Tag Archives: BPCCRA

Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs & District December Agenda

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Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs & District Residents’ Association Founded 1958

AGENDA

 

For meeting at St Aldhelms Meeting Room, Wednesday 13th December 2017 at 7.30pm

(access via Lindsay Road)

 

  1. Welcome and Apologies.
  2. Minutes of November meeting.
  3. Matters Arising.
  4. Beach Road Car Park.
  5. Dangerous footpaths
  6. Planning Applications.
  7. Accounts to date.
  8. AOB.

 

 

The meeting will be followed by Seasonal Refreshments and everyone

 

is invited to stay on for this.

 

Mobile 07531357938          Landline 01202 761380

Web: pinesandchines.co.uk          email bob.reid.BPCCRA@gmail.com

 

ROBERT REID

Minutes of May Meeting and Agenda for June 2017 – Branksome Park Canford Cliffs Residents Association

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Minutes of monthly meeting held Wednesday May 10, 2017,at 19.30 at St.Aldhelms Lounge meeting room

PRESENT             

Bob Reid              Chairman
Carol Parkin        Secretary/Minutes Secretary
Mike Parkin        Membership Secretary
Tracy Holmes     Planning Officer

APOLOGIES                      

Apologies were received from Roger Allen, John Gunton,  Paul Fearnley, Cllr. Mohan Iyengar,  Cllr. May Haines, who said she would be a little late.  Dawn Goodson.
There were 15 Wardens/members also present.

The Chairman welcomed those present and was pleased to see some new members.

MINUTES OF THE MARCH 2017 MEETING

The minutes of the last monthly meeting were accepted as a correct record.

MATTERS ARISING

The AGM which was held in April was well attended.  Refreshments were provided by Tesco.
The format of having more speakers who gave shorter talks, with no Q & A as they were available after the meeting during refreshments for any questions, was welcomed.  The principal speaker was going to talk about the plans for Haven Road in Canford Cliffs Village, but she was unable to attend at the last minute.

Closing public toilets in Poole

Although the public toilets in our area have not been closed there has been strong local feeling
regarding this issue.  There has also been national media attention.  One of the main reasons for the local objection to this Council plan, is that it will have a negative effect on tourism.  There will be no public toilet facility at the Sandbanks ferry area nor in Baiter park.  Stan Alfert feels that if there is no action or comment by the Council it should be recorded that there was adverse publicity as a result of these toilets closing.  At this point Cllr. May Haines joined the meeting.  She told the meeting that  a Press Release will be issued by the Council in the next two days.  She went on to say that there have been positive talks between the Council and local businesses in keeping some sort of facility open.  It was decided to leave things at the moment until the Council’s press release was examined.

JS asked if the Council were ‘in purdah’ on the subject of the closure of toilets, and Cllr MH replied that they were not, as far as she is aware.  Dougald Eadie asked if closing the toilets meant a saving of £100K why could the residents not pay for it, as this is a relatively small amount of money in the grand scheme.  It was pointed out that most of the  money used would be for servicing the toilets each year.  SA suggested that there could be a charge for the use of the toilet, in order to pay for themselves.  A member said that the Branksome Woods Tennis Club’s lease requires them to provide toilet facilities.  There is no notice there, nor is it on the BoP website.  Cllr. MH recognised this and replied that the website needs updating.  A member asked if the toilets could not be supported by local businesses, giving them publicity.  The Chair replied that this, and asking sports clubs, is the sort of thing that is being investigated at the moment.

Beach Road Car Park

This was discussed at the AGM in April.  There were over 100 people in attendance, and of these about 80% thought there should be no building at all on the car park and about 16% thought it would be acceptable to develop part of the car park  but some of those thought it should community based building.

Roy Pointer noted that the road parking in Western Road for portions of both sides had been signed off by the Portfolio Holder.
RP reported that AGM vote on the future of Beach Road car park had been taken from the 125 members present as follows:
Retain and improve the car park – 85, develop the car park – 16 of which 6 recommended community use.  The result meant that the Association would seek to convince the Council that the car park not be developed.

Following concern from members that the Covenants to Beach Road car park be enforced to prevent development, Cllr Iyengar had agreed that we should meet with legal and other officers at the Council; we were looking to set that up shortly.    We would also be representing in the Local Plan process that the car park (Site A11) be removed from the Plan prior to its adoption for recommendation to the Secretary of State.

Man in the Woods

Cllr. MH reported that the camp in the woods is no longer there. JS suggested that the Council remove some of the undergrowth which ought to help for the future.  Cllr. MH said that she would put this request to the Council.  JS reported that the car with no MOT certificate is still there.  Cllr. MH said that this is a police matter.

RECENT CAR CRIME/BURGLARY

The Chairman reported that there had been a spate of car crime and attempted burglaries around the Tower Road area.  This is a warning to residents not to leave their cars unlocked.

Pinecliff Gardens, Canford Cliffs Library

Pinecliff Gardens is now up and running again after the winter break, and there are new volunteers.
We have spent money on tools, which are now stored in the Library Store.  The Chairman appealed for new volunteers to help with gardening on a Thursday morning when the main group meets, or a Tuesday when some people are there.  Any help would be very welcome.

Our Planning Officer, Tracy Holmes, stepped down at the AGM, but she has prepared the
Applications which have come through since then.

PLANNING REPORTS

4 Brackenhill                      Demolish existing house and garage and construct two semi detached
Dwellings.   There have been 11 letters of objection.

12 De Mauley Road         Demolish existing semi detached dwellings and erect two replacement
Detached houses.  No overall objections by residents.

14 Pinewood Road          Partial demolition of building and construction of two-storey rear
Extention to convert to 6 apartments and semi detached houses.
There have been continued objections to the scheme and amended
Site plans have been submitted.

Decisions

5/7 Chaddesley                Demolition of existing buildings and construction of two blocks of
Glen                                      four apartments.
Grant

4 St.Clair Road                   Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of four bedroom
Replacement dwelling.
Grant

11 Martello Road             Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 3-storey block of
South                                    9 flats.
Neighbourhood opposition to the scheme.
Grant

10 Nairn Road                    Demolition of existing dwelling and construct two replacement
Dwellings.
Some objection letters received
Grant

ACCOUNTS

We still have £31,580.
There will be some expenditure for Pinecliffe Gardens.  The budget for this year has not yet been set.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Chairman reported that he gets a lot of letters and e mails about the Haven Hotel and the plans for Sandbanks.  As this is not in our area the Chairman is reluctant to ‘step on the toes’ of another Association.  SA feels that although this is not our area, the Association should express firm views that these plans are not acceptable.

There was much discussion on this – traffic problems, Poole’s amount of tourism trade with a loss of Hotel beds etc. Mr. Eadie pointed out that it was a difficult problem for the owner, as he maintains the hotel is no longer viable.   Cllr. MH said that there was no net loss of hotel beds because of the way the application had been worded.  She also thinks that this application will not be decided quickly as there are many factors involved.
JS said that a lady in Sandbanks is setting up an action group to fight this application, with the help of lawyers from London.  JS wonders whether we should have a representative at their meetings.
It was suggested that we offer our support to the Sandbanks Residents’ Association and perhaps invite Ken Sanson along to our next meeting to talk about these plans and what sort of help he requires.  Any resident can oppose the plans if they wish.

