BPCCRA Minutes December 9th 2009

Posted on December 10, 2009 by Ben Harris

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

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9^th DECEMBER 2009 AT 7.30PM

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

PRESENT:

Terry Stewart President

John Sprackling Chairman

Keith Alcroft Planning Officer

Bob Young Magazine Advertising

Val Short Minutes Secretary

Cllr Mrs May Haines Ward Councillor

Cllr Neil Sorton ditto

Ken Sanson Chairman, Sandbanks Assn

15 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES

JS welcomed NS & MH and all those present.

Apologies: Apologies received from Cllr Mrs Carole Deas, John Defty, Michael Bond & Chris Stracey.

Accuracy: JS said that he had omitted to include Bob Young from the list of attendees but, subject to this amendment he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 11 November 2009.

2. MATTERS ARISING

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

1. Quayside (former) Dolphin Quays development – Skelton Group Investments Ltd are in negotiations with Tesco to open a Tesco Express on the ground floor.

2. Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane – No new developments

3. Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto

4. Quay Thistle Hotel site – The re-development of the Thistle Hotel is to be treated as a standard Planning Application at a Planning Committee soon

5. Old Orchard House. 39-61. High Street – No new developments

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

JS reported

15A Westminster Road – No new developments.

Bella Rosa, 37 Haven Road – Retrospective application to erect glass screens to front and side of decking at front of property was refused on 03/07/09. The Enforcement appeal (APP/Q1255/C/09/2112004) is the lead appeal and this appeal and the ‘Written representations’ appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2108355 will be dealt with by the same Inspector at the same time. Final comments were due on 16/11/09.

2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road – No new developments.

51 Chaddesley Glen – The garage has been built in accordance with the Approved Plan 07/07351/008/F dated 27/12/07, therefore a new planning application is not required

Community Working Group, Progress re Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations & IDeA Report: RP reported on the Community Working Group meeting which he had attended on behalf of the Assn on 25/11/09.

RP said that the Local Planning Authority had produced a useful Permitted Development Summary and JS said that this would be distributed with the Minutes. This is also available on the BoP website.

Thistle Hotel – At this time it is not seen as necessary for a special Committee for the Thistle Hotel application, it should be covered under normal business; depending on numbers wishing to attend.

Stephen Thorne agreed to look into speeding up the process of the pre-application advice appearing on the website.

Residents’ Associations database – Still under construction. It was suggested that as the Poole Partnership website already provides a channel to feedback through to an association rather than individuals, a separate RA website was not necessary.

Ward Walk – This looked at general issues only – report not in public domain.

First Council/Planning Newsletter – This is available on the BoP website. RP suggested it needs more detail to be useful.

Preservation and enhancement of conservation areas – Warren Lever has been invited to attend a meeting in Jan/Feb – NS will follow this up.

Section 106 Agreements – new system is being developed for up-front payments which should speed things up. Audit trail to be provided to identify where money gets spent.

Lack of levels on plans – RP had questioned this. It was generally agreed that levels need to be put on drawings, particularly on applications for sloping sites – RP will follow up.

Reinstatements after Developer work is carried out – it was suggested that a letter go out with every approval stating what is expected, ‘Considerate Constructors Guide’. NS suggested reporting any debris or mess on the BoP website

Sea Defences and Flooding – Stephen Thorne is actively looking into this. Possibility of addressing a future meeting.

JS said he would distribute the full Minutes of the CWG meeting with the Assn’s Minutes.

Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: RP reported on the Poole & Christchurch Bays Shoreline Management Plan Review – Key Stakeholder Group meeting which he had attended on behalf of the Assn on 26/11/09

What is it? This is the latest report on Policy for protecting the coastline and preventing flooding along the area of the coast from Durlston Head, south of Swanage to Hurst Spit, east of Milford on Sea.

Who is doing it? It is a combination of Defra, Environment Agency, Hampshire and Dorset CCs and the Local Authorities along the strip.

Why now? It is 10 years since the last study was published and this version updates the Policy in the light of earlier consultation and study work by the authorities and consultants Royal Haskoning who are doing the study work.

How is the Policy described? It gives recommendations for the coast divided up into locations (stretches of coast) and compares what was said at SMP1 with the current recommendations. Three timescales are used to describe future approach to planning; the next 25, 50 and 100 years respectively. One of four approaches is used in each timeframe to describe the way in which protection should be carried out. These approaches are ‘Hold the Line’, ‘No Active Intervention’, ‘Managed Realignment’ and ‘Advance the Line’. One of each of these strategies is selected for each stretch for each of the three timeframes.

Where can I see the proposals for the stretches that I am interested in? The Policy Summary map is shown on page 6.17 of the SMP which can be found at www.twobays.net. Chapter 6 also contains definitions and summary tables showing more detail for each stretch of coastline.

What does it suggest for the stretch covered by BPCCRA? For the first 50 years the idea is to hold the line; thereafter there is considered an opportunity to advance the line seawards to improve and enhance the amenity area in front of the cliffs to the aesthetic and economic benefit of the area. Advancing the line is rare in the UK and the idea is seen as a radical alternative to more traditional coastal treatments. As for Poole harbour, the north side would be a ‘hold the line’ strategy, whereas harbour south would get no active intervention. There is no question of a barrier being placed across the harbour entrance at Sandbanks; this would lead to such a radical change in the environment in the harbour that it is rejected. More detail is shown on the plan.

What are the detailed construction ideas? There are none at this stage in the process; this is the policy stage; ‘what outcomes do we want’. The ‘how do we achieve it’ and ‘who pays what’ stages come later.

How can I comment? Download a comment form from the web site and return it by 17/02/10. It is hoped that BPCCRA will submit a response on behalf of its members and this might offer feedback on the whole report not just the portion relating to its area.

Ben Hurley pointed out that the whole of the bay used to depend on sand eroding from Canford Cliffs and being deposited in Bournemouth. In the future, Poole Old Town will be flooded as sea levels rise.

Council Tax 2010/11 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report: William Mutlow reported that as at 30/09/09 the Council’s year-end forecast surplus is currently estimated to be £367,000. NS said that the year-end forecast at 31/10/09 was very similar but it should be borne in mind that that the overall budget is £100m.

WM commented that, once again, that the Revised Budget at 30/09/09 showed significant variances to the figures shown for Original Budget.

Chairman’s note: I think that the following paragraph from the Council Budget Monitoring (1 April 2009 – 31 October 2009) presented at the Cabinet meeting held the previous day may clarify the position.

3.3 It may aid understanding of Appendix A1 to this Council Budget Monitoring Report to establish that £3,794,000 of the variance reported at the cost of portfolio controlled services level relates to the use of specific earmarked reserves for the purposes they were intended for. Detailed analysis of how earmarked reserves are being drawn down is highlighted within Appendix A3 to Appendix A8.

Poole Partnership: JS reported that he had attended a meeting of the Poole Partnership on 12/11/09 to discuss the present Sustainable Community Strategy which covers 2006 to 2012. This is to be reviewed to cover the longer term and is to be the subject for the State of the Area debate on 11/01/10 17.30-21.00

JS was unable to attend the Poole Partnership Steering Group meeting on 02/12/09 as he was attending a funeral in Croydon. Agenda items include…

1. Draft revised terms of reference and membership for Poole Partnership Steering Group and Performance Management Group.

It is proposed that the Steering Group is to be renamed the “Poole Partnership Vision Group” and its role redefined to clarify its responsibility of maintaining a strategic overview of the work of the Partnership, with a more inclusive membership more representative of Poole’s partners and community.

The Performance Management Group is to be renamed the “Poole Partnership Management Board” and its role redefined to clarify its role as the executive board which is responsible for the overall management of the Partnership, ensuring delivery of the Partnership’s priorities.

2. ‘One Place’ Chairman’s Note: the results of the Comprehensive Area Assessments were published on the Internet earlier in the day. Poole has a green flag for Housing and no red flags have been identified for Poole

JS said that he was due to attend a Stronger Communities Partnership meeting this afternoon. The Agenda included a presentation by Safer Poole Partnership on Community Cohesion and updates on

Bourne Valley Neighbourhood Management Project
Migrant Impacts Fund
the Environment for the third sector

Sustainable Community Strategy

Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road: KA reported that Urban Planning had produced a sketch. MH & KA had met with Planning & Transport and had put forward some alternatives. Some progress had been made.

The Christmas Lights in the Village were switched on by the Mayor on 13/11/09. JS congratulated all

those involved with this very happy occasion.

Ravine Road car park – JS said that a number of residents had raised concerns that, two weeks ago, the hedges along Western Road have been cut back substantially. NS said that he had contacted the Head of Leisure Services who had apologised that this was not notified to Ward Councillors in advance.

JS said that he would include the full text of the reply from the Head of Leisure Services in the Minutes.

————————————–

Works has been carried out with the aim of creating a more effective and significantly tidier hedge – an issue that has been raised a number of times. The plan was to level the hedge at 4 – 5ft to help encourage uniform regrowth and add additional plants to thicken it up.

In carrying out the works however it became clear that many parts of the hedge were failing and quite a lot of the rhododendron appeared to be diseased – an issue being increasingly reported across the UK (e.g., http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pramorum). The original plan therefore would not have solved the problem of an untidy hedge in ultimate decline.

A rather more ambitious and long term approach was therefore adopted. The hedge has been cut back to around 3ft to encourage branching and thickening of the hedge. Cutting back to this height will allow the grounds team access to add significant new plants – we’re looking at around 150 additional plants along the length of the hedge which will help reinvigorate and restoring it to a standard in keeping with the area.

The Council expect the rhododendron to put on around 1ft of height during the next 12 months and while it will need to annual prune the hedge, to keep it tidy and encourage branching regrowth, its height will be managed to eventually return to the 5ft – 6ft height previously agreed.

It should be stressed that without these works the hedge would have continued its slow decline which, given the site’s importance both to local residents and tourism, would not have been ideal.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No further developments

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

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

Canford Cliffs Play Area: No further developments

Use of Assn’s Capital Reserve & Canford Cliffs Library Noticeboard:

TS reported that the officer involved with the procurement of the Canford Cliffs Library Noticeboard has requested quotes from the BoP’s appointed suppliers for signs and noticeboards and has yet to receive these. TS commented that this seems to be taking an extraordinarily long time to resolve.

From time to time, the Assn is approached for financial support where residents engage professional help in opposing planning applications. It has been suggested that the Assn should agree criteria for financially supporting neighbour objections, so as not to establish an open precedent. JS suggested that this is discussed at the Assn’s next meeting.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – JS is pursuing.

Mobile ‘Phone Mast, Elgin Road: Prior Approval application (To remove existing 12 metre telegraph pole mounting 1.7 metre shrouded antennas and deployment of 1no. 15 metre high telegraph pole & 1no. additional cabinet at ground level) registered on 26/11/09.

JS has informed Chris Stracey that, as this is a ‘Prior Approval application’, this will be deemed as ‘Granted’, if this is not refused within the 56 day period from the date of registration. If the officer is minded to recommend approval of this application, there may be a case for calling for one of the ‘emergency’ Planning Committee meetings set up for this purpose.

3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

KA reported…

4 Lawrence Drive (Demolish existing buildings and erect 1 block of 8 apartments with assoc parking) – Letter of objection lodged by Assn on 20/11/09. Amended plans lodged on 18/11/09 and application has been ‘Red-carded’.

Land adj 1 Over Links Drive (Sever land and erect a new detached house (Revised Scheme) – Application to be determined by Planning Committee tomorrow (10/12/09). The officer’s recommendation is to refuse.

St Ann’s Hospital

(a)Erect two 2-storey buildings on site to accommodate a 12 bed Psychiatric Care Unit and 48 long stay bed spaces. New combined entrance & extensions to existing 1980’s acute ward block. Demolition of 1970 block. Associated car parking, hardstanding & landscaping. Amended Plans 19/11/09) – Application to be determined by Planning Committee tomorrow (10/12/09). The officer’s recommendation is to refuse.

(b) Listed Building application to replace existing metal escape staircase, alterations to reception counter & demolition of 70’s block and repair to west end of building) – Application to be determined by Planning Committee tomorrow (10/12/09). The officer’s recommendation is to ‘Grant with Conditions’

11 Westminster Road (a) Demolish existing and erect a block of five flats with basement parking &
(b) Demolish existing and erect three detached two storey dwellings with integral double garages – Applications refused on 24/11/09.

KA reported…

20 Balcombe Road (Demolish existing and erect 3 detached houses (Revised Scheme) – Application refused on 27/05/09. Appeal allowed by Planning Inspector on 02/12/09 and partial costs were awarded relating to the second reason for refusing planning permission based on the Council’s concerns about adverse effects on trees.

RP suggested that the Assn should write to the Council to congratulate it on its efforts to defend its decision to refuse this application.

Other current planning issues

75 Canford Cliffs Road (Alterations to existing entrance to form new vehicular access with gates) – Amended plans lodged on 02/12/09.

The Cottage, Kingsgate, 7 The Avenue (Demolish existing property and erect 5 replacement Townhouses) – Amended plans lodged on 30/11/09.

29 Links Road (Demolish existing dwelling and sever land to erect 2 detached town houses) – Application registered on 26/10/09 and has been ‘Red-carded’.

19 Torbay Road (Demolish existing dwelling and erect 3 no. 4-bedroom detached houses with associated parking) Application registered on 05/11/09. Local concerns.

10 Nairn Road (Demolish the existing house and erect 2 x 4 bedroom maisonettes with associated parking) – Amended plans lodged on 27/11/09.

46-48 Tower Road (Demolish existing houses and erect 14 flats with basement and surface parking)

Application registered on 02/10/09. Affordable Housing Report lodged on 23/11/09.

Land adj. 2 Mornish Road

(a) Conservation area application to erect a 5-bed detached house with integral garage, access from Mornish Road (Revised scheme) – Appeal allowed on 24/07/09.

(b) Erect a 5-bed detached house with attached garage, access from Mornish Road. (Revised Scheme) – S106 details to be submitted before determining.

Canford Cliffs, Promenade 2 (a) Construction of 18 new beach huts – Application No: 08/24380/005/F & (b) Conservation Area application to demolish 8 beach huts (nos 99-106) adjacent to Canford Cliffs Chine. Application No: 08/24380/007/U The applications were registered as long ago as 22/01/08 &13/02/08 respectively. MH will keep the Assn advised of any further developments.

19 Sandbourne Road (Demolish existing and erect 5 apartments over 3 storeys with basement parking and associated cycle and bin store) – S106 details to be submitted before determining.

4-6 Compton Avenue (Non material amendment of planning permission 06/12687/005/F to extend basement parking, an additional staircase, two roof lights, convert half gable window to full height) – Application registered on 14/10/09. The current situation is as follows…

· All relevant required contributions were paid upfront on the original application on the site 06/12687/005/F.
· A subsequent revised scheme was submitted on application no.07/12687/006/F, this application has an incomplete section 106 agreement, hence the failure to issue a consent thus far.
· Linking the plans submitted in respect of a minor amendment to the yet unresolved planning application no.07/12687/006/F is the issue which is currently being discussed with the agent.

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.

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. ACCOUNTS TO DATE – In the absence of JD, JS reported that the total funds as at 30^th November amounted to just over £33,462. As and when all advertising bills have been settled the cost will have been 3p per copy! This, of course, is all down to Bob Young`s increase in advertising revenue.

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Chester Road/Forest Road Conservation Area (Under consideration) – JS has invited Warren Lever to speak at the Assn’s next meeting to be held on 08/01/10. NS will follow this up.

JS said that, out of the 23 Conservation areas in Poole, 9 fall within the area covered by the Assn.

6 St Osmonds Road – Rose Rogers thanked JS for the information which he had supplied about the change of use at this site.

There being no other AOB, the meeting closed at 8.15pm and was concluded with mulled wine and mince pies.

Date of next meeting: The next meeting is Wednesday 13^th January 2010 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

BPCCRA Minutes November 11th 2009

Posted on November 12, 2009 by Ben Harris

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

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 11^th NOVEMBER 2009 AT 7.30PM

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

PRESENT:

Terry Stewart President

John Sprackling Chairman

Michael Bond Membership Secretary

Keith Alcroft Planning Officer

John Gunton Magazine Editor

Stan Alfert Data Protection Officer

Val Short Minutes Secretary

Cllr Mrs May Haines Ward Councillor

Cllr Neil Sorton ditto

Ken Sanson Chairman, Sandbanks Assn

15 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES

JS welcomed NS & MH and all those present.

Apologies: Apologies received from John Defty & Peter DuLieu

Accuracy: JS said that he had omitted to include Keith Alcroft and John Defty from the list of attendees but, subject to this amendment he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 14 October 2009.

2. MATTERS ARISING

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

1. Quayside (former) Dolphin Quays development – D-day plaque has been installed and was re-dedicated this afternoon.

2. Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane – No new developments

3. Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto

4. Quay Thistle Hotel site – ditto

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

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

JS reported

75 Canford Cliffs Road – Planning application for alterations to existing entrance to form new vehicular access with gates was lodged on 12/10/09. Once agreed, the owner will not be able to make subsequent changes without the risk of formal action being taken against him under the article 4 direction

15A Westminster Road – Lowering of both the railings and the fence adjacent to the highway to 1 metre or remove them in their entirety was due to be completed by 03/10/09. The Planning Officer has written to the developer’s agent requesting some details on a revised boundary treatment, which, in principle, is acceptable. It is felt that, as this is a corner plot, it would be unfair on the current owners to require them to remove the existing boundary treatment (as required in the enforcement notice) without an alternative scheme to replace the existing so that they can secure their land, that is why the Local Planning Authority (LPA) are still trying to negotiate a solution.

Other current planning enforcement issues

Bella Rosa, 37 Haven Road – Retrospective application to erect glass screens to front and side of decking at front of property was refused on 03/07/09. Subject to ‘Written representation’ appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2108355) The deadline for statements/representations was 28/08/09.

2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road – Hedging to be replaced but the Head of Planning Enforcement is seeking clarification to see if owners are waiting until the dormant season at the end of October.

51 Chaddesley Glen – A new planning application has been requested due to noticeable alterations to the double garage located to the rear of the property. The Agents had asked for the proposal to be treated as a minor amendment to that previously approved on 27/12/07.

JS reported that he had had a meeting last week with Mark Hitchcott, one of the Planning Enforcement officer and both he and Mr Hitchcott had found the meeting very helpful.

JS had commented that some residents still mistrust the planning process and he was asked to encourage residents to contact the Planning Enforcement Team directly so that they can explain their actions face to face. This will assist the Council in overcoming residents’ mistrust of the system and demonstrate to residents that the Council do take residents’ concerns seriously and attempt to resolve them even if they sometimes fall outside their sphere of influence.

Mr Hitchcott accepted that enforcement action can seem painfully slow but, if all else fails, the Council do prosecute transgressors. So far this year, the Council have prosecuted two persons for not complying with Enforcement Notices upheld on appeal at 85 Ringwood Road and rear of 115-121 Commercial Road, and, most importantly, after these prosecutions we have secured compliance with the Notices.

Supporting evidence is needed if the Assn. is asked to represent individuals in matters concerning planning enforcement. NS offered to look into any suspect planning applications, but he, also, can only act on evidence, not rumours.

MH advised that Bella Rosa (formerly BH13) have appealed, so until the appeal is heard Planning Enforcement are unable to act.

Community Working Group, Progress re Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations & IDeA Report: JS reported that the next CWG meeting has been fixed for 25/11/09 and Roy Pointer will attending as the Assn’s representative.

Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: The Poole & Christchurch Bays Shoreline Management Plan Review – Key Stakeholder Group meeting on 26/11/09. Again, Roy Pointer will attending as the Assn’s representative

Council Tax 2010/11 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report: Wlliam Mutlow gave a brief outline of the presentation made at the Newtown & Parkstone Area Committee meeting on 28/10/09, which will also be given at the forthcoming Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting.

The forecasts contained in the presentation are concerned mainly with next year’s budget, rather than looking at the long term (4-5 years) It states that “the rate of Council Tax will be assumed at no more than 5% in any given year in the MTFP (Medium Term Financial Plan) period for financial planning purposes”’ – the average increase reported in the national press was 1.6%. The average increases for Unitary Authorities is forecast to be the highest at 2.63%

Following some discussion on the need for an increase in Council Tax, NS commented that efficiency savings are being looked at, but that the problem still remained of Poole being the 3^rd lowest funded authority in the country. It does not cost any less to fund services in Poole, yet we are awarded less per head for essential services e.g. education. The average wage in Poole is low and the average house price is high, 15 times higher than the average wage, thus making it difficult for local people to buy homes.

It was suggested that the Council should make every effort to ensure that all members of the public are aware of the lack of funding from Central Government.

Poole Partnership: JS reported that will be attending a breakfast meeting of the Poole Partnership tomorrow (to review the Sustainable Community Strategy)

Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road: No progress had been made on the proposal to plant trees.

The Christmas Lights in the Village will be switched on by the Mayor at 6.00 p.m. on Friday 13^th November 2009. There is a mulled wine reception at the Kitchen Haven showroom from 5.30 p.m. to which everyone is welcome.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No further developments

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

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

Canford Cliffs Play Area: No further developments

Use of Assn’s Capital Reserve & Noticeboard at Canford Cliffs Library: See AOB

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – JS is pursuing.

Mobile ‘Phone Mast, Elgin Road: Chris Stracey reported that Richard Dunk from Vodafone had seen one of Poole’s Planning Officer last week and discussed the proposed works. The proposal is to increase the height of the existing mast from 12 metres to 13.7 metres and that O2 will put an aerial transmitter on to the mast as well. This means that the mast will be wider at the base because of the additional height and O2 will put another cabinet to house the new equipment at the base alongside the Vodafone cabinet. Richard Dunk said that the Planning Officer was receptive to the idea as O2 want more masts and this sharing idea would save O2 having to put up its own mast.

