Community Working Group Meeting Minutes – BPCCRA Nov 2015

COMMUNITY WORKING GROUP MEETING MINUTES

Planning & Regeneration Services including Building Consultancy

Wednesday, 25th November 2015 2.00pm – 4.45 p.m. Room 134

 

ATTENDEES:
Borough of Poole Attendees:
Stephen Thorne (ST) Head of Planning & Regeneration inc Building Consultancy (Chair)
Richard Genge (RTG) Planning and Regeneration Manager
Sue Ludwig (SPL) Business Manager
Clare Taylor (CPT) PA to Stephen Thorne
Community Groups / Resident Associations Attendees:
Graham Whitehall (GW) The Lilliput and Neighbourhood Association (LANA)
Ann Wood (AW) Hamside Residents Association
Chris Allenby (CA) Poole Quays Forum
Brian Finch (BF) Friends of Harbour Reach
Pat Bullock (PB) Friends of Hamworthy Park
Malcolm Tyler (MT) Lake Residents Association
Terence Stewart (TS) Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and District Residents Association
Gerald Rigler (GR) Society of Poole Men & Broadstone N Forum
Apologies External:-
Ken Bearcroft (KB) Parkstone Bay Association
Tony Hamilton (TH) Poole Agenda 21
Tim Cundey (TC) Watch this Space
Wayne Hancock (WH) Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and District Residents Association
Candice McMahon (CM) Lake Residents Association
Apologies Borough of Poole:-
Keith Pegram (KDP) Change and Performance Manager
Steve Dring (SD) Senior Planning Officer
Item Description Action
1. Around the Table Introductions
ST welcomed all to the meeting.
2. Minutes  and  Matters  Arising  –  last  regular  CWG  meeting  held  Thursday,  24th
September 2015
ST requested comments on the minutes from the last meeting.  The following items were
raised:
Item 8 – Nitrates in Poole Harbour SPD.  Please provide the link to the background paper.
The link is:
http://www.poole.gov.uk/planning-and-buildings/planning/ldp/spds/nitrogen-reduction/
Item 6 – Timetable for Policy Documents.  It was noted that this is much clearer.  GR
advised that he had emailed BoP regarding the Poole Core Strategy Review.  The Strategic
Planning and the Duty to Co-operate and Strategic Planning Forum was discussed in detail.
ST explained regarding the Local Plan process, the Growth Board, LEP, LNP, Place &
Prosperity Group and the way in which these work and fit in with each other.
TS requested that BoP provide an organisational chart of the CEO’s.  ST will look at this.
Action:  ST to prepare an organisational chart of the CEO’s in respect of the Strategic
Planning and the Duty to Cooperate.

 

 

 

 

Item Description Action
ST advised regarding the SPPMF (Strategic Planning Policy Managers Forum), which he
chairs and advised that there are no powers within this group.  GR enquired if there are
minutes available from this meeting online.  ST advised that this is not a public meeting,
there are no minutes, only notes, which are not made public.  The meeting is designed for
the members to express their views confidentially.
It was noted that the new Planning Policy & Implementation Manager, Nick Perrins, has been
appointed and will be commencing with BoP in mid February 2016.
GR advised that he had sent an email with the timetable for the Poole Core Strategy Review,
which needs to be updated online.  ST will request Steve Dring (SD) to update as soon as
possible.
Action:  ST will request Steve Dring (SD) to update the timetable for the Poole Core
Strategy Review, at his earliest convenience.
Item 11 – paragraph 3.  It was noted that CA should be included in the Neighbourhood
Forum’s discussions in order to agree a new boundary.  CPT to update the minutes to reflect.
Action:  CPT to update the minutes of the last meeting held to include CA in Item 11,
paragraph 3.
TS enquired as to who has control, from Planning, in respect of the Neighbourhood Plan.
RTG advised that BoP would encourage against a controlling plan.  ST explained that the
SPD is a guidance document only and in a lower position than the Neighbourhood Plan.  A
DPD is also in a higher position than an SPD.
Building heights were discussed at length – e.g. 6/7 storey building applications and the
likelihood of these becoming more common.
3. Regen Site Update
Nikal Site
CA updated regarding the Nikal Site, the scoping has finished and there is a full application
approaching.  BF enquired if an update on pre-planning consultations could be of interest to
tenants.  RTG advised that pre-application advice is given in confidence, the designs have
changed radically over the last year and there is nothing to report at this stage.  BF raised the
issue with the Nikal Car Park, which RNLI are using, Nikal are charging. BF felt that this
should be enforced.  It was noted that past experiences of trying to enforce in a similar
situation has resulted in the inspector stating that there is no harm in running a temporary car
park.  RTG advised that the future of the car park is seen as a regen site.  ST added that
once an application has been received, BoP will not be able to enforce the car park.  RTG
advised that if we were to “enforce” it would be more of a gentle reminder of the expiry.
CA suggested a meeting between Poole Quays Forum and the Residents.  It was noted that
this would be a good idea.
4. Planning Website Improvements – Feedback from Community Working Group
SPL gave an overview of the website improvements currently in progress, e.g. making it
easier and more user friendly to browse the website from a smart phone or Ipad.  SPL
requested feedback from the group, which will then be fed back to the team.  ST added that
the  Q-Codes  on  the  site  notices  are  in  operation,  these  can  be  scanned  to  access
information quickly.  It was noted that a QR app needs to be downloaded when using this
facility.  It is a service provision introduced to improve our service.
TS stressed that not everyone surfs the internet.  MT added that some difficulties have been
found in web browsing.  SPL advises that this is part of the BoP’s anticipated improvements
to the website.