As there was no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.30.

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 14, 2017 

Agenda for June 14th 2017 at 7.30 pm.
To be held in the Lounge meeting room of St. Aldhelms Church (accessed from Lindsay Road).

Welcome and apologies.
Minutes of the meeting on the 10th May 2017.
Matters arising
Planning Officer
Planning List
Tesco in Canford Cliffs
Licenced event on Canford Cliffs beach.
Haven Hotel
Accounts
A.O.B.
Our next meeting will be on 12th July 2017

Minutes of March – Branksome Park Canford Cliffs and District Residents’ Association

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Minutes of monthly meeting held Wednesday March 8, 2017, at 19.30

PRESENT                              Terry Stewart                    President
Bob Reid                              Chairman
Carol Parkin                        Secretary/Minutes Secretary

Cllr. May Haines and approximately 30 wardens and members.

APOLOGIES                       Cllr. Mohan Iyengar, Mike Parkin, John Gunton, Paul Fearnley, Roger Alan, Dawn Goodson, Alan and Libby Bentall, Ken Sanson, Tracy Holmes.

The Chairman welcomed those present and was pleased to see some new members.

MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 2017 MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a correct record.

MATTERS ARISING

Parking Charges Update
RP reminded members that the Association had objected strongly to the full metering plan on the grounds that:

  1. It had been overwhelmingly rejected by residents.
  2. No evidence of congestion had been offered by the Council
  3. No complaints of lack of parking or congestion had been received by the Council.
  4. No regard had been given by the Council to the availability of off-road parking ie Beach Road car park.
  5. The scheme was to cater in part for the 25 years Beach Development Plan and was therefore premature.

The Council had now reduced the impact of the Branksome Park/Canford Cliffs portion down to the East and West sides of Western Road.  Following the advertised Traffic Order to which we had also objected, metering of the East side of Western Road, adjacent to Beach Road car park had been agreed on Monday March 6.  Proposals to meter the West side of Western Road had been withdrawn to enable a new Order to be advertised for a reduced length between Pinecliff Road Junction and the Southern boundary of No. 9 Western Road, to which we also object.

RP will now discuss the possibility of requesting a formal review of the Council’s decision with the Executive, and remind the Council that we shall still object to any metering on the West side of Western Road, even for the reduced length now proposed.

Closure of Public Toilets
The Chairman attended a call-in meeting. There was quite strong opposition to closing the toilets, especially in Baiter Park but despite this the decision was that the toilets would be mothballed.  John Sprackling commented that the closure of the toilets at the ferry to Studland was very important as during the summer when there are long queues for the ferry there will be no provision for a public toilet.   There was discussion about the various ways community toilets could operate, but generally this is not finding favour with Traders, with some places even having notices that their toilet facilities are for customers only.
There was a question as to exactly how much money was being saved in the council budget by closing toilets.  Cllr MH pointed out that as well as the maintenance costs to the Council, some toilets would need upgrading. TS suggested that CIL money could be made available for this.
Cllr Haines assured the meeting that all options were being looked at and suggestions would be welcome.

Beach Road Car Park Update.

RP reminded members that at the presentation to the meeting in December there were mixed views from the members as to the desirability of the Council developing the car park and he had reported accordingly to the Council in response to the consultation.  It would be helpful for the Association to give the Executive a more definite view and he hoped that there may be time to take soundings at the forthcoming AGM.  In this way the Council would be of no doubt as to the views of the members on the future of the car park, in the context of the review of the Local Plan due for consultation this year.
Tony Beale is currently researching old covenants on this area.  He is ill at the moment and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Canford Cliffs Beach Shelter.

The Council plan is to turn this into a cafeteria/restaurant with extra beach huts built above it, and to demolish the current ice cream kiosk.  At our last meeting there was a question as to whether the Council had made a business plan.  When this was enquired into, the Council replied that a Business Plan is not needed to submit a planning application.  Cllr MH had no knowledge of this.  The meeting is questioning whether this plan is viable.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

5 Ormond Road                Planning Application for alterations and extensions to convert existing house
Into 4 ‘Cluster Houses’ with new vehicular access, parking and bin storage.
There is a lot of neighbourhood opposition to this.
Nick Robinson, from 11 Chester Road gave the meeting his objections to this plan.  He currently lives in a flat which has been converted very sympathetically with the area.  This Application would massively affect the street scene and undermine the integrity of the area.  ‘Cluster Houses’ is a euphemism for flats.  The adjacent houses have already disclosed that they intend to convert and extend the properties into more ‘cluster houses’.
This would mean more traffic with all the attendant risks.  Mr. Robinson feels that the Council should apply ‘Affordable housing’ in a responsible way.
If the planning application for 5 Ormond Road is passed it will set a precedent.  He feels that Poole Council displays a lack of responsibility by not maintaining this area in a sympathetic way; litter, fly tipping etc., and that this area needs to be preserved.  He encourages everybody to look at these issues – Mr. Robinson’s e mail address can be obtained from the Chairman.
Cllr MH said that she agreed with everything that has been said and was originally responsible for having this area designated a Conservation Area.
She will have very strong views to put forward to the Planning Committee.
She advised Mr. Robinson on the best way to put his objections to the Planning Committee.
There was general discussion on the Planning that has been allowed by Poole Council.

4 Brackenhill                      Demolish existing house and garage.  Construct two semi-detached houses.  Eleven letters of objection have been received.

10 Nairn Road                    Demolish existing dwelling and construct two replacement dwelling.  Some objection letters have been received.

11 Martello Rd. South    Demolish existing dwelling and erect three storey block of nine flats.  There is neighbourhood opposition to this scheme.

12 DeMauley Road          Demolish existing semi-detached dwellings and erect two replacement detached dwellings.

14 Pinewood Road          Partial demolition of building and construction of two-storey rear extension to convert to six apartments, and semi-detached house.  Continued submissions objecting to this scheme.  Amended site plans submitted.

Decisions.
6 Newton Road                Demolition of existing building and construction of two semi-detached dwellings.
This has been Granted.

ACCOUNTS

There is currently a sum of £32,467 in the account.
The Chairman was pleased to report that the funds raised from advertising in the Spring
Magazine almost covers the cost of production of the magazine.  Roger Allan, who is responsible for
advertising in the magazine had reported that this is going extremely well.
Copies of last month’s accounts are available if anyone wished to take a copy.

CANFORD CLIFFS COLLECTIVE MEETING

The Chairman reported that he attended a meeting last night of the Canford Cliffs Collective
Group. This has been set up to improve the appearance of Haven Road through the Village.
Carol Parkin also attended the meeting as she currently lives in Canford Cliffs.  She reported that
Steph Stevenson who owns the hairdressers, HNB, on Haven Road is leading this group.  Steph has
quite a few ideas to invigorate Haven Road.
These include       Holding a yearly festival – Oyster and Champagne, in September, to be organised
by a company who run all kinds of festivals all over England.
Flag poles for the walls of shops where Christmas trees, flags etc. can be displayed.
Heritage Lighting installed.
Ornamental pear trees provided to shops and business to display in tubs outside
their premises.
A defibrillator could be installed in say the Post Office area.