CS feels sure that our local Residents will not be too happy about this as this seems like “the thin edge of the wedge” and could lead to more and more transmitters being added to existing masts. He will be speaking to Dr Goodridge in Elgin Road. His house is right next to the mast and he organised the protest when the original mast went up. Although the original action failed, CS thinks that this is a development which is very unwelcome as what is to stop more and more transmitters being added to the mast?

Masts of 13.7m will require planning consent and so residents will have to opportunity to lodge letters of objection. On the matter of health, it is believed that the highest risk exists where the rings of radiation from two or more masts meet.

3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

KA reported…

4 Lawrence Drive (Demolish existing buildings and erect 1 block of 8 apartments with assoc parking) – Application registered on 16/10/09

10 Wilderton Road (Demolish existing and erect a two storey, five bed detached dwelling with rooms at basement level and in the roof space with dormer and velux windows. A detached double garage with a dormer window (revised scheme). (Topographical survey submitted 14/9/09, as amended by plans received 26/8/09, 30/9/09 and 8/10/09). – Application granted with conditions by Planning Committee on 22/10/09.

21 Wilderton Road (Demolish existing and erect a two storey five bed detached dwelling with integral garage and basement) – Application granted with conditions by Planning Committee on 22/10/09.

11 Westminster Road

(a) Demolish existing and erect a block of five flats with basement parking.– Letter of objection lodged by Assn on 22/10/09.
(b) Demolish existing and erect three detached two storey dwellings with integral double garages – Letter of objection lodged by Assn on 24/10/09.

Roland Cunnell said that he had concerns about Land adj 1 Over Links Drive (Sever land and erect a new detached house (Revised Scheme) – Letter of objection registered on behalf of Assn on 03/04/09. Application was expected to be considered at the Planning Committee meeting on 19/11/09 but this had, again, been deferred.

This application is in Penn Hill Ward, it has been ongoing for several years and the latest deferral is due to an arboriculturalist’s report having been received. All relevant documents are available to view on line. It was suggested that Mr Cunnell personally arrange a meeting with the Head of Planning & Regeneration, Stephen Thorne to discuss the matter.

JG asked if KA could look at 29 Links Road (Demolish existing dwelling and sever land to erect 2 detached town houses)

Dinah Rogers asked if KA could also look at the application for 19 Torbay Road (Demolish existing dwelling and erect 3 no. 4-bedroom detached houses with associated parking).which was registered on 05/11/09.

JS reported that he had attended a meeting of the Local Development Framework Working Group the previous evening and, at this meeting, up-dates were received on…

1. SE Dorset Multiple Modal Transport Study by Rick Clayton, Transportation Services – RC provided us with a high level analysis of responses to Survey questionnaire.

2. Site Specific Allocations by Bill Gordon, Strategic Planning – There has been 51 responses which areavailable on BoP website. Officers are now looking at the remaining 200 ’saved’ Development Control policies and hope to reduce these to 40/50. This will be subject to further informal consultation.

3. Sustainable Community Strategy Review by Hilary Evans, Community Planning Manager.- The present Strategy covers 2006 to 2012 and needs to be longer term. Project Team are reviewing this.

4. IDeA – Peer Review by Nigel Jacobs, Planning Policy&Imp. Manager – A meeting with Service Unit Heads was held last week to discuss a more co-ordinated approach to planning. Quarterly Newsletter is being progressed.

JS said that he and his wife had attended the Planning Inquiry re 20 Balcombe Road Demolish existing and erect 3 detached houses (Revised Scheme) – Application refused on 27/05/09) the previous day and today

In addition to challenging the refusal for the three properties, the appellants challenged the requirement for a contribution for around £12,000 under the South East Dorset Transport Contributions Scheme Adopted 2009. An article in yesterday’s Daily Echo reported that the Planning Inspector questioned the Recreational and Transportation contributions re 147 Banks Road.

Other current planning issues

The Cottage, Kingsgate, 7 The Avenue (Demolish existing property and erect 5 replacement Townhouses) – Application registered on 22/10/09

St Ann’s Hospital (Erect two 2-storey buildings on site to accommodate a 12 bed Psychiatric Care Unit and 48 long stay bed spaces. New combined entrance & extensions to existing 1980’s acute ward block. Demolition of 1970 block. Associated car parking, hardstanding & landscaping)– Letter of objection lodged by Assn on 04/10/09.

10 Nairn Road (Demolish the existing house and erect 2 x 4 bedroom maisonettes with associated parking) – Letter of objection lodged by Assn on 10/10/09.

46-48 Tower Road (Demolish existing houses and erect 14 flats with basement and surface parking)

Application registered on 02/10/09

Land adj. 2 Mornish Road

(a) Conservation area application to erect a 5-bed detached house with integral garage, access from Mornish Road (Revised scheme) – Appeal allowed on 24/07/09.

(b) Erect a 5-bed detached house with attached garage, access from Mornish Road. (Revised Scheme) – Tree Impact Assessment lodged on 29/07/09.

19 Sandbourne Road (Demolish existing and erect 5 apartments over 3 storeys with basement parking and associated cycle and bin store) – Amended plans registered on 24/08/09.

20 Balcombe Road (Demolish existing and erect 3 detached houses (Revised Scheme)

– Application refused on 27/05/09) – Application subject to Public Inquiry (APP/Q1255/A/09/2107902) which commenced yesterday (10/11/09) and concluded today.

4-6 Compton Avenue (Demolish existing and erect 2 blocks of flats (10 in total) with basement parking,bin and cycle stores. (Revised Scheme Block A). Revised plans received 05.02.2008) – Application was registered as long ago as 18/12/07. The revised scheme application has not yet been approved, This is being held up because the section 106 agreement cannot be agreed and because of changes in ownership. The main building remains substantially the same as previously approved, but there are some additional out buildings, changes to the basement and additional ventilation shafts from the original approval, these may be subject to future enforcement action if the Local Planning Authority (LPA) cannot secure appropriate planting/landscaping, Planning officers are currently considering these changes. This property was purchased only three months ago and the LPA are in the process addressing the outstanding matters with the new owners.

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.

4. ACCOUNTS TO DATE – In the absence of JD, JS reported that the total funds as at 30^th October amounted to just over £34,000.

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

East Cliff and Bournemouth Town Centre Residents’ Association – Chris Stracey attended the meeting of this Assn at the Ocean View Hotel on Saturday

The meeting was chaired by former Cllr David Clutterbuck and was attended by four local Councillors Anne and Michael Filer, David Kelsey and David Smith (who is on the Bournemouth Town Planning Board) and about 50 residents.

The possibility of having one or more of the Assn’s meetings on a Saturday morning or afternoon was ‘floated’ but this was left for further discussion at a later date.

CS reported that matters discussed at the meeting included..

· Improvements to Bournemouth Seafront, Surf Reef at Boscombe, Boscombe Pier & “Lump of Granite” art work by Boscombe Pier – People cycling in a dangerous manner along the seafront and the cliff top There is 7 miles of sea front, obviously a massive task. A good start has been made at Boscombe with the construction of the Surf Reef and it was generally felt that the whole area by Boscombe Pier has improved, good cafes, new shops etc. Some doubt was expressed about the cost of the Reef (£3mil) and whether it was any good and there was a general thumbs down in respect of the art work generally known as “the lump of granite” (Shades of the art work at Penn Hill????) on the roundabout by the pier. Some further improvements to the Pier were suggested (no facilities) and complaints made about wet suits obstructing the area. More beach huts are required, possibly 1000.Other comments concerned improvements to Bournemouth Pier, Happylands looks awful, Westover Rowing Club lease (£37 pa!!!!) runs out this year and Toft steps by the lift needs attention.
· People cycling in a dangerous manner along the seafront and the cliff top – Same problem as Sandbanks Sea front.
· Shelters and seats on the Cliff Top – More seats and shelters are required but Residents worried about these being used by alcoholics and drug users/pushers. One Clifftop shelter destroyed by bad weather 4 years ago has not been replaced
· Parking meters – Parking meters have been delayed by technical and procedural problems. Apparently they fill up with water when there is rain. Amusing point raised in that people pull off the “Not in Use” Yellow stickers on the meters and put money in and then get very upset when there is no sign of a ticket! DOH! However, ”meters are go” for the end of this month.
· Road and verge cleaning and maintenance & Litter problems – Many Residents complained about the lack of street cleaning esp. leaves and maintenance of the verges. Litter everywhere and many verges destroyed by parking cars.
· Cliff End Hotel adjoining Keviston Court & Normandy Hotel – Usual problems with these two Hotels in that Developers are supposed to be carrying out works/demolition there are failing to do so (probably no money because of the recession) and the sites have become dumping grounds for all kinds of rubbish. What’s David LLoyd up to? No one knows.
· Proposed Drug Management Centre in Lansdowne Road (Crime Reduction Initiative programme) – Many objections raised by Residents and Businesses in respect of the proposed Centralised Drug Facility at the Lansdowne. One main objection is that addicts will be sent there from all over the country, especially from London. Where will they stay? Will their friends come with them? Who is going to pay for their accommodation? Matter to be debated in the Town Hall on the 8th Dec at 10 a.m. Council is against the proposal, Police are for it.
· Work to turn Holdenhurst Road into a Boulevard – Work is proposed to turn Holdenhurst Road into a Boulevard with centre of the road Pedestrian Islands and Trees. (Sounds like Canford Cliffs proposal??).
· Speeding in Kynveton Road – A mobile speed camera will be made available on non specified days for two weeks
· Budgets – All the above will be subject to budgetary constraints. Suggestions made by Councillors that Residents could take better ownership of problems such as litter clearance and could take responsibility for clearing minor items of rubbish on verges/pavements outside their properties/businesses. Pointed out that Residents could be prosecuted under Health and Safety laws if sweeping of leaves off pavements by residents caused a slippery surface and passers-by fell over.

Canford Cliffs Library Notice Board – TS had met with the Library Manager and it was agreed that the noticeboard would be placed on the wall at the bottom of the library. It would be large enough to display 16 A4 sheets and the library staff will be responsible for putting up the posters. It was cheaper to attach the noticeboard to the wall than to mount it on posts.

Car parking in Whitecliff Road – A proposal to put double yellow lines along the north side of Whitecliff Road had been turned down, but a small length of double yellow lines on the corner of Sherwood Avenue was accepted.

Night economy in Lower Parkstone – There is a need for a taxi rank in Lower Parkstone due to the night economy of Poole being centred in Ashley Cross. Apparently patrons of the Parkstone venues subsequently travel by taxi to Bournemouth in the early hours of the morning. A suitable site for a taxi rank is being discussed.

S106 Transport & Recreational Contributions – In answer to a question from William Mutlow about how much is received and spent in each area, TS commented that this had been asked previously and that there was a document available giving this information. There are different types of contributions ,e.g. Recreation and Leisure, Transport.

The Recreational Contributions have to be spent in the ward or an adjoining one, e.g. a play park may extend into an adjoining ward, although some Recreational contributions could be spent in Poole Park or Upton Park.

Developers query why they should pay Transport contributions which cover other areas in Dorset, but the Council have to stand firm on this ruling. It was suggested that any queries about Transport contributions should be addressed to Steve Dean in the first instance.

Town Green Applications – Branksome Recreation Ground is being processed, although there is a possibility of a Public Inquiry. Baiter and Harbourside Park will not be looked at until Branksome has been decided, but there will be no upgrades or improvements in the meantime.

There being no other AOB, JS closed closed at 8.45pm.

Date of next meeting: The next meeting is Wednesday 9^th December 2009 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road) NB To be concluded by Mulled Wine and Mince Pies.

Next Area Committee Meeting will be on Wednesday 18^th November at Loch Road Baptist Church Hall

BPCCRA Minutes October 14th 2009

Posted on October 15, 2009 by Ben Harris

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

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14^th OCTOBER 2009 AT 7.30PM

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

PRESENT:

Terry Stewart President

John Sprackling Chairman

John Gunton Magazine Editor

Stan Alfert Data Protection Officer

Val Short Minutes Secretary

Cllr Mrs May Haines Ward Councillor

Cllr Neil Sorton ditto

Ken Sanson Chairman, Sandbanks Assn

15 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES

JS welcomed NS & MH and all those present.

Apologies: Apologies received from Cllr Mrs Carole Deas (Flu) Bob & Phyllis Young, William Mutlow, Michael Bond

Accuracy: JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 09 September 2009.

2. MATTERS ARISING

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

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

2. Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane – ditto

3. Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto

4. Quay Thistle Hotel site – amended plans lodged on 24/09/09

5. Old Orchard House. 39-61. High Street – No new developments

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

JS reported

75 Canford Cliffs Road – Removal of fence and re-instatement of the boundary wall at the newly created entrance was due to be completed by 15/08/09.

15A Westminster Road – Lowering of both the railings and the fence adjacent to a highway to 1 metre or remove them in their entirety was due to be completed by 03/10/09.

Other current planning enforcement issues

51 Chaddesley Glen – A new planning application has been requested due to noticeable alterations to the double garage located to the rear of the property. The Agents had asked for the Cisco 642-414 proposal to be treated as a minor amendment to that previously approved on 27/12/07.

Community Working Group, Progress re Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations & IDeA Report

JS reported that the 27 page Improvement & Development Agency (IDeA) Report has been posted on the BoP website. The report comments that the Local Planning Authority should engage with all residents and groups and not just those who are the most vocal.

TS said that Stephen Thorne is very happy with conclusions of the independent audit of planning processes – not such a clear set of recommendations as Sir Michael Pitt, but various ways of improving the Planning Committee, including re-arranging the layout in the room and improvements to sound so that everyone can see and hear clearly.

JS said that he would set out the 15 Key recommendations in the Minutes

Achieving outcomes

Ensure better awareness and ownership of the Core Strategy among officers and Members through a range of means.
The senior management team needs to ensure that the planning and regeneration service acts itself and is seen by other council services to act as a service to deliver the corporate regeneration agenda.

Integration and collaboration

Ensure that front line staff have appropriate information and training to apply the policy framework effectively and consistently
Plan and launch a comprehensive customer focus and engagement cisco 640-816 programme

Leading and engaging the community

Linked to the above, map out improved processes for engagement between planning officers and the asset management service to ensure that planning advice is being actively sought prior to the preparation of disposal details for council sites
Review the operation of the Planning Committee to improve the service it provides for the community.
Develop a more comprehensive approach to engagement with customers and stakeholders that is corporately led through officers and members
Consider the use of the existing Area Committees as an additional forum for engagement with the local community including looking at models of area committees elsewhere which deal with planning matters

Management

Ensure that the Head of Planning has the resources to complete the restructure and create sufficient support that allows him to play a more strategic role to lead the service through the required change
In line with recommendation 4 above, strengthen the service customer focus through a range of initiatives,
Ensure better monitoring of S106 obligations through a specific policy and processes, allocating responsibility for S106 monitoring to one dedicated officer, and the introduction of a corporate S106 monitoring group

Innovation, learning and excellence

Introduce processes for effective learning from appeals that were upheld, and from service complaints.
Adhere to good Human Resouces management practice by ensuring that all staff have regular one to one meetings and appraisals
Introduce mechanisms within the service to ensure that staff are actively listened to and are engaged in service improvements.

Shared knowledge and evidence

Poole should build on knowledge sharing and joint working with a wider range of developers and partners

RP reported that he had attended the Community Working Group (CWG) meeting on 30/09/09. Key points arising…

Agenda and Minutes to be posted on BoP website in due course. Keith Pegram is updating site.

Ward Walks planned by Stephen Thorne to get local Councillors out into the wards to review key planning, transport, environment, social issues. A Ward Walk took place toady; Residents’ Assns to notify issues of interest to their Ward members. As It is an exercise designed for listening rather than debating. it was felt that the event should be confined to Officers and Members.

Quay Thistle development – request for special Planning Committee not progressed as yet.

Web Access Module (WAM) being upgraded. Should allow Pre-Application meeting notes to be added to application files. CWG concern that this should be done before a decision is taken, not merely as an historical record. ST to investigate the practicalities.

Trees on application sites – decisions are taken in accordance with British Standard; covers amenity value, visibility, health, life cycle, crown thinning etc. Key dimensions are, not less than 2m from the edge of canopies and foundations to be clear of root zone. Where existing footprint to be built on, can grant even if within assumed root zone or under canopy since no detriment occurs.

Fines for illegal felling with costs for replacement go into the central pot and are not ring-fenced for replacement trees. (We might want to pursue this further?). Russ Fisher is the Senior Officer concerned. Trees on public land cannot be TPOd.

Poole Newsletter – ST has agreed to develop a pilot. Terry S. has agreed to critique and when published on web, feedback will inform future issues. Likely to be quarterly.

Resident Assn database still being drawn up; only want to include bone fide groups rather than (the many) ad-hoc local groups formed for specific issues. May want to push progress on this?

Town and village greens – building on. Chinese wall in Council between Licensing Committee. that decides on appropriation of land to be developed and Planning. Committee. that decides on the merits of a planning application. Relevant to Branksome Rec. and Broadstone Rec.

Householder Planning Appeals – HM Planning Inspectorate decreed that for small developments. eg. extensions, the Inspector will simply review the file papers as they were at time of original decision and will not take further reps. No ‘second bite at the cherry’.

Planning Committee voting. Coloured cards now in use; R,Y,G to be stencilled on for the colour blind. Room arranged so that members face public. Method to be continued for the time being. Not recording votes but public free to sit in and note down votes. Medium term plan to get meeting web cam so that proceedings can be viewed on web. ST has agreed idea with Chief Executive but budgets to be sorted etc. Keith Pegram will action.

Political-v-Quasi judicial role and membership of Planning Committee. Pro-rata political seats is common practice and no chance of changing in ST opinion.

Flooding risks – lot of confusion in responsibilities from Environment Agency downwards. ST keen to get more clarity on roles/responsibilities/funding. Also the move for design risk from 1/50 to 1/100 to 1/200 year flood event needs to be clarified. ST will pursue and apprise us in due course.

New information on Planning Applications – Residents’ Assns keeping up to speed. Decisions are due 56 days from a valid deposit of an application. Plan to use WAM to generate e-mail to relevant RAs when new/updated information received. Clearly depends on WAM implementation.

D-Day plaque for Poole Quay now delivered and will be installed facing the Quay inside Dolphin Quays before 11/11/09.

Minutes – target to issue them a week after the meeting.

Ward Walks – NS said that he & MH had taken part in a Ward Walk with Richard Genge and a tree officer, they looked at Salter Road and Grasmere Road where new properties have to be built up 1m for flood protection, making them higher than existing properties. Chester and Eaton Roads are at present largely unspoilt and ideally should be kept that way. The most important aspects are landscaping and trees. Planners should require developers to leave space for good landscaping, often this is not the case. Also looked at Lakeside Road and Haven Road from Loch Fyne to Flaghead. The intention of the walk was to provide a general overview of the area.

Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: The Poole & Christchurch Bays Shoreline Management Plan Review – Key Stakeholder Group meeting has been postponed to 26th November

Council Tax 2010/11 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report: In the absence of WM, JS reported on the financial reports presented at last night’s Cabinet meeting.

JS said that Cllr Leverett had outlined the assumptions and principles to be observed in the on-going development of next year’s Budget, one of which is that the increase in Council Tax will be levied at no more than 5%.

JS said that he would include the assumptions and principles in the Minutes (see below)

(i) the assumption of an on-going revenue contribution to capital of £1m per annum over the period of the MTFP (Medium Term Financial Plan) subject to work now on-going to review the capital strategy

(ii) to minimise the use of Supported Borrowing Approvals as much as possible further to (sic)

(iii) that Council Tax will be levied at no more than 5% in any given year over the period of the MTFP

(iv) that the balance of released reserves not needed for other purposes may be used to fund one-off costs pressures in 2010/11 subject to Cabinet approving the relevant requests for growth through Stage 2 of the on-going MTFP process

(v) the organisation will avoid building growth into the base budget position for 2010/11 that it could not reasonably expect to sustain over the remainder of the MTFP period.

The latest Council 2009/10 Budget Monitoring report shows a projected year-end surplus of £209k.

There is also a reduction in 2009/10 Capital Programme of £13,395m. This is the result of re-profiling of around £15m to future years (£8m Poole Bridge £6.5m in the schools area and 0.5m of waste strategy). There is no associated Personnel impact.

Chairman’s note: In his note to me WM says “Looking at the original Budget/Revised Budget/Year End Forecast three portfolio areas stand out….”

Children’s Services – Saving of (£353,000 net)

£109,000 Harnessing Technology – Contributions from schools

(£140,000) Statutory priorities Hot School Meals – Re-profiled into 2010/11

(£155,000) Statutory priorities Health and Safety contingency for urgent works – Re-profiled into 2010/11

(£167,000) Primary capital needs analysis, master planning and detailed design – Re-profiled into 2010/11

Local Economy including Transportation – Saving of (£114,000)

Due to a combination of both lower journey numbers and reimbursement rates compared to budget, it is now estimated that the Council will underspend by £114k on the £2.7m Concessionary Fares budget. However the reduction in reimbursement rates is a consequence of the Council removing the cap on

average fares an action that has resulted in a bus operator submitting a capacity claim amounting to £0.5m (this potential liability has not been factored into the forecast and is the subject of further discussions).

Resources – Saving of (£137,000)

As part of the July Council Budget monitoring report it was established that when resources within Service Units are identified as available due to the consequence of changing circumstance, be that due to one-off events or due to lower actual provisions for price or volume increases than was assumed within the base budget, they will be redirected in support the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

During the month there has been a further adjustment due to the provision made for energy costs.

Poole Partnership: JS reported that he had attended the Poole Partnership Steering Group meeting on 30/09/09.

A review of the Partnership Governance Arrangements is being carried and changes are being recommended which include “increased representation by elected members, non-executive directors and representation across the equality strands.”

