Residents Meeting Minutes 8th April 2009

Apr 08

MINUTES OF THE BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE & WARDENS MEETING HELD ON 8TH 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 [...] [...more]

Posted: under BPCCRA Minutes.
Tags: bpccra, branksome park, canford cliffs village, canford clifs, carole deas, carole deas suspension, coastal defenses, conservation, fossilised tree, Neighbourhood Watch, poole beaches, property

MINUTES OF THE BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE & WARDENS MEETING HELD ON 8TH 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 8 - 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 2nd 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 19th 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 8 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 8 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 to 8 the 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 received 8 15/09/08 – 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) - 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. 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 22nd 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 8 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 2nd May 2009 in All Saints Church Hall, Western Road, Branksome Park at 10.30am The next monthly meeting will be on Wednesday 10th June 2009 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road) JS closed the meeting at 8.35pm.

ACTION JS ACTION JS JS ACTION All ACTION RP WM ACTION JS JS KA MH RD SA JS JS/TS MH ACTION JS No further action KA No further action ACTION Np further action JD All No further action JS All WM WM ACTION JS All All

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BPCCRA Minutes March 2009

Mar 16

MINUTES OF THE BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE & WARDENS MEETING HELD ON 11TH 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 [...] [...more]

Posted: under BPCCRA Minutes.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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%.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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New Property Section sponsered by Tailor Made Estate Agents

Mar 04

Coming Soon…The new property section as sponsered by Tailor Made Estate Agents selling property in Canford CLiffs, Lilliput and Sandbanks. [...more]

Posted: under property.

Coming Soon…The new property section as sponsered by Tailor Made Estate Agents selling property in Canford CLiffs, Lilliput and Sandbanks.

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Ancient Tree Stump discovered at Branksome Chine

Mar 04

Ancient tree stump turns up on Poole beach By Diana Henderson A FOSSILISED tree stump dumped on a Poole beach was growing at a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Now a three-ton lump of rock, the fossil dates from 140 million years ago and was transported to Branksome Chine with a consignment of Purbeck stone, destined [...] [...more]

Posted: under Beach News.

A FOSSILISED tree stump dumped on a Poole beach was growing at a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Now a three-ton lump of rock, the fossil dates from 140 million years ago and was transported to Branksome Chine with a consignment of Purbeck stone, destined to become part of one of the Borough of Poole’s new rock groynes.

Workmen spotted the unusual rock, which clearly shows the tree’s grain and put it to one side at the Dean and Dyball compound where the £1.9m coastal defence works project is underway.

Local geologist Jo Thomas, who saw it as she walked along the promenade, said: “There are a few tree stumps around the place but that is a really nice one.”

She said the pine tree, similar to a cypress or juniper, would have been growing on Portland at a time when it was on the edge of a freshwater lagoon that stretched part-way across France.

The continent was much further south than it is now, on a level with Cairo and it would have been much warmer, the earth teeming with dragonflies and beetles we would recognise and dinosaurs we would not.

As the freshwater evaporated, leaving salty water, the fallen tree absorbed silica, enabling it to be preserved, rather than rotting away.

Now 140 years later, this slab of Purbeck stone – three feet tall and measuring four to five feet across – thought to be from the Cretaceous period, is likely to be displayed on the prom.

“If we can encourage everybody to look at the rocks and enjoy them, as well as using them for rock groynes, that would be nice,” said Jo.

A similar fossilised tree stump is displayed at Broadstone Cemetery, on the grave of Alfred Russel Wallace, the man who co-discovered the theory of natural selection along with Charles Darwin.

Borough of Poole ranger Dave Price said: “The geology of the coast is quite interesting and it really would be good if we could make a feature of this fossil.”

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BPCCRA Minutes February 2009

Feb 12

MINUTES OF THE BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE & WARDENS MEETING HELD ON 11TH FEBRUARY 2009 at 7.30pm IN THE LOUNGE, BRANKSOME ST. ALDHELM’S PARISH CENTRE PRESENT: John Sprackling Chairman John Defty Treasurer Michael Bond Membership Secretary Keith Alcroft Planning Officer Stan Alfert Data Protection Officer John Gunton Magazine [...] [...more]

Posted: under BPCCRA Minutes.