 

 

Item Description Action
5. Other Items Raised by CWG Members
5.1   Consultation on Community Involvement – Terence Stewart
The Chairman’s Response to Community Involvement document, which was circulated
by TS prior to the meeting, was discussed.
TS enquired regarding the definition of neighbours next to the site, is BoP taking all
relevant parties into consideration.   ST responded by advising that it is whatever
legislation states, it is either neighbour notification or site notices, BoP is under no
obligation to provide both, however, it currently does.  BoP is required to make savings
and by abolishing neighbour notifications, it will make a saving of £14k per annum.  ST
added that the surrounding areas, including the back of the site, will have site notices.
The weekly lists were discussed in detail.  SPL advised that registering to receive
these can be carried out on the website.  After discussion, it was agreed that SPL
would ask KP to prepare some detailed notes on registering, which could be circulated
with the minutes. TS advised that these he has been receiving the weekly lists.  BF
added that the weekly list is received from Karen Atkins in PDF format, you can click
on search and type in Hamworthy West, everything will appear on screen.
CA enquired if applicant could notify neighbours.   ST advised that the local land
authority holds responsibility and there is no legal requirement for applicants to do this.
MT stressed that BoP needs to take into consideration older people, who make not
necessarily have access to, or even feel comfortable with, using apps on mobile or
Ipad or utilising the internet.

 

5.2     Target Neighbour/Standard Expiry Dates – Graham Whitehall

GW advised that the details section on the planning portal, which sets out the target and expiry dates needs to be investigated, some clarity is needed, as the dates are not clear. It was noted that this is in respect of the tracker bar. RTG advised that this issue will be investigated. SPL added for the record that the deadline for comments is a minimum of 21 days to make any comments, a decision may not necessary have been reached.

 

Action: Planning Website – deadline dates to be investigated by RTG

 

BF advised regarding the Modern Mindset (http://www.moderngov.co.uk/) website, which is a software company specific for Councils. They can incorporate a meeting management system, where these can be recorded. SPL advised she will investigate their website further.

 

Action: SPL to investigate the Modern Mindset website

 

5.3     Gallaghers Site – Chris Allenby

  1. We have lost Gallaghers for the moment on the power station site. Reported to be non viable. ST confirmed and advised that Gallaghers had withdrawn their application, due to not being commercially viable. However, CIL contributions are still relevant and, with the new tariff, this will probably be zero.

 

  1. Is there a defined date for the completion of the Gallaghers section of the port link road? ST advised “no”.

 

  1. Densities – it was noted that the limits are defined by the Strategic Habitats Regulation Assessment carried out, involvement from Natural England was discussed. TS enquired regarding standardisation of densities. RTG advised regarding the Strategic Habitats Regulation Assessments and the issued faced. The reduced bedrooms allowance to accommodate more dwellings was discussed. Open Space allowance per dwelling was also discussed.

 

MT suggested a representation to Gallaghers/Inland Homes in respect of Port Link Road, to get things moving.

  • CWG Efficacy of the Group – Email from Brian Finch

ST advised that an email had been received from BF and read this to the group.

