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BPCCRA Minutes October 14th 2009

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

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14th 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

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 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

  1. Ensure better awareness and ownership of the Core Strategy among officers and Members through a range of means.
  2. 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

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

Leading and engaging the community

  1. 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
  2. Review the operation of the Planning Committee to improve the service it provides for the community.
  3. Develop a more comprehensive approach to engagement with customers and stakeholders that is corporately led through officers and members
  4. 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

  1. 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
  2. In line with recommendation 4 above, strengthen the service customer focus through a range of initiatives,
  3. 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

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

Shared knowledge and evidence

  1. 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.
  • AOB

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…

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.

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.

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 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.

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

4. REPORT RE CANFORD CLIFFS & PENN HILL AREA COMMITTEE MEETING – 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 11th 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 118th November at the Civic Centre.

BPCCRA Minutes September 9th 2009

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

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9th 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.

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.

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

1st 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.

2nd 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

3rd 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.

• 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.

4th 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.

5th 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.

6th 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

7th 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 13th November.

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

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.

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.

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. 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) – 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.

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 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 14th October 2009 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

BPCCRA Minutes August 12th 2009

Posted on by

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

WEDNESDAY 12th 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.

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.

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.

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 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 9th September 2009 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)