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

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

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

PRESENT: John Sprackling Chairman

John Defty Treasurer

Michael Bond Membership Secretary

Keith Alcroft Planning Officer

Stan Alfert Data Protection Officer

John Gunton Magazine Editor

Bob Young Magazine Advertising Manager

Val Short Minutes Secretary

Cllr Neil Sorton Ward Councillor

15 Members/Wardens

Welcomes: JS welcomed Cllr Sorton and all those present.

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES (14 JANUARY 2009)

Apologies: Cllr Mrs May Haines, Terry Stewart, Ben Hurley & Richard Dimbleby

Accuracy: Bob Young has pointed out that, At the last meeting Keith Alcroft had said that the Association was to oppose the 2 Martello Park application, and the letter was going out the next day. Also, Councillor Deas said that she had red-carded the same Application. This was omitted from the Minutes but JS confirmed that a letter of objection was registered on 15/01/09.

Stan Alfert also said he had attended last month’s meeting but his presence had not been recorded.

JS said that, subject to these amendments, he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meetings held on 14 January 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 – JS was advised by the Planning Inspectorate on 19/01/09 that “At this time we are still deciding whether or not this case (Metnor Property Group PLC v SSCLG & Borough of Poole Council) is to be defended. This process will be completed soon, as the High Court has scheduled the hearing for 2nd March 2009.”

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

4. Quay Thistle Hotel site – JS still awaiting a copy of the draft Planning Performance Agreement. NS said that he would follow this up.

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 – the 1st Employment Contribution of £50,000 due on 01/01/09 was paid on 20/01/09. At last night’s Cabinet meeting, in his report on Car parking income - Forecast out-turn 2008/09, the Head of Transportation Services said that “…the original budget for 2008/09 assumed £34,000 for income from the Orchard Plaza development… The £34,000 relating to the Orchard Plaza has been removed from the budget for 2009/10″

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:

Flat 6, 20 Flaghead Road - Gee Developments were informed on 14/11/08 stating that they had one month from that date to install the glazing – yet, two months later, the glazing still has not been installed. NS was asked if he might look at this.

13 Branksome Towers - Unauthorised High Fence was due to be removed on or about 19/01/09

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

Balcombe Road (Oversize ‘For Sale’ board) – No further developments.

75 Canford Cliffs Road – Application for alterations and extension to garage granted on 16/12/08. Stop Notice served on 14/08/08. 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

116 Panorama Road - JS said that it had been reported in the Daily Echo that a Branksome Park resident had been convicted of attempting to destroy the protected tree in Sandbanks and was fined £7500, including costs and victim surcharge at Wimborne Magistrates Court on 26/01/09.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee had written to JS to ask why it was proposed to “exclude the individual from publicity and criticism in circumstances which would have seen the full blast of publicity had the offence been committed by someone else?”

After a short discussion, it was agreed that the Assn. very much regrets that one of its former members was involved but as the locality in which the offence occurred is not within the area covered by this Assn. no further action would be taken.

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

on the meeting with Sir Michael Pitt on 29/01/09 at which representatives of five Residents Assns were present.

NS stressed that Sir Michael’s report had found no trace of corruption within the Planning Dept.

There had been an article in the Daily Echo in which a representative of a Hamworthy Residents’ Assn. put forward an unreasonable point of view regarding people being in post too long leading to allegations of corruption.-

JS said that he would include his notes of the meeting in the Minutes (See below)

Sir Michael, in his introduction, said that…

· He was about 80% through the investigation

· He has found “absolutely no evidence of corruption”

· He will be coming forward with recommendations to improve development control

· The ‘end game’ is to produce the final report in draft form, “written in measured terms”, which will be presented to officers for correction of any factual errors but they will not be permitted change outcomes. There will then be a private presentation to Members and the report will then be placed in the public domain

· The Police enquiry in (?) 2006 lasted six months and 13 different lines of complaint were investigated. Some witnesses were questioned under caution. Sir Michael sat in police station and read every page of the reports. He commented that the investigating officers had been extraordinarily thorough.