During a discussion of the allocation of Poole’s Performance Reward Grant, members of the Steering Group representing the Bournemouth & Poole Primary Care Trust (PCT), Fire & Rescue etc cautioned embarking on any new projects which involved revenue expenditure as they are facing ‘zero growth’ budgets for the forthcoming year.

There was a lively discussion about joint working across the conurbation. Both the Police and the PCT have already combined their resources.

JS pointed out that a joint meeting of Poole and Bournemouth Partnerships in 2007, we were told that the Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Poole had adopted a ‘Convergence Model’ whereby the presumption between the two Councils was that they would always work together unless there was any compelling reason why they should not. He went on to say that he thought there was scope for more joint working but Councillors would need to take the initiative because officers would want to maintain the ’status quo’. Predictably, John McBride took exception to this and pointed to the Multi-Area Agreement, Schools for the Future etc.

In response, JS pointed there has been no progress report from the ‘Jointly Commissioning Building Consultancy Services Working Party’. This was announced at the Cabinet meeting on 10/02/09 but no timescale for this initiative was set out in the officer’s report. He is sure that there are other areas where a similar approach could be adopted. For instance, Libraries etc, do we really need two Heads of Cultural Services?

JS said that members may recall that he mentioned that Comprehensive Area Assessments were being introduced from April 2009 at the Assn’s meeting on 08/07/09. To quote…

By way of background, the new system of Comprehensive Area Assessment introduced from April 2009 requires Local Authorities and other public agencies to account collectively for how well they are doing. An area risk assessment into the prospects for the area and the quality of life for local people forms a key part of the comprehensive area assessment.”

Martin Green (Audit Commission) gave an up-date and said that the results for all Local Authorities will be posted on the website on 10/12/09.

A small task group to include the Chair and representatives of the Borough of Poole, Dorset Police, NHS Bournemouth & Poole, Dorset Fire and Rescue and Poole CVS is reviewing Poole’s Sustainable Community Strategy. suggested that areas which need addressing are…

· Impact of introduction of more personalised care in the area of Social Services
· Un-anticipated ‘baby boom’
· Changes in economy
· Joint working across conurbation
· More emphasis now on sustainability/equalities agenda
· More emphasis now on Social/Community enterprise

Sustainable Communities Act – TS asked for an up-date.

NS replied that Poole and Bournemouth are working together on the Comprehensive Area Assessment which is designed to improve the whole community and improve efficiency and economy. Local govt need to prioritize tasks as there are so many requirements that they are fast approaching an ‘overload’ situation.

TS said that he felt Poole’s response to the Sustainable Communities Act was dominated by elected representatives, whereas this was supposed to be members of the public.

Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road: MH met with Warren Leaver, who is arranging for sketches to be put together showing a total revamp of the whole shopping area, and an initial draft proposal. MH will chase this.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No further developments

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

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

Canford Cliffs Play Area: JS said that it is not yet possible to deliver this project owing to the more immediate demands of the time-critical delivery of 22 Playbuilder play area improvements in other wards across the Borough.

Chairman’s Note: £30,000 has been allocated to provide a ‘natural play’ area for young children at Canford Cliffs Chine.

Use of Assn’s Capital Reserve: JG is still collecting ideas for possible use of capital reserve – so far suggestions include an extension to Canford Cliffs Library, art for public display and the sunken garden in Pinewood Gardens.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – JS is pursuing.

Mobile ‘Phone Mast, Elgin Road – No further developments

3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

KA reported…

10 Nairn Road (Demolish the existing house and erect 2 x 4 bedroom maisonettes with associated parking) – Letter of objection lodged by Assn on 10/10/09.

11 Leicester Road (Demolish existing & Outline application to erect a 59 bedroom care home (class C2) with associated parking (15 spaces), bin & cycle store (revised scheme) – Applications refused on 20/08/09.

12 St Clair Road (Construct 2 detached dwellings with associated parking. (Revised Scheme) – Application granted by the Planning Committee at their meeting on 17/09/09.

Other current planning issues

11 Westminster Road

(a) Demolish existing and erect a block of five flats with basement parking.
(b) Demolish existing and erect three detached two storey dwellings with integral double garages – Applications registered on 29/09/09

46-48 Tower Road (Demolish existing houses and erect 14 flats with basement and surface parking)

Application registered on 02/10/09

Land adj 1 Over Links Drive (Sever land and erect a new detached house (Revised Scheme) – Letter of objection registered on behalf of Assn on 03/04/09. Application was expected to be considered at the Planning Committee meeting on 17/09/09 but has been deferred.

19 Torbay Road – no further action until the application is submitted.

10 Wilderton Road (Demolish existing and erect a two storey, five bed detached dwelling with rooms at basement level and in the roof space with dormer and velux windows. A detached double garage with a dormer window (revised scheme). (Topographical survey submitted 14/9/09, as amended by plans received 26/8/09, 30/9/09 and 8/10/09). – To be determined at next Thursday’s Pllanning Committee meeting. Officer’s recommendation is to ‘Grant with Conditions’

21 Wilderton Road (Demolish existing and erect a two storey five bed detached dwelling with integral garage and basement) – To be determined at next Thursday’s Pllanning Committee meeting. Officer’s recommendation is to ‘Grant with Conditions’

7 Ventry Close (Erect a link-detached 3-bedroom dwelling (revised scheme) – ‘Written representation’ appeal dismissed on 23/09/09.

Land adj. 2 Mornish Road

(a) Conservation area application to erect a 5-bed detached house with integral garage, access from Mornish Road (Revised scheme) – Appeal allowed on 24/07/09.

(b) Erect a 5-bed detached house with attached garage, access from Mornish Road. (Revised Scheme) – Application registered on 29/06/09.

19 Sandbourne Road (Demolish existing and erect 5 apartments over 3 storeys with basement parking and associated cycle and bin store) – Amended plans lodged on 24/08/09.

20 Balcombe Road (Demolish existing and erect 3 detached houses (Revised Scheme) –

Application refused on 27/05/09) – Application subject to Public Inquiry (APP/Q1255/A/09/2107902) to be held on 10/11/09 at 10.00am at the Civic Centre.

4-6 Compton Avenue (Demolish existing and erect 2 blocks of flats (10 in total) with basement parking,

bin and cycle stores. (Revised Scheme Block A). Revised plans received 05.02.2008) – Application was registered as long ago as 18/12/07. Most recent posting on BoP planning Application website is a letter from the Agents dated 19/08/08 referring to the outstanding signed Section 106 Agreement which was due to be “issued to Poole Borough Council shortly.” The flats have been largely constructed but it appears that no further work has been carried out on this site since the demise of Ravine Lifestyle. It states at 3.2 ‘Distributions’ of the Administrators’ Progress Report for Ravine Lifestyle dated 21/07/09 that “Clydesdale, the secured lender also had cross guarantees in place over 57 Haven, 4 & 6 Compton, 101 Lilliput and Future 3000. Due to significant shortfalls for the secured creditors in these companies no further realisations were possible for Clydesdale.”

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.

4. REPORT RE CANFORD CLIFFS & PENN HILL AREA COMMITTEE MEETING – Steph Quinn, Project Co-ordinator, Age Concern Bournemouth, was due to give a short presentation on Project Purple, Poole, which is a new initiative in Poole aiming to provide a range of social and health

improving activities for the over 55’s across the Borough but this was cancelled at short notice.

‘For infomation only’ reports were presented re

a) Playbuilder Improvements to Alexandra Park

b) Prioritisation of Crossing Requests. Report re Pedestrian refuge in Penn Hill Ave to be presented at next meeting.

c) Planning Obligations Funding – Information. TS asked for further information.

5. ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JD reported that the total funds at the end of September amounted to just over £34,100.

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Noticeboard at Canford Cliffs Library – TS reported that, since the refurbishment of the library the available space for notices, etc was not so good, so it was proposed to provide a freestanding noticeboard the cost of which had originally been £500, but had suddenly become £1,000. There is to be a meeting with Cllr. Atkinson, TS & SA on 10/11/09.

SA commented that, if the Assn is to make a donation towards the cost of the board, this should clearly show some recognition of this. A donation of £1,000 was approved by all present but JS said that he had asked the Canford Cliffs Land Society if the Society might be willing to contribute £500 towards this.

The Axe Factor – JS said that the Daily Echo has launched a campaign called the Axe Factor, looking at the financial pressures on councils and other public bodies and savings they could make. A two page spread looking at Bournemouth Council will appear tomorrow (Thursday), with a similar feature on Poole next week.

The Assn had been asked to put forward suggestions. Suggestions received prior to the meeting included

Reduce the number of Poole B.C. employees by 5 or 10%. This would be in line with other businesses.
Avoid employing expensive Consultants. Hopefully there’s enough ‘brain’ power already within P.B.C. to sort out their own problems.
Reduce the number of the co-ordinators, out-reach workers involved with racial integration etc.
They could save a lot of money at Hamworthy Outdoor Education Centre. It is losing more money this year than ever before
There are probably office jobs that could be cut or scaled down (i.e. from full time to part time etc)…but we are not in a position to assess specifics….but given that labour is the biggest ongoing cost scaling to part time is always a way to cut costs without dropping the job…but I doubt they’d entertain that option!

And a plea for a service to be started/restored – removal of weeds from Poole’s pavements. Strong enough weed killers are now banned from our streets (illegal apparently) and weeds can only be removed manually. It is feared that the “streets will get worse and become quite tatty etc!”

TS mentioned cost of cycleways, Penn Hill crossing and public art – none of which are funded by council tax

Peter Dulieu thought that the Poole News was a waste of money, but that NS said that the cost is now being partially offset with advertising and commented that residents appreciate knowing how their money is being spent.

Roy Pointer thought that we should challenge the rise in council tax. No justification for increase in the current economic climate. Significant savings could be made by having single units for several large depts.(e.g. IT) for the whole conurbation. MH commented that this could create problems of confidentiality for the two authorities.

Town Green Application for Whitecliff Recreation Ground and Baiter Park – This was registered by Parkstone Bay Assn (PBA) with the Council on 09/07/09. PBA would welcome the Association’s support for this application.

JS said that the Branksome Rec application is to be concluded first because it was the first to apply.

This will almost certainly go to a formal inquiry and the estimated cost is £25,000.

The Open Spaces Society believe that the Town Green status would NOT prevent the present maintenance regime or enhancements to improve public enjoyment of the open space but this is based on the opinion of Paul Clayden (Open Spaces Society 2007) and has no weight in law.

TS said that he had discussed this with Cllr Don Collier as it is a Licensing Committee decision. There have been other applications for Town Green status. There is a three month delay from submission of the application which creates fears of a hidden agenda. DC has promised to arrange for clear guidelines of how this type of application will be processed.

TS went on to say that we should try to protect parks and open spaces and would therefore support other Residents’ Associations, if asked to do so. It was agreed to support PBAs Town Green application for Whitecliff Recreation Ground and Baiter Park in principle, although it was felt that there were higher priorities for the Council to resolve first, not least next year’s Budget.

If the Poole Town Football Club (PTFC) Stadium is built on Branksome Rec it will be in breach of Policy L9 of the Poole Local Plan. Local residents are forming an Branksome West Residents’ Association. There is to be a special Planning Committee meeting on 26/11/09 at Lighthouse to determine the PTFC application. One compromise being suggested is that 17% of Branksome Rec should be allocated for the Stadium and 83% given ‘Town Green’ status.

6 St Osmonds Road – Rose Rogers believes that this property has been sold to Dave Wells. There appears to be lots of young people there which is causing local concerns. RR said that Andy Dearing, the Head of Planning Enforcement is investigating.

There being no other AOB, JS closed closed at 8.45pm.

Date of next meeting: The next meeting is Wednesday 11^th November 2009 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

Next Area Committee Meeting will be on Wednesday 118^th November at the Civic Centre.

BPCCRA Minutes September 9th 2009

Posted on September 10, 2009 by Ben Harris

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

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9^th SEPTEMBER 2009 AT 7.30PM

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

PRESENT:

John Sprackling Chairman

Michael Bond Membership Secretary

Stan Alfert Data Protection Officer

Bob Young Magazine Advertising

Val Short Minutes Secretary

Cllr Mrs May Haines Ward Councillor

Cllr Neil Sorton ditto

15 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES

JS welcomed NS & MH and all those present, especially those attending for the first time.

Apologies: Apologies received from Terry Stewart, John Defty, Keith Alcroft, John Gunton, John Fox, Roy Pointer & Ken Sanson, Chairman, Sandbanks Assn

Accuracy: JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 12 August 2009.

2. MATTERS ARISING

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

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

2. Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane – ditto

3. Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto

4. Quay Thistle Hotel site – ditto

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

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

75 Canford Cliffs Road – Removal of fence and re-instatement of the boundary wall at the newly created entrance to be completed by 15/08/09. JS to ask Cllr Mrs Deas if she will follow up.

Bella Rosa, 37 Haven Road – Retrospective application to erect glass screens to front and side of decking at front of property was refused on 03/07/09. Subject to ‘Written representation’ appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2108355 ) The deadline for statements/representations is 28/08/09.

2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road – A number of breaches of Planning Conditions in relation to Application No: 06/11668/007/F have been highlighted by the LPA.

15A Westminster Road – Enforcement appeal dismissed and compliance with the following conditions required by 03/10/09 (i.e. three months from the date of Planning Inspector’s Decision letter (03/07/09)

Lower both the railings and the fence adjacent to a highway to 1 metre or remove them in their entirety.

19 Mornish Road – Tree replacement has not been carried out and it appears that there is no will to do so. The Local Planning Authority’s Planning Notice Log reads “Barrington Homes. Court July/August 2008. Both directors pleaded guilty and accept caution + paying our costs which include new tree. £3,500k” RP to raise this as a general point under AOB at the next meeting of the Community Working Group on 30/09/09.

Progress re Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations following independent report into the control of development at the Borough of Poole: The Head of Planning & Regeneration provided an up-date on the key actions taken in relation to Sir Michael Pitt recommendations at the Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting on 03/09/09.

JS said that he would include a note of the key actions taken in the Minutes – see below

1^st recommendation: That senior Officers review the Council’s Risk Register and ensure that ‘the likelihood of the risk’, ‘the impact of the risk’ and ‘the mitigating actions’ relating to Development

Control, unlawful behaviour and damage to the reputation of the Council are given appropriate priority and that this aspect of the Council’s corporate governance is considered regularly by top management and Planning Services.

A robust risk register with clear mitigation is now in place.

2^nd recommendation: Senior Members and Officers should redouble their efforts to explain Council planning policy and the reasons for their advice and decisions. This should be backed up with a rolling communications strategy developed by Officers.

· Member Hotline installed 01.04.09
· Cessation of non-availability of Planning Officers before 1430 from 07/04/09
· Customer Services and Communications Team engaged in service provision and training. Training planned for 06/08/09
· Pre-application discussions uploaded onto web at the point of an application being received 08/06/09
· Communications Strategy – Internal – Questionnaire and fact finding commenced
· Communications Strategy – External
· Head of Planning and Regeneration attended AGM of Branksome Park and Canford Cliffs Resident’s Association 02/05/09 and Broadstone Resident’s Association AGM on 21/05/09
· Community Working Group that includes Resident’s Associations formed 13.05.09 Further meetings scheduled for 08/07/09, 30/09/9, 25/11/09, 20/01/2010, 10/03/2010.
· Developers and Agents Working Group formed 25/06/09. Further meetings scheduled for 07/10/09 and 03/03/2010
· Working with Resident’s Association on ‘Place checking’ and character assessment
· Ward Walks initiative commenced 13/05/09 with Autumn and Spring dates of 14/10/09 and 14/04/10 scheduled
· Planning Charter initiated and draft completed for consultation in September.
· Strategic Development Team Concept initiated 19/06/09. Service Unit Head to attend Project management Group, Asset management Group and RTC Strategy group to ensure Corporate Projects are engaged with at an early stage
· Operational Development Team concept initiated 19/06/09. Points of Contact with units to be established and monthly meetings scheduled to ensure operational projects are brought to the attention of the Planning and Regeneration Unit at an early stage.
· Pilot scheme for Planning Committee to be live on the world wide web
· Improve communication with all stakeholders by upgrading the existing Planning Applications search website. This will include application tracking, notification of applications in any pre-defined area. If early November deadline missed earliest likely date for implementation is March 2010.
· Concerns by ICT & Customer First re resource capacity/lack of integration with single log on vision and GIS mapping project and benefits analysis
· ‘Place shaping for Poole’ Seminar – Scheduled for 06/11/09 IDeA and PAS to be invited to help

3^rdrecommendation: The Council should accelerate the planned remodeling of the membership of its Planning Committee and/or Cabinet in order to strengthen the Planning Committee’s independence and comply fully with the advice of the Audit Commission contained within the Corporate Assessment 2008.

• Training completed 09/06/09 and all Member training organised for 11/08/09

Although it was recommended that Cabinet members should not sit on the Planning Committee, Cabinet members continue to sit as susbstitutes. At the Planning Committee meeting on 27/08/09, two of the seven members were Cabinet members.

4^th recommendation: The Council should review the standing of the Planning Committee within its political structure and invite the independent Panel on Members Allowances to more fully recognise the responsibilities and workload of Chair and Members.

· The Annual Council considered nominations to Planning Committee at its Full Council meeting on 12/05/09
· At member level, the issue of Members Allowances has been considered inappropriate to pursue in an Economic Recession and will be re-visited in 2011.

5^th recommendation: The Council should review the way minutes of the Planning Committee are presented and when decisions are not unanimous, a record should be kept of Councillors abstaining and voting for and against the motion.

· The Head of Planning & Regeneration has recommended in consultation with Chair/Vice Chair Planning, Solicitor to the Council, Democratic Services and the Communities Working Group that a pilot scheme of showing a red, green or amber card at the point of vote to record whether the member is voting for, against or abstaining from the motion. Trialled 18/06/09. This has been seen by all parties to be a favourable compromise to the recommendation of a recorded vote and does not require a change to the constitution. Committee members can request a record of the votes.
• ‘The Head of Legal and Democratic Services has considered this issue and at present sees no reason as to why the style to the Minutes of the Planning Committee should be changed.

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services’ decision is disappointing in view of the problems arising from the 7 Excelsior Road case which was referred to the Local Government Ombudsman.

6^th recommendation: Given the challenges within the Borough, the Council should commission a comprehensive review of its arrangements for controlling development conducted by an experienced, senior and qualified Planning Officer. The terms of reference of the review should take into account the contents of this report.

• Awayday 31/03/09 with the Planning and Regeneration Unit to discuss Development Management and ‘place shaping’.

• Awayday 20/04/09 with Team Managers to discuss accommodation, personnel issues and business plan

• Regeneration Project Manager to be temporarily employed for 12 months from 07/09/09.

• Masterplan refresh to reconcile conservation/regeneration tensions of the public. The ‘narrative of the town’

• Design Forum initiative for sensitive schemes initiative commenced 12/05/09, with the aspiration of a cross boundary forum and commencement date of 01.09.09. Meeting taken place with Bournemouth Borough Council and the principle agreed.

• High quality design guidance project initiated 12/05/09 to update the design guidance

• Tour of Inspection for members initiative scheduled 16/09/09

• New software system live date 02/02/09

• Engagement of I&Dea to assist in executive/political understanding of Place Shaping as part of a tailored peer review through mixed forums and workshops. Peer Review dates 15-17/07/09. Report expected 01/09/09. Follow up visit programmed 02/09/09

• Key activities schedule commenced

• Formal presentation to Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview and Scrutiny Committee 03/09/09

7^th recommendation: That the Administration seeks an urgent and permanent resolution to the on-going disagreements within the Group.

• Issue has been addressed by the Conservative Group

Both Cllrs Mrs Carole Deas and David Gillard are qualified to sit on the Planning Committee but they are now ‘Independent’ and, unless more ‘Independent’ candidates are elected in May 2011, they are not eligible to sit on the Committee because of the requirement to maintain political balance.

The Council nominated the Council Efficiency & Effectiveness Scrutiny Committee to oversee the implementation of the Action Plan following Sir Michael Pitt’s report and the Head of Planning & Regeneration up-dated Members on this at the Committee’s meeting on 03/09/09.

Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: Roy Pointer has kindly agreed to attend the Poole & Christchurch Bays Shoreline Management Plan Review – Key Stakeholder Group meeting on 28/09/09.

Chairman’s note: Due to delays in the programme the meeting will now be held on 9th November by which time the draft Shoreline Management Plan document should be available.

Council Tax 2009/10 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report: JS reported that the Budget for 2010/11 and MTFP for 2010/11 to 2012/13 is to be reported to Cabinet at it’s next meeting in October 2009.

Some residents are very concerned about a likely large increase in household tax, especially people in certain parts of the ward who are on fixed incomes.

NS commented on increasingly tough times due to the current economic climate. Portfolio Holders were meeting with Heads of Service to discuss possible economies, ahead of the October/November Cabinet meeting. Savings already made, which include two positions in the Planning Dept. not filled, had been offset by £¼m in costs for an additional nine children taken into care.

WM suggested that, when looking at the Medium Term Financial Plan, the Council should consider ‘zero’ budgeting and there was a need to make hard choices. This month’s report predicts a slight surplus at the end of year, but this is achieved by the use of £3.8m held in un-earmarked reserves. WM felt that just moving around large sums of money on paper, disguises the true state of the Council’s financial position.

Poole Partnership: JS reported that last night’s Cabinet approved the Performance Reward Grant Allocation Process. Consideration of potential priorities for such funding will be considered at the Poole Partnership Steering Group meeting on 30/09/09.

The Poole Partnership Governance arrangements and structures are currently being reviewed in the light of the good practice guidance from the Audit Commission. Proposals are to be presented to the next Steering Group meeting on 29/09/09 which will seek to deal with the two way communication about the Partnership and the roles of the Performance Management Group and the Steering Group and will include the need for a communication strategy and for the Steering Group to be more widely representative as well as a more clearly defined role of the Performance Group.

