The Local Planning Authority is currently considering the request, but to date no decision has been made.

6.    Land at West Quay Road (Mixed use regeneration and new public quayside to include; the demolition of a listed gate post and all existing buildings on site; the redevelopment of the site with 440 residential units provided in six apartment blocks with basement parking and courtyard) – The Agents have asked for an extension of the determination period until 31/07/11.

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:
JS reported…

Current planning enforcement issues

Victoria Education Centre (St Aldhelms Road entrance) – There are a number of contraventions which should be addressed

1 Cliff Drive (Addition of four additional windows where there was one large one before) revised retrospective application registered on 19/02/11.

2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road (Boundary treatment) – An Enforcement Order is to be issued shortly.

19 Mornish Road (Tree replacement) – No new developments.

55 Canford Cliffs Road (Removal of the gates, railings, fence and hedge, and the erection of a low stone wall with planting behind) – ditto

24 Ravine Road (Overhang on right hand side of garage is 800mm but should be 200mm) – ditto

Land adj to 20A Chaddesley Glen (Land be reinstated) -

Community Working Group (CWG): JS said that he will circulate the Minutes of the CWG meeting on 26/01/11 with the Minutes of this meeting.

Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: Martin Heath attended the Public Exhibition – Poole Bay, Poole Harbour and Wareham Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy.

MH reported that the exhibition was very interesting, describing the flooding problems That are likely to occur in the future due to climate change if nothing is done to protect the coastline. No specific strategies were described, although from conversations it would seem that more rock groynes might the most effective solution. Information from the exhibition is available on the Environment Agency website at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/121331.aspx

Council Tax 2010/11 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report: JS reported that Liz Wilkinson, the Council’s Chief Financial Officer, had given a presentation to the Southern Poole Chairmens’ Liaison Group at its meeting on Monday and JS said that he would include Terry Stewart’s note on this in the Minutes.

•    To understand the Council’s financial position, Liz recommended:

•    Budget Paper: Financial Strategy for Council.

•    Budget Book: Detailed Budget by Department.

•    Transparency Website: for details on what has been spent.

•    Virement is a transfer of budgeted money between Departments or Cost Centres. Above £25,000 needs Portfolio Holder approval.

•    Above £500,000 needs full Council approval.

•    Her role involves looking after the fiduciary interests of both current and future taxpayers. Responsible for Risk Management.

•    Section 114 responsibility : stops Council doing anything illegal.

•    Guardian & conscience of the Council, limiting illegal activity.

•    She personally appointed Sir Michael Pitt, after only 2 weeks in post. Meeting told her that not all Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations implemented :

•    Cabinet Member still sitting as substitutes on Planning Committee.

•    Need for change in Planning Committee Chairman.

•    Councillors not “re-doubling efforts” to communicate.

•    Objective of 2011-2 Budget to protect front line services, mostly achieved.

•    168 full time equivalent posts to be reduced – only about 30 forced redundancies.

•    Finance Dept. lost 7.8 posts. Govt. has demanded the end of School Advisers. Poole Partnership – There was no report on Monday’s State of the Area Debate (an annual meeting of the Council jointly organised with Poole Partnership) as this clashed with the Southern Poole Chairmens’ Liaison Group meeting.

Roland Cunnell felt that funding should be provided by the Council to promote enterprise and tourism, which will benefit the area. NS pointed out that a fair amount is being done at the moment and it is estimated that Tourism creates about 5,000 jobs in hotels, restaurants, pubs etc., and produces about £200m to the local economy.

Poole Partnership

There was no report on Monday’s State of the Area Debate (an annual meeting of the Council jointly organised with Poole Partnership) as this clashed with the Southern Poole Chairmens’ Liaison Group meeting.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No new developments.

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

Footpath 82 Spur – JS is informed that Sandbanks Boatyard & Marina Co. Ltd. did appeal against the Definitive Modification Order to add Footpath 82 Spur prior to the deadline on 26/11/10. The Sandbanks Assn were not informed of this.
Chairman’s note: The Royal Motor Yacht Club are holding an Extraordinary General Meeting on 26/03/11 to discuss a proposal to buy Sandbanks Boatyard & Marina facilities

Possible Charitable Status for Assn: JS has still to set up a small Sub-Committee to  look at this.