· He is studying every paper he has received. He has been surprised by volume.

· He said that Planning Design & Control Services needs to be viewed against a good council which is functioning well.

Sir Michael had asked, prior to the meeting, for considered views on the way Borough Council might be improve the way it engages with residents and developers and undertakes its development control responsibilities and the following suggestions were made but not necessarily in the order set out below.

· 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.

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· 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: JS said that Roy Pointer had agreed to take over from Peter Jackson as the Assn’s representative on this item.

JS reported that a meeting about the Poole & Christchurch Bays Shoreline Management Plan Review had been fixed for next month

Chairman’s note: The first Key Stakeholder Group has been set for 23rd March 2009 at 18:00.at Bournemouth Town Hall.

Council Tax 2009/10 & Financial Monitoring report: William Mutlow reported that the Financial Monitoring Report for the period 01/04/08 to 31/12/08 predicts a surplus of £1,680,000 (see below), plus Capital savings of £1,200,000 largely made up by not having to spend as much as forecast in various areas

(£850,000) Treasury Management, Investment Income, Borrowing costs

(£780,000) Adult Social Services (Residential and Homecare costs)

(£470,000) National Concessionary Fares Scheme

(£140,000) Transportation Services (Energy costs, savings, efficiencies)

(£100,000) Children’s Services (Children Looked After etc)

(£40,000) Net other variations

£190,000 Parking Services Income (including decriminalized parking income)

£250,000 Planning Application Fees (net of Planning Delivery Grant reserve)

£260,000 Land Charges Income

(£1,680,000) Current predicted surplus

The projection £1.6m could be less due to extra costs in Planning and with almost 40% of the budget to be spent in the last quarter, the system is very volatile (which WM had forecast some time ago). £2m worth of Capital items had been re-profiled to next year, and the projections for next year are too close to this year, e.g. cost of concessionary bus passes is under for this year due to the poor weather, the cost for next year could be higher if the weather is good.

NS reported a difference of £1m between the cost of the concessionary bus fares and the Government grant, this scheme would work better in ‘holiday’ areas if it were limited to local residents only.

If a journey requires catching two buses, or ‘hopping on and off’ on a long stretch of road such as Ashley Road in Parkstone, then two charges are generated, an additional problem caused by the large number of tourists using bus passes is that local people are often unable to get on the buses, especially those going to Swanage.

KA suggested that the Council should make representations to Central Government about winter/summer charges. NS said that, specialist transport consultants, the TAS Partnership, have been jointly commissioned by Poole and Bournemouth Borough Councils to review the reimbursement rate paid to bus operators for concessionary passengers in the light of uptake and usage during 2008/09..There are now over 31,000 passes in circulation in Poole Poole, a take up of 79% of the over-60s.

NS said that the drop in planning application fee and land search fee income of £½m is due to slump in housing.

Chairman’s Note: As mentioned at the meeting, the Head of Planning Design & Control Services wrote to me following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. I quote…

“The 40% (reduction in Planning Applications reported by Cllr Parker) was an assumption based on potential fall off in application activity. To date the actual reduction is closer to 15% with the main impact falling on the high fee earning areas. Since the start of 2008 we have seen 3 full-time DC officer posts deleted/frozen on

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the establishment - that is equivalent to a 25% reduction in case officers. Our current forecast for income is a £430k reduction”

JS reported that at last night’s meeting the Cabinet agreed to recommend to Council an increase in Council Tax of 4.8% for 2009/10.

Poole Partnership: JS reported that the Poole Partnership Website Communication Sub-committee met on 27/01/09 and a new Website will be set up shortly. This will include a list of Residents’ Assns.

‘A Joint Response’ meeting involving Bournemouth & Poole Partnerships is being held tomorrow (12/02/09) at AFC Bournemouth to look at actions which might be taken in this time of recession.