On the communication theme, a revised website is now operative and Poole Partnership are seeking to include more regular Partnership articles in Poole News as well as the current use of press releases and various forums and community engagement.

Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road: MH reported that the Christmas Lights would be switched on, with refreshments and entertainment, at 5.30 – 6.00 pm on Friday 13^th November.

This will be preceded by carols in the afternoon by Lilliput 1^st School.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No further developments

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

Ray Wylde asked why no progress was ever reported. SA said that, in spite of numerous calls to the relevant dept. no progress had been made, as each time he ‘phoned, he spoke to a different member of staff, all of whom said they would look into it, but then never called back.

Chairman’s note: SA has since received a note from the Technical Administrator, Transportation Services to say that the path from Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road is actually already adopted highway, thus it actually has a higher status of protection than a public footpath/bridleway.

He goes on to say “It is still possible to add the path to the definitive map, but it would not be high on the council’s ‘to do’ list because with its current classification it is already safeguarded against development/encroachment, etc..”

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

Canford Cliffs Play Area: MH & NS explained that the Council could Canford Cliffs Play Area: MH & NS explained that the Council could only provide so much funding for the play area, so the Canford Cliffs Land Society (CCLS) had agreed to ‘top it up’. CCLS had spoken to mothers in the area and a petition had been raised. The decision that there is a need for a play area was taken at an Area Committee Meeting. The play area will take up only a small area of the green.

Use of Assn’s Capital Reserve: No new developments

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – JS is pursuing.

3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

In KA’s absence, JS reported…

7A Bury Road (Demolish existing and erect replacement two storey dwelling with basement (Revised Scheme) – Application granted by Planning Committee on 27/08/09. Peter Viney is meeting up with the Head of Planning & Regeneration tomorrow to discuss the conduct of the Planning Committee meeting.

31A Western Avenue (Demolish existing and erect replacement two storey dwelling with basement (Revised scheme) – the appeal against the Council’s refusal to grant these applications was allowed by the Planning Inspector on 27/08/09. The objectors may be meeting up with the Head of Planning & Regeneration tomorrow to discuss the implications of this decision in relation to future applications in the Branksome Park Conservation Area.

Land adj 1 Over Links Drive (Sever land and erect a new detached house (Revised Scheme) – Letter of objection registered on behalf of Assn on 03/04/09. Application was expected to be considered at the Planning Committee meeting on 17/09/09 but has been deferred.

12 St Clair Road (Construct 2 detached dwellings with associated parking. (Revised Scheme) – Application is to be determined by the Planning Committee at their meeting on 17/09/09 (Evening)

Other current planning issues

19 Torbay Road – no further action until the application is submitted.

7 Ventry Close (Erect a link-detached 3-bedroom dwelling (revised scheme) – Subject to ‘Written representation’ appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2102722) The date for final comments

from the appellants and LPA was 29/06/09. The date of the site visit has yet to be announced.

Land adj. 2 Mornish Road

(a) Conservation area application to erect a 5-bed detached house with integral garage, access from Mornish Road (Revised scheme) – Appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2098623) allowed on 24/07/09.

(b) Erect a 5-bed detached house with attached garage, access from Mornish Road. (Revised Scheme) – Application registered on 29/06/09.

19 Sandbourne Road (Demolish existing and erect 5 apartments over 3 storeys with basement parking and associated cycle and bin store) – Amended plans lodged on 24/08/09.

20 Balcombe Road (Demolish existing and erect 3 detached houses (Revised Scheme) –

Application refused on 27/05/09) – Application subject to Public Inquiry (APP/Q1255/A/09/2107902) to be held on 10/11/09 at 10.00am at the Civic Centre.

4-6 Compton Avenue (Demolish existing and erect 2 blocks of flats (10 in total) with basement parking,

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.

4. ACCOUNTS TO DATE – In the JD’s absence, JS reported that funds at the end of August amounted to approx £34,230.

JS said that JG has been in touch to say that he is hoping that the Autumn 2009 magazine will be ready for distribution by Friday 16 October.

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Mobile ‘Phone Mast, Elgin Road – Chris Stracey Had spoken to a Surveyor (Richard Dunk of Tyco Electronics UK Infrastructure Ltd) at the Pottery Road/Elgin Road mast site who had informed him that Vodaphone are carrying out a national survey of all masts as they need more powerful ones. It is possible that he will be in contact with the Local Planning Authority in the coming weeks about replacing the existing masts with taller ones.

Chairman’s note: Depending on these discussions any pre-application consultation that may result will include the Residents Associations.

Private sewers – Mrs Shirley Critchley raised a question about sharing the cost of clearing a blockage of drain where this is connected to a private sewer. Following an emergency problem with the private sewers shared by seven properties in Links Road, Mrs Critchley had paid Wessex Water in advance to do the repairs, she had subsequently been re-imbursed by all except one of the other residents. In this instance, the amount outstanding was small, but Mrs Critchley was concerned that there could be a serious problem in the future if a large amount was involved. It was suggested by members that Mrs Critchley could contact the Small Claims Court, or the Land Registry as the shared responsibility would be in the Deeds. From 2011, water companies will be responsible for private sewers, but most probably costs would be passed on.

There being no other AOB, JS closed closed at 8.20pm.

Date of next meeting: The next meeting is Wednesday 14^th October 2009 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

BPCCRA Minutes August 12th 2009

Posted on July 14, 2009 by Ben Harris

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

WEDNESDAY 12^th AUGUST 2009 AT 7.30PM

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

PRESENT:

Terry Stewart President

John Sprackling Chairman

John Defty Treasurer

Keith Alcroft Planning Officer

Bob Young Magazine Advertising

Val Short Minutes Secretary

Cllr Mrs Carole Deas Ward Councillor

Cllr Neil Sorton ditto

10 Members/Wardens

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES

JS welcomed NS & CD and all those present, especially those attending for the first time.

Apologies: Apologies received from Michael Bond, Stan Alfert & Ken Sanson

Accuracy: JS said that, subject to this amendment, he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meetings held on 08 July 2009.

2. MATTERS ARISING

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

1. Quayside (former) Dolphin Quays development – The empty property rating legislation changed from 1 April 2008 to remove exemptions and discounts from empty property after the initial rate free period. From 1 April 2009 the de minimus threshold was amended 640-692 dumps from £2,200 to £15,000 meaning any empty property with a rateable value less than £15,000 is exempt. However, this legislation only applies to properties on the rating list. The owners of Quayside are liable for empty property rates on any of the units that are on the rating list i.e. the 5 units on the ground floor and those on the first floor if they are empty after the initial rate free period. Currently only one unit is actually empty and the owner is being charged accordingly. The remaining empty retail units are also just shells and therefore, not rateable.

2. Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane – No further developments

3. Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – The Eileen Soper Illustrated World, featuring the work of author Enid Blyton’s celebrated illustrator Eileen Soper is due to open at the Swan Inn site by the end of this week, August 14.

4. Quay Thistle Hotel site – Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 03/08/09.

5. Old Orchard House. 39-61. High Street – JS has asked Mike Randall, Vice-Chairman of Parkstone Bay Assn to put a question at the next Hamworthy East & West, Poole Town Area Committee meeting on 09/09/09 about the current ’state of play’ in relation to the Public Work of Art at Old Orchard Plaza (Described in report by Head of Transportation Services presented at the Area Committee meeting on 09/07/08 as ‘Installations Space’ to house small-scale performances of musicians/street entertainers. Serve as an exhibition space for local artists’ temporary public art. To exist as an attractive feature in the public realm when not being used for other activities.) TS referred to the Public Art at the Penn Hill/North Lodge junction and said that he thought this was due to be formed of two pieces, one at the Penn Hill junction and the other at the Archway Road/Bournemouth Road junction. JS said that he recalled that this was stated at the Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting in March 2008. JS said that he would follow this up.

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

75 Canford Cliffs Road – Removal of fence and re-instatement of the boundary wall at the newly created entrance to be completed by 15/08/09.

Bella Rosa, 37 Haven Road – Retrospective application to erect glass 640-822 screens to front and side of decking at front of property was refused on 03/07/09. Planning Enforcement to pursue?

2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road – A number of breaches of Planning Conditions in relation to Application No: 06/11668/007/F have been highlighted by the LPA.

Progress re Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations following independent report into the control of development at the Borough of Poole:

The draft report, following the IDeA Peer Review, is likely to be available at end of this month.

Stephen Thorne is to present an update on Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations at the next Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for 03/09/09.

Next Community Working Group Meeting to be held on 30/09/09.

A discussion took place over the issue of whether or not Borough-wide concerns could be discussed at Area Committees. This follows the decision by a Legal & Democratic Services officer not to allow a question from Terry Stewart on he IDeA Peer Review and Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations. NS stated the Terms of Reference for Area Committee Meetings are that matters discussed must be pertaining to Ward or groups of Wards only.

Chairman’s note: I’ve checked out the BoP website and Appendix 10 of the Constitution and the two references to Area Committees seem to be contradictory. I’m seeking clarification.

Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: Roy Pointer has kindly agreed to attend the Poole & Christchurch Bays Shoreline Management Plan Review – Key Stakeholder Group meeting on 28/09/09.

Council Tax 2009/10 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report:

JS asked NS if the 1st Draft of the Medium Term Financial Plan 2010-2013 would be presented at the Cabinet meeting on 08/09/09 but NS thought that this was unlikely.

JS said that, in an article in yesterday’s Daily Echo, Cllr Leverett is quoted as saying ““Regrettably there’s going to have to be council tax rises above the rate of inflation,” This is even before this year’s Budget round has begun.

JS reported that £1,082,446 has been cut from Poole’s Growth Point Capital Grant allocation for 2010 to 2011

JS also reported that Dorset, Poole & Bournemouth have been chosen as one of 13 areas to pilot a new initiative, the ‘Total Place project’, to identify how local public agencies can better work together to deliver front-line services more efficiently.

NS said that there is pressure on the budgets of all local authorities and initiatives such as Multi-area agreements was to make the money go further.

JS reported that a ‘Matter for decision’ at the Cabinet meeting on 08/09/09 is to consider continuing Membership of the Dorset Camera Partnership and its financial implications.

NS pointed out that the purpose of cameras is to cut the rate of accidents and injuries on the roads, not to raise revenue. Peter Dulieu added that the money raised by fines goes to the government, but can be given back to local authority, if road safety can be improved.

Poole Partnership: JS reported that the Poole Partnership Performance Management Group (see below) met on 05/08/09 and their recommendations will be considered by the Poole Partnership Steering Group on 30/09/09 (1600-1800 Committee Suite, Civic Centre)

Richard Dimbleby – (Co-Chair) Poole Partnership
Brian Leverett (Cllr) – Borough of Poole
Adrian Crook – Dorset Fire and Rescue
Adrian Dawson – NHS B/mth & Poole

Cathy Riordan – Jobcentre Plus
Christopher Beale – Poole Council for Voluntary Service
David Luckhurst – Government of the South West
Debbie Hillier – NHS B/mth & Poole
Lynn Hart – Dorset Police
Martin Hiles – Dorset Police

Richard Bristow – Poole Citizens Advice Bureau
Sarah Hughes – Learning and Skills Council
Stuart Dickie – Job Centre Plus
Sue Farrell – Learning and Skills Council
Trish Taylor – Learning and Skills Council (Dorset & Somerset)

TS informed the meeting that the Sustainable Communities Act permitted local community panels to put forward to the local council schemes for improvements. TS was concerned that Poole’s local panel had only three members which had been asked to consider six proposals. JS said that he would distribute with the Minutes the report to the Full Council meeting held on 20/07/09 on the ‘Recommendations arising from the joint meeting held between the Sustainable Communities Act Working Party and Local Panel on 13 July 2009′.

TS expressed the view that there is very low awareness amongst Poole’s residents of the activities of Poole Partnership and a lack of publicity and low contact with the forum it is meant to be representing. JS suggested an article in the Autumn 2009 BPCCRA magazine might be appropriate.

Chairman’s note: I have sent a note to Richard Dimbleby suggesting that this is something we might address at the next Steering Group meeting on 30/09/09?

TS also feels that, in my capacity as the Steering Group representative for Residents’ & Tenants’ Assns and Community Groups, I represent all tenants and residents in Poole, but I have “little contact or two-way information flow with Poole tenants”. I know that this challenge is not peculiar to me but to all of Poole’s Service Units and is currently being addressed, with her limited financial resources, by Sue Newell, Poole Council’s Improvement and Policy Officer – Equalities.

Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road:

KA reported that he had met Warren Leaver last week and reported that the council are undertaking the tree planting in Canford Cliffs Village.

As regards the recently erected Bollards at Ravine Road end of service road behind row of shops in Haven Road between Ravine Road and Maxwell Road, NS stated that the bollards are on private land and there is a notice displayed to that effect.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No further developments

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

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

Canford Cliffs Chine: KA reported that the Chine had been strimmed and tidied.

Canford Cliffs Play Area: CD reported that the Play Area is on the list and work may start in October/November. A suggestion was made that gym equipment for adults could be included.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – JS is pursuing.

Conservation Areas under threat: TS reported that English Heritage are very concerned that Conservation Areas are not being protected in the way they should. All councils are required to report to English Heritage on Conservation Areas. There are no areas in Poole that are under threat.

NS added that councils are required to review Conservation Areas every 5 years or so. Periodic reviews had recently been carried out for Sandbanks and Branksome Park.

Travellers sites: JS reported that Poole, along with other Dorset councils, is appointing consultants at a cost of £250,000 to identify and recommend sites for the Dorset-Wide Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan, which would need to be adopted by each authority. The project is not due to be completed until 2012.

3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

KA reported…

2 Tower Road (Conservation area application to demolish existing dwelling & erect 3 detached dwellings with associated parking) Application refused on 30/07/09.

11 Westminster Road (Demolish existing dwelling & erect a block of 5 2-bed apartments with basement parking & bin store) – Application withdrawn 03/08/09

7A Bury Road (Demolish existing and erect replacement two storey dwelling with basement (Revised Scheme) Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 05/07/09. Amended plans lodged on 06/08/09. NS has ‘Red-carded’ this application.

JS reported that a Pre-application meeting re 19 Torbay Road had been held on 15/07/09. He proposed that the Assn should take no further action until the application is submitted.

JS encouraged those present to attend the Appeal Hearing (APP/Q1255/A/09/2101686) on 18/08/09 at 10.00am re 31A Western Avenue (Demolish existing and erect replacement two storey dwelling with basement (Revised scheme)

JS asked NS if he was aware that the Draft Section 106 Agreement for 11 Leicester Road

(Outline application to erect a 59 bedroom care home (class C2) with associated parking (15 spaces), bin & cycle store (revised scheme) had been requested as long ago on 11/06/09. JS thought that it was time the Agents were asked to withdraw this application.

The application (Conservation Area application to demolish existing dwelling & associated buildings (revised scheme) was registered on 19/05/09. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 29/05/09.

Other current planning issues

10 Wilderton Road (Demolish existing and erect a two storey, five bed detached dwelling with rooms at basement level and in the roof space with dormer and velux windows. A detached double garage with a dormer window. (Revised scheme) – Application registered on 30/07/09.

7 Ventry Close (Erect a link-detached 3-bedroom dwelling (revised scheme) – Subject to ‘Written representation’ appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2102722) The date for final comments

from the appellants and LPA was 29/06/09. The date of the site visit has yet to be announced.

Land adj 1 Over Links Drive (Sever land and erect a new detached house (Revised Scheme) – Letter of objection registered on behalf of Assn on 03/04/09 and application has been ‘Red-carded’.

14 Nairn Road

(a) Demolish existing bungalow and erect a four storey 5 bed house. (Revised Scheme) – Appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2100972) withdrawn on 23/06/09.

(b) Demolish existing bungalow and erect a four storey five bed house. (Revised Scheme) Amended plans received 15/06/09 – Application granted on 10/07/09.

Victoria School, 12 Lindsay Road (Extension to existing classrooms and loft conversion to offices) – Application granted with conditions on 30/06/09.

3 Tower Road (1 x 3 bed detached dwelling) – Application withdrawn on 09/07/09.

Land adj. 2 Mornish Road

(a) Conservation area application to erect a 5-bed detached house with integral garage, access from Mornish Road (Revised scheme) – Appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2098623) allowed on 24/07/09.

(b) Erect a 5-bed detached house with attached garage, access from Mornish Road. (Revised Scheme) – Application registered on 29/06/09.

Canford Cliffs, Promenade 2 (a) Construction of 18 new beach huts – Application No: 08/24380/005/F & (b) Conservation Area application to demolish 8 beach huts (nos 99-106) adjacent to Canford Cliffs Chine. Application No: 08/24380/007/U The applications were registered as long ago as 22/01/08 &13/02/08 respectively. MH will keep the Assn advised of any further developments.

19 Sandbourne Road (Demolish existing and erect 5 apartments over 3 storeys with basement parking and associated cycle and bin store) – Arboricultural officer comments lodged on 02/06/09.

20 Balcombe Road (Demolish existing and erect 3 detached houses (Revised Scheme) –

Application refused on 27/05/09) – Application subject to Public Inquiry (APP/Q1255/A/09/2107902) to be held on 10/11/09 at 10.00am at the Civic Centre.

12 St Clair Road (Construct 2 detached dwellings with associated parking. (Revised Scheme) – Application registered on 08/05/09. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 09/06/09 and application has been ‘Red-carded. The Companies House website reveals that 12 St Clair Road Ltd (11 Ravine Road, Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset BH13 7HS Company No. 05796600) is still a ‘Active’ company but the accounts to 31/03/08 are overdue.

107 Lilliput Road (Erection of 12 flats with basement parking, cycle and bin storage.(Revised Scheme)

(as amended by plans received 26.06.09) – Application granted on 07/07/09.

4-6 Compton Avenue (Demolish existing and erect 2 blocks of flats (10 in total) with basement parking, bin and cycle stores. (Revised Scheme Block A). Revised plans received 05.02.2008) – Application was registered as long ago as 18/12/07. Most recent posting on BoP planning Application website is a letter from the Agents dated 19/08/08 referring to the outstanding signed Section 106 Agreement which was due to be “issued to Poole Borough Council shortly.” The flats have been largely constructed but it appears that no further work has been carried out on this site since the demise of Ravine Lifestyle. It states at 3.2 ‘Distributions’ of the Administrators’ Progress Report for Ravine Lifestyle dated 21/07/09 that “Clydesdale, the secured lender also had cross guarantees in place over 57 Haven, 4 & 6 Compton, 101 Lilliput and Future 3000. Due to significant shortfalls for the secured creditors in these companies no further realisations were possible for Clydesdale.”

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.

4. ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JD reported that funds at the end of July amounted to £34,299.20.

JD said that it was unlikely that there would be any significant change in this figure until after the distribution of the Autumn 2009 magazine.

JS said that the deadline for material for the Autumn 2009 magazine was the end of this month and he encouraged those present to write an article for the magazine should they so wish. If all the prospective advertisers go ahead with their adverts, the income generated should cover the cost of magazine and may show a small profit,

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There being no AOB, JS closed closed at 8.10pm.

Date of next meeting: The next meeting is Wednesday 9^th September 2009 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

BPCCRA Minutes July 8th 2009

Posted on July 9, 2009 by Ben Harris

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

HELD ON 8TH JULY 2009 at 7.30pm

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

PRESENT:

Chair : Terry Stewart President
John Defty      Treasurer
Keith Alcroft     Planning Officer
Stan Alfert        Data Protection Officer
Bob Young       Magazine Advertising
Val Short          Minutes Secretary

Cllr Mrs May Haines Ward Councillor
Cllr Neil Sorton ditto

12 Members/Wardens

Welcomes: TS welcomed all those present, especially any present for the first time.

The meeting commenced with a unanimous vote of well wishes for John Sprackling.

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES (10 JUNE 2009)

Apologies: John Sprackling (Still recovering from recent op), Michael Bond

Accuracy: KA has contacted JS about a correction needed on Page 3 in relation to the item on Canford Cliffs Chine. This should be amended to read that the “leaves and detritus has washed onto the beach and is LYING in the trench formed by the digger, when clearing the sand from the base of the promenade wall.”

William Mutlow made a point about the expectation of an increase in council tax of 5½%. He said there should not be an automatic annual 5% increase.

TS said that, subject to this amendment, he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meetings held on 10 June 2009.

2. MATTERS ARISING :

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

1.    Quayside (former) Dolphin Quays development – No further developments
TS pointed out that there were retail units unlet after 3 years, which questioned plans for the Thistle site
2.    Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane – ditto
3.    Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto
4.    Quay Thistle Hotel site – Application to demolish existing hotel and erect a mixed use development comprising of: a 149 bed hotel with 10 flats above; 133 flats in four blocks; a terrace of 11 houses; ground floor commercial and community space and a 273 space basement car park was lodged on 10/06/09.
TS circulated a picture of the proposed hotel development and asked for members’ opinions. Comments included “Not dynamic”; “Legoland” and “Out of keeping with area”. It was agreed that KA register a formal objection on behalf of Assn. WM stressed the importance of protecting access to the Quay for Poole residents. The disabled parking and drop-off point will remain as it is now. TS stated concerns that the roofline was hard and square, and that the architectural design did not meet Conservation Area requirements or complement the Dolphin Quays next door or the Ballard Street residential area.
5.    Old Orchard House. 39-61. High Street – No further developments

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

75 Canford Cliffs Road – An application for a second entrance was lodged 03/06/09 but the Urban Design & Conservation Officer says that she does “not support a second access at this site”.