BF responded as follows, in order to clear up any confusion:

“Just to explain my email and the context it was sent in:

I have personally and publically applauded Stephen’s contribution to public engagement and participation, of which Stephen is well aware of.

My email had a point to make which it seems may have been confused.

The point I was making is obvious if you have seen the council’s attitude and real life practice to public consultation and engagement, which I assumed most of you that this was sent to are aware of.

I feel it is only a matter of time till this group suffers the same demise as area committees, and whatever this group produces still has to go through council and cabinet which is a majority tory council.

 

I have sat in many committees since the elections and they are bombastically pushing through motions that have taken years to achieve with councillors with no previous input or experience with local issues or communities. Officers are cock a hoop that most their work gets through now and is not challenged or scrutinized with any degree of sincerity.

This type of policy breeds contempt and that could be mistaken in my email if the author didn’t know the facts which I do.

Stephen knows me well enough by now to know that I have due respect for him, I have no respect for his superiors whatsoever because there is none due or deserved.

I’m making no excuse for my email, I’m explaining the meaning of it, whether you agree with my views or not is not my business, I explain this for the benefit of showing due respect for Stephen which he deserves in bundles.

Thank you”.

After discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the Community Working Group is extremely important and should continue.

 

5.5  Items Raised by Terence Stewart

  1. It is important for the Minutes to be distributed widely and promptly to all Resident and Community Associations. 7 weeks for the Sept. 24 minutes is too long.

ST response: Agreed. Unfortunately, the minutes were delayed due to Officers workload and CPT awaiting approval. It was agreed that approval will be sought from one of ST, SPL or RTG and CPT will have the minutes distributed within two weeks of the meeting.

  1. Please can the Agendas and Minutes continue to be distributed to the previous members of the CWG to keep them informed.

ST advised that the Agenda and Minutes are distributed to current CWG Members for forwarding on to the various groups as appropriate. After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that CPT would add TS to the distribution list to enable him to forward on.

 

Action: CPT to add TS to CWG Distribution List for all future Agenda’s and

Minutes

Conclusions and timings for next steps on the Responses to the Draft Core Strategy and SPD.

ST advised that the responses have been consolidated, following the consultation and comments. The next step is the Strategic Planning and Duty to Co-operate, which ST gave an overview of the options and new plan going forward with reference to the number of residential units BoP are faced with supplying. ST advised regarding the 5-year land supply plan, which needs to be in place to ensure developers refrain from bombarding BoP with spurious planning applications, which they know the inspectorate will grant. This will happen if there is no 5-year land supply plan in place. RTG advised that developers are more than likely to be fully aware of the fact that the demand has increased from 500 to 710 residential units.

  1. Building on the Green Belt.

 

ST gave an overview of the options: 1) – 500 houses per year. 2) Building Density – higher. 3) Expanding into the Countryside/Green Belt. 4) Any Other.

TS enquired if we build denser, would it mean that there would be no need to build in the Green Belt? ST advised that BoP are investigating the issues and we need to consider all options. The density, Green Belt and the quantity of houses this would create was discussed. It was felt that applications for properties with less bedrooms will be received in order to create more residential units but with less density.

TS requested a revised groupings map. RTG/ST advised this is located in the Town Centre SPD. ST – it is very likely that the Town Centre will change drastically over the next 10 years.

MT enquired if it will meet the need? ST advised yes and gave an explanation of the SPD going to ECOS on 01/12/15.

TS enquired if the SPD can be located in the local library. After checking, SPL advised that the documents go to the central library, Democratic Services are responsible for ensuring the documents are there. Note: It was assumed that Committee Minutes would not be distributed to the Libraries due to cost cutting.

  1. Publication of the Seafront Plan to residents ahead of going to Committee.

This matter was discussed at length. ST advised that the SPD had been to Scrutiny four times plus the Workshop. It was noted that there had been changes to the document and ST advised that this was to be publicised in due course, anticipated to be next week but not guaranteed. The document is now in a position where the Members can either adopt or not. The document will need to go to full Council first.

  1. Definition of Areas to receive CIL Levies, Who decides which projects benefit and process if Area Meetings are abolished?