The next Poole Partnership Steering Group meeting is due to take place on 02/03/09.

Stronger Communities Partnership meets on 18/03/09 and the Agenda is likely to include discussion of the Council’s response to Sustainable Communities Act.

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

Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road: KA reported that various Council officer staff holidays are delaying the matter. KA will monitor.

Bella Rosa – JS reported that MH had spoken to one of the Planning Enforcement Officers on 04/02/09 about Bella Rosa. Both this officer and an officer from Transportation Services have visited the site. It was agreed that the line of sight is obscured. the Planning Enforcement Officer spoke to the owners of Bella Rosa who have agreed to put in a planning application for the screening that has been erected. They have 2 weeks from Monday 2nd Feb to submit the application. If not, an enforcement notice will be issued.

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.

Canford Cliffs Chine: MH was due to speak to Cllr Peter Adams but JS said that he had heard nothing further.

3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

KA reported…

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.

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 refused on 28/01/09.

21 Western Avenue (Conservation area application to demolish existing dwelling and erect single detached dwelling with garaging. (Revised scheme) – Application refused on 28/01/09.

2 Martello Park (Demolish existing bungalow and erect a block of flats with associated parking and bin store) - To be determined by Planning Committee tomorrow (12/02/09) Chairman’s note: Application was granted.

Wind Turbine application at Tesco, Branksome – To be determined by Planning Committee tomorrow (12/02/09) Chairman’s note: Application was granted.

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

2

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.

JS reported that 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) to be heard in High Court on 17/03/09.

JS said that the Inspector’s Report into the Core Strategy is available via <http://www.boroughofpoole.com/downloads/assets/Inspectors_Final_Report.pdf>

and he would include he principal changes in the Minutes (See below)

a) The North Poole area to remain as safeguarded land

b) The threshold for affordable housing to be set at 6+ dwellings

c) A commitment to prepare a Flood Risk Management Strategy

d) The deletion of locally based carbon reduction requirements

e) A rejigging and expansion of the Implementation and Monitoring section, including the inclusion of more details of infrastructure projects.

Other current planning issues

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.

62 Haven Road (Erect 3 x 4-bed houses) – Awaiting outcome of Planning Inquiry (APP/Q1255/A/08/2081952) held on 03/02/09

31A Western Avenue (Demolish existing dwelling and erect a five bed detached dwelling) – Application registered on 05/01/09. Local concerns.

Victoria School, 12 Lindsay Road (Erect modular classroom building comprising 3 classrooms, entrance hall and toilet facilities) - .Local concerns

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.

1 Over Links Drive (Sever land and erect a detached house with integral garage) – application withdrawn on 27/03/08. Awaiting revised application.

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 ON SOUTHERN POOLE CHAIRMENS’ LIAISON GROUP MEETING (26/01/09)

JS reported that TS has been appointed Chairman to succeed Ken Pottle who has held the position for 10 years. Matters discussed included…

• Concern about the expenditure of £220,000 on the portacabins at Whitecliff Recreation Ground which are due to be removed shortly.

NS is on a committee to decide what best use can be made of the

2

portacabins for the benefit of council tax payers.

• The Local Government Ombudsman has ruled that he has not seen any evidence that procedural fault by the Council has caused Dorset Lake Residents’ Assn any injustice in relation to 1 - 3 Compton Avenue (Demolish existing and erect a block of 11 flats & 1 maisonette with basement parking Revised Scheme) which was granted by Planning Committee on 17/04/08. However, the Council have accepted DLRA’s complaint that it exceeded the Stage 2 timescales for handling their complaint. The Strategic Director has apologised for the delay and officers have been reminded to follow published procedures.

5. REPORT ON CANFORD CLIFFS & PENN HILL AREA COMMITTEE MEETING (04/02/09) - JS said he had not attended the meeting but had been told that the six Councillors present outnumbered the members of the public who attended. Agenda items were covered in 20 mins, and a discussion on the Safer Partnerships and how to get more publicity then followed.

6. ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JD reported that current funds at end of January are £33,450. Of the 81 blocks of flats invoiced as bulk subscriptions there has already been an 80% take up.

A letter of thanks had been received from the Canford Cliffs Traders for the £500 donation towards the Christmas Lights.

JS has still to write to Key Drummond and CountryWide Property Management as non-payers from the Spring issue of our magazine.

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS -

Premises Licence application for ‘Orton Rigg’ 53 Cliff Drive, Canford Cliffs -

Environmental & Consumer Protection Services have received calls from local residents in regard to this application and have received letters of representation. The application has, therefore, been referred to a Licensing Sub-committee. The meeting is to be held on 26/02/09. The general rule is that only those living within 100 metres may object, but this is only a guide.

NS offered to investigate the ‘planning’side.

Informal meeting with Residents’ Association representatives on 30/01/09: The officer

responsible for circulating the notes of the meeting, including the questions and answer hopes to distribute these this week as soon as she has the responses to Mr Cook’s questions, which due to an error on the Council’s part, were not included on the list of questions that morning. She has yet also to be provided with the response given by some Councillors at the Meeting.

BPCCRA AGM on Saturday 2nd May 2009 at All Saints Church Hall, Branksome Park – JS has invited Stephen Thorne, RD ADC BTp, MRTPI, currently Head of Development Services, Salisbury District Council who has been appointed as Poole’s Head of Planning and Regeneration to be our Guest Speaker.

If Mr Thorne is unable to be the Guest Speaker. NS suggested that we might like to try Liz Wilkinson, Poole’s Head of Financial Services and if we do ask Ms Wilkinson you could say that NS had suggested it.

JG asked if he could have material for the Spring 2009 Magazine by the end of this month.

JS closed the meeting at 8.30pm.

Date of next Meeting: The next meeting is on Wednesday 11^th March 2009 in the

Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

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BPCCRA February Meeting Agenda

Jan 26

BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (Founded 1958) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & WARDENS MEETING @ MAIN HALL, BRANKSOME ST ALDHELMS PARISH CENTRE WEDNESDAY 11th FEBRUARY 2009 @ 7.30 pm AGENDA 7.30 pm. 1. Apologies/Accuracy of Minutes (14th January 2009) 2. Matters arising (Not covered under “Review”) Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel sites - update [...] [...more]

Posted: under BPCCRA Minutes.

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

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & WARDENS MEETING

@ MAIN HALL, BRANKSOME ST ALDHELMS PARISH CENTRE

WEDNESDAY 11th FEBRUARY 2009 @ 7.30 pm

AGENDA

7.30 pm.

1. Apologies/Accuracy of Minutes (14^th January 2009)

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

Poole Pottery/Old Orchard/Quay Thistle Hotel sites - update John Sprackling

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update ditto

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

Poole’s beaches & Coastal defences Peter Jackson

Council Tax 2009/10 & Financial Monitoring report William Mutlow

Poole Partnership John Sprackling

Lindsay Road to Station Road Corridor/Speeding: ditto

Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road Keith Alcroft

Public Rights of Way Richard Dimbleby etc

Possible Charitable Status for Assn John Sprackling

Canford Cliffs Chine Keith Alcroft

8.00 pm.

3. New Housing Development Keith Alcroft

4. Report on Southern Poole Chairmens’ Liaison Group meeting Terry Stewart

(26/01/09)

5. Report on Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill Area Committee meeting ditto

(04/02/09)

6. Accounts to date John Defty

8.30 pm.

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

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 11^th March 2009 – Main Hall, Branksome St Aldhelms Parish Centre (Access via Lindsay Road)

Date for your diary:

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BPCCRA Minutes January 2009

Jan 14

MINUTES OF THE BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE & WARDENS MEETING HELD ON 14TH JANUARY 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 [...] [...more]

Posted: under BPCCRA Minutes.