The appeal against the Enforcement Notice re the formation of the second entrance was dismissed and the inspector instructed the owner to remove the existing fence and re-instate the boundary wall at the newly created entrance with a compliance time of 3 months from the date of the notice namely 15th August. The Planning Enforcement Officer has informed JS that the date is already in his diary to carry out a monitoring visit. He goes on to say “Rest assured the matter is still being monitored.”
150 Canford Cliffs Road – This site has been cleared, cleaned and secured using the Council’s default powers under s215(9) The anticipated legal charge will be in the region of £3-5k.
51 Chaddesley Glen – Concern about the height of this newly built property in Chaddesley Glen. MH reported that the height was not excessive.
Bella Rosa, 37 Haven Road – Retrospective application to erect glass screens to front and side of decking at front of property was refused on 03/07/09. Presumably Planning Enforcement will pursue?

Progress re Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations following independent report into the control of development at the Borough of Poole:

Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations were due to be monitored by the Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview and Scrutiny Committee but this item did not appear on the Agenda for the last meeting on 02/07/09 nor was it included in the Forward Plan.

TS pointed out that Sir Michael’s recommendation (3) stated that Cabinet members should not be members of the Planning Committee – or even substitutes. But 2 Cabinet members had been nominated as substitutes. MH explained that insufficient people were coming forward to be substitutes on Planning Committee as this required special training. However, she had completed training and would be available as a substitute. Cllr. Carole Deas was also trained. Sir Michael’s recommendation (5) stated that, if a decision was not unanimous then “a record should be kept of Councillors abstaining and voting for and against the motion.” However, the Planning Committee had agreed to only record if there was a vote of the Committee. Sir Michael’s recommendation (6) had asked for a “comprehensive review” of controlling development. Stephen Thorne had started a Review using the Community Working Group and an equivalent committee of developers. He is also calling in an outside IDEA Group to do a full audit of Poole’s Planning process. Chairman’s note: Meeting fixed for 16/07/09.
Community Working Group Meeting at Upton House

Roy Pointer reported on the Community Working Group meeting held this afternoon. The group comprises 8 representatives of 40 groups of residents. Stephen Thorne was asked how he would get feedback from residents’ associations and it was agreed that agendas and minutes would be put on the website along with contact details.
The meeting was mainly a presentation on the new Core Strategy and Stephen Thorne would welcome an invitation for him or his Manager to attend an Assn. meeting. Subsequently it was agreed that the September 10 meeting was best.
The Planning Committee will vote using a card system, red for refuse, green for grant, and orange for abstain. All members will vote by holding up a card at the same time, and the chairman will only vote in the event of a tie, and will generally vote in line with planning recommendations.
Third party appeals – developers can appeal, residents and the community can’t, too many individual appeals could get out of hand, so not good. Ombudsman can judge. Judicial review not to be entered into lightly. CPRE has been pressing for a change in national law.
Consistency of planning decisions :It would be helpful if members could report any cases known where different decisions were made in similar applications in the same area.
Pre-application consultation: Developers will be asked to convene a public meeting – hopefully this will happen.
Pre-application advice, which is paid for, is confidential, but will be published on the Planning Application website once an application is submitted.
External Audit of Poole’s Planning: Committee of 6 persons to judge what should be the council’s ‘best practice’. To be reported by end August.
Absence of levels on plans: Rules often complied with in spite of absence on plans. New website will automatically include levels.
Car parking on development sites around Town Bridge could create a problem once development has taken place.
Long periods of inactivity on applications will be improved. Stephen Thorne is keen to liaise with individuals and associations.
Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: No further developments.

Council Tax 2009/10 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report: Following the Assn’s last meeting, JS contacted the Liz Wilkinson, Head of Financial Services and she accepted that the Council’s Budget
Monitoring – Financial Outturn Report for the period 1 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 was not clear as it could be for the ‘lay reader’ and, JS suspects, to some Members too. The monitoring is intended to concentrate on the ‘real’ variances to the budgeted position rather than non-impacting book entries. Ms Wilkinson said that she is looking into how this can be better explained and reported in future years, if the Council retain this general approach to speeding up its year end closedown and reporting work.

Ms Wilkinson also hopes to better cross reference between different lines of entry across different accounting periods to help the reader make better sense of what is set out in future reports of this kind.

Ms Wilkinson has invited representatives of the Assn to meet with Mandy May to go through any of this in more detail or any other matter relating to the accounts if we would find that of assistance.

William Mutlow said that the latest Budget Monitoring report (1 April 2009 – 31 May 2009) shows major changes in the Council Budget, including one of £3.6million.

Poole Partnership: JS was unable to attend the Steering Group meeting on 24/06/09 as he’d only been home from hospital a couple of days before.

One item on the Agenda was a presentation on the Audit Commission’s findings so far for Poole’s Comprehensive Area Assessment which can be viewed via <http://poole.poolepartnership.org.uk/CAA>. JS would encourage all members to take a look at this.

In his capacity as Poole Partnership Steering Group representative for Residents’ & Tenants’ Assns and Community Groups, JS has been invited to attend a meeting of the Sustainable Communities Panel to be held on 13/07/09. Other members of the Panel will be Cllr Gregory, Chris Beale – Director Poole Council for Voluntary Service and Adnan Choudry – Dorset Race Equality Council. TS stated that the Panel was meant to represent the whole community, so 3 Panel members were not enough. Was the Race Equality being politically correct since ethnic minorities were so low in Poole?

Lindsay Road to Station Road Corridor/Pedestrian refuge at junction of Penn Hill Ave and Spur Hill Ave: At the Assn’s last meeting a Ventry Close resident asked if anything could be done about the traffic noise along Lindsay Road. JS contacted Transportation Services and has received the following reply.

“While I can fully appreciate the concerns of local residents here unfortunately the situation remains unchanged in that based on the factors we have to take into account when prioritising roads for inclusion in the surfacing programme, Lindsay Road is still some way down the list. I know you would have heard this before but with extremely limited funds available for maintenance we have to target roads which are failing structurally, and while it is clear that the shape and surface texture of Lindsay Road does leave a lot to be desired, unfortunately these factors simply cannot be addressed at this time.
And while I wouldn’t dispute that there is likely to more traffic now on Lindsay Road ( which is a classified road and therefore forms part of the highway network designed for through traffic), this is also true of many roads in the borough. However again this wouldn’t change the prioritisation in respect of road resurfacing – structural condition is the main factor.

Sorry I can’t bring any more positive news”

Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road: Keith Alcroft reported that a meeting was held on 11th June with Warren Leaver. MH reported that a scheme with “build-outs” will be proposed that will look at the whole parade of shops.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No further developments
Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto
Bessborough Road – ditto

Possible Charitable Status for Assn: JS has still to set up a small Sub-Committee to look at this
.
Canford Cliffs Chine: No further developments

Canford Cliffs Play Area: ditto

Use of Assn’s Capital Reserve: ditto

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – JS is pursuing.

3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

KA reported…

7A Bury Road (Demolish existing and erect replacement two storey dwelling with basement (Revised
Scheme) Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 05/07/09. NS commented that there was a definite loss of privacy for the owners of 18 Western Avenue.

Other current planning issues

11 Westminster Road (Demolish existing dwelling & erect a block of 5 2-bed apartments with basement parking & bin store) – Application registered on 29/05/09. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 09/06/09 and application has been ‘Red-carded’.
31A Western Avenue Demolish existing and erect replacement two storey dwelling with basement (Revised scheme – Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 19/05/09. Subject to Appeal Hearing (APP/Q1255/A/09/2101686) on 18/08/09 at 10.00am.
11 Leicester Road
(a) Outline application to erect a 59 bedroom care home (class C2) with associated parking (15 spaces), bin & cycle store (revised scheme) – Application registered on 29/05/09. Letter of
objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 15/06/09. Application is to be ‘Red-carded’, if Planning Officer is minded to recommend ‘Grant’.
(b) Conservation Area application to demolish existing dwelling & associated buildings (revised scheme) – Application registered on 19/05/09. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 29/05/09.
7 Ventry Close (Erect a link-detached 3-bedroom dwelling (revised scheme) – Subject to ‘Written representation’ appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2102722) The date for final comments
from the appellants and LPA is 29/06/09. The date of the site visit has yet to be announced.
Land adj 1 Over Links Drive (Sever land and erect a new detached house (Revised Scheme) – Letter of objection registered on behalf of Assn on 03/04/09 and application has been ‘Red-carded’.
14 Nairn Road
(a) Demolish existing bungalow and erect a four storey 5 bed house. (Revised Scheme) – Subject to Appeal Hearing (APP/Q1255/A/09/2100972) on 30/06/09.
(b) Demolish existing bungalow and erect a four storey five bed house. (Revised Scheme) Amended plans received 15th June 2009 – Application registered on 15/05/09 and has been ‘red-carded’.
Victoria School, 12 Lindsay Road (Extension to existing classrooms and loft conversion to offices) – Application registered on 22/05/09.
2 Tower Road (Conservation area application to demolish existing dwelling & erect 3 detached dwellings with associated parking) Application registered 17/12/08. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 23/01/09 and application is to be ‘Red-carded, if Planning Officer is minded to recommend ‘Grant’.
3 Tower Road (1 x 3 bed detached dwelling) – Application registered on 19/05/09. A note dated 27/05/09 from the Urban design and Conservation Officer recommends refusal.
Land adj. 2 Mornish Road (Conservation area application to erect a 5-bed detached house with integral garage, access from Mornish Road (Revised scheme) – Awaiting Inspector’s decision following Appeal Hearing (APP/Q1255/A/09/2098623) today.
Canford Cliffs, Promenade 2 (a) Construction of 18 new beach huts) – Application No: 08/24380/005/F & (b) Conservation Area application to demolish 8 beach huts (nos 99-106) adjacent to Canford Cliffs Chine. Application No: 08/24380/007/U The applications were registered as long ago as 22/01/08 &13/02/08 respectively. MH will keep the Assn advised of any further developments.
19 Sandbourne Road (Demolish existing and erect 5 apartments over 3 storeys with basement parking and associated cycle and bin store) – Arboricultural officer comments lodged on 02/06/09.
20 Balcombe Road (Demolish existing and erect 3 detached houses (Revised Scheme) – Application refused on 27/05/09) – Meeting Note dated 02/06/09 states “the client was going to take the recently refused 3-house scheme to appeal. The client would also be requesting that the appeal be heard by way of a public inquiry.”
12 St Clair Road (Construct 2 detached dwellings with associated parking. (Revised Scheme) – Application registered on 08/05/09. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 09/06/09 and
application has been ‘Red-carded’
107 Lilliput Road (Erection of 12 flats with basement parking, cycle and bin storage.(Revised Scheme) (as amended by plans received 26.06.09) The S106 contributions and admin fees were settled on 22/05/09.
It is claimed that an affordable housing contribution is not applicable on this site as the building was predominantly built according to the current approval, and it is therefore deemed that it would be unfair and unreasonable for the LPA to request that the new affordable housing threshold is applied in this instance. JS has queried this.
4-6 Compton Avenue (Demolish existing and erect 2 blocks of flats (10 in total) with basement parking, bin and cycle stores. (Revised Scheme Block A). Revised plans received 05.02.2008) – Application was registered as long ago as 18/12/07. Most recent posting on BoP planning Application website is a letter from the Agents dated 19/08/08 referring to the outstanding signed Section 106 Agreement which was due to be “issued to Poole Borough Council shortly.” The flats have been largely constructed but it appears that no further work has been carried out on this site since the demise of Ravine Lifestyle. The first six monthly progress report to creditors dated 20/02/09 indicates that, at that date, this site, along with the freehold properties, 57 Haven Road, 101 Lilliput Road has still to be sold.
2 Compton Avenue & 93 Lilliput Road (Erect a block of 6 flats and a block of 5 flats with associated parking. Access from Lilliput Road (Revised Scheme) as amended plans received 06.04.06) – a number of breaches of Planning Conditions in relation to Application No: 06/11668/007/F have been highlighted by the LPA.
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.
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. ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JD reported that funds at the end of June amounted to £34,263.

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS –

English Heritage – has severe concerns at conservation areas under threat and have asked for comments. Let JS know of any concerns. Dorset has one of the largest number of conservation areas in the country. NS commented that it is a Govt. requirement that conservation areas be reviewed on a regular basis.

Travellers Sites – Each council has to specify permanent and transit sites for travellers. Poole have funding to upgrade the permanent site at Mannings Heath, but have yet to decide where to locate a transit site. Merley Lane was withdrawn due to many resident objections and Beach Road Car Park was not included in a list of potential sites. TS is pressing for the final shortlist to be published for Consultation.

Rhododendrons in The Avenue – There have been a series of complaints about cutting down the rhododendrons along The Avenue. The Council say it was necessary to improve visibility for car drivers and safety for pedestrians, but the contractors have virtually destroyed the rhododendrons by cutting them so low.

Recently erected Bollards at Ravine Road end of service road behind row of shops in Haven Road between Ravine Road and Maxwell Road – The owners of the businesses want to know why these bollards have been erected. This cut through has been there for 25 years. There have been no letters and no consultation. Michael Bond is investigating. These bollards are on private land, there is a notice to this effect stating that a permit is needed to park and a penalty of £150 if towed away. The owners of shops are not happy and MH will raise this at the Traders Meeting. NS reported that the bollards had been erected on private land and were probably legal. Entry will have to be from the other end.

Garden at Church of the Transfiguration – A member reported that following the removal of some trees at the Church of the Transfiguration, to which the Assn. contributed, plants and wildlife, including bats, are flourishing.

Redevelopment of 19 Torbay Road – There is to be a Pre-application meeting with residents. Rose Rogers and Alice will attend and report back. Chairman’s note: The meeting with the Agents, Urban DNA and the architect Nick Hebden is to take place on the site at 8:00 pm on Wednesday 15th July 2009.

TS closed the meeting at 8.42pm.

Date of next Meeting: The next meeting is Wednesday 12th August 2009 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

BPCCRA Minutes June 8th 2009

Posted on June 12, 2009 by Ben Harris

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

HELD ON 8^TH JUNE 2009 at 7.30pm

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

PRESENT:

Terry Stewart President

John Sprackling Chairman

John Defty Treasurer

Keith Alcroft Planning Officer

Stan Alfert Data Protection Officer

Bob Young Magazine Advertising

Cllr Mrs May Haines Ward Councillor

Ken Sanson, Chairman, Sandbanks Assn

22 Members/Wardens

Welcomes: JS welcomed all those present, especially any present for the first time. JS also welcomed Karen Corbett who had kindly agreed to take notes of the meeting.

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES (08 APRIL 2009)

Apologies: Cllr Neil Sorton, Michael Bond, John Gunton, Val Short (Minutes Secretary), Richard Dimbleby, John Fox. Brian Hambleton & Roy Pointer.

Accuracy: JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 08 April 2009.

2. MATTERS ARISING :

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

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

2. Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane – ditto

3. Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto

4. Quay Thistle Hotel site – The applicants are intending to submit an application shortly and it is hoped that this “will take on board comments made in response to the Public Consultation exercise.”

5. Old Orchard House. 39-61. High Street – No further developments

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

Fitzmor Homes Ltd (Vol. liquidation creditors) sites – The advertisement board at 7 Balcombe Road and oversize ‘For Sale’ board at 18 Balcombe Road have been removed.

75 Canford Cliffs Road – The appeal against the Enforcement Notice re the formation of the second entrance was dismissed on 15/05/09 and the owner has been instructed to remove the existing fence and re-instate the boundary wall at the newly created entrance within 3 months.

138 Canford Cliffs Road – The Notices have been displayed in the immediate area reporting wilful damage to a tree on 09/05/09 but, to date, these have not resulted in anyone coming forward with information.

150 Canford Cliffs Road – The Section 215 Notice was served on 15/05/09 with a compliance date of 16/06/09, so the Council cannot do anything further until after this date.

Progress re Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendation: At the Full Council meeting on 12/05/09, Cllr Mrs Stribley stood down as Deputy Leader of the Council – to be replaced by Cllr Collier. I think that Cllr Mrs Stribley also stood down as Conservative Group Leader.

Cllr Mrs Stribley remains Chairman of the Planning Committee for the coming Municipal Year and the number of Committee Members has been increased from the current eight to nine.

No decision has been made regarding Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendation that “a record should be kept of Councillors abstaining and voting for and against the motion“. It seems that this recommendation is meeting resistance in some quarters and before reaching a

decision, the Head of Planning & Regeneration is carrying out research into the practice of other Councils in this respect.

Residents Working Group meeting (13/05/09) – JS said that Roy Pointer had reported that 10 individuals had attended the meeting representing 10 Residents’ Assns spread throughout the Borough and most of the time was spent exploring its role.

JS said that he will circulate Minutes of meeting with the Minutes of this meeting.

A similar meeting is planned for developers.

The next meeting is scheduled for 8 July at 2pm. Chairman’s note: Roy Pointer has subsequently contacted me to say that he is now available to attend this meeting as the Assn’s representative.

Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: No further developments.

Council Tax 2009/10 & Council’s Budget Monitoring report: William Mutlow reported that the Council’s Budget Monitoring – Financial Outturn Report for the period 1 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 shows a £1.683m surplus.

Chairman’s note: WM also referred a number of differences between the Council Budget Monitoring statement for December 2008 and that for March 2009 but this does not take account of two statements covering the periods 1 April 2008 – 31 January 2009 and 1 April 2008 – 28 February 2009 presented at subsequent Cabinet meetings and I have asked WM if he might see if these clarify some of his queries.

WM referred to adjustments relating to Financial Reporting Standard (FRS)15. These guidelines require that costs that should not be capitalised, where they are not directly attributable to bringing a physical asset into working condition. Examples include

preparing procedures for how a new system/asset will operate, training of staff in the use of the asset, promoting the new service/asset, the cost of alternative arrangements (hiring alternative accommodation) whilst the property is built, etc.

As a consequence of this guidance, certain expenditure previously recorded as capital thought-out the year has now been transferred and shown as chargeable to revenue.

Poole Partnership: JS reported that the Steering Group meeting due to be held on 22/04/09 was cancelled. The next meeting has been fixed for 24/06/09 but JS has sent his apologies as he will only just returned home from his operation.

Lindsay Road to Station Road Corridor/Pedestrian refuge at junction of Penn Hill Ave and Spur Hill Ave: William Mutlow reported that as Penn Hill Ave had been designated as part of the Prime Transport Corridor from Lindsay Road to Ashley Cross, more traffic is using this road. This has made it difficult for the elderly to crossing difficult to cross this road and a refuge in the centre of the road is urgently needed.

This issue was raised at the Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill area meeting on 03/06/09 and residents were informed that there are currently 39 sites on the Council’s list, 7 of which have a higher ranking than this site. Two of these 7 facilities are likely to be installed in this financial year. At the next Area meeting, residents are to be told how the priorities are determined.

The meeting was attended by a number of residents from the Abbeyfield Home at the junction of Spur Hill Ave and Penn Hill Ave and WM emphasised the importance of attending Area Committee meetings to show Ward Councillors the strength of local feeling.

Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road: Keith Alcroft reported that he had not made much progress. He is experiencing resistance from Transportation Services who are looking to produce a Borough-wide policy for trees in an urban

environment in conjunction with the Conservation Officer for Planning & Regeneration Services.

MH said that the Canford Cliffs Land Society are exploring the idea of palm trees in planters, which would avoid the problem of root spread, and an on-site meeting with an Urban Design Team officer has been arranged for next Wednesday

MH felt that this might be an appropriate solution as an interim measure while the discussions on a Borough-wide policy for trees in an urban environment are ongoing

Bella Rosa, 37 Haven Road – JS reported that a retrospective application for the screen was lodged on 11/05/09 at the request of Planning Enforcement Dept. Following the visit by the Planning Enforcement and Transportation Services officers visited on 04/02/09, it

was agreed that the line of sight is obscured but, as yet, no report has been posted on the BoP Planning Application website from Transportation Services.

Chairman’s Note: A ‘Written Representations’ appeal against the Enforcement Order was lodged last month but, in order not to waste public funds responding to an enforcement appeal unnecessarily, the enforcement notice has been withdrawn and the Enforcement Officer’s concerns over the retention of the screens have been forwarded for the attention of the case officer.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – No further developments

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

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

Canford Cliffs Chine: KA reported that, following the recent downpour, a large amount of leaves and detritus has washed onto the beach and is being cleared up by a digger.

MH said that the possibility of using youth offenders to do some planting had been discarded on the grounds of the cost of supervision and is not going to happen. It was suggested that residents might be willing to help but MH felt that, as the Council took rhododendron away, it was not fair to residents ask to assist with the remedial work

Fossilised tree discovered at Branksome Chine: JS reported that the fossilised tree is now in place at Branksome Chine next to canoe lifeguards station beside the Beach Office. The current explanatory notice is to be replaced with a permanent board in due course.

KA commented that a large sign had been erected in the place originally proposed but which had been deemed inappropriate by the Head of Leisure Services

Chairman’s note: The information board in question has been there for several weeks and, for those with limited mobility, the disabled parking bays are sited well away from the sign

The refuse bins beside the fossilised tree have been removed, as has the ‘old’ notice board. I assume that the proposed explanatory board is to be put in place in due course.

Canford Cliffs Play Area/Pinecliff wildlife trail: JS reported that the official unveiling of the play sculptures took place on 07/05/09.

Double Yellow Lines on Woodside Road: JS reported that this proposal had been rejected by the two Penn Hill Ward Councillors who attended the Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting held on 03/06/09.

Use of Assn’s Capital Reserve: JS invited Kathleen Hurley to put her request for a donation towards an extension to the existing Meeting Room at the Canford Cliffs Library to enable members to attend regular meeting, and would also provide room for educational projects for both young and old.

KH said that, as ‘Friends of Canford Cliffs Library’, they are the victims of our own success and have outgrown the Meeting Room. Approx 70 people are members but only about 20 at a time can attend the regular Monday Coffee morning due to lack of space.