ST advised that the Community Apportionment, which went to Cabinet in November decides the neighbourhood apportionments. Item 3.11 of the Cabinet Report states:

“Through the CIL Neighbourhood Portion Working Party the areas of Poole not covered by Neighbourhood Forums will have their CIL funds managed by this rest of the of the Borough working party (see Appendix B) made up of Councillors with representation from across the Borough. Councillors can put forward their proposals for CIL funded projects in their respective wards and the working party as a whole can decide upon the priority of these projects and where the CIL funds will be allocated. Through discussions with local people and Council Officers it would be the Councillors responsibility to establish what infrastructure needs there are in their ward. Representatives from the

Borough’s Neighbourhood Forums should also form part of the group to ensure that any cross boundary needs between Neighbourhood Forums and Wards can be discussed and resolved where necessary.”

ST advised that it is not known, at this stage, if the Area Meetings will be replaced with another similar meeting. ST confirmed that there is no executive authority at all.

  • Any Other Business

 

  • Notifications

TS requested that notifications are sent to CWG members of when items are going through Council/Cabinet in respect of CIL. It was noted that there are regular Newsletters – see item 6.2.

  • Planning Newsletter

It was noted that the Planning Newsletter, usually prepared and distributed by Policy, had not been received by CWG members for a long period of time. After investigation, it was found that the last two were released in March 2015 and July 2015. CPT will circulate these to the CWG with the minutes. The link to subscribe to receiving the Newsletters is:

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKPOOLE/subscriber/new

 

Action: CPT will circulate the two Planning Newsletters, for March and July 2015, to the CWG with the minutes.

  • Raising Issues

ST advised that the raising of any issues can be carried out through Pauline Gill in Democratic Services.

  • Printing Documents

SPL advised that the Planning Unit is unable to carry out any documentation printing due to resource and printing issues.

  • Chris Allenby

CA advised that Poole Quays Forum wish to present the PQF Neighbourhood Plan in due course and enquired where this needs to go. ST advised he will investigate and let CA know.

Action: ST/SD to advise CA the process for independent examination.

  • Gerald Rigler

GR raised the matter of Brownfield before Green Belt and enquired if ST is aware of the flawed housing targets, which he then circulated to ST. CPRE challenging the inspectorate. ST advised that he is aware.

Highways, Contamination, Flooding, Building Regulations.

There being no further business the meeting finished at 16:45 hrs.

Date of Next Meeting: The Community Working Group

Wednesday, 23rd March 2016 17:30 hrs – 21:00 hrs   Committee Suite  Civic Centre

Agenda For Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs & District Residents’ Association Executive Meeting Held On 11th November 2015

BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (Founded 1958)

@ THE COMMITTEE ROOM (formerly known as THE LOUNGE), REAR OF BRANKSOME ST ALDHELMS PARISH CENTRE (ACCESS VIA LINDSAY ROAD)

WEDNESDAY 11th NOVEMBER 2015 @ 7.30 pm

AGENDA

7.30 pm.

1. Apologies/Accuracy of Minutes (07th October 2015)

2. Matters arising (Not covered under “Review”)

Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel etc sites – update

John Sprackling

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update

ditto

Community Working Group

ditto

Council Budget Monitoring report (2015/16) & 2016/17 Budget

William Mutlow

Public Rights of Way

Richard Dimbleby etc

Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden)

Wayne Hancock

Community Engagement

Terry Stewart

Navitus Bay Offshore Wind Farm

Roy Pointer

Sustaining Poole’s Seafront (Formerly Seafront Beaches Master Plan DPD) Terry Stewart

Succession planning

John Sprackling

Uniting the Conurbation (UTC)

John Sprackling

Refreshing the Core Strategy and Review of Community Infrastructure

Terry Stewart

Levy (CIL)

Improving Association’s communications

Michael Parohn

Autumn 2015 ‘Pines & Chines’ magazine

John Gunton

Leaning garden wall at (?)25 The Avenue

Cllr May Haines

Branksome Park & plot sizes

Trccy Holmes

8.00 pm.

 

3.

New Housing Development

 Keith Alcroft

4.

Accounts to date

John Sprackling

5.

Date of next meeting

John Sprackling

8.30 pm.