Canford Cliffs Play Area/Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden): JS reported that the draft licence agreement in connection with the Sunken garden has been returned to the    JS/WH Council with the Assn’s corrections and comments.
3.8.2 of the Licence requires the Assn to provide Public Liability cover against loss damage or injury to persons or the property of any person arising out of or in connection with the Agreement for a sum of not less than £5m. To move things along, JS said that he had sent an e-mail to join the BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) so that the Assn can take advantage of the Zurich insurance scheme which provides the necessary cover. This will cost £191.76, including the membership fee of £35. The application has been processed it and the Assn’s insurance started on Friday 4th March.
SA raised the question of the wording of the Policy being checked to make sure it is suitable. Will the Council be checking it?    JS will ask the Council for confirmation that the Policy is suitable for our needs.
Chairman’s Note: The Head of Leisure Services has agreed to the Daily Echo reporting and photographing the signing of the lease, the first in Poole.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – JS is pursuing.

Poole Council’s Efficiency Review Programme: JS said that Liz Wilkinson, Poole’s chief Finance Officer is responsible for this and it is hoped that Members will be up-dated    MH about this at the next Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting on 07/04/11.

Localism and Decentralisation Bill: JS reported that a number of changes are being    JS/TS made to the Bill as it works its way through Parliament.

3.    NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

JS reported that Keith Alcroft had, once again, not been contacted about any planning  application during the course of the month.
Land at 8 Buccleuch Road (Creation of 1 No. new dwelling with 2 No. off road parking    All spaces) – To be determined by the Planning Committee at its meeting on 17/03/11. The officer’s recommendation is to ‘Grant subject to Upfront Payment’.

7 Ventry Close (Erection of 1no. dwelling and rationalisation of garage accommodation to no 7 Ventry Close) – To be determined by the Planning Committee at its meeting on 17/03/11. The officer’s recommendation is to ‘Grant subject to conditions’.
The debate about 3 Maxwell Road (Demolish existing building and erect 1 pair of semi- detached 4 bed houses) rumbles on. The Minutes of the Planning Committee meeting on 20/01/11 do not refer to any reasons for overturning the officer’s decision being agreed before the vote. According to Poole Council’s Constitution the correct procedure, which should have been followed, is as follows
“Where a Committee indicates that it intends to make a decision which is contrary to an Officer recommendation, clear, precise and convincing reasons for doing so must be set out in advance of a decision being taken, and a detailed minute of the decision, incorporating these reasons subsequently placed on the application file’.
However, at the Southern Poole Chairmens’ Liaison Group meeting on Monday, members present were advised that the Canford Cliffs Land Society have decided not to pursue the complaint about the decision re 3 Maxwell Road. JS didn’t make a note of what was said but the gist of it was that the Society have taken legal opinion and, whilst the Planning Committee’s decision may be unsafe, there are insufficient grounds to pursue this through the Court.

17 Over Links Drive (Application to demolish existing and erect 2 detached houses granted on 31/01/08 but number of conditions should have been complied with before this development commenced)

Roland Cunnell asked had there been any developments, i.e. conditions being compliedwith before the development commenced, as no conditions had been complied with and the development has already been built.    The two houses that have been built have an extra floor. Nobody from the Council appears to have taken any action regarding these contraventions and RC asks how has this been allowed to happen?    JS said that this was a matter for one the Penn Hill Ward Councillors that he would contact Cllr Ron Parker saying that this matter had been raised at our meeting. The site also falls within the area covered by Dorset Lake Residents’ Assn.

3 Eaton Road (Tree works application to fell mature trees) – Mr and Mrs Hairsine of 10 Ormonde Road sought the Assn’s support in opposing this application and MH reported that this application had been refused.

Other current planning issues

63 Haven Road (Outline application to erect four detached houses with parking/garaging provisions and formation of vehicular accesses (existing dwelling to be demolished)- subject to ‘Written representations’ appeal (APP/Q1255/A/11/2145209). Interested party comments were required by 14/03/11.