Funds raised from the festival would be used to improve the appearance of Haven.
This should increase footfall.

All these ideas were agreed in principle.

There was an idea to have a website, but this was shelved for the time being and  social media could be used to promote the village.

The Chairman was asked a question as to the current situation of Tesco moving into the empty shops in Haven Road.  At the Collective meeting, Matthew Robson from Poole Council had said that he expected a Planning Application to be put in imminently by Tesco.  The Chairman expected that when Tesco move into Canford Cliffs they will inject money into helping improve Haven Road.

There is a rumour that Tesco on Sandbanks will close, and if this is the case, it could be that trade in Canford Cliffs increases.

There was discussion on parking in Canford Cliffs.

TS asked Cllr MH what the Council intend for the use of Section 106 money that is still outstanding.
Cllr Haines replied that she would make enquiries.

Steph Stevenson will give a short presentation on the plans for Haven Road at our AGM in April, and it is hoped that Matt Robson and Adrian Trevett from Poole Council will come along too.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Nick Robinson asked Cllr MH for a contact at Poole Council to contact in relation to Fly Tipping.
Cllr MH supplied this.

JS asked about ‘the man in the woods’.  This man appears to be living in a den in the wood.  Cllr MH will report this to the Council.

There will be no monthly meeting in April as our AGM will be held Saturday 22nd  April.

The meeting closed at 8.45 pm

BPCCRA Meeting Agenda – March 8th

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Agenda for March 8th 2017 at 7.30 pm.
To be held in the Lounge meeting room of St. Aldhelms Church (accessed from Lindsay Road).

 

  1. Welcome and apologies.
  2. Minutes of the meeting on the 8th February 2017.
  3. Matters arising
  4. Update on Parking charges and parking meters.
  5. Closing of the public toilets
  6. Beach road car park update on consultation.
  7. Canford Cliffs Beach Shelter result of enquiries.
  8. Other Planning reports
  9. Accounts
  10. Canford Cliffs Co-operative meetings.
  11. A.O.B

Minutes of February Meeting

The Next Meeting will be our AGM the 22nd April in Canford Cliffs’ Village Hall at 10.30 am.
There will be a presentation and refreshments afterwards.

Minutes of February Meeting – Branksome Park and Canford Cliffs District Residents Association

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Minutes of monthly meeting held Wednesday February 8, 2017,at 19.30

at St Aldhelms Church Lindsay Road in the Lounge Meeting Room.

PRESENT                             

Terry Stewart                    President
Bob Reid                         Chairman

Roger Allen                     Vice Chairman

Carol Parkin                        Secretary/Minutes Secretary

Tracy Holmes                     Planning Officer

Cllr. Mohan Iyengar and approximately 25 wardens and members.
APOLOGIES                       Cllr. May Haines, Mike Parkin, John Gunton, Paul Fearnley, Dawn Goodson, David Mauleverer, Charles Boyle, Linda Brook, Martin Heath, Christine Blake, Julie Reid.

The Chairman extended a welcome to those present.

Minutes of the January meeting
The Chairman pointed out that Cllr. May Haines had emailed that it was not just the Civic Centre reception area which was planned to be refurbished, but the whole Customer Services reception, of which 77% of customers surveyed had said was not fit for purpose.  Since the last meeting the whole scheme has been scaled back, and we shall be looking at the new scheme.

With this correction, the minutes of the January meeting were approved.

Matters arising
Apart from the above amendment there was no other matters arising

Parking Charges.

The Chairman gave the latest update on the raising of parking charges.

The feedback has not just been from residents, but also from traders who will be affected by these charges and fear that they will lose trade.  Saying this, the Chairman went on to say that he felt the Council were not going to go back on this decision.  JS pointed out that this had been approved at last night’s Cabinet Meeting.   TS said that the charges most affecting our area are the increases to the fees charged at the car parks in Canford Cliffs and Pen Hill which have doubled.

RP commented on the other issue affecting our area – namely the proposal to install parking meters at the bottom end of Western Road.  There was a proposal by the Council, last year, to install numerous parking meters in our area, and this has now been scaled back to the area between Martello and Pinecliff Road.   RP feels that if parking meters are installed in this area, it could open the floodgates and parking meters will be installed in the other areas which were originally proposed.  This is the main reason the Assn. will object to this proposal.  The first area of objection will be the Consultation.  The second will be that the Council have stated that it will relieve congestion.  The Assn. does not feel that there has been any congestion in this area and it is not sufficient grounds for installing parking meters.  The third is that the reason for installing meters is when there is no off-road parking in the area.  As there is a car park close to this area, it is not felt that this is sufficient grounds for parking meters.  The last reason for objecting is that the Council are proposing to allow for possible congestion when the whole beach area has been redeveloped, and the Assn. does not believe that they can quantify this need at the present.
The members present showed their support of this objection by a show of hands.

Beach Road Car Park

The Council’s proposal is to sell half of Beach Road Car Park for development, and this will put extra pressure on on-road parking – namely Western Road.
When Nick Perrins, from the Council, presented the Council’s proposals for Beach Road Car Park at our December meeting, the views of those present were not overwhelmingly against this proposal.
There are a number of covenants on this land, and one from 1931 states that nothing should happen that could cause annoyance or disturbance to neighbouring residents.  This may be a reason that could be used to restrict the proposal, although it is rather vague.
Once again the issue of the signage for Beach Road car park was raised.
RP says that we ought to get a feeling for the issue of what will happen to Beach Road Car Park at our AGM in April.
There was a show of hands of those objecting to selling off part of Beach Road Car Park for development (i.e. Flats). There were eight votes objecting to selling off for development of flats.
Next there was a show of hands of those objecting to selling off part of the Car Park for a Council-run resource such as a nursing home.  There were no objections to this suggestion.
RP has suggested this to the council.
RA suggested that a care home may not be viable in the light of the number of closures of care homes across the country, and indeed in our area.
Mike Wrigley asked why, Dorset council had the amount of a reported £330M sitting in reserve as reported in the Echo, this was deemed ‘untouchable’.  JS commented that there is a sum of £6M of un-earmarked reserves, the rest is earmarked. He has a breakdown of the whole £68M.

Closure of Public Toilets

The Chairman asked if our Assn. should be objecting to the closure of public toilets as most are no in our area.  There was a general opinion at the meeting that we should be, if only as residents of Poole.  The most important closures are those at the Ferry and those in Baiter Park.
There was much discussion on this matter.  One member pointed out that as we are a tourist area, there ought to be adequate provision for visitors.  RA suggested that the toilets on the green in Ashley Cross could be re-developed as a café, with a proviso that they maintain toilets for public use. This is something he has seen in practice in other areas.

Planning Applications
4 Brackenhill                      A further application to demolish existing dwelling and erect semi detached house.  One objection has been received.

10 Nairn Road                    Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of two replacement dwellings.  Letters of objection received.