The plans are quite modest, the extension the Friends have in mind would cost approximately £20,000. Ward Councillors support the Friends, but Poole Council have informed the Friends that there is unlikely to be any cash for some time to come.

The Friends have prepared an application to the Grass Roots association for a grant of £5,000, but they advise the Friends to delay sending this in until the Friends can say where the majority of the money needed will come from.

The Friends currently have funds totalling around £3,500 and the purchase of a Coffee Machine is in the pipeline

JS asked those present how much of our current reserves (around £34,000) they felt that the Assn should commit to support project.

Roy Fluellen suggested 50% but JS, from the chair, thought that this was being over-generous.

SA suggested £5000 but to be conditional on the funds being released only when agreement to go ahead with the extension was guaranteed. SA was concerned that if the funds were handed over now, these might get swallowed up in the administrative costs of getting the project off the ground.

TS supported a donation of £5,000 and asked if the Canford Cliffs Land Society had been asked for their support. KH said that the Land Society had seemed reluctant to release funds for this project.

Kevin Goldstein Jackson suggested a donation of £4,000 and said that we should seek a plaque/board to include the Assn’s name in recognition of contribution.

A member suggested the possible release of 50% to get the project started.

SA reminded members of the £5,000 spent on the abortive Luscombe Valley Judicial Review and said that this donation needs to be put on a formalised footing, as the Assn is spending other peoples money and would expect to see success of the project.

JS put the matter to the vote with a show of hands. A donation of £5000 was agreed (14 voting in favour) An alternative of £4000 received 6 votes in favour)

KH thanked the Assn and said its generosity was appreciated.

3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

KA reported…

12 St Clair Road (Construct 2 detached dwellings with associated parking. (Revised Scheme) – Application registered on 08/05/09. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 09/06/09.

11 Westminster Road (Demolish existing dwelling & erect a block of 5 2-bed apartments with basement parking & bin store) – Application registered on 29/05/09. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 09/06/09.

11 Leicester Road

(a) Conservation Area application to demolish existing dwelling & outline application erect a 59 bedroom care home, bin and cycle store and associated parking (15 casino online spaces) with some matters reserved – Applications refused by Planning Committee on 16/04/09.

(b) Outline application to erect a 59 bedroom care home (class C2) with associated parking (15 spaces), bin & cycle store (revised scheme) – Application registered on 29/05/09. KA is waiting to hear from neighbours.

(c) Conservation Area application to demolish existing dwelling & associated buildings (revised scheme) – Application registered on 19/05/09. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 29/05/09.

The Avenue/Western Road Traffic Lights (A 12m Slimline Streetworks pole with shrouded antennas and one telecommunications cabinet) – application was refused on 05/06/09.

Other current planning issues

7 Ventry Close (Erect a link-detached 3-bedroom dwelling (revised scheme) – Subject to ‘Written representation’ appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2102722) The date for final comments

from the appellants and LPA is 29/06/09. The date of the site visit has yet to be announced.

Land adj 1 Over Links Drive (Sever land and erect a new detached house(Revised Scheme) – Letter of objection registered on behalf of Assn on 03/04/09.

36 Links Road (Demolish part of existing bungalow and erect 2 storey house. Demolition of remainder of existing bungalow after completion of new build) – Application granted on 22/04/09

14 Nairn Road

(a) Demolish existing bungalow and erect a four storey 6 bed house – Appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2094445) dismissed on 28/05/09.

(b) Demolish existing bungalow and erect a four storey 5 bed house. (Revised Scheme) – Subject to Appeal Hearing (APP/Q1255/A/09/2100972) on 30/06/09.

(c) Demolish existing bungalow & erect a four storey five bed house (Revised scheme) – Application registered on 15/05/09 and has been ‘red-carded’.

Victoria School, 12 Lindsay Road

(a) Erect modular classroom building comprising 3 classrooms, entrance hall and toilet facilities) – .Application withdrawn on 14/03/09.

(b) Extension to existing classrooms and loft conversion to offices – Application registered on 22/05/09.

(2 Tower Road Conservation area application to demolish existing dwelling & erect 3 detached dwellings with associated parking) Application registered 17/12/08. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 23/01/09. If the officers are not minded to refuse this application under delegated authority, this will be decided by the Planning Committee at a date yet to be announced.

3 Tower Road (1 x 3 bed detached dwelling) – Application registered on 19/05/09. A note dated 27/05/09 from the Urban design and Conservation Officer recommends refusal.

Land adj. 2 Mornish Road (Conservation area application to erect a 5-bed detached house with integral garage, access from Mornish Road (Revised scheme) – Application subject to Appeal Hearing (APP/Q1255/A/09/2098623) on 08/07/09.

20 Balcombe Road

(a) Demolish existing and erect 3 detached houses. As amended by plans received 15/09/08

(b) Demolish existing dwelling and erect 5 no. 2 bed apartments. As amended by plan received 11/09/08. – Appeals against the refusal to grant (a) & (b) were withdrawn on 17/04/09.

16-18 Durrant Road (Demolish existing and erect 2 blocks of 6 flats (12 total) with single linked basement garage) – application granted by Planning Committee on 17/04/08 and subject to complaint by local residents to Local Government Ombudsman. One complaint was dismissed and it is assumed the other was too.

Canford Cliffs, Promenade 2 (a) Construction of 18 new beach huts) – Application No: 08/24380/005/F & (b) Conservation Area application to demolish 8 beach huts (nos 99-106) adjacent to Canford Cliffs Chine. Application No: 08/24380/007/U The applications were registered as long ago as 22/01/08 &13/02/08 respectively. MH will keep the Assn advised of any further developments.

19 Sandbourne Road (Demolish existing and erect 5 apartments over 3 storeys with basement parking and associated cycle and bin store) – Amended plans lodged on 12/05/09.

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.

4. REPORT RE SOUTHERN POOLE CHAIRMENS’ LIAISON GROUP MEETING (20/05/09) – TS reported that, in addition the usual routine topics, Cllr Peter Adams gave a talk on Sustainable Communities Act (SCA) 2007

· The Council has adopted this discretionary legislation but have no powers to raise tax to fund its operation.
· The aim of the SCA 2007 is to improve the ‘wellbeing’ of community by encouraging suggestions from residents.
· New original ideas are being looked for with the first set required urgently since the first half-yearly collection ends late July.
· Examples might include the right of objectors to appeal a planning decision rather like developers can.
· Ideas can be accepted at Council level or promoted up to Secretary of State level.

Cllr Adams also spoke about (a) the £1.2m Playbuilder scheme to improve play areas around the Borough (b) adult electronic equipment in Poole Park, (c) Upton Park review and (d) the provision of headquarters for the Canoe Club at the former site of the outdoor swimming pool in Park Lake Road.

In answer to a question from a member, MH said that no decision had been made about the make-up of the Residents’ panel to review the ideas put forward under the SCA 2007

5. REPORT RE NEWTOWN & PARKSTONE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING (13/05/09) – As no one present had attended this meeting, there was no report.

6. REPORT RE CANFORD CLIFFS & PENN HILL AREA COMMITTEE MEETING (03/06/09) – JS said that a number of the issues discussed at the meeting had been dealt with earlier but he mentioned South East Dorset Transport Study and suggested that members may like to collect a questionnaire from the Public Library. TS said that the survey was costing £5/6m but said that this was required to obtain the necessary funding for various road improvements in the area. JS has received an invitation to a Wider Reference Group meeting on 01/07/09 in his capacity as Poole Partnership Steering Group representative for Residents’ & Tenants’ Assns and Community Groups but he suspects that he will still be convalescing from his operation, TS will attend in his stead.

7. ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JD reported that the that funds at the end May was around £34,000.

JS said that Bob Young is hoping that if all those who have indicated that they would like to place an advert in the Assn’s Autumn 2009 magazine, this should bring in around £2,650 which would, more or less, cover the cost of the magazine.

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS –

Flytipping in Dover Road – JS reported that a second incidence of flytipping has occurred in Dover Road. On the first occasion it was a lorry load but this time it was a ’skip’ load. Maggie Mills reported that, thanks to the intervention of Cllr Collier, this has now been cleared

Kevin Goldstein-Jackson congratulated the Council on the “fantastic response” in clearing rubbish dumped in the Martello Woods.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – Following the demise of the Dorset Federation of Residents’ Assns, the Assn no longer has PLI cover. JS is pursuing.

Ventry Close – 5 new members attended meeting. A Ventry Close resident asked if anything could be done about the traffic noise along Lindsay Road, particularly replace the current stone surface with tarmac. Concern was also expressed about speeding vehicles in Lindsay Road.

JS agreed that the problem had worsened since Lindsay Road had become a Prime Transport Corridor to Ashley Cross but he had written to the Council about this 2/3 years ago and was told that re-surfacing of Lindsay Road was a low priority.

JS said that he would pick this issue up again

Canford Cliffs Traders Assn Fund raising event – MH informed the meeting of this event, with ‘bring and share’ lunch to be held at 16 De Mauley Road on Wednesday, 17^th June 12 noon – 5pm.

51 Chaddesley Glen – Bob Milligan raised a concern about this newly built property in Chaddesley Glen which seems higher than agreed planning consent. MH agreed to investigate.

SA felt that BM should not raise his hopes that any action would be taken as, in his

experience, developers seem to breach height restrictions with impunity.

Rock Groynes at Branksome Chine – Rose Rogers said that she was “horrified at the rock groynes on ‘our lovely beach” but JS said that these were now a ‘fait accompli’ and, in his opinion, were not as obtrusive as he once feared.

JS closed the meeting at 8.35pm.

Date of next Meeting: The next meeting is Wednesday 8^th July 2009 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

BPCCRA Minutes May 2nd 2009

Posted on May 4, 2009 by Ben Harris

MINUTES OF THE FIFTIETH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS AND DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION,

HELD AT 10.30am ON SATURDAY, 2ND MAY 2009

IN ALL SAINTS CHURCH HALL

PRESENT:

Mr Terry Stewart President

Mr John Sprackling Chairman

Mr John Defty Hon Treasurer

Mr Keith Alcroft Planning Officer

Mr John Gunton Magazine Editor

Mr Stan Alfert Data Protection Officer

GUESTS: Robert Syms MP

Cllr Mrs Carole Deas

Cllr Mrs May Haines

Cllr Neil Sorton

And approx 70 Members/Wardens of the Association

1. WELCOME

The Chairman thanked everyone for coming along. In particular he welcomed the guests mentioned above. JS advised that the Guest Speaker, Stephen Thorne, Poole’s newly appointed Head of Planning and Regeneration would join the meeting at approximately 11am after the official business had been dealt with.

2. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Terry Smith (Secretary), Reg & Cecilia Grimston & Roland Cunnell.

3. AGM 2008 MINUTES: Accuracy & Matters Arising

The Chairman reminded members that the Minutes of the AGM held on 3^rd May 2008 had been included in the Autumn 2008 magazine. The Chairman said that he had not been contacted about their accuracy and asked for a show of hands to approve the Minutes as no queries had arisen. This was given and the Minutes were approved.

4. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

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

Poole’s Local Development Framework

The period of legal challenge in relation to Poole’s Core Strategy ended yesterday (01/05/09)

Site Specific Allocations policy – A local Planning Consultants firm, Matrix, have been engaged by the Council to prepare Character Area assessments for the Borough and a meeting with Council officers and Matrix took place yesterday (01/05/09). Alongside this work, policies within the current Poole Local Plan are being reviewed. 69 sites for redevelopment have been selected and discussions are due to take place with developers. The Council are still looking at a potential transit site for travellers – space for 8 pitches are required in addition to the site for settled travellers at Mannings Heath.

Sir Michael Pitt’s independent review of planning matters in Poole

JS referred to response by Cllr Mrs Stribley, Chairman of the Planning Committee, to a letter from Roy Godfrey, Chairman of Broadstone Residents’ Assn letter which appeared in the letter’s section of Thursday’s Daily Echo.

The gist of the letter was that…

· Senior officers have already put in place mechanisms to minimise the possibility of any unlawful activity.

· As part of our ongoing communications strategy, the Council will be having regular meetings with Residents’ Associations.

· While, at his request, no changes were made during Sir Michael’s investigation, after the Annual Council on 12^th May, no permanent member of the Planning Committee will also be a member of Cabinet, thereby clearly demonstrating the separation of the roles of policy from development and delivery.

· The matters covered by Recommenation 7 have been resolved within the ruling Conservative group.

· The newly appointed Head of Planning and Regeneration will be conducting a full and comprehensive review of the development control process to make any possible improvements in efficiency and service delivery.

· While the majority of Sir Michael’s recommendations have been or are being implemented, councillors are unlikely to implement them all, but for very good reason. For example, at the present time we do not feel it appropriate to seek increased remuneration for Planning Committee members.

· Matters covered under recommendation 7 Have been resolved.

In answer to a query from the floor, JS agreed it would appear that Cllr Stribley would no longer be able to stay in her current role. These posts are announced on the night and there is no prior notice. JS advised he would be attending the meeting on 12 May.

Chairman’s note: Agenda for next Thursday’s Planning Committee which shows the number of Committee Members reduced from the current eight to seven with Cllr Mrs Stribley (Chairman), Cllr Mrs Walton (Vice-Chairman) and Cllrs Allen, Mrs Butt, Mrs Long, Wilkins and Wilson

Cllr Carole Deas asked if she could comment on Cllr Stribley’s letter in last week’s Echo and JS asked that this be included under AOB at the end of the meeting.

Planning Enforcement, Tree Preservation Orders/Tree replacements

150 Canford Cliffs Road – The Planning Enforcement Officer wrote to the owner’s solicitors, Morgan Hall in Ilford last Wednesday inquiring about progress on boarding and securing the property as more rubbish and detritus has been dumped on the site. The officer is now considering a formal notice to secure compliance with his earlier request.

Lindsay Road to Station Road Prime Transport Corridor The long awaited public work of art at the junction of Penn Hill Avenue and North Lodge Road is due to be installed at the end of this month.

An Assn member, William Mutlow has been doing his best to raise the profile of the difficulty being experienced by the elderly residents living in the Abbeyfield House at the junction of Spur Hill Ave and Penn Hill Ave in crossing Penn Hill Ave at this point. Mr Mutlow raised this matter again at last Wednesday’s Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting and Cllr Mrs Stribley said that the Council were looking at the possibility of installing a pedestrian refuge at this point.

Canford Cliffs Village – The proposal to plant trees in Haven Road is being progressed by Keith Alcroft, our Planning Officer

Fossilised tree discovered at Branksome Chine – Plans to mount this on a plinth at Branksome Chine are well advanced.

Poole Quay – the Assn has for some years taken a close interest in the properties on the Quay (two of which are on Borough-owned land), which were formerly owned by Orb Estates or its subsidiaries.

Quay Thistle Hotel site – Plans for the development of this site with more than 150 homes, a four-star hotel, plus shops and restaurants, were recently put on casino online display in Poole’s Dolphin Centre. A planning application is expected in May.

The 150-bed hotel on the east end of the site, including a conference centre and restaurant and lounge at quay level, would be the first phase of the project – with the demolition of the Quay Thistle and the residential development only going ahead when the economic climate improves.

Swan Inn site – An application for the Swan Inn (Change of Use from Retail (Class A1) to Museum/visitor attraction (Class D1) was approved on 03/04/09 but an article in Thursday’s Daily Echo reports that Viv Endecott, who runs the Blyton-themed Ginger Pop Shop at Corfe Castle, had planned to transform the property into the Enid Blyton Story Centre but this will not materialise after failing to reach an agreement with the holders of the intellectual property rights to Blyton’s work. Ms Endecott is now looking at other alternative themes for the museum.

As reported in the Spring 2009 magazine, as long ago as 13/11/07, Dr Smith the high-profile boss of the company behind the ‘Quayside’ (former Dolphin Quays) development was ordered to pay nearly £41 million by way of confiscation and given 12 months to pay

With Robert Sym’s help, JS’s enquiries have recently revealed that Dr Smith has not fully satisfied the Order and so enforcement receivers have been appointed to identify and liquidate his assets in order to satisfy the Order. This action “involves a considerable amount of time and court related applications and is still going on”

Portacabins at Whitecliff Recreation Ground – the services to the Portacabins are being disconnected and some internal preparation work started last Wednesday. Other work in preparation to remove the Portacabins from the site is being undertaken shortly.

The Portcabins are all being put to use within the Council and this will be in the public domain shortly.

Luscombe Valley Judicial Review – some members may be unaware that a group of nearby residents took the Council to the High Court for a Judicial Review to challenge the Planning Approval of the application to build 6 blocks of flats next to the Luscombe Valley Nature Reserve.

The Assn took Solicitor’s advice about whether the Assn should become involved in this matter and the advice the Assn received was that the Assn could do so provided that the Assn was simply a ‘pure funder’. On this basis, the Assn made a total donation of £4,000. I attended the Court Hearing and, on my arrival home on Day 1, I sent an e-mail to the Luscombe Valley Residents’ Group pointing out that an incorrect statement had been made in Court by the Council’s Barrister but, I committed an indiscretion by copying this in to the Barrister himself. It was clearly not my intention to intervene in the proceedings but simply to point out an error in the statement made in Court.

JS said that it was planned meet next week with members of the Group to discuss this.

David Riley wished to raise a point and it was agreed that this could be covered under AOB at the end of the meeting.

Vice Chairman – the Chairman advised that the Association is still looking for a Vice Chairman and JS thanked the President, Terry Stewart, for covering this role and for his support during the year

5. TREASURER’S REPORT AND APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR

John Defty advised there was nothing further to add to the Income and Expenditure Account included in the Spring 2009 magazine. He advised that his telephone number and email address are noted in the magazine and he was available to answer any queries in relation to the Accounts.

6. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR:

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

7. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Terry Stewart advised that John Sprackling had acted as Chairman for a number of years, holding monthly meetings and working hard on the Association’s behalf and he proposed that John Sprackling continue in his role. This proposal was carried by a show of hands. (and applause!)

8. ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE

JS advised that the members of the current executive committee were willing to stand again but that from April 2010 they will be looking for a Minutes Secretary. A show of hands carried the motion that the current Executive continue for a further year.

President Terry Stewart

Chairman John Sprackling

Vice Chairman Vacant

Treasurer John Defty

Membership Secretary Michael Bond

Planning Officer Keith Alcroft

Secretary Terry Smith

Data Protection Officer Stan Alfert

Magazine Editor John Gunton

Magazine Advertising Bob Young

Minute Secretary Val Short

7. PRESENTATION BY STEPHEN THORNE, RD, ADC, BTP, MRTPI – HEAD OF PLANNING AND REGENERATION (FORMERLY HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, SALISBURY DISTRICT COUNCIL).

JS welcomed the Guest Speaker and Mr Thorne thanked the Association for inviting him to speak.

Chairman’s note: The text of Stephen Thorne’s talk runs to 5 pages and I’ve arranged for this to be edited down to a suitable size to include in the Minutes and this will be added to the Minutes in time for their inclusion in the Assn’s Autumn 2009 Magazine.

In answer to a question from the floor (Denis Riley), concerning his predecessor, TS advised that PW was a skilled operator and if applications were within the rule of law then they would be approved and the Inspectorate are only implementing the policies of government.

Cllr Deas stated she was much encouraged by Mr Thorne’s approach and would look forward to being able to meet him.

Ian Walker asked if Cllr Stribley had influenced the Council’s decision on engaging Mr Thorne. TS advised no, he had been interviewed by a panel of 8 people and cross examined by each one.

Denis Riley wanted JS to accept blame for his unwanted intervention in the Luscombe Valley meeting at a cost to the Association of £4,000. JS advised that he heard what Mr Riley had to say and that he had attended the meeting as a private person and not on behalf of the Association and as previously stated he would be attending a meeting to discuss this.

William Mutlow asked Mr Thorne what his stance was with regard to retrospective planning applications and enforcement in terms of building regulations and development. TS advised that a retrospective application has to be treated as a fresh application. They are not considered criminal offences and are within the law whereas listed building and tree preservation are in a different category. On enforcement, unfortunately it is not easy and has to be in the public interest and if there is nothing wrong with the project it would be wrong to waste public money where it turns out to be perfectly within the law.

Stan Alfert raised the point that people do not know about an application that may affect them until it is too late, i.e. the house next door might get a letter but there is no notice posted so that the people opposite would be unaware of any project that may affect them. He pointed out that in particular people in Lakeside Road were unaware of the development of flats.

ST advised these were in accordance with the 1992 regulations but agreed that we need to clarify where we notify those close to the development.

Kevin Goldstein Jackson noted that the applications only had a scale of 1:100 and it was not possible to determine heights of buildings in relation to the trees shown on plans and asked if anything could be done about this.

ST replied that distances from boundary to boundary and heights are given but was not sure about heights and would investigate this on his return to the office.

In answer to a query from Ben Hurley on enforcement, TS said this must be in the public interest but invited him to come in and see him personally or a member of the team. In answer to BH’s query about flooding, TS said that he has set up a meeting with his opposite number in the Environment Agency in order to achieve consistency.

JS then invited Mr Robert Syms, MP to say a few words.

Mr Syms thanked Mr Thorne for his impressive talk and welcomed his approach and where he saw the future of the Borough of Poole. He appreciated that there had been a problem with attracting the necessary expertise and that possibly with the current downturn there may be an opportunity to attract people from the private sector into the public sector. With regard to enforcement, he felt that the value of development, particularly in parts of Poole, would have to be recognised by Parliament and raise the fines accordingly. Currently developers go ahead happy to pay the meagre fines imposed.

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

JS advised that the cost of the Local Authority Notice Board planned for the outside of Canford Cliffs Library, had risen from £599 to £1050? And this would be discussed at the next monthly meeting.

JS wished to thank John Gunton for the magazine and special thanks to Oliver and Annie May for their contributions on display in the refreshment area of the church hall.