8 Shore Road – BPCCRA will continue to monitor possible tree work application.    An entrance has been created on the Haven Road side of this property. This property is up for sale at ‘offers’ in excess of £2m.

60A Kings Avenue (Tree Replacement Notices to replant 3 Scots Pines) – Confirmation awaited that the Council’s Arboriculturist visited both 60 and 60a to check tree issues and that letters sent to the owners requesting planting under Treework/Planning conditions.

6.    ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JS reported that the total funds as at 31st February amounted to £34,529.09
S8.    ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Ralph Dymond – JS said that he was sorry to report that Mr Dymond, who was Chairman of the Assn from (?)1993 until May 1996, passed away on 21/02/11. Mr Dymond was previously Hon Sec.
SA said that he remembers Mr. Dymond well and, in fact, once he was no longer Chairman of the Association he regularly attended the AGM.

Hedge at Kenilworth Court – MH reported that she has not been able to get hold of the Officer dealing with this. She drives past Kenilworth each week and reports that nothing has yet happened regarding the hedge.

BPCCRA AGM on 14/05/11 in Canford Cliffs Village Hall – It is planned that the Spring Magazine will be available for collection on 14/15th April, John Gunton would like to have copy for the magazine by Friday 18th March at the very latest.
JS has invited Liz Wilkinson, Poole’s Chief Finance Officer, to be the Assn’s Guest Speaker at our AGM to give a talk about the areas of uncertainty and risk which are likely to add further pressures into the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan from 2012/13 onwards.
Roy Pointer suggests that she addresses the cuts that the council has faced and explains what the impact is on various areas.

Next Tuesday’s Health & Social Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting – JS said that Members of the Committee are to receive a verbal report on the NHS changes.
One of the Assn’s members feels that, with all the changes in NHS services to its patients in the pipeline, our elected representatives are being inadequately appraised of the changes and wonders if the Assn is of the same opinion about the tabling of verbal reports on such important matters. JS said that he had, subsequently, received a note from Cllr Charles Meachin saying that he is “on the case”.

Car Parking Charges – John Defty pointed out that car parking charges around the harbour appear to have been increased to £1.50/hour which he feels is fleecing the tourists to the area. He went on to say that there had been a Government instruction(?) that on-street car parking charges were not to be generated for revenue, and asked MH to comment on this matter. MH replied that she has no personal experience of this as she does not sit on the Transportation Advisory Group and it something she will have to look into, but at this point she has nothing to comment.    She pointed out that the proposed introduction of parking meters on the Sandbanks peninsula had not gone through.
JS suggested sending a note to Cllr Ron Parker who is the Cabinet Member responsible for Transportation Services about the increase in charges of on-street parking saying that concerns had been expressed at our meeting that these charges may have a detrimental effect on our tourist industry.
Roy Pointer refutes that this will be so. SA thinks that the car parking charges are levied at the rate that the Council feels the market will bear, and feels that tourists should make a contribution for using the facilities which we, in the form of Council Tax, pay for.
It was agreed that the Assn ask Liz Wilkinson to address the subject of car parking charges at our AGM.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.40pm.

Date of next Meeting: Wednesday 13th April 2011 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9th    FEBRUARY 2011 AT 7.30PM

IN THE MAIN HALL, BRANKSOME ST. ALDHELM’S PARISH CENTRE

PRESENT:

• John Sprackling Chairman
• Wayne Hancock Vice-Chairman
• Keith Alcroft Planning Officer
• Stan Alfert Data Protection Officer
• Bob Young Magazine Advertising
• Carol Parkin Secretary
• Cllr Mrs Carole Deas Ward Councillor
• Cllr Neil Sorton ditto
• Ken Sanson Chairman, Sandbanks Assn
• Approx 20 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES

JS welcomed Cllrs Mrs Deas & Mr Sorton, Mr. Ken Sanson and those present.
Apologies: Apologies received from Cllr Mrs May Haines, Mr. Terry Stewart & Mrs Daphne Howell
Accuracy: JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 12 JANUARY 2011.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel sites update: JS reported…

1.    Quayside (former Dolphin Quays) development – No new developments

2.    Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane – The Planning Inquiry to decide on the appeal by Metnor (Sopers Lane Ltd) into the refusal of the Borough of Poole to allow an 80-bed care home to be built on this site will take place on 05/04/11 at the Civic Centre at 10am and is expected to last for three days.