11 Martello Road South                         Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of three-storey block of nine flats.

8 Dornie Road                    Demolition of existing dwelling and erecting two houses. Neighbours are objecting to this scheme.

2 Dornie Road                    Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two houses with garaging.  Currently this scheme is supported by neighbours.

12 De Mauley Road         Demolish existing semi-detached dwellings and erect two houses with garaging.  Currently there are no objections.

6 Newton Road                 Demolition of existing building and erect semi-detached dwellings.   Continued neighbourhood objections.

14 Pinewood Road          Partial demolition of building and construction of two-storey rear extension to convert to six apartments and semi-detached house.
Continued objections to scheme as the extension is considerably larger to that originally proposed. This property is no longer being used as an HMO.

12 Pinewood Road          The Chairman has seen a very strange bin store which can be seen from the road.  This is a conservation area.  The original plan was to have the bin store somewhere else, but it was moved and an amended plan was put in.  This was unnoticed by the Council and the Chairman believes there Is going to be a review of this.
Decisions.
1 Beaumont Road            Demolition of existing building and construction of three detached houses. Grant
11 Leicester Road             Erect two four bedroom detached houses.  Grant
A member brought up the subject of ‘land banking’.
TS replied that the Government is now proposing that if Planning Permission has been given and building has not begun after two years the Planning Permission will be withdrawn.  He believes that there are eight brown field sites in Poole that do not have any Planning Permission and currently there is nothing that can be done about this, as the Council do not have sufficient funds to carry out compulsory purchase.

Canford Cliffs Promenade Shelter
This is currently being used by the beach lifeguards as a store.  Behind this shelter are public toilets and to one side is a beach café/kiosk.  It is proposed that this is developed as a restaurant, extra beach huts are built on top and the kiosk is demolished.
The Chairman asked for comments on this plan.
The first comment was that the only access to this site was down a chine (which isn’t lit) and there is no car parking.
RP asked if a financial plan has been carried out by the Council to ascertain that this is viable.  RA asked who would carry out the development; the Council or a developer?
TS proposed that the Council be asked formally for their financial analysis of all the building costs and revenue to see if this is viable.
JS said that he would send a copy of the minutes of the Beach Hut Association’s AGM to the Chairman in order that he can see exactly what is proposed for the beach area. For instance, the promenade will be closed between Canford Cliffs and Flaghead Chines from September 4, 2017, whilst the work is being carried out.
Accounts
The Chairman and Vice Chairman had a meeting with the Treasurer and have made some proposals for next year’s budget to be agreed by the Executive and agreed at the AGM. The annual accounts are ready to be signed off.

Any other business
The Chairman explained that he had been invited to meetings with Mandy Payne from the council who set up meetings with residents and traders to improve Canford Cliffs Village Some positive ideas have been put forward at the meetings which are now carrying on since MP left the council.
Tesco are putting in plans for the four empty shops and will be moving in when planning goes through.  At our AGM we shall have a presentation from Steph Stevenson from HNB the hairdressers in Canford Cliffs who is involved in the working party.    RA suggested that BPCCRA could give a donation to the Traders to help with any plans they have.

The Chairman reminded the meeting that the Neighbourhood Watch AGM will be held on Saturday February 11, at Canford Cliffs Village Hall.
Planning Enforcement
JS reported that the Council proposes to save money by merging Planning Enforcement with the Enforcement sections of Environmental & Consumer Protection Services & Transportation Services.
Planning Enforcement is not a Statutory requirement but Poole has a dedicated Planning Enforcement team which was formed just over 10 years ago, and a Planning Enforcement policy. JS proposed a resolution that members do not wish to see any further diminution of the Planning Enforcement team.  This was unanimously approved by a show of hands.

Spring Magazine
The deadline for the Spring Magazine is the first week of March, and copy for the advertising the end of the first week of March.

RA reported that advertising for the magazine is sold out and income from the advertising is £2,000 for the Spring Magazine.  It is hoped that Tesco will take up advertising in the future.

NHS
TS appealed to members to respond to the reorganisation of Dorset NHS which has some worrying features, such as the closing of the Poole Hospital A & E, stroke and heart attack units, and moving them to Bournemouth Hospital.
Please see the website  www.dorsetsvision.nhs.uk or e mail to ask for copies of the brochure involve@dorsetccg.nhs.uk or telephone 01202 541946.
The deadline for response to the Consultation is February 28, 2017.
The number of mental health beds at St. Anne’s Hospital, Canford Cliffs is increased from 67 to 94.
TS’s main concern is whether there is adequate funding for the Dorset changes, considering the current crisis in the NHS.

Fly Tipping
Jan Wilde wished to point out that the McCarthy & Stone site on Tower Road is now being used for fly tipping, since the hoardings blocking the site have disintegrated with time.  The Chairman said that he would contact McCarthy & Stone to let them know and ask if it is their responsibility or the Council.

The meeting closed at 8.40pm.​

Minutes of January Meeting – Branksome Park and Canford Cliffs District Residents Association

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Minutes of the monthly meeting held on Wednesday 11th January 2017 at 7.30 pm.

Present Roger Allen (RA)              Vice Chair

Terry Stewart (TS)                           President

May Haines (MH)                     Ward Councillor, Deputy Leader Conservative Group

Mohan Iyengar (MI)                  Ward Councillor, Conservative

10 Wardens and Members

Welcome and Apologies

Bob Reid Chair, Carol Parkin Secretary and minute secretary, Mike Parkin membership secretary, Paul FernleyTreasurer, John Gunton magazine editor,
ChrisStracey, Tracy Holmes, Martin Heath Julie Reid.

Roger Allen opened the meeting at 7.30 as Chair and Minute Secretary combined.

Minutes of the meeting 14th Dec 2016

The Chair explained that the Secretary Carol Parkin was unwell and hadn’t been able to write up the minutes as normal. Bob Reid had prepared the shortened version that was presented to members for approval. Terry Stewart proposed their adoption which received unanimous support.

Matters arising
Parking issues were to the fore and in effectthe discussions moved straight onto item 4 on the January agenda.

Item 4: On Road parking charges, latest update, raising parking charges
MH didn’t have the information as what the rise in parking charges would be but confirmed that BOP will be conducting a benchmarking exercise with other authorities.
TS said it was unfortunate that the detail was only notified three days before and that all traders were objecting. TS went on to say that town centres are facing big challenges with business retail shops closing and more charity shops opening. We have a marketing team to promote the town centre and raising car park charges is counterproductive to their work.
MI said that the decline of Poole town centre goes back many years with contributory factors being high rents and the rail line which crosses the pedestrian thoroughfare. He pointed out that BOP is investing £3.5 million and Legal & General’s contribution brings the total investment up to £10 million. This represents a huge investment and BOP has to balance the books.
StanAlfert (SA) asked if the new charges would be higher than Bournemouth. MH replied that the benchmark exercise would determine this. She went on to say that BOP would be funding the repairs to address the structural problems of the car park over WH Smith. SA expressed concern that if parking fees are raised to high there could be an actual loss of revenue as well as a negative impact on the businesses.
TS identified that parking fees in district car parks are doubling. TS said that he would conduct a research study and produce a matrix of current car parking fees against proposed increases.
MH and MI made the case strongly that BOP is facing a funding crisis. RA suggested that BOP could put forward a matrix for increases in community charge against services that would be saved etc. and then go out for a referendum. MH said that research shows the likely result would be a no to any increases above the cap and that the cost of a referendum at £120.000 is not affordable.