John Gunton advised that the Association had reserves of £32,000 and although it must be borne in mind that funds must be kept for legal costs, he felt that the Association could use say £5000 to go to projects within the area – such as tree planting and he asked if this met with general approval. There was agreement to this and JG said that any suggestions would be welcome – if possible to come along and discuss at the next monthly meeting.

Cllr Deas referred to Cllr Stribley’s recent letter in the press. It was reported she had been brought the council into disrepute by interrupting a Planning Committee meeting and had been suspended from the Conservative Group. CD had been trying to assist a resident who was badly treated and felt it her duty as a Councillor to interrupt the meeting. The Chairman had put a different spin on this and although suspended she is still a Councillor. At the hearing yesterday, they had no choice but to accept the truth and accepted there were extenuating circumstances. CD hopes that the truth will come out and that she was only acting in the interests of the residents.

Denis Riley wished to acknowledge all the work the Chairman did for the Association but wished to wished to state that the Chairman’s email following the hearing of the Luscombe Valley Group had cost the Association £4,000 in donation and in another £50,000 to the donors involved. Did the Chairman appreciate what he had done? JS advised DR that he accepted that he had sent the e-mail but that he had clearly not understood the implications. He will be meeting with the LVG as previously advised. He wished to state, however that he had attended the Court Hearing in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the Association and that the Association was not involved.

John Gunton wished to express his appreciation of the work the Chairman did for the Association.

9. REFRESHMENTS

There being no further questions, the Chairman closed the meeting at 12.00am and invited members to stay for refreshments.

BPCCRA Minutes April 8th 2009

Posted on April 10, 2009 by Ben Harris

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

HELD ON 8^TH APRIL 2009 at 7.30pm

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

PRESENT:

Terry Stewart President

John Sprackling Chairman

John Defty Treasurer

Keith Alcroft Planning Officer

Stan Alfert Data Protection Officer

John Gunton Magazine Editor

Val Short Minutes Secretary

Cllr Mrs Carole Deas Ward Councillor

Cllr Mrs May Haines ditto

12 Members/Wardens

Welcomes: JS welcomed Cllr Mrs May Haines and all those present, especially any present for the first time. Cllr Mrs Carole Deas also joined the meeting a little later.

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES (11 MARCH 2009)

Apologies: Bob & Phyllis Young

Accuracy: JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 11 March 2009.

2. MATTERS ARISING :

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

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

2. Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane – ditto

3. Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto

4. Quay Thistle Hotel site – JS has, at last, received a copy of the 26 week Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) and was advised on 23/03/09 that the Development Team were just entering Week 8. JS said that he would set out the actions for the remaining weeks in the Minutes.

Week 9
– Public exhibition held
– Members updated necessary following the public exhibition
– Terence O’Rourke (TO’R) to circulate summary of comments from the public exhibition
– Architects (EPR) to amend scheme if necessary following comments from the public exhibition
– EPR Issue final drawings
– Hyder update
– TO’R to produce supporting planning statement
– EPR to produce D&A (?Design & Access Statement)
Week 10
– All material for submission to TO’R
– Application submitted
Week 11
– Application validated and and registered
– TO’R manage and monitor submitted application
Week 12 -19
– Formal consultation of statutory consultees
– TO’R manage and monitor submitted application
Week 20
– Case officer to summarise main comments received to date and to confirm the heads of terms for any legal agreement
Week 21
– Joint development team review meeting to discuss consultee comments and heads of terms

– TO’R circulate minutes of meeting

Week 22 -23
– Case officer to prepare report to committee
– TO’R manage and monitor submitted application
Week 24
– Case officer to prepare published report to committee
– TO’R to prepare presentation to committee
– Committee – officer’s report published
Week 25 -26
– Application to Planning Committee committee

– TO’R to provide any outstanding information order to get the decision notice issued
– case officer to notify the applicant team the Committee decision and or any matters that need to be resolved before a decision notice is issued
‘ Once outstanding matters have been resolved, legal decision notice to be issued and agreement to be signed in an agreed time-scale
Week 27
– End of 16 week determination period

5. Old Orchard House. 39-61. High Street – No further developments

JS reported that the Frequently Asked Questions about the 2^nd Harbour Crossing have now been posted on the BoP website. The link is<http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=categories&ref=C49B92A281F38B> JS said that he had been under the impression that this would include the answer to the question regarding the costs incurred to date in relation to the overall cost of £37.5m (Taken from Summary Report of the Audit Commission’s Report ‘Full Sail Ahead ‘Borough of Poole Audit 2007-2008′ published in February 2008). JS said that just before he left home for tonight’s meeting, he had received a note from the Head of Legal & Democratic Services to say that ”the information that you seek is already in the public domain in a number of reports, in particular, report to Council last December.”

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

Flat 6, 20 Flaghead Road (Requirement for obscure-glazed glass) – MH advised JS on 24/03/09 that “the obscured glazed window was fitted over the weekend. Mr & Mrs Smith are very pleased that there is now closure on this case.

Fitzmor Homes Ltd sites at 49 & 49a Haven Road & 7 Balcombe Road & 18

Balcombe Road (Oversize ‘For Sale’ board) – The flags and advertisement board at 49 & 49a Haven Road have been removed.

75 Canford Cliffs Road – Enforcement Notice re the formation of an unauthorised vehicular entrance subject to ‘Written representations’ Appeal

(APP/Q1255/C/08/2086204) Date for Final comments was 24/12/08

Progress re Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations & Meeting with Residents’ Associations on 25/03/09 –

Sir Michael Pitt’s Report – JS reported that target dates for Recommendations 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6 is May 2009 and for recommendation 2 is June 2009).Roy Pointer reported on the meeting with Residents’ Associations; repesentatives on 25/03/09, chaired by Cllr Mrs Ann Stribley, Chairman of the Planning Committee, attended by Stephen Thorne, Head of Planning & Regeneration, Peter Watson, Head of Planning Design & Control Services, Michael Garrity, Senior Planning Officer and approx 30 residents.

The Core Strategy for the Local Development Framework has now been amended and adopted following the Inspector’s report on 19^th February and can be viewed on the Council website.

The threshold for affordable housing has dropped to 6 dwellings (with benchmark target of 40%). The inspector’s recommendation for renewable energy generation is 10/20% of energy needs – it was not made clear what this actually means.

The Spatial Strategy calls for 10,000 new homes (500 pa) by 2026 and the creation of 13,700 new jobs in Poole. The focus of most development will be in areas which are currently developed and have existing business development. Revitalising the town centre includes 35,000 sq m of retail development and the relocation of the bus depot and a new bus station.

Flat development can continue on streets or parts of streets where flats predominate, but with added conditions restricting hard surfaces and avoiding loss of gardens and trees.

Residents within areas which they consider as having special character and are not part of existing Conservation Areas, may wish to ask for these to be included in the draft Site Specific policy document, which is due for Pre-submission public participation in Oct/Nov 2009, with formal submission in Feb 2010.

MH mentioned ‘Placechecks’ and said that she would send the website link to JS – see Chairman’s note below..

Community Infrastructure Levy is being introduced payable by developers. This is an extension to existing Section 106. “Community infrastructure” can be wide ranging, but more information is needed to understand this properly.

RP then referred to Peter Watson’s presentation on ‘Issues raised by participants’

Enforcement – PW said that where more than one enforcement unit is involve, one unit should take lead on the complaint but this may not then get priority wished for by the complainant.

Third Party Challenges – PW said that the fact that residents don’t like the decision is no reason to challenge.

Communication and Notification – Since Sept 2008, new consulting procedures have been put in place and residents on other side of road are now notified. Yellow notices only apply in Conservation Areas. Letters of objection are not acknowledged, but can be viewed on the BoP Planning Application website.

JG asked if you have objected before, will you be notified again if any change?

Chairman’s Note: At the meeting, the answer given was ‘No’ which is correct if it’s simply amended plans but original objectors will be notified if it’s a new application.

Consistency – Every proposal must be considered on its individual merits and in accordance with the Development Plan. Conditions may be waived once impact is known – Sometimes overlooking windows can only be tested once the building is completed

Retrospective Applications – PW said these can be made – law says so

Private/Public Interests (Party Wall Act and Covenants etc) – The Local Planning Authority cannot get involved as these are matters outside the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act.

Appeal Costs – These can now be claimed in all classes of appeal – by both sides

Tree Protection – PW said that trees need to be protected and don’t expect sympathy if you buy in to a treed plot!!

Houses in Multiple Occupation – The Government are currently consulting in this area. JS said that this is a problem in the area covered by Talbot View Residents’ Assn.

Stephen Thorne announced that he is setting up a Consultation Working Group with 6 representatives of Residents Associations throughout the Borough. JS reported that the provisional date for the first meeting is 13 May 2009 at 14.30.

RP concluded by saying that there were 101 issues raised by participants at the meeting, but too late in the evening for much discussion. Lots of questions did not have time to be raised. Stephen Thorne will be at the Assn’s AGM, so hopefully this will be an opportunity to put questions then.

Chairman’s note: MH has copied me in to the note below from Nigel Jacobs of the former Strategic Planning Services Unit dated 18/07/07 and also the link to the

Placecheck website <http://www.placecheck.info/> for the Placecheck ‘pro-forma’.

————————-

“…a placecheck provides evidence of particular features of a place, this may be important features such as trees, equally it can identify areas for improvements or where change could help facilitate improvement to an area. In essence it is an audit of a defined location. Remember this is about place not individual buildings.

It is therefore a body of evidence that can be used to inform discussion about a place and changes that may be proposed. In time it may inform a policy approach and more detailed guidance that is set out in supplementary planning documents. On its own, it

does not and cannot have the same weight as a policy or adopted SPG (Supplementary Planning Guidance) but it can provide the context for consideration of a planning application and its findings can then be discussed with relevant bodies to inform appropriate future policies for an area.

The placecheck can therefore support existing policies through a more detailed analysis of a location, acting as a piece of research that could aid the decision making process, whether this be by the Council or in an appeal situation.

What placecheck is not is an anti development tool but a positive tool to ensure that where change happens that this change has regard to those features of importance through involving local residents.

Often when residents are objecting to development they fail to look at the wider context of the street looking narrowly at the individual application. Placecheck allows for residents to think about the wider locality i.e. what is the pattern of development, scale of buildings, relationship between buildings and spaces. Having undertaken this work and providing it is objective it can provide a single point of reference for all within the given location.”

Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: No further developments.

Council Tax 2009/10 & Financial Monitoring report: JS said that he normally provide William Mutlow with a copy of the Council’s Financial Monitoring Report but the latest report for the period 01/04/08 to 28/02/09 is not due to be presented to the Cabinet meeting until 14/04/09.

William Mutlow referred to Cllr Leverett’s letter to residents in the latest issue of ‘Poole News’ and quoted the following two extracts…

“Reduced planning applications and land fee charges, together with the fall in interest rates, will cost the Council £2.2m next year. In addition, there is an increased call on our services as more people apply for Council Tax and revenue benefit. We must also provide an extra £1.7m in Adult Social Services to support services for older people. Our costs have risen too with extra waste disposal charges, including a significant increase in landfill tax.

…However, in order to deliver our usual services we need to increase Council Tax by 4.8% this year.”

WM referred to an article in the National press in February which said that wage increases in public sector were 3.5% compared to 1.5% in the private sector. Cllr Leverett’s reference to ‘usual’ services may not be affordable in the current financial climate.

Statement by Cllr Mrs Carole Deas – Carole Deas asked if she might address the meeting and JS agreed. CD referred to her recent expulsion from the Conservative Group and one of the reason was for voting against the 2008/09 Budget. At the Council meeting considering the budget in February 2009, CD & Cllr David Gillard had voted against on this single issue, as a matter of conscience, in view of the disastrous economic downturn facing the country.

At the Assn’s last meeting. CD had referred to increases in members’ allowances of up to 67%, CD had been challenged about this read from a table of Special Responsibility Allowances awarded to 21 members in the Borough of Poole in 2008 (see table below), some of which were postponed until April 2009.

Three Conservative Councillors had voted to abstain when these increases were put tothe vote in 2008. on the basis it was an inopportune time in a period of financial

restraint.

CD believes the figures have been misrepresented to avoid the true implications of inflation-busting increases.

Roy Pointer asked about the reason for the increases and CD replied that there had been”some increase in some responsibilities”. JS said that the increases had been agreed by the Independent Remuneration Panel but CD alleged that the Panel initially recommended no increases and they were asked to reconsider the matter.

—————————

Increases in Councillor Special Allowances

Nos Benefiting 2008/09 2007/08 % Inc

Above Inflation Increases
Portfolio Holder 8 10707 8325 29%
Overview/Scrutiny Chair 6 4283 2498 71%
Planning Chair 1 8566 4163 106%
Con Political Gp Leader* 1 4283 3331 29%
LD Political Gp Leader* 1 4283 2931 46%
17

Minimal Increases
Council Leader 1 21415 20813 3%
Deputy Council Leader 1 12849 12488 3%
Licensing Chair 1 4283 4163 3%
TAG Chair 1 2570 2498 3%
4
* Political Group Leaders also get an additional £50 per group member

Poole Partnership: JS reported that he will be attending a Steering Group meeting on 22/04/09.

Lindsay Road to Station Road Corridor/Speeding: No further developments.

Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road: KA reported that a meeting between officers, scheduled to take place this afternoon, didn’t take place. KA said that the officers’ latest concern is about car doors, etc banging into trees. KA informed the officer that the Canford Cliffs Land Society AGM and the Assn’s AGM, which are due to take place shortly and he would like to be in a position to give an up-to-date report on this matter.

Bella Rosa – MH reported No progress at moment. The owners were going to submit application for clear surround but it had been made clear that that this had previously been refused. No planning application yet. MH will try to get hold of the Enforcement Officer.

Chairman’s Note: MH has since copied me in to a note from the Enforcement Team Leader dated 09/04/09 which reads “an Enforcement Notice was served today on the premises with one month for compliance unless an appeal is made before that date.”

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – nothing new to report.

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – SA said that it will be one year in May/June since relevant application was submitted and he is still waiting. It was agreed that SA should ‘chase’ on behalf of Assn between now and end of June

Bessborough Road – nothing new to report.

Possible Charitable Status for Assn: JS has still to set up a small Sub-Committee to look at this. JS said that TS had kindly provided him with two useful publications issued by the Charity Commission.

Canford Cliffs Chine: MH said that she still waiting to hear from the Head of Leisure Services.

BPCCRA Spring 2009 Magazine & AGM (02/05/09) – JS thanked all those responsible for the collation and distribution of the magazine and said that all the preparations have been made for the AGM on 02/05/09. JS said that if anyone has any question which he/she may wish to put to Stephen Thorne, in advance of the meeting, please let JS know.

Fossilised tree discovered at Branksome Chine: KA reported that the fossilised tree is to be erected on a plinth with explanatory notice at Branksome Chine to the left of the Beach Office beside canoe lifeguards station.

3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

KA reported…

Land adj 1 Over Links Drive (Sever land and erect a new detached house(Revised Scheme) – Letter of objection registered on behalf of Assn on 03/04/09.

36 Links Road (Demolish part of existing bungalow and erect 2 storey house. Demolition of remainder of existing bungalow after completion of new build) – Letter of objection registered on behalf of Assn on 08/04/09.

11 Leicester Road Outline application to demolish existing dwelling and associated outbuildings. Erect a 59 bedroom care home, bin and cycle store and associated parking (15 spaces) with some matters reserved) – Application to be determined by Planning Committee on 16/04/09. The Officer’s recommendation is to ‘Refuse’.

7A Bury Road (Demolish existing and erect replacement 2 storey dwelling with basement (revised scheme) – application refused on 18/03/09.

14 Nairn Road (a) Demolish existing bungalow and erect a four storey 6 bed house – Subject to Appeal Hearing (APP/Q1255/A/09/2094445). Date for final comments was 25/03/09.

(b) Demolish existing bungalow and erect a four storey 5 bed house. (Revised

Scheme) – application refused on 18/03/09.

Judicial Review Hearing re 1, 2 & 3 Alington Close & 2a & 2b Shore Road (Demolish existing and erect 6 x two/ three storey blocks comprising 32 flats with basement car parking, accessed off Alington Close and associated works and landscaping) (Amended scheme) – The Judge accepted Ground 1 – The summary of the reasons for granting permission was inadequate. The reasons were not spelt out sufficiently but there was no objection in principle to the development and the failure was of limited scope and application and the Judge used his discretion to dismiss the claim.

The Council’s deputy Barrister asked for costs of £33,000, but following a challenge by the claimant’s Barrister, Justice Sales accepted that the amount claimed appeared excessive and ordered a reduction to £22,000. The shortfall of at least £11,000 will have to be met by Council Tax payers but the exact shortfall will not be known until the Solicitors, Sharpe Pritchard submit their final bill.

SA reminded those present that, although we contributed £4,000, we are not committed to any further costs.

1 Alington Close, 2a and 2b Shore Road (Demolish existing properties and erect six detached houses with detached and integral garages, with single access from Alington Close) – Application refused by Planning Committee on 26/03/09.

Other current planning issues

Victoria School, 12 Lindsay Road (Erect modular classroom building comprising 3 classrooms, entrance hall and toilet facilities) – .Letter of objection lodged on

behalf of Assn on 01/03/09.

2 Tower Road (Conservation area application to demolish existing dwelling & erect 3 detached dwellings with associated parking) Application registered 17/12/08.

Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 23/01/09. If the officers are not minded to refuse this application under delegated authority, this will be decided by the Planning Committee at a date yet to be announced.

Land adj. 2 Mornish Road (Conservation area application to erect a 5-bed detached house with integral garage, access from Mornish Road (Revised scheme) – Application subject to ‘Written representations’ appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2098623)

Date for final comments is 29/04/09.

20 Balcombe Road

(a) Demolish existing and erect 3 detached houses. As amended by plans received15/09/08 – Application subject to Planning Inquiry (APP/Q1255/A/09/2093512). Date

for final comments was 16/03/09.

(b) Demolish existing dwelling and erect 5 no. 2 bed apartments. As amended by plan received 11/09/08. – Application subject to Planning Inquiry (APP/Q1255/A/09/2093513). Date for final comments is 09/03/09.

16-18 Durrant Road (Demolish existing and erect 2 blocks of 6 flats (12 total) with single linked basement garage) – application granted by Planning Committee on 17/04/08 and subject to complaint by local residents to Local Government

Ombudsman (LGO). The LGO’s provisional findings received on 08/11/08 were that the Council did nothing wrong but final decision is still awaited.

Canford Cliffs, Promenade 2 (a) Construction of 18 new beach huts) – ApplicationNo: 08/24380/005/F & (b) Conservation Area application to demolish 8 beach huts (nos 99-106) adjacent to Canford Cliffs Chine. Application No: 08/24380/007/U The applications were registered as long ago as 22/01/08 &13/02/08 respectively. MH

will keep the Assn advised of any further developments.

19 Sandbourne Road (Demolish existing and erect 5 apartments over 3 storeys with basement parking and associated cycle and bin store) – Amended plans lodged on 11/12/08.

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.

4. REPORT RE SOUTHERN POOLE CHAIRMENS’ LIAISON GROUP MEETING (30/03/09) – TS reported that, following Sir M Pitts’ recommendations, the Group has written to Poole’s Chief Executive seeking an improvement in relations between Residents’ Assns and the Council.

The group received a presentation from Bernard Merna, the owner of Compton Acres who claimed that hotel will not be visible from anywhere except Lilliput Road. It is likely that Mr M will reduce the number of apartments from seven to five to avoid having to make an Affordable Housing contribution. Mr M said that there were very few days when car park is full. The number of visitors has been declining despite spending tens of £1,000s on improving gardens. TS reminded those present that if Compton Acres were to go bankrupt, the Council will then take ownership of the Gardens.

5. ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JD reported that funds at the end March were £34,150 – less magazine cost £2,500, offset by advertising income coming in.

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS –

Big Green Fortnight (Friday 15th May – Sunday 31st May 2009 – JS said that he’d been asked by Tony Hamilton of Agenda 21 if he would promote this event. JS will distribute a note about this with the Minutes.

Canford Cliffs Play Area – MH reported that funding has been approved. Canford Cliffs Land Society will match funding. Postponed but hoping for Spring next year.

Pinecliff wildlife trail – JS is advised that this project is still ongoing, the sculptor who is making the wooden animals is being chased by on of the officers in Leisure Services and the Council intend to have it completed by the summer holidays.

Parkstone, Penn Hill & Canford Cliffs Safer Neighbourhood Partnership – JS reminded members of the Public Meeting on Wednesday 22^nd April from 6-7pm at the Sandbanks Hotel, Banks Road, Poole.

Lindsay Road/Station Road corridor – WM has written to Transportation Services for pelican crossing at junction of Penn Hill Ave and Spur Hill Ave. as people already finding it difficult to cross and it will become more so as progress is made with proposals to improve the Lindsay Road/Station Road route as a Prime Transport Corridor. WM said that an assessment is to be made.

Double Yellow Lines on Woodside Road – WM said that, at the Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting on 04/02/09, as a result of suggestion from Cllr Mrs Stribley, it was recommended by the Traffic Panel to impose No Waiting 8am-6pm

Mon-Sat restrictions in Woodside Road. There was no discussion on this item.

Chairman’s Note: The proposed Traffic Regulation Orders were due to be advertised as part of the 2008/09 programme.

Use of Assn’s Capital Reserve – JG referred to the fact that the Assn had £32,000 or so ‘in the kitty’ and asked if we need this amount. JG suggested that we ask for suggestions at the AGM as to how to spend some of this, e.g. £5,000.

Date of next Meeting: The next meeting is the AGM on Saturday 2^nd May 2009 in

All Saints Church Hall, Western Road, Branksome Park at 10.30am

The next monthly meeting will be on Wednesday 10^th June 2009 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

JS closed the meeting at 8.35pm.