6. Any other business

Any other business should be advised to the Chairman at the meeting. Items raised during the evening may be put on the Agenda for the following month.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 09 December 2015 at 7.30pm – The Committee Room, Rear of Branksome St Aldhelms Parish Centre (Access via Lindsay Road

To be concluded by ‘Mulled wine & Mince pies’

Dates for your diary:

Agenda for Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs & District Residents’ Association Executive Meeting Held On 07th October 2015

BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (Founded 1958)

@ THE COMMITTEE ROOM (formerly known as THE LOUNGE), REAR OF BRANKSOME ST ALDHELMS PARISH CENTRE (ACCESS VIA LINDSAY ROAD)

WEDNESDAY 07th OCTOBER 2015 @ 7.30 pm

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE FROM NORMAL DATE

AGENDA

7.30pm.

1.Apologies/Accuracy of Minutes (09th September 2015)

2.Matters arising (Not covered under “Review”)

Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel etc sites – update

John Sprackling

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update

ditto

Community Working Group

ditto

Council Budget Monitoring report (2015/16) & 2016/17 Budget

William Mutlow

Public Rights of Way

Richard Dimbleby etc

Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden)

Wayne Hancock

Community Engagement

Terry Stewart

Navitus Bay Offshore Wind Farm

Roy Pointer

Sustaining Poole’s Seafront (Formerly Seafront Beaches Master Plan DPD) Terry Stewart

Succession planning

John Sprackling

Uniting the Conurbation (UTC)

John Sprackling

Refreshing the Core Strategy and Review of Community Infrastructure

Terry Stewart

Levy (CIL)

Improving Association’s communications

Michael Parohn

Autumn 2015 ‘Pines & Chines’ magazine

John Gunton

Leaning garden wall at (?)25 The Avenue

Cllr May Haines

8.00 pm.

3.

New Housing Development

Keith Alcroft

4.

Accounts to date

John Sprackling

5.

Date of next meeting

John Sprackling

8.30 pm.

6. Any other business

Any other business should be advised to the Chairman at the meeting. Items raised during the evening may be put on the Agenda for the following month.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 11 November 2015 at 7.30pm – The Committee Room, Rear of Branksome St Aldhelms Parish Centre (Access via Lindsay Road

Dates for your diary:

14 October 2015 – Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting – Venue to be advised

Agenda For Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs & District Residents’ Association Executive Meeting Held on 09th September 2015

BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (Founded 1958)

@ THE COMMITTEE ROOM (formerly known as THE LOUNGE), REAR OF BRANKSOME ST ALDHELMS PARISH CENTRE (ACCESS VIA LINDSAY ROAD)

WEDNESDAY 09th SEPTEMBER 2015 @ 7.30 pm

AGENDA

7.30pm.

1.Apologies/Accuracy of Minutes (12th August 2015)

2.Matters arising (Not covered under “Review”)

Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel etc sites – update

John Sprackling

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update

ditto

Community Working Group

ditto

Council Budget Monitoring report (2015/16) & 2016/17 Budget

William Mutlow

Public Rights of Way

Richard Dimbleby etc

Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden)

Wayne Hancock

Community Engagement

Terry Stewart

Navitus Bay Offshore Wind Farm

Roy Pointer

Sustaining Poole’s Seafront (Formerly Seafront Beaches Master Plan DPD) Terry Stewart

Succession planning

John Sprackling

Pine Drive

Cllr May Haines

Uniting the Conurbation (UTC)

John Sprackling

Refreshing the Core Strategy and Review of Community Infrastructure

Terry Stewart

Levy (CIL)

Improving Association’s communications

Michael Parohn

Autumn 2015 ‘Pines & Chines’ magazine

John Gunton

Leaning garden wall at (?)25 The Avenue

Cllr May Haines

8.00 pm.

3.

New Housing Development

Keith Alcroft

4.

Accounts to date

John Sprackling

5.

Date of next meeting

John Sprackling

8.30 pm.

6. Any other business

Any other business should be advised to the Chairman at the meeting. Items raised during the evening may be put on the Agenda for the following month.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 14 October 2015 at 7.30pm – The Committee Room, Rear of Branksome St Aldhelms Parish Centre (Access via Lindsay Road) NB This date may have to be changed as it clashes with Area Committee meeting

Dates for your diary:

14 October 2015 – Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting – To be advised 02 September 2015 – Newtown & Parkstone Area Committee meeting – ditto

Branksome Park Residents Association Agenda 12th August 2015

BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (Founded 1958)

@ THE COMMITTEE ROOM (formerly known as THE LOUNGE), REAR OF BRANKSOME ST ALDHELMS PARISH CENTRE (ACCESS VIA LINDSAY ROAD)

WEDNESDAY 12th AUGUST 2015 @ 7.30 pm

Wine and ‘nibbles’ will be available in the garden area of the Church Hall after this meeting.