Item 5: Planning

Unfortunately our Planning Officer Tracy Holmes was out of commission after a riding accident, notwithstanding she kindly emailed a list of planning applications for discussion. RA read through the list many of which were new applications and some refusals. Please see Tracy’s Planning List which is a separate document attached.
The discussion centred on The HMO saga on Pinewood Road. The HMO is now closed. The owners have dropped plans to build a nursing home changing back to a block of flats and that application has now been changed to a bigger block of flats.
MH confirmed that she is monitoring the situation.
SA has concerns over the seemingly never ending situation at 4 Bracken Hill with applications for a larger house being refused and then going to appeal again and so on. The residents of Bracken Hill, some of which are members would like to see the RA backing a continual refusal of these out of character house designs.

Paul Fernley will be asked to check our memberships along Bracken Hill.
John Sprackling (JS) referred to the application at 8 Martello South where the
Planning Committee overturned an officer recommendation. JS and TS separately said that the committee overturns officer recommendations for refusal quite often and in so doing totally ignores the BOP Core Strategy. JS agreed that he would review the history of officer recommendations being overturned by committee. SA said that this part of the world appeared to overturn more decisions than was the norm.

Items 6 & 7 Plans for the Civic Centre reception and the closure of public toilets
These two items were discussed at the same time as the public and the press have linked the cost of remodelling the reception with the savings to be gained by closing public toilets.
MH opened the discussion by saying that there is no statutory requirement for BOP to provide public toilets at all. Her view is that the Civic Centre reception and cash office are very dated. There are issues around client confidentiality which would be improved if there were private interview facilities. And that advances in technology mean that a cash machine could be installed to receive payments and for those troubled by using such a machine help and support would be on hand. The saving from installing a cash machine would be in staff costs, and that redundancy costs had been factored into the calculations. The cost of for the work would be £216,000 of which £150,000 would come from existing budgets. The cost of maintaining the toilets earmarked for closure would be £72,000 and it wouldn’t stop there. The toilets in question are old and out of date and would in reality require capital investment to keep them going as well as scheduled maintenance. MH referred to the “Pay Back” of the costs for the reception project which would come in over a number of years.
RA asked if the project had actually been approved in principle, how the socalled “Pay Back” works as there isn’t actually an income stream being invested in and just because there is spare money in a budget shouldn’t mean it has to be spent on a project given the dire financial situation. MH replied that the pay back would be a result of savings on staff wages, and held to her position on the need for remodelling the reception justified the spend from existing budgets.
SA said that if the pay back was being calculated over a number of years and the building did become redundant in the relatively near future then the figures cannot be justified. The membership generally remained very circumspect over the perceived pay back. Roy Pointer confirmed his doubts over the pay back notion too and asked MH through the chair why they were intending to spend this money given the challenging financial situation if as the plan for conurbation develops the Civic Centre might well cease to be. MH stuck to her position that the reception is outdated and the work is essential.
In simple terms the general view at the meeting was that it’s not whether in an ideal world the changes that MH envisages should be carried out. Rather that the project should be delayed in the face of the move to form a conurbation which our council has now voted for. Following what had become an impasse between our Ward Councillor and the members.
Stan Alfet proposed a resolution as follows.
Discretionary expense that is not essential in the light of forthcoming prospects for change should be deferred for two years until we know more about future arrangements concerning the conurbation to bring Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch together and how this may affect Poole Civic Centre.
The proposal was seconded by Roy Pointer and carried with a unanimous vote in support.
It was agreed that TS would distribute the details of our resolution the following day.
SA asked for our disappointment over the closure of the public toilets to be
recorded. SA asked why BOP couldn’t look at the continental model for public toilets where prefabricated toilet pods are placed into public areas with a charge levied for use. RP mentioned that Wessex water have toilet schemes. RA said that in some areas toilet blocks have been sold for development as bars or cafes on the agreement that the operators will provide a public toilet.
MI said that he would he would follow up with BOP to explore business and
commercial opportunities with council WC’s. MH said that vandals inhibit
development of public toilets. SA said we should explore commercial options and not let vandals win the day.

Item 8: Beach Road car park
RP said that the date for submissions had been extended and he is crafting a
response accordingly. It was felt that the RA should be seen to be active where such a large project is being considered.
Item 9: Accounts
Copies of the 2016 accounts had been circulated. RA said that a late payment for advertising was now in which would bring the magazine within budget. The overall position remained much the same. It was mentioned that Sundries and Meeting costs were well over budget but other headings were either spot on or under.
It was suggested that the budget for 2017 should be reviewed to take account of the reality of sundries and that the budget needs to include likely costs for ad hoc meetings required during the progress of our various campaigns. RA said he would liaise with the Treasurer in this regard. RA thanked the Treasurer for his work.

AOB
TS referred to the report that made the claim that there had been a powerful
response to the consultation regarding the merger of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch and asked MH if a response of 3% could be considered as such. MH responded that the data against norms suggest the response was good and there was little adverse comment. RP by 31.01.17 all nine Dorset Councils will have voted on their various plans for amalgamations.
Mike Wrigley asked a question of MH as to where he can find information on
regeneration projects.
Before closing the meeting RA thanked our Ward Councillors for attending and paid particular tribute to May Haines who had come under fire somewhat but had held her ground and made many valuable points. RA said that we all very much appreciate her hard work and dedication as a councillor.

The meeting closed at 8.45pm

Roger Allen
BPCCRA Vice Chair
13th January 2017

Agenda for Monthly Meeting 11 Jan 17

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Agenda

For Monthly Meeting 11 January 2017 at 7.30p.m. in the Lounge, rear of St. Aldhelm’s Parish Church (access via Lindsay Road)

 

  1. Welcome and Apologies.
  2. Minutes of meeting 14 December 2016.
  3. Matters arising.
  4. On Road Parking Charges, latest update. Raising parking charges.
  5. Planning issues.
  6. Proposed Plans for the Civic Centre Reception.
  7. Closing Public Toilets.
  8. Beach Road Car Park.
  10. O.B

The next meeting will be on the 5th February 2017

Minutes of Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs & District Residents Association Nov 2016

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Minutes of monthly meeting held Wednesday November 9, 2016 at 19.30

PRESENT                              Bob Reid                              Chairman

Roger Allen                         Vice Chairman

Carol Parkin                        Secretary/Minutes Secretary

Mike Parkin                        Membership Secretary

Tracy Holmes                     Planning Officer

Cllr. May Haines and approximately 30 wardens and members.

 APOLOGIES                       Terry Stewart, Mohan Iyengar, John Gunton, Paul Fearnley, Dawn Goodson

Christine Blake, Julie Reid.

The Chairman extended a welcome to those present.