BPCCRA Minutes March 11th 2009

Posted on March 12, 2009 by Ben Harris

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

EXECUTIVE & WARDENS MEETING HELD ON 11^TH MARCH 2009 at 7.30pm

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

PRESENT:

Terry Stewart President

John Sprackling Chairman

John Defty Treasurer

Michael Bond Membership Secretary

Keith Alcroft Planning Officer

Bob Young Magazine Advertising Manager

Val Short Minutes Secretary

Cllr Mrs Carole Deas Ward Councillor

Cllr Mrs May Haines ditto

Cllr Neil Sorton ditto

12 Members/Wardens

Welcomes: JS welcomed Cllrs Mrs Carole Deas, Mrs May Haines and Neil Sorton and all those present.

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES (11 FEBRUARY 2009)

Apologies: Stan Alfert, Ken Sanson (Chairman, Sandbanks Assn) Henry Feilden & Chris Stracey

Accuracy: JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meetings held on 11 February 2009.

2. MATTERS ARISING :

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

1. Quayside (former) Dolphin Quays development – Douglas Cook of the Society of Poole Men had asked a question at the Informal meeting with Residents’ Association representatives on 30/01/09 about the reinstatements of the paving around the Quayside development. It seems that there are problems not only in the length of time required to order the specialist paving, but also the fact that there are also outstanding defects which the current developer is still responsible for. Considerable work has been undertaken to keep this to a minimum and expedite the necessary repairs – the Council are still working on this.

2. Poole Pottery factory buildings in Sopers Lane – Metnor’s High Court challenge which was due to be heard on 02/03/09 was withdrawn at the eleventh hour.
It seems that the new Core Strategy has offered Metnor grounds for optimism. Brian Ham, director of Metnor, was quoted in the Daily Echo as saying: “We are more upbeat about things. It is a positive outcome for us. The inspector thought the site was appropriate for health-related uses. On this basis we thought that, although there is still work to do with the council, it makes more sense to work within that framework than a High Court challenge.”

3. Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – It was reported in the Daily Echo dated 26/02/09 that a planning application has been submitted for the former Swan Inn on Old Orchard, with its iconic green tile frontage, to become the Enid Blyton Story Centre. This is the brainchild of Viv Endecott, who runs the Blyton-themed Ginger Pop Shop at Corfe Castle.

4. Quay Thistle Hotel site – JS is still awaiting a copy of the draft Planning Performance Agreement and has now requested this under the Freedom of Information Act.

NS said he would also check when the Frequently Asked Questions about the 2^nd Harbour Crossing were going to be posted on the BoP website.

5. Old Orchard House. 39-61. High Street – No further developments

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

Flat 6, 20 Flaghead Road (Requirement for obscure-glazed glass) – MH explained that the glass had been ordered but then the supplier ‘went bust’, it has been re-ordered from Dorset Glass and should be replaced imminently.

Fitzmor Homes Ltd sites at 49 & 49a Haven Road & 7 Balcombe Road & 18

Balcombe Road (Oversize ‘For Sale’ board) – The flags and advertisement board at 49 & 49a Haven Road have been removed.

75 Canford Cliffs Road – Enforcement Notice re the formation of an unauthorised vehicular entrance subject to ‘Written representations’ Appeal

(APP/Q1255/C/08/2086204) Date for Final comments was 24/12/08

Sir Michael Pitt’s independent review of planning matters in Poole – JS reported

on the meeting with Sir Michael Pitt on 23/02/09 at which representatives of five Residents Assns were present to receive Sir Michael’s report which was officially published that day. The following day, the Head of Financial Services was quoted in the Daily Echo as saying that the recommendations would “all be implemented in due course” JS said that ‘Time will tell’.

JS said that he would list the seven recommendations in the Minutes – see below. Chairman’s note: In the case of certain recommendations, the reason may not be immediately clear and I have added the explanation from Sir Michael’s report.

1^st recommendation:

That senior Officers review the Council’s Risk Register and ensure that ‘the likelihood of the risk’, ‘the impact of the risk’ and ‘the mitigating actions’ relating to Development Control, unlawful behaviour and damage to the reputation of the Council are given appropriate priority and that this aspect of the Council’s corporate governance is considered regularly by top management and Planning Services.

Background

5.9 Whilst there is every reason to have confidence in the Council’s top team, there is a need for constant vigilance and challenge. A vital part of the Council’s corporate governance is its approach to risk management, which provides the appropriate processes for systematically reviewing and assuring resilience. In areas with exceptionally high property values, such as Poole, the risks of unlawful behaviour are higher and therefore the response must be proportionate to that risk. The Chief Executive, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer all have special statutory responsibilities in relation to the conduct of the Council’s business. They have a duty to ensure that the Council is resilient and that the possibility of unlawful behaviour is taken seriously throughout the organisation.

2^nd recommendation:

Senior Members and Officers should redouble their efforts to explain Council planning policy and the reasons for their advice and decisions. This should be backed up with a rolling communications strategy developed by Officers.

3^rd recommendation:

The Council should accelerate the planned remodeling of the membership of its Planning Committee and/or Cabinet in order to strengthen the Planning Committee’s independence and comply fully with the advice of the Audit Commission contained within the Corporate Assessment 2008.

4^th recommendation:

The Council should review the standing of the Planning Committee within its political structure and invite the independent Panel on Members Allowances to more fully recognise the responsibilities and workload of Chair and Members.

5^th recommendation:

The Council should review the way minutes of the Planning Committee are

presented and when decisions are not unanimous, a record should be kept of Councillors abstaining and voting for and against the motion.

6^th recommendation:

Given the challenges within the Borough, the Council should commission a comprehensive review of its arrangements for controlling development conducted by an experienced, senior and qualified Planning Officer. The terms of reference of the review should take into account the contents of this report.

7^th recommendation:

That the Administration seeks an urgent and permanent resolution to the on-going disagreements within the Group.

Background

5.18 …there has been media coverage of the suspension of two Members from the Council’s controlling Group. The exact reasons for the suspension are confidential to the Group although it is widely known that there are strong differences of opinion in relation to Development Control. The Members concerned have aligned themselves closely with residents and believe that the amount of new development taking place is excessive. One Member in particular has been highly critical of the decisions of the Planning Committee and expressed views publically.

5.19 It is not uncommon for individual Councillors to find themselves publically at odds with other Members of their political Group. Usually, after a period of time these difficulties are resolved and the impact on the reputation of the Council is kept to a minimum. Leading Members have worked hard to try and resolve the differences. However, the Council is being damaged by this lengthy and on-going dispute and several witnesses believe that this problem has gone on for far too long.

NS asked if he might read the following statement and JS agreed…

—————————–

Planning has always been a sensitive issue in Canford Cliffs Ward, not least because of high property values.

For some time persistent rumours as to irregularities in the planning process have been circulating not only in Poole but in the wider arena such as the Local Government Association in London. Poole Council’s Chief Executive, rightly concerned about the reputational damage to the Council, called in Sir Michael Pitt, a well respected and authoritative figure on the national stage.

Sir Michael interviewed senior staff, Councillors and leading members of certain Residents Associations. Sir Michael Pitt’s report has recently published, and is on the Council’s website. I will be quoting Sir Michael verbatim.

Sir Michael tells us that September 2006 saw the beginning of a seven month investigation by Dorset Police. I for one was completely unaware of such police involvement. Sir Michael tells us that an un-named Councillor lodged with Dorset Police a dossier containing separate allegations of planning irregularities from eleven residents or organisations in Poole. Sir Michael says that Dorset Police took the allegations seriously, and considerable police resources were expended following up leads, talking to witnesses and collecting evidence. The Police Report summarises the findings and found no evidence to support the allegations. The conclusions of the Police investigations were “there is insufficient evidence to substantiate these allegations or to warrant any further investigation at this time subject to any further evidence coming to light”. *

In paragraph 5.4 of his Report Sir Michael says that he was impressed by the thoroughness of the Police investigations and there was nothing in any of the files or paperwork which he had read which gives cause for concern.

Sir Michael reports, following his own investigations: “Based on the interviews, papers and reports considered during the course of the Review, there is no evidence

to substantiate any of the rumours suggesting Members or Officers of the Council are

involved in unlawful activity relating to development control.”

Sir Michael made seven recommendations of a broadly administrative nature. I can confirm that such recommendations are being dealt with or will shortly be implemented.

Sir Michael says in his Report that there is a serious breakdown in the relationship between some residents and the Borough Council. I would point out that a meeting

has already been arranged for later this month between the new Head of Planning Stephen Thorne and representatives of local Residents Associations, when hopefully bridges can start to be mended. As John Sprackling is quoted as saying in the Echo dated 24th February “This represents an opportunity to turn over a new leaf”.

Speaking purely for myself, I consider that there was a surprising omission from Sir Michael’s Report – the role of the Planning Inspector, where a locally taken planning decision can be overturned by the Inspectorate in Bristol. I would like to instance 10 Canford Crescent (a bungalow) and 14 Canford Crescent (a two-storey house). In both cases I persuaded the Planning Committee to refuse permission for flats. However, the respective applicants appealed and the Planning Inspectors in Bristol granted permission for flats. This sort of example may help to fuel the public perception that (wrongly) the Council “allowed” flats in a road hitherto free of flats. I would also point out that the overturning of a Council planning refusal on unsound planning grounds runs the risk of the Council – that is the Council taxpayer – being liable for the applicants’ costs.

I would remind you that, notwithstanding the above difficulties, the Independent Audit Commission has just announced that it has, for the second year, awarded the highest 4-star rating to Poole Council – only one of four local authorities in the South West. The Commission said that Council services provide good value for money and adjudged that Poole Council is “improving well”.

This accolade is all the more commendable in the light of the poor Government funding – we have all heard of the Fair Funding for Poole Campaign. The per capita grant for Poole is £196 per head of population. The average for all English Unitary (all purpose) authorities is £367. In Poole only 29% of the Council’s income comes from Government grant, whereas the average for all English Unitary authorities is 50%.

The balance of course has to come from the Council taxpayer. If we had received a Government grant similar to Bournemouth (where the per capita grant is £334) we could have cut Poole’s Council Tax by 27%.

JS invited questions following NS statement…

John Fox asked why Poole’s under-funding by Central Government cannot be put in the press?

NS replied that there had been a press release in the Echo.

John Fox suggested that the council should publish the facts (in Poole News?) so that all residents in Poole could be made aware of this injustice.

JD asked which government minister was in involved in the Rate Support Grant.

NS replied that it was something like Communities and Local Government and added that the lowest funded authorities tended to be those that were ‘right wing’.

MB referred to NS comment regarding the role of the Planning Inspector, where a locally taken planning decision can be overturned by the Inspectorate in Bristol. But, it was pointed out that the Council was successful in defending around 75% of all appeals.

CD referred to the “unnamed councillor” reputed to have lodged a dossier with the police. She said she had been at a meeting where a resident had provided ‘evidence’ pertaining to planning irregularities. CD was later advised to lodge this with the police, partially on the advice of the Conservative Councillors’ Association (CCA).

CD had wanted to be sure she was doing the right thing.

In response to a question about the time-scale during which the Sir Michael Pitts’ seven recommendations are to be implemented, MH said that this would be

monitored by the Council Efficiency and Effectiveness Overview and Scrutiny Committee and their next meeting is on 19/03/09

JS said that, as mentioned in NS statement, Cllr Mrs Stribley had invited two representatives from each Residents’ Assn to attend a meeting to meet the new

Planning Head, Stephen Thorne, on 25/03/09 to discuss Planning issues and questions. JS said that he proposed to ask the following questions and asked members if there was any other question they would like to be put.

1. Will there be a change of approach to ‘Retrospective’ applications?

2. Will there be a more robust approach to Non-Compliance with Planning Conditions?

3. Can we expect to see a reduction in the instances of Inconsistencies in planning decisions?

4. Reluctance to publish Pre-application consultations in the public domain

5. Lack of transparency in relation to negotiation of Affordable Housing contributions

KA asked if the Planning Application notification procedure could be the subject of another review as he regularly receives complaints from resident that they only hear about applications within a few days of the deadline for representations

JS said that Derek Hanson of the Luscombe Valley Assn had asked if he would also

put the following points…

· Chairmanship of Planning Committee to have a fixed term, say 4 years.
· No Cabinet member to be Chairman of the Planning Committee.
· Increase the membership of the Committee to include one member from each Ward.
· Committee meeting minutes to be more detailed and record how each Member voted.
· Section 106 money to be kept separate and used only for planning related infrastructure.
· All meetings, including Pre-application consultations, between developers and representatives of the Planning Department to be recorded and minuted.
· More robust approach to ‘Retrospective’ applications and Non-Compliance with Planning Conditions
· Take action over inconsistencies in planning decisions

Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: As Roy Pointer was not present, there was no report.

Council Tax 2009/10 & Financial Monitoring report: As William Mutlow was not present, there was no report but NS advised of an additional Budgetary ‘pressure’ as, whereas there was a Budget provision for an increase in staff salaries of 2.45%, the Independent Arbitrator had set this at 2.75%.

Poole Partnership: JS reported that the Poole Partnership Steering Group meeting which was due to take place on 02/03/09 was postponed.

Stronger Communities Partnership meets on 18/03/09 but JS said that, contrary to his expectations, the Agenda does not include any item on the Sustainable Communities Act.

TS said that Cllr Peter Adams and the Head of Legal & Democratic Services, Tim Martin are making presentations on the Sustainable Communities Act at all Area Committee meetings. The Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting is on April 29,

Chairman’s note: A Working Party to determine the Council’s response to Sustainable Communities Act is being set up, comprising three Conservatives and two Lib/Dems, who will report to the Cabinet on 07/07/09, who will, in turn, make a recommendation to the Full Council on 21/07/09, in time to meet the deadline on 31/07/09.

Lindsay Road to Station Road Corridor/Speeding: – No further developments.

Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road: KA reported that

some progress had been made, but the ‘tree’ man wants a bigger pit for planting and

the ‘highways’ man says that will make it difficult to provide a good surface for pedestrians – Trees and Highways will liaise to find a solution, then a decision can be made on the type of trees to be planted. It is doubtful that this will happen in time for the trees to be planted this season.

Bella Rosa – No Planning Application has been submitted as yet for the screening that has been erected. MH will chase.

Public Rights of Way:

Westminster Road end of Dalkeith Road – nothing new to report.

Buccleuch Road to Lakeside Road – ditto

Bessborough Road – ditto

Possible Charitable Status for Assn: JS has still to set up a small Sub-Committee to look at this. TS said that he would be willing to help with this.

Canford Cliffs Chine: Peter Adams was hoping that members of the public would help with the planting, but MH was not sure of the current situation. MH will chase.

Premises Licence application for ‘Orton Rigg’, 53 Cliff Drive – JS reported that the Premises Licence had been granted.

BPCCRA Spring 2009 Magazine & AGM (02/05/09) – JS reported that the magazine should be ready for distribution at the end of next week.

3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

KA reported…

11 Leicester Road Outline application to demolish existing dwelling and associated outbuildings. Erect a 59 bedroom care home, bin and cycle store and associated parking (15 spaces) with some matters reserved) – Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 12/01/09. NS said that he is closely monitoring this application and will ‘red-card this if the officers are minded to ‘Grant”.

Victoria School, 12 Lindsay Road (Erect modular classroom building comprising 3 classrooms, entrance hall and toilet facilities) – .Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 01/03/09.

31A Western Avenue (Demolish existing dwelling and erect a five bed detached dwelling) – Application refused on 02/03/09.

62 Haven Road (Erect 3 x 4-bed houses) – Appeal allowed by Planning Inspector on 03/03/09.

2 Tower Road (Conservation area application to demolish existing dwelling & erect 3 detached dwellings with associated parking) Application registered 17/12/08. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 23/01/09. If the officers are not minded to refuse this application under delegated authority, this will be decided by the Planning Committee at a date yet to be announced.

Land adj. 2 Mornish Road (Conservation area application to erect a 5-bed detached house with integral garage, access from Mornish Road (Revised scheme) – Application subject to ‘Written representations’ appeal (APP/Q1255/A/09/2098623)

Date for final comments is 29/04/09.

JS reported that, although the application for the Wind Turbine application at Tesco, Branksome was granted by Planning Committee on 12/02/09, one of the lead protestors is planning to write to Tesco, with guidance from the Assn, pointing out that if they go ahead, this could have ‘commercial implications’.

The Judicial Review Hearing re 1, 2 & 3 Alington Close & 2a & 2b Shore Road (Demolish existing and erect 6 x two/ three storey blocks comprising 32 flats with basement car parking, accessed off Alington Close and associated works and

landscaping) (Amended scheme) is to be heard in High Court next Tuesday (17/03/09).

IRavine Lifestyle Limited is named as the only Interested Party.

Roland Cunnell said he had received notification that a new application had been registered re 1 Over Links Drive but this had yet to appear on the BoP Planning Application website. JS assured RC that this should appear soon.

Other current planning issues

14 Nairn Road (a) Demolish existing bungalow and erect a four storey 6 bed house) – Subject to Appeal Hearing (APP/Q1255/A/09/2094445). Date for final comments is

25/03/09.

(b) Demolish existing bungalow and erect a four storey 5 bed house. (Revised

Scheme) – Application registered on 06/01/09. Local concerns. NS has ‘red-carded’

the application.

7A Bury Road (Demolish existing and erect replacement 2 storey dwelling with basement (revised scheme). Date Registered: 22/01/09. Local concerns. NS has

offered to ‘red-card’ the application.

16-18 Durrant Road (Demolish existing and erect 2 blocks of 6 flats (12 total) with

single linked basement garage) – application granted by Planning Committee on 17/04/08 and subject to complaint by local residents to Local Government

Ombudsman (LGO). The LGO’s provisional findings received on 08/11/08 were that the Council did nothing wrong but final decision is still awaited.

Canford Cliffs, Promenade 2 (a) Construction of 18 new beach huts) – Application

No: 08/24380/005/F & (b) Conservation Area application to demolish 8 beach huts (nos 99-106) adjacent to Canford Cliffs Chine. Application No: 08/24380/007/U The applications were registered as long ago as 22/01/08 &13/02/08 respectively. MH

will keep the Assn advised of any further developments.

19 Sandbourne Road (Demolish existing and erect 5 apartments over 3 storeys with basement parking and associated cycle and bin store) – Amended plans lodged on

11/12/08.

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.

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. ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JD reported that the audited accounts for 2008 were completed last month and showed a total of £31,917. This month’s accumulated fund was £34,105, but the cost of producing the magazine would come out of this.

JD asked if JS would send a letter of thanks to Peter Schofield for kindly auditing the Assn’s accounts for the year to 31/12/08.

JS reported that CountryWide Property Management have now paid for their advert in the Spring 2008 issue of the Assn’s magazine but Key Drummond remain a non-payer.

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS –

Proposed Wind Farm, off Old Harry Rocks – TS said that, in principle, CPRE approved of off-shore wind farms, but no details of what is planned are available, so more information is needed before a decision can be made on whether to oppose the proposed off-shore wind farm near Old Harry. CPRE are currently fighting against an on-shore wind farm near Wool.

JS said that his attention had been drawn to the House of Lords debate on 09/03/09 on the Marine and Coastal Access Bill [HL] Lord Greenway (Crossbench) is quoted as saying “…The Government and other noble Lords will be aware that the proposed offshore wind farm site off the Jurassic Coast in Dorset has been moved nearer Poole. I am not certain whether that will please the rich residents of Sandbanks…”

Parkstone, Penn Hill & Canford Cliffs Safer Neighbourhood Partnership – JS reminded members of the Public Meeting on Wednesday 22nd April from 6-7pm at the Sandbanks Hotel, Banks Road, Poole.

Statement by Cllr Mrs Carole Deas – CD asked if she might make a statement and JS agreed.

CD said she had received numerous telephone calls offering support. The reason she had been expelled from the Conservative Group was for voting against increases in members’ allowances of up to 67%, she had felt this was inopportune in light of the

current economic situation and had voted against the Budget. CD had also been

accused of issuing a press release without authorisation; this was actually issued by a solicitor and had first been faxed to Conservative office. CD apologised for this upset, and said her main concern had always been to do her best for residents. She felt that more could and should have been done, and that she was sorry that David Gillard had been expelled for supporting her.

There had been five Cabinet members sitting on the Planning Committee that passed the Luscombe Valley planning application.

CD had been a member of the Conservative Party since the age of 17, she is a Conservative and believes in Conservative principles. She has applied to CCA for an appeal, there is already an outstanding appeal and, perhaps, the two appeals can be considered together. Sir Michael Pitt has asked for a speedy end to all this anxiety. CD will continue to represent residents, but until the appeal had been heard does not know whether she can continue as a Councillor.

NS pointed out that the reasons for expulsion did not mention the word ‘Planning’.

A member asked if this matter could be discussed but JS ruled that this was not a subject that the Assn should get involved with and this was generally supported by those present.

Fossilised tree discovered at Branksome Chine

Chairmens’ note: our Planning Officer, Keith Alcroft, has taken an active interest in this fossil on behalf of the Association.

He prepared an initial sketch of a suitable plinth and carefully chose and showed a prominent central location for its setting in Branksome Chine. This being the Associations preferred position.

Clive Smith, Head of Leisure Services, wrote to me on 02/03/09 “My view is that whilst I’m grateful to Keith for the work he has put into this I don’t think the site in the car park is practical. The site we suggested near Branksome Dene Chine is practical but far less visible. I have asked my team to have another look to see if there is anything in between.

We believe that it may be possible that Dean Dyball would be happy to make a contribution by way of sponsorship to its setting and the Association might also consider a donation to this project for the benefit of the people of Poole and visitors alike.

JS closed the meeting at 8.35pm.

Date of next Meeting: The next meeting is on Wednesday 8^th April 2009 in the

Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)