AGENDA

7.30pm.

1.Apologies/Accuracy of Minutes (08th July 2015)

2.Matters arising (Not covered under “Review”)

Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel etc sites – update

John Sprackling

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update

ditto

Community Working Group

ditto

Council Budget Monitoring report (2014/15)

William Mutlow

Public Rights of Way

Richard Dimbleby etc

Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden)

Wayne Hancock

Community Engagement

Terry Stewart

Navitus Bay Offshore Wind Farm

Roy Pointer

Sustaining Poole’s Seafront (Formerly Seafront Beaches Master Plan DPD) Terry Stewart

Succession planning

John Sprackling

Pine Drive

Cllr May Haines

Uniting the Conurbation (UTC)

John Sprackling

Refreshing the Core Strategy and review of Community Infrastructure

Terry Stewart

Levy (CIL)

Use of Council’s ‘Pop up’ shop at 58 High Street

John Sprackling

Improving Association’s communications

Michael Parkin

Capacity of Lilliput Surgery and local Dental practices to cope with

Cllr Mohan Iyengar

additional new residents

8.00 pm.

3.

New Housing Development

Keith Alcroft

4.

Accounts to date

John Sprackling

5.

Date of next meeting

John Sprackling

8.30 pm.

6. Any other business

Any other business should be advised to the Chairman at the meeting. Items raised during the evening may be put on the Agenda for the following month.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 09 September 2015 at 7.30pm – The Committee Room, Rear of Branksome St Aldhelms Parish Centre (Access via Lindsay Road)

Dates for your diary:

14 October 2015 – Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting – To be advised 02 September 2015 – Newtown & Parkstone Area Committee meeting – ditto

Minutes Of Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs & District Residents’ Association August 2015

MINUTES OF BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 12 AUGUST 2015

AT 7.30PM IN COMMITTEE ROOM, 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

Michael Parkin (MP)

Membership Secretary

Cllr Mrs May Haines (MH)

Canford Cliffs Ward Councillor

8 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES

ACTION

JS welcomed those present, particularly, the two Ward Councillors

Apologies: Cllr Mohan Iyengar, Colin Brade, Chris Stracey, Ray and Janice Wylde

& Ken Sanson (Chairman, Sandbanks Assn)

Accuracy: JS said would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the

JS

meeting held on 08 JULY 2015..

2. MATTERS ARISING

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

JS

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 – ditto

5.Land at West Quay Road – ditto

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

JS

Victoria Education Centre (Landscaping to the new entrance) No new developments

Martello Corner, Martello Road (also known as 83 Canford Cliffs Road) –(Change of use of residential garage to dentists surgery} – Appeal lodged – Interested Party Comments due 25 Aug 2015 Appellant/LPA Final Comments due 15 Sep 2015

16 Western Avenue (Erection of Single Storey Garden Room) – Elite Skills Arena are considering the submission of an amended planning application and, in these circumstances, it would not be appropriate to serve an enforcement notice,

8 Haig Avenue (TPO tree destroyed (EN/14/00707). Appeal against Tree Replacement Notice to be determined at Hearing on 18th August 2015.

Community Working Group (CWG): Next meeting fixed for 24 Sept 2015 – the

WH

Council is planning to change its planning neighbour notification arrangements and

the CWG will be informed about this at this meeting.

Council Budget Monitoring report (2014/15) & 2015/16 Budget – William Mutlow

WM

reported on the background to the setting of the Council’s Budget for 2016/17

and its Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2015 – 2018.

National Context:

In January 2015 Parliament approved the new “fiscal charter” for Budget

Responsibility. This commits the government to a goal of balancing day-to-day

Government spending (the structural deficit) by 2017/18. Put another way the

Wednesday, 14 August 2015

Government are trying to equalise the £24,000 per annum that it generates in income

MINUTES OF THE BRANKSOME, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

ACTION

per household against the £27,000 pa that it spends per household. Such an

approach should also ensure that national debt is falling as a percentage of the

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2016/17. The Treasury have indicated that to

meet these targets any new government would have to make additional tax rises or

spending cuts of around £30bn.

It is clear that austerity will be something the Council will need to plan for a

considerable time to come.