3.    Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – No new developments

4.    Quay Thistle Hotel site – ditto

5.    Old Orchard House. 39-61 High Street – ditto

6.    Land at West Quay Road (Mixed use regeneration and new public quayside to include; the demolition of a listed gate post and all existing buildings on site; the redevelopment of the site with 440 residential units provided in six apartment blocks with basement parking and courtyard) – No new developments

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

JS reported…

1 Cliff Drive (Addition of four additional windows where there was one large one before) retrospective application refused on 14/01/11.

2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road (Boundary treatment) –An Enforcement Order is to be issued shortly.

Other current planning enforcement issues

17 Over Links Drive (Application to demolish existing and erect 2 detached houses granted on 31/01/08 but number of conditions should have been complied with before this development commenced) – No new developments.

19 Mornish Road (Tree replacement) – ditto

55 Canford Cliffs Road (Removal of the gates, railings, fence and hedge, and the erection of a low stone wall with planting behind) – ditto

24 Ravine Road (Overhang on right hand side of garage is 800mm but should be 200mm) – Retrospective application refused on 26/10/10. A revised application, for the whole development as it is being constructed with the over-hang, but requiring a detailed arboricultural impact assessment on the trees be included was requested on 29/12/10.

Land adj to 20A Chaddesley Glen (Land be reinstated) -

Community Working Group (CWG): JS reported that he had attended the CWG meeting on 26/01/11 and the Agenda included…

•    Membership of the group – This is to be decided at the Annual Meeting on Wed 9th March 2011, Conference Room, Civic Centre 6pm. WH will attend this meeting.

•    Prosecutions – There may be more news to report shortly •    Public Art – A report is to be presented at the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 29/03/11. JS said that, if anyone was interested, he can providea copy of the draft report.

•    External decoration/design to properties in Conservation Areas – This related to shops in the High Street and an Article 4 Directive is being considered JS will circulate the Minutes when these are available.

Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: This item is to be deleted from the Agenda until there is something new to report.

Council Tax 2010/11 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report: WM reported on the Council Budget Monitoring (1 April 2010 – 31 December 2010)
The Council are in the process of identifying savings and a lot of information has recently been released. Based on its projections at the end of December, the Council expect an underspend as at 31st March 2011 of £523,000. However, there are several claims which may impact on this. There will be pressure from potential additional costs for Adult Social Care and there are extraordinary costs in the planned reorganisation of the Council which will include a large amount for redundancy. There will also be possible additional costs of £410,000 per annum for the Pension Scheme. There are still substantial savings which need to be made as there is a budgeted deficit for 2012/13 and 2013/14 and possibly thereafter. The bottom line is that, although there will be no increase in Council Tax for the forthcoming year, 2011/12, there may be increase for 2012/13
RP asked if there were any analysis carried out as to the age of people made redundant as this has a bearing on the costs. Neither JS nor NS know the answer to this.
WM pointed out that there are other major pressures which will impact on a balanced budget in future years.

Poole Partnership: – JS said that he would be attending the State of the Area Debate (an annual meeting of the Council jointly organised with Poole Partnership) on 07/03/11 to “continue to build on the discussions”, following ‘A Partnership Response to the cuts in Poole’ meeting on the 24/11/10.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No new developments.

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

Footpath 82 Spur –Sandbanks Boatyard & Marina Co. Ltd. did not appeal against the Definitive Modification Order to add Footpath 82 Spur. Further developments are awaited

Possible Charitable Status for Assn: JS has still to set up a small Sub-Committee to look at this.

Canford Cliffs Play Area/Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden): JS reported that WH had written to Legal & Democratic Services confirming the Assn’s agreement to the heads of terms.