 

MINUTES OF OCTOBER 2016 MEETING

The minutes of the meeting held in October were accepted as a correct record.

Methods of sending out minutes to members were discussed.

 

MATTERS ARISING

Our Steering Committee are keeping a close eye on this even though nothing is happening at present.

Roy Pointer (RP) asked if Cllr. Haines could give him advance warning of Council intentions in order that there is time to make representation.  Cllr. Haines responded that she is not in a position now to confirm which Council meeting will be dealing with an alternative plan.

 

NEW MAGAZINE

The Chairman (BR) reported that he feels the new magazine was a success and that he has had a great deal of positive feedback.  He thanked Roger Allen for his work on procuring the advertising, John Gunton, the Editor and the wardens for their work in distributing the magazine which is co-ordinated by John Sprackling.  There was a box of magazines available for attendees at the meeting to take if they wished.   The Vice Chairman, Roger Alan (RA) reported that the new magazine had cost no more to print than the old black and white one, due to changing printer.

RP suggested printing stick on labels for the front of the spare magazines with an invitation to join our organisation, and distributing these in areas under threat from the proposed parking schemes, as this might encourage people to support our cause.  Various methods of encouraging new members through the distribution of the magazine were discussed.  Mike Parkin (MP) suggested a label on a magazine addressed to the Chairman of the board of a block of flats who are not block members asking if the board could consider block membership, as there are some 80 blocks of flats in our area who are not members.  He asked that any ideas for blocks of flats be addressed to him as Membership Secretary.  John Morison said that a decision was taken by the board of the flats he lives in to pay for block membership from their service charges as they feel this is important.

RA suggested that MP could approach the Managing Agents of flats in our area who take out advertisements in the magazines, suggesting that if they can introduce new members they can have a free page of editorial in the magazine.

PLANNING ISSUES

3 Beaumont Road.   Demolish Existing house and build two dwellings – granted.

The Gatehouse, 6 Tower Road West.  Use of gatehouse as self-contained accommodation –  refused.

5/7 Chaddesley Glen.  Demolition of existing buildings and construct two blocks of four apartments

Brought to the Committee with the recommendation to refuse; the committee granted permission.

14 Chester Road.  Erection of a side extension.  An appeal has been lodged.

30 Tower Road.  Outline application for 12 flats.  This has not yet been decided.

15B Bury Road.  Tree works appeal.  A split decision. Tracy Holmes, planning officer, explained that some trees are to come down and others still protected.

2 Western Avenue.  Erection of a garden Room.  Grant with conditions.

14 Pinewood Road.    Permission has been granted for a block of flats and the application for an HMO has been withdrawn.  RR wrote to Stephen Thorn (Head of Planning) to ask why it had taken so long for the application for an HMO had been removed as this property has been used as an HMO for some three months without permission.  BR read the answering letter from Stephen Thorne.

It explained that as the application was incomplete it took a long time to get the Applicant to comply and then it was Red Carded by Cllr. May Haines so had to go to a decision before which it was withdrawn.

Cllr Haines denied that her ‘red carding’ this application had delayed matters.  Christine Norman pointed out that this application had only been withdrawn once the application to build flats had been granted, and that the building is still being operated as an HMO.  Cllr Haines said that as soon as she knew that the application for an HMO had been withdrawn, she asked the Enforcement Officers to pursue this as the use as an HMO should cease.  In the Light of what Christine Norman reported, Cllr Haines will follow this up.

John Sprackling asked if Chris Stracey could ask the ABI to check the insurance for this building.  Christine Norman also asked if there could be a check on whether the correct Council Tax for this building was paid.  JS said that this was being investigated.  Roger Alan asked if there is a safety issue here. Roy Pointer suggested a Freedom of Information Request to check the history of this Application. There was more discussion on why the Council has not enforced that the operation of 14 Pinewood Road as an HMO should cease as to operate it as an HMO is, allegedly, illegal.  Once again Cllr. Haines said that she would follow this up.

Martello Lodge, Martello Park.  Change of height – grant with conditions.

24 Ormonde Road.  Loft Conversion to First Floor Flat – grant with conditions.

38A The Avenue.  Demolish existing dwelling and erect five houses –  Appeal has been allowed.

5 Ormonde Road.  CLOPUD application to confirm works were lawfully commenced – appeal allowed.

4 Brackenhill.  Demolish existing dwelling and erect two houses –  Appeal dismissed.

46/48 Tower Road.  Erection of 28 retirement properties not yet decided.  McCarthy Stone have now put in formal planning for the retirement flats

BR feels that there are adequate parking spaces for these flats, despite concerns.

Land by 8 Martello Road South

Erection of a block of flats –  granted

1 Beaumont Road –  A resident pointed out that despite the efforts of Alex Roden, she has just had the result of the Judicial Review, and it had gone against her.

 

RESIDENTS’ PARKING SCHEME

RA summarised the latest discussions on this for Cllr Haines, who was not present at our last meeting.  After a meeting between RA, BR and Steve Dean of Poole Council the Association was told that a Residents’ Parking Scheme is not Government Policy, not local policy and there is no funding available to re-introduce it.  As things, have moved on since the scheme was introduced and two of the ‘problem’ roads opted not to join it, the roads have now become a car park for LV Insurance as parking at their site is no longer sufficient.  RA asked Cllr Haines if Cllrs have the option of a ‘Notice of Motion’.  Cllr. Haines replied that there is no option with that name, but there are similar options available.  As the Association, has done all that it can on this question, RA asked if there were something that could be done by our elected Councillors.  May replied that there was, and the options had all been explored by Cllr Iyengar and we are still on ‘a merry go round’.  She went on to say that there was going to be a review of all parking in Poole and wondered if this question could be raised then.   It appears that all possible has been done by both our Association and the Councillors.

Neil Denning said that a parking review of our area was promised by the Councillors in 2014 but this was never carried out.  There is a question of congestion, emergency vehicle access, obstruction, and Mr. Denning thinks that it must be possible for something to be done to alleviate this – yellow lines?  White lines?  Cllr. Haines said that she would refer the problem to Cllr Iyengar again.

Chris Stracy pointed out that there are similar problems in Whitecliffe and he feels the main reason for these problems is just that there are too many cars.  MP asks why can the Council not alleviate the problem by painting parking bays on these roads.

 

ACCOUNTS TO DATE

At the end of October, the Accounts showed £31,918.  BR pointed out that this figure includes most of the revenue from advertising in the latest magazine, but not the cost of printing.  Copies of the accounts were available at the meeting.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

George Perrins of Canford Cliffs Land Society (CCLS) had asked BR if the Association would consider increasing the amount of the donation by the Assn. to CCLS for the lights in Canford Cliffs Village this Christmas, as the lights are going to be vastly improved and will therefore cost CCLS more than in previous years i.e. £8,000 rather than £5,000.  The Treasurer had informed BR that £750 was the Assn’s usual donation and he had already budgeted that amount for this year.  There was a lot of discussion on this; the main objection being that the Traders in Haven Road should increase their donations, if in fact they donate at all.

SA (Stan Alfert) proposed that a donation of £750 be given and this was seconded by Roy Pointer.