As at February 2015:

The MTFP cost pressures were £12m in 2015/16; £9.1m in 2016/17: & £6.3m in

2017/18 giving an accumulative figure for the 3 year period of £27.4m.

The approved Budget identified Savings of £12m in 2015/16; £3.3m in 2016/17; &

£3.3m in 2017/18. This resulted in a Funding Gap of £0 in the current Financial Year;

£5.8m in 2016/17 and £3.0m in 2017/18

The Latest Position as at July 2015:

The NET FUNDING GAP is £0 in Current Financial Year; £5.6m in 2016/17 and

£3.0M in 2017/18. (a total of £8.6m still to find)

At this stage, no attempt has been made to update the MTFP relating to some of the

key issues highlighted in the Chancellor’s Summer Budget, including the impact of

the Living Wage, the Insurance Tax, and the 1% public sector pay limit for the next 4

years. This 1% limit does not apply directly to Local Government but has been

normally used by the employer’s side as an indication of the affordability of any

settlement. The MTFP will be updated after any settlement.

ALSO any developing current Financial Year cost pressures are not reflected in the

above figures. Early indications are that Children’s Services cost increases are likely

be significant

As part of the budget setting process the Council has a well defined process of

refreshing the Council’s MTFP at the end of July each year. At this stage, it is

intended to reflect the impact of the Chancellor’s Summer budget in the next October

update report to Cabinet.

The Council could face pressures of up to £18m over the term of its administration

(2015 to 2020). It is clear that the Council will need to look to creative and innovative

solutions underpinned by the culture of a strong and effective system of financial

management. Council will clearly be well served by making effective and early key

and potentially difficult decisions and recommendations agreed by Cabinet on 14th

July and 28th July will be significant in that regard.

Proposals which will generate positive returns include building additional Beach Huts,

investing in a Corporate Solar P V Energy programme, delivering the promised

£10.5m investment in street lights and LED Lamps.

Public Rights of Way

RD

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No new developments.

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

Pinecliff Gardens (Sunken garden): WH reported that an RHS judge had visited

WH

and a result is expected towards the end of next month. WH hopes that we do as

well, if not better than last year. He has made a little booklet with photographs,

showing what has been done. WH was congratulated on his part in this work..

Community Engagement: JS met with Leader of the Council, Cllr Mrs Janet Walton

JS

on 16 July 2015 and had had a broadly based discussion on this subject. The Council

Governance Arrangements Working Party also met on 29 July 2015 – the Minutes

have yet to be posted on the BoP website.

Wednesday, 14 August 2015

Navitus

Bay Offshore Wind Farm: Navitus Bay Offshore Wind Farm: Roy Pointer

ACTION

MINUTES OF THE BRANKSOME, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

RP

reported that the decision on Navitus Bay is almost certain to be published on

September 11, 2015.

RP wished to thank everyone who had helped in the campaign; lately those who had

distributed some of the 20,000 cards asking members to write to the PM, and, of

course, those who had written.

Recent approaches have been made to Chewton Glen hotel since the forest cables

run much closer than originally planned and the new development in Bournemouth

(Terrace Mount) in light of visual impact.

Half a dozen of our local MPs (with the exception of Robert Syms) have had a useful

meeting with the PM; this was arranged by Richard Drax MP.

Sustaining Poole’s Seafront (Formerly Seafront Beaches Master Plan SPD):

TS

JS reported that he and his wife had visited Elite Skills Area proposals on display at

the Haven Hotel Sandbanks on 30 July 2015. The proposals include “16 x 2/3

person overnight studios with private outside spaces and communal shower facilities.

Four x 3/4 person overnight studios with private outside space and private shower

facilities, Two large retail units….Beach Huts…and Catering Facilities)

John Montgomery of Tanner & Baker advised JS that he had had Pre-application

discussions with Stephen Thorne & Richard Genge. The proposals are intended to fit

the aspirations set out the Sustaining Poole’s Seafront Supplementary Planning

Document Consultation Draft Summer 2013, which has yet to receive the approval of

the Council.

Mr Montgomery also believes that the final plans will comply with the Poole Borough

Council Act and is in discussion with the Planning Dept about this.

Banquets Catering (South Coast) Ltd currently holds the leases for the beach

restaurants and kiosks from Branksome Dene to Sandbanks and, as JS understand

it, this does not permit any other concessionaire to operate along the seafront. As the

leases have a number of years to run, any variation of the lease would have financial

ramifications.