The Assn’s proposal is to maintain the eastern and western rockeries, together with the eastern and western sunken gardens.
Once the agreement has been formalised, work will commence on the eastern rockery, which will be cleared and replanted with alpine and rockery plants, then progress to the western rockery, following completion of which a plan will be designed for the sunken gardens.

CD reported that the Council are hoping to formalise the agreement by the end of February and that the project is gathering momentum.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – JS is pursuing.

Poole Council’s Efficiency Review Programme: The Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2011/12 to 2013/14 presented at last night’s Cabinet meeting referred to “delivering targeted savings totalling £5.385m in new savings and efficiencies in support of the MTFP” with £560k of one-off funding set aside to support the Programme and no proposals to increase this further during 2011/12.
JS said that he will include the calculation of the £5.385m in the Minutes but there appears to be no Action Plan with timelines to achieve these savings. He has written to Cllr Mrs Haines about this in her capacity as Chairman of the Council Efficiency & Effectiveness Overview & Scrutiny Committee

Efficiency Review Project

Agreed savings target
£’000
ICT Print Strategy
240
Facilities Management
290
Procurement
2000
Admin Accommodation
250
Revenues & Benefits
255
Customer Transport
200
Staff Training & Development
250
Employee costs
1000
Income Generation
600
Street Scene
300
Total
5385
• • •

Localism and Decentralisation Bill:

JS said that a plain English guide describing the main measures of the Localism Bill under the following four headings has been published.

new freedoms and flexibilities for local government new rights and powers for communities and individuals reform to make the planning system more democratic and more effective reform to ensure that decisions about housing are taken locally
This runs to 21 pages and is available via the Dept. for Communities & Local Government website

<http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/localismplainenglishguide>

3.    NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

JS reported that Keith Alcroft had, once again, not been contacted about any planning application during the course of the month.
JS had been contacted today about 63 Haven Road (Outline application to erect four detached houses with parking/garaging provisions and formation of vehicular accesses (existing dwelling to be demolished)- subject to ‘Written representations’ appeal (APP/Q1255/A/11/2145209). Interested party comments required by 14/03/11. The Canford Cliffs Land Society do not want to see the houses as they would have an access onto Bessborough Road which we see to be undesirable. The flats we can live with as there are flats all the way down Haven Road now, but at least the garden space at the rear would be retained.
3 Maxwell Road (Demolish existing building and erect 1 pair of semi-detached 4 bed houses) – Officer’s recommendation to refuse over-turned by Planning Committee at their meeting on 20/01/11.

Martin Heath informed the meeting that he had been tracking this planning application and was surprised at the Planning Committee’s decision to grant. He described the sequence of events and some of the issues of the case.    These included the Red Carding procedure where a resident who is aware that the Planning Officer is likely to recommend a refusal, asks a Councillor for the application to go to the Planning Committee, the length of the consultation period and whether the Committee were swayed by the Agent’s exaggerated claim of neighbour support.    He also noted that no reason for the decision, which was contrary to the Case Officer’s recommendation, is recorded in the meeting minutes.
After MH’s report, there was some discussion on ‘red carding’ and the Ward Councillors present gave their opinions.
It was suggested that these issues be raised at the next meeting of the Community Working Group.

Other current planning issues

Land at 8 Buccleuch Road (Creation of 1 No. new dwelling with 2 No. off road parking spaces) Cllr Sorton has red-carded this application, if the planning officer is not minded to refuse this.

7 Ventry Close (Erection of 1no. dwelling and rationalisation of garage accommodation to no 7 Ventry Close) – Application registered on 15/10/10. Revised site location plan lodged on 03/12/10. Cllr Sorton has red-carded this application, if the planning officer is not minded to refuse this.

8 Shore Road – BPCCRA will continue to monitor possible tree work application.    An entrance has been created on the Haven Road side of this property. This property is up for sale at ‘offers’ in excess of £2m.

60A Kings Avenue (Tree Replacement Notices to replant 3 Scots Pines) – Confirmation awaited that the Council’s Arboriculturist visited both 60 and 60a to check tree issues and that letters sent to the owners requesting planting under Treework/Planning conditions.