TH (Tracy Holmes) proposed that a donation of £1,000 be given. This was seconded by CP (Carol Parkin).

There was more discussion.

SA pointed out once again that he had proposed a motion and this had still not been done.

There was still more discussion on the rules of the Assn.

BR said that he would put the rules of the Assn. about spending money on the Agenda for our next meeting, and if any member is unhappy with the way things are dealt with now, they can come along to the meeting.

It was eventually decided to hold a vote of the members present as to whether the Assn. donated £750 or £1000 to CCLS to help with the cost of the Christmas Lights in Canford Cliffs Village.

BR asked for a show of hands to vote for donating £750.  13 members were in favour of this and 1 member voted against.

BR then asked for a show of hands to vote for increasing the donation to £1,000.

6 members were in favour.

It was therefore agreed that an amount of £750 would be donated to CCLS.

John Sprackling asked Cllr Haines when the Council were going to introduce a charge £300 for memorial benches, and when was this approved.  Cllr. Haines was unable to answer this question and she said that she would find out.

BR informed the meeting that the Council had discovered that the foundations to the promenade are not adequate for their plans to build more beach huts by building a second storey to the existing beach huts.  This will be discussed more fully at our next meeting.

JS said that the Association usually sent three representatives to the meeting of Residents Associations, Commerce and Industry.  Cllr. Haines said that this would be on December 2, 2016, and

that the invitations had not yet gone out and maybe BR could decide who would attend then.

 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on December 14.  Mulled wine and mince pies will be available after the meeting.

The meeting closed at 9.00pm.

Agenda of Monthly Meeting October 2016

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Agenda

For monthly meeting 12th October 2016 at 7.30p.m. in the Lounge, rear of St. Aldhelm’s Parish Church (access via Lindsay Road)

 

  1. Welcome and Apologies.
  2. Minutes of meeting 14th September 2016.
  3. Matters arising.
  4. Update on the Licencing Hearing for Beach Volleyball event.
  5. On Road Parking Charges, latest update.
  6. Planning issues.
  7. Resident Parking Scheme.
  8. Accounts
  9. O.B
  10. The next meeting will be on the 12th October 2016

Branksome Park Canford Cliffs & District Residents’ Association Minutes September

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Minutes of the monthly meeting held on Wednesday 14th September 2016 at 19.30

Present Bob Reid (BR) Chairman
Terry Stewart (TS) President

Tracy Holmes(TH) Planning Officer for Branksome Park
Cllr Mohan Iyengar(MI) Ward Counsillor
18 wardens and members.

Welcome and Apologies
Roger Vice-Chairman, and Zofia Allen, Carol (CP)and Mike Parkin Secretary and Membership Secretary, John Gunton magazine editor, Paul Fearnley Treasurer, and members Vivienne Evans, Dawn Goodson, Christine Norman, John Cribb and Sarah Holt.
Cllr May Haines (MH) Ward Councillor

BR thanked Julie Reid for helping to make notes for the minutes of the meeting, in the absence of CP
2 Minutes of meeting 13th July 2016
These had been circulated and a few were available at meeting for new members or reference.
3 Matters arising
William Mutlow (WM) pointed out that his comments had not been included in the minutes regarding Julian Osgathorpe as the Executive Director for Corporate Services for Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Pooel.
Submitted by John Sprackling (JS) with reference to item 7. We are still waiting to learn the official outcome of the Licensing Sub Committee on 26 July 2016.

MI Agreed they should be online by now and explained that the confidential element would probably be due to requirements of the Legal Department.
BR pointed out that Martin Heath (MRH) has had a letter confirming that the Licence was granted with an end time of 11pm rather than 1am and restrictions on noise levels. Copies of the letter were available.
BR pointed out that the membership forms, separate from the magazine are already available and comply with ICO data protection requirements. BR also announced that following from the June meeting when questions were asked about the four empty shops in Canford Cliffs. There has been a development in that Mandy Payne, Economic Development Officer at Borough of Poole came to a meeting with JS, BR and George Perrins of the Land Society and discussed ways in which the appearance of the shops could be improved

Various options were discussed and it is hoped some progress can be made. She hopes to set up a Traders Collective.
MI filled us in with the information that he has been talking to Mandy about this and she has great experience in the field business promotion professionally, He did advise caution as the four shops pay full business rates and there will be legal restrictions on what can be done. The shops are family owned and their accountant baulked at spending £2000 on improving them.
On completing the matters arising TS proposed accepting the minutes and JS seconded.
4 On Road Parking Charges, Update after the Cabinet meeting.
BR informed that the Steering Group had been meeting regularly and is awaiting to hear when the Poole Cabinet will next consider the proposal. Cllr May Haines had indicated that it probably would not be at its October meeting.
We are carrying out preliminary work for a Judicial Review if necessary should the decision be to go ahead with the meters. And have started preliminary enquiries on legal advice to that end. Any such action would be referred to members for approval.
Roy Pointer(RP) reminded members that we have issued a newsletter, on our strategy and objections copies of which are available on the website. Following a number of unsatisfactory responses to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, RP had referred them to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for review. The latter had instructed Poole Council to provide better answers by 12th October. This £1/2 million project is claimed to ease congestion in Sandbanks area and to contribute to the 25 year Seafront Development Plan the only part of has been approved are some new beach huts.
RP explained that the public meeting in March and Poole Committee meetings had been filmed for a TV programme called “Parking Wars” to be screened on Tuesday next.
MI said that he could not add to what Janet Walton or MH have said and he said that Council would keep this proposal alive as it is their duty to consider all proposals that could raise money.
Martin Heath (MRH) said that Cabinet have never discussed congestion in detail and the project was simply about making money.
A member pointed out that the only congestion is on Sandbanks and most of the roads earmarked for meters are not congested
RP confirmed that when asked, the Council, admitted they had not recorded any complaints about congestion or the lack of parking.
A member said that living in Bingham Avenue for 15 years parking congestion had never reached their road.
Several members pointed out that you cannot legally use parking charges on roads simply to bring in funds.
Several other members spoke against the proposed scheme but no one spoke in favour.
A member said that the congestion at Sandbanks became worse after the Council took away the feeder lane to the car park.
He had also talked to the senior transport officer who told him that ‘people needed to change their attitude to the car and make more use the buses’ but all agreed that a family going to the beach would not do that, the buses are very infrequent and the “equipment” needed for a family day at the beach made the bus impractical.
5 Neighbourhood Watch
BR announced that Neighbourhood Watch had a coffee morning at Sandbanks Hotel last Friday 9th September and Pat Halliday invited us to take a table to promote what we do. BR, RP, JS attended and as a result we found some new residents who have now joined up. And we explained to others how we are opposing the parking scheme and other areas we help with. We work closely with N. W. as some of our concerns overlap e.g. Party Houses
BR also pointed that their Newsletter is available and has dates for future events.