Succession planning: No new developments.

JS

Pine Drive – MH said that she will ‘chase’ Steve Dean.

MH

Uniting the Conurbation (Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch) –No new

JS

developments

Refreshing the Core Strategy and review of Community Infrastructure Levy

TS

(CIL) – JS said that he is aware of instances of outstanding CIL and it is hoped the

Council are ‘chasing’ these up.

Use of Poole’s Pop up Shop at 58 High StreetThis facility ceases at the end of

No

this month and JS said that the Association might want to look at this again, when its

further

next available.

action

Improving association’s communicationsMP reported that he had a very

MP

fortuitous chance meeting with Neil Armstrong who was taking photographs along

Haven Road and of the Village Hall. It transpired that he produces a number of the

free magazines and was intending one to be published by the beginning of September called ‘Canford Cliffs Village’. Over a drink of coffee at MP’s home, plans were explained. 7,000 copies of this magazine will be delivered to each home in the BH13 area and some in the BH14 area, plus estate agents etc. in the area.

From this first meeting, Mr. Armstrong met with some members of the Executive of

the Assn. After this, with an understanding of what Mr. Armstrong needed, JS, WH, Wednesday,RP, JG14andAugustMP put2015together a paper on what our Assn. stands for and its activities,

course appealing for new members. This will cover two pages and will be no

and of

MINUTES OF THE BRANKSOME, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

ACTION

cost to the Assn.

Capacity of Lilliput Surgery and local Dental practices to cope with additional

No

new residents – This will continue to be monitored..

further

action

3 NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

KA reported

KA

66, 68 & 68A Lilliput Road (Outline planning application for the demolition of the existing properties and the erection of two separate apartment buildings containing 20 flats in total with associated access, cycle and bin stores) – Letter of objection lodged on behalf of the Association on 26 July 2015.

29 The Avenue (Sever plot and erect a 2 storey dwelling in location of existing sunken garden/swimming pool) – Appeal dismissed

Ormonde Nursing Home, 12 Pinewood Road (Outline application for alterations, extensions and conversion of the building to six flats with associated parking and landscaping) – The Association lodged a letter of objection to this application on 13 August 2015.

Other current planning issues

Wateridge House, 5 Burton Road (Outline application to demolish the existing building and erection of 5 no. 2 ½ storey detached houses) – Application recommended for Refusal by Planning Committee at tomorrow’s meeting.

Compton Acres, Canford Cliffs Road (Erection of building comprising 20 Apartments with basement parking; re-arrangement for the existing Compton Acres parking area, and demolition of the existing office building set within the current car park) – The developers have yet to comply with Condition 12 and it is noted that there appears to be no provision for coach parking.

5. ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JS reported that the total Association funds as at 31st JS July 2015 amounted to £34,073.46.

6ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Party Houses – At around 4.00pm on Saturday, 8 August, there was an unacceptable level of noise emanating from the property. JS reported this on the Emergency hotline (0800 506050) and it seems that a number of other residents had ‘phoned in too, as the lady operator immediately knew what he was going to say when he said “2 Burton Road”.

JS had a call from an Environmental Control officer that evening at around 8.30pm, who said that he had just come on duty and would visit the site to ascertain the current position.

Cllr MH said that the Environmental Control officer had visited the site on the Friday & Saturday evenings but had heard no noise. JS suggested that those renting the house must have visiting the nightspots in Bournemouth at that time.

Autumn 2015 ‘Pines & Chines’ magazine – John Gunton would like material for the magazine by this month.

Leaning garden wall at (?)25 The Avenue – JS had reported this in May 2015. Cllr MH will follow up.

Christmas Lights in Canford Cliffs Village – Cllr MH reported that the lights will be switched on on November 25, 2015.

Date of next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Wednesday – 09th

Wednesday, 14 August 2015

CB

JG

MH

All

All

September 2015 at Committee Room (formerly Lounge), Rear of Branksome St Aldhelms Parish Centre (Access via Lindsay Road)

The meeting closed at 8.15pm..

BPCCRA Minutes 10th August 2011

MINUTES OF THE BRANKSOME, CANFORD Parajumpers Jacka Herr CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE MEETING

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)

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BPCCRA Minutes February 9th 2011

MINUTES OF THE BRANKSOME, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE MEETING

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)