4.    REPORT RE CANFORD CLIFFS & PENN HILL AREA COMMITTEE MEETING (26/01/11)

The meeting included a presentation about the Canford Cliffs Play Area and a lively discussion on the proposals to install parking meters on the Sandbanks Peninsula. MH reports that the Sandbanks parking meter proposal will not be progressed at the present time.
William Mutlow added that there had been a debate about the effectiveness of the Area Committee. WM said that the change in the composition of the Area Committees in 2003 had not proved to be a good idea as decisions about matters in Parkstone Ward were now decided by Members for Newtown Ward, whereas these were more likely to affect residents in Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Wards. He cited the recent discussion about the Sandbanks Road railway bridge.
Chairman’s Note: The Forward Plan for the Council Efficiency And Effectiveness Overview And Scrutiny Committee says “Review of Area Committees – to be programmed into the Forward Plan for Spring 2011 as this will be a resource intensive exercise”.

5.    REPORT RE MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION    ACTION AND COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, FOLLOWED BY INFORMAL MEETING WITH   RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES (28/01/11)

JS said that Terry Stewart had written a comprehensive report on this meeting and he would include this in the Minutes – see below
NS was expressed disappointment that no representatives from Commerce & Industry attended the meeting and JS said that TS had also commented on the very poor attendance – out of the 40 some Residents’ and Community Associations in Poole, there were only 12 residents in attendance.
Note provided by TS of presentations by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Ms Elaine Atkinson & the Chief Financial Officer, Liz Wilkinson. Mrs Wilkinson’s additions to TS notes are shown in italics
1. Financial Cuts
•    Required cuts to Council Budgets because of Government cuts ; 2011-2: £15m.2012-3: £8m. 2013-4: £10m. These were the figures as quoted on the slide included in the presentation. I noted in my presentation however, that on-going work on the Budget since the presentation had originally been prepared, meant that the forecast resourcing gap up to 2013/14 had been reduced to £13m overall – of which £4.5 in now forecast in 2012/13 and £8.5m in 2013/14 as the 2011/12 now balances to nil – these are the figures reported in the Budget report to Cabinet next week.
•    If cuts were to come solely from job reduction this would mean 370 post reductions.
•    But with good planning there will be about 50 compulsory redundancies and about 40 voluntary ones. The latest advice from the Head of HR as of Tuesday this week is that a total of 162 FTE posts are expected to be made redundant from the Council’s staffing establishment. These will be achieved through the deletion of vacant posts, not replacing staff due to retire, voluntary and compulsory redundancies. The maximum number of people expected to be made redundant on a compulsory basis is 50.
•    There is a cut of 55% in the capital budget. Not quite – I made reference to the size of the cuts made to certain capital grants in the settlement – I think I made reference as an example to the 55% cut made in capital grants to schools as reported to Children’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee in the last few days by the responsible officers. The distinction is important because whilst capital grants are an important funding stream that the Council relies on to support its capital programme, they do not constitute the whole of the capital programme (as it is also funded from other sources too i.e. revenue contributions, capital receipts etc.
•    This will mean a reorganisation of Council Departments. Only 7% cut in grants to voluntary bodies. Average of 7% in respect of the Communities portfolio area.
•    No introduction of fortnightly bin collections.
•    No closure of libraries, but some opening hours reduced and some staff reductions.
•    Continual downsizing of Council Departments, reduction of posts.
•    Bournemouth is outsourcing most of their admin costs, but Poole is not convinced.
•    Considering joint operation for services with Bournemouth, implemented Adult Teaching.

•    Council Gross Revenue Budget = £330 million, but if school expenditure is excluded 2011-2 Budget is £98 million. Not quite right. I said the Gross revenues Budget in 2010/11 was approx. £330m (including schools). The Net Budget Requirement for the Council in 2010/11 was £98m. The Net Budget requirement is the composite amount of general formula grant and monies to be levied from local Council Tax to achieve a balanced budget (having first deducted specific grants funded nationally – which includes things like direct schools grant and housing benefits payments). The Gross Budget figure is more relevant therefore in discussing the relative size/activity of a Council. The Net Budget requirement figure however is needed to calculate the rate of local Council Tax (i.e. service costs not otherwise funded by specific grant, local fees    and income or by general formula grant).
•    Council rents will increase 6.34%, but this is set by Government.