6 New Council Options
BR said that the consultation for the amalgamation/reorganisation of councils started at the end of August and he outlined some of the options currently proposed and that there are “roadshow” drop in sessions, and the next one is outside Budgens in Broadstone on Friday. Also that the questionnaire and more information is online at BOP website.
Several members pointed out that the survey is available in local libraries and that only 20,000 have been posted out to individual homes.
BR pointed out that some of the cards giving the options were available provided by MH on Monday.
While the objective is to reduce costs and save money it was noted that over 70% of the budget is spent on child, and elderly services so savings by reducing some staff will not make a huge saving.
MRH said the financial basis on which the reorganisation is based has many flaws and does not show how the savings will be made unless you read the Local Partnerships’ Financial Analysis report which is difficult to follow.
Several members pointed out that there is little information available on which we are meant to make a decision.
A member was concerned that the financial planning was not properly done and that the planning and information available is very poor.
MRH pointed out that the Financial Analysis report shows that new Town Councils for Christchurch and Weymouth were being considered, but none for Poole and Bournemouth. It appears that existing Town and Parish Councils across Dorset are to remain. A member observed that if ceremonial Mayors were to be retained, then it would be necessary to have Town Councils.
A member queried whether there would be extra funding from the Government, but
MRH said that this has happened with the creation of Combined Authorities with elected Mayors and extra responsibilities, but was not applicable to the proposed Local Authority mergers.
BR mentioned the ORS firm doing the consultation, and MH pointed out that it is more market research than consultation.
A member noted that there had already been a consultation on a Combined Authority for Dorset.
Suggestions were made to combine the whole area as a unitary council but BR explained, and MI confirmed that the whole area would be too big.
MH discussed the funding around having Mayors.
TS clarified that there are two totally different exercises here. One is the merging of the nine councils into two Unitary Authorities, one urban and one rural. Separate from that there is the Dorset Authority which is linked in with the LEP. The LEP is the source of funding from Government but the LEP was being run my commercial managers with little democratic input so now they have made the leaders of the nine councils on the board and they have two responsibilities, one is transport for the whole county, and two the economic development for the whole county.
RP informed the meeting that on Monday MH had suggested the plan was to reduce staffing and other costs and save millions but that is unlikely to save very much.
BR suggested that MH, who had offered to talk to our committee could perhaps talk to our members at a meeting.
MRH was concerned that the harmonisation of council taxes was based on the assumption that Poole’s council taxpayers would be paying annual increases of 3.99% for the next 20 years, doubted the calculations and suggested that Poole residents will be paying an extra 3.99% for the next 20 years.
WM had also said that it would fall to the Tax payers to make up any shortfall.
The general feeling expressed by several members was that we had insufficient evidence on which to make a judgement so the consultation is largely irrelevant.
John Sprackling (JS) suggested we may need a public meeting to be more informed.
7 Planning issues
Report from Tracy Holmes was read out by BR

1 Beaumont Road, Poole, BH13 7JJ
Application: Demolition of the existing building and construction of three detached houses with associated parking and access (revised scheme)
9 Elmstead Road
Application: demolish existing dwelling and erect two new dwellings. Grant subject to conditions
The Gatehouse, 6 Tower Road West, Poole, BH13 6LA
Application: Use of The Gatehouse as a self-contained and non-ancillary unit of accommodation
33 Cliff Drive, Poole
Planning Committee : Grant with conditions installation of flue stack
5-7 Chaddesley Glen

Application for flats ongoing
14 Chester Road
Application for side extension: Appeal lodged
30 Tower Road
Application for 12 flats: Ongoing
15 b Bury Rd
Tree work application: Hearing today
HMO at 14 Pinewood
Following from my correspondence with Stephen Thorne, he has made an appointment to see BR.
2 Martello Park the original approved plan has been modified to raise the height by what appears to be 1 metre. Looking into this.BR

8 Residents parking scheme
BR informed the meeting that Roger Allen had contacted Steve Dean (SD) regarding the parking problem at Ormonde, Chester roads and that area.
BR referred to SD’s reply, thanking Roger for his introduction and said that POB council would want a positive and constructive relationship with the Residents Association and that he would pass the email to our ward councillors and to the Portfolio Holder for Transportation Drew Mellor
BR read out the final line of the email “I’ll look into the background of the situation and get back to you.
Mike Wrigley (MW) introduced Himself and Fanchea Clarke who live in Chester Road heard about us from Neil Denning and told the meeting that the problem of parking in Chester Road has increased dramatically over the last 4 years.
He further told members that since Zone K was implemented there has been no survey of the present situation and when contacting the Council they feel fobbed off. Every 6 months it goes round in circles.
MI pointed out that he has met with Neil and Mike and filled in the background.
Originally Chester Road residents did not want to join the scheme and forest road had Yellow lines painted.
MW responded that time has moved on and LV employees, and the Nursing Home staff are causing congestion now.
MI explained that in the current climate this is a very minor issue which Officers are not likely to reconsider the original decision.
BR suggested LV run a Park and Ride from the underused Beach Road carpark.
Julie Reid explained that from her daily commute, the current LV park and ride goes through the narrow railway bridge and causes congestion to which MI said without it the on road parking would be much worse.
BR also added that since the item of parking had appeared on the Agenda there has been a huge number of emails regarding this and where yellow lines should and should not be.

9 Accounts
BR said the balance on the accounts is still healthy at £30457.78 and members could take a copy of the details if they wished.

AOB
JS had brought to the Chairman’s attention that at the March Cabinet Meeting it was announced that Members were keen to ensure that work was started on the process of developing a commercial approach to the use of Council Assets as soon as possible.
At last weeks Cabinet meeting, we learnt that (a) the tender process had now been concluded and the Project will be moving forward with Deloitte as the council advisors and (b) Officers have produced an issue log- which enables specific actions agreed by the group to be progressed and reported back to the Regeneration Working Group.
The tender document included the “Poole Town Centre” and Sustaining Poole’s Seafront Supplementary Planning Documents. Are we permitted to know what Council-owned assets in Canford Cliffs Ward appear on the Council’s issue log.
JS explained that not all the Council properties are listed in the issue log. The question is what Assets in the Canford Cliff Ward are included.
MRH was concerned that items that had been ruled out for development in the SPD might come back in for consideration.

Terry Stewart (president) then briefed the members on The Draft Local Plan for Poole, put out for consultation. In this there has been an increase in the number of houses to be built, 11000 or 12000 houses and the whole conurbation would be 30000 houses which if you calculate is over 40000 cars in the borough. This seems over-development in an area bounded on the south and west by the sea and Bournemouth to the east, with protected heathland to the north.
So this will result in 12 stoery towers along the river. Higher density for many areas and encroaching onto Green Belt land such as at Canford Magna, and there is a campaign group to prevent this happening on green belt. TS thinks that 450 houses a year would be more realistic and not the 710 suggested by central government.
He went on to explain the problem of the brown field sites which developers find too uneconomic to build on so they lie derelict. He suggested the Developers have us “over a barrel” as there are over a million sites countrywide with planning permission but no developer will take them on.
We will circulate the details of the campaign to protect Poole’s green belt to those interested.

Meeting closed at 8.45, The next meeting will be on 12th October 2016

To learn more about the Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and District Residents Association please see the pines and chines site http://www.pinesandchines.co.uk