MINUTES OF THE BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE & WARDENS MEETING HELD ON 14TH JANUARY 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 Manager Ken Sanson - Chairman, Sandbanks Assn 15 Members/Wardens Welcomes: TS welcomed our three Ward Councillors and wished all those present a belated Happy New Year.. 1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES (10 DECEMBER 2008) Apologies: William Mutlow Accuracy: JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meetings held on 10 December 2008. 2. MATTERS ARISING : Poole Pottery/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 met with Poole Council’s Regeneration Planning Manager (SF-A) & Head of Legal & Democratic Services on 19/12/08. It was agreed that SF-A would let him have a copy of the draft Planning Performance Agreement but this has not been received to date. NS said that SF-A is unwell at the moment and away from work. Hopefully he will be back soon. 5. Old Orchard House. 39-61. High Street – the first Employment Contribution payment of £50,000 is due on 01/01/09 and JS is seeking confirmation under the Freedom of Information Act that this has been paid. Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update: 13 Branksome Towers - Unauthorised High Fence, direct action shortly on or about 19th Jan 2009 Fitzmor Homes Ltd sites at 49 & 49a Haven Road & 7 Balcombe Road & 18 Balcombe Road (Oversize ‘For Sale’ board) – No further developments. 75 Canford Cliffs Road – Application for alterations and extension to garage granted on 16/12/08. Stop Notice served on 14/08/08. 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 that he had received a letter from Sir Michael inviting him, Roy Godfrey, Chairman, Broadstone Residents’ Assn and Ann Smeaton, Secretary, Hamside Residents’ Assn to a meeting at the Civic Centre on 29/01/09. NS explained that the Chief Executive decided that the best way to deal with the rumours was to bring in a well known and respected figure to investigate. JS said that he would set out the text of the letter in the Minutes. ———————————- Thank you for contacting me about the Review. As you might imagine, a significant number of residents and developers have been in touch and I am writing in similar terms to all of them. 4 My brief is to investigate on behalf of the Council’s Section 151 Officer, Ms. Liz Wilkinson, whether there is evidence of any unlawful behaviour relating to planning. I have examined a substantial amount of documentation and held discussions with a variety of interests. I am well aware of rumours circulating locally but, as yet, have not had any meaningful evidence drawn to my attention to substantiate unlawful activity. Further speculation will not help, but should you have in your possession any firm evidence relating to these rumours, it is your duty to make this known. I would be happy to receive any documents or a signed statement by recorded delivery at the above address and I will ensure that any material is immediately made available to the Police as appropriate. In the course of the Review, I have become aware of requests for changes in the way the Borough Council engages with residents and developers and undertakes its development control responsibilities. In this respect it would be helpful if you could write and give me your considered views on the way this function might be improved, recognising that the arrangements for development control are strictly controlled by law and that the Council must meet its housing growth targets. I hope your contribution, if you decide to make one, can be positive and forward looking. It should reach me by Friday 16 January at the latest. Finally, I have decided to meet privately with a small number of residents and developers, based on the representations I have received so far. I will be writing to those concerned in due course to arrange a suitable time and venue. Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: No new developments. Council Tax 2008/09 & Financial Monitoring report: In the absence of William Mutlow there was no report but JS said that there was no new Financial Monitoring report as the Cabinet had not met since our last meeting. JS mentioned the meeting with Representatives from Residents’ Association and Commerce and Industry on 30/01/09 to discuss the Council’s 2009/10 Budget and asked Roy Pointer if he might like to attend along with Terry Stewart and JS to represent the Assn. Chairman’s Note: RP has since advised me that he can’t attend the meeting as he has a meeting in London that day; Poole Partnership: JS reported on last Tuesday’s (06/01/09) meeting of the Local Development Framework Working Group The Council are expecting the Inspector’s report on the Core Strategy “within a fortnight”. JS thinks he’s right in saying that this will not be released into the public domain for another fortnight after that to allow the Council to study the Inspector’s findings. It is hoped that the Inspector’s letter will confirm that Strategic Planning are “on the right lines”. A very quick