•    Wage increase on April 1: 0%. This is the assumption made in the Budget proposed for Cabinet consideration next week.
•    Reserves will be reduced to £5.9 million at April 1, 2011. Final figure proposed is £5.96m for 11/12
•    Beach hut and parking charges increased substantially, additional parking meters installed such as all Sandbanks Roads.
•    2011-2 Council contribution for staff pensions will be 17.5%. 17.6% Increased to 18% 18.1% in 2012-3.
•    Poole pensions are part of the Dorset County Pension Fund which is 80% funded (unlike central Government civil servants which are unfunded,i.e. current central pensions are paid for from current pension contributions. With longer living there is a MASSIVE pension liability.)
•    The average pension that a Poole employee receives is only £4,000 per year. I said that Lord Hutton’s initial conclusions were that public sector pensions were not ‘gold plated’ and that the average public sector pension was according to his report, £4k. I did comment that clearly the pensions of some individuals who earn considerably more than the average employee would be in receipt of larger pensions as Lord Hutton’s figures are based on national averages.
2. Problems
The main cause of future financial pressures :
(a) Major future demographic increase in age 65+ and 85+.
(b) Increased birth rate by Poole residents, needing additional school places.
Apparently Poole currently has a low inward migration rate.
But with the planned 10,000 additional households in Poole this will mean population increases.
(c) Poole has a Government grant £155 per head less than Bournemouth. £164 less than the average for all unitary authorities and £151 less than Bournemouth.
(d) Most Councils have 50% of their revenue from Government grants, for Poole it is only 33%, so Council taxpayers have to make higher contribution. Final figures now determined for central: local funding shows that
•    Unitary average 48:52
•    Poole 30:70

3. Future Action

• Draft Budget to Cabinet: Feb. 8.
• Council approves final Budget: March 1.
• Government wants zero tax increase, so like to give a 2.5% extra grant if this is implemented.
• Police & Fire Service have yet to agree their precepts, Government pressure for zero increase.
• Department Heads have to propose 2012-3 spend by June. Next budget round for 2012/13 will start in earnest across Service Units from June onwards with SUHs being required to begin working up proposals for 2012/13 budget purposes and next year’s re-fresh of the MTFP.

6. REPORT RE WORKSHOP EVENT RE TRANSPARENCY WEBSITE (28/01/11)

WH reported on the Workshop which had been held to show us how to use the transparency page on the BoP website. This is about 4 weeks behind the current date and amongst other things shows the Council expenditure over £500 – each month a new monthly section will be shown.
This data is also available on a page showing the date over a 12 month period. This is useful as it allows the user to compare the BoP data with any one of the 70 or so other local authorities using this system.

7.    ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JS reported that the total funds as at 31st January amounted to £33,203.72

8.    ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Hedge at Kenilworth Court – MH reports that work was due to commence yesterday, though she has not had a chance to go by to inspect as yet. The Highway’s enforcement officer is keeping a close eye on this issue.

Vera Solomon – Geoff Solomon, a former Vice-Chairman (1996-1999) and Chairman (1999) of the Assn, telephoned this morning to say that his wife, Vera, had recently passed away and it was likely that he would be moving away from the area. A new Road Warden will be needed for Potters Way.

Data Protection Officer – JS reported that Stan Alfert will be stepping down as Data Protection Officer at the next AGM. JS said that he was, naturally, sorry about this but did understand his reasons, particularly as he had been looking after the Membership database for the last 15/20 years.
SA has kindly offered to print off 2 copies of the Wardens lists as at 31 Dec for Michael Bond within the next couple of months and also the Wardens’ labels, as this will give us a ‘breathing space’ to consider the way forward.

Date of next Meeting: Wednesday 9th March 2011 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s    All Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)