presentation was given on the proposed Community Infrastructure Levy. We learnt that this is unlikely to be introduced until October 2009 and, although Councils will be empowered to levy this charge, it will be down to them to decide whether or not they do so. It seems that only those Local Authorities with an adopted Core Strategy will be permitted to operate the scheme. There was also presentation on the SE Dorset Multiple Modal Transport Study. TS stated that the study is being done to justify an application for funding for the necessary infrastructure improvements such as the A31 link road to the Port and access to Bournemouth airport, due to the increase in population/housing/traffic in the conurbation. Lindsay Road to Station Road Corridor/Speeding: Following the Parkstone, Penn Hill & Canford Cliffs Safer Neighbourhood Partnership meeting on 29/10/09, Austin Kinnane, of Dorset Police wrote on 19/12/08… “Speed checks have been carried out on numerous occasions in the areas identified as problem areas. To date, in the region of 50 warnings and/or fixed penalty tickets have been issued. In addition, other various motoring offences have been detected and appropriate actions have been taken. Enforcement operations will continue, however this approach is not really seen as a long term solution to the problem. The Borough of Poole Transportation Department are also considering the problem, an update/report 4 will be available from them before the next meeting.” TS told members to be aware of speeding traps in the area of Canford Cliffs Road, Western Road, Lilliput Road, Lindsay Road and Shore Road. The next the Parkstone, Penn Hill & Canford Cliffs Safer Neighbourhood Partnership meeting is on Wednesday 28th January, Committee Suite, Civic Centre, 6pm. Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road: KA is to attend a meeting on Thursday 15th January to discuss suitable positioning of trees in Haven Road. There are several illustrations showing trees in the Village in the 1920s in a book by Iris Morris. JS reported that he had, at last, heard from Transportation Services regarding the screens at ‘Bella Rosa’ who write “If the screens require planning permission or are a breach of any planning conditions, then we would be consulted by Planning and comment in respect of highway safety matters.” JS said that he would check Conditions via BoP Planning Application website. Local Bus Services: JS said that he would take this off the Agenda as he had not been contacted about this for some time. 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 said that he had still to set up a small Sub- Committee to look at this. Action to prevent Travellers accessing Beach Road car park: JS said that he would take this off the Agenda as this was covered by MH report in last month’s Minutes. Canford Cliffs Chine: KA said that he is awaiting a response from Cllr. Peter Adams. KA had suggested that planting similar to that at Flaghead and Branksome Chine could help to stabilize the cliffs. MH will speak to Peter Adams. 3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT KA reported… Wind Turbine application at Tesco, Branksome – Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 17/12/08. 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. 21 Western Avenue (Conservation area application to demolish existing dwelling and erect single detached dwelling with garaging. (Revised scheme) – Application registered on 05/12/08. Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 13/01/09. Land adj. 2 Mornish Road (Conservation area application to erect a 5-bed detached house with integral garage, access from Mornish Road (Revised scheme) - Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn today (14.01.09) 2 Martello Park (Demolish existing bungalow and erect a block of flats with associated parking and bin store)- application registered 02/01/09. Local concerns. JS reminded members that the Planning Inquiry (APP/Q1255/A/08/2081952) re 62 Haven Road (Erect 3 x 4-bed houses) is to be held on 3td February 2009 and John Fox would welcome support from members by attenance at this Inquiry. Venue not yet known. JS reported on the Judicial Review 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) granted by Planning Committee on 01/04/08. 4 JS said that Ken Pottle, on behalf of the Southern Poole Chairmens’ Liaison Group, had received a letter from Russell Wileman, a Senior Solicitor for the Borough of Poole, following the Group’s request for the Council to ’settle out of court’ with the claimants. JS said that he would set out the text of the letter in the Minutes. JS said that he would be curious to know if the owners of the properties concerned and the applicant for the planning permission had made representations to the court. ————————— JUDICIAL REVIEW ALLINGTON CLOSE & SHORE ROAD 07/06086/021/F Your Group’s note dated 5th December 2008 addressed to Cllr Dr Brian Leverett has been passed to me for my attention, as I am the solicitor with the conduct of the defence of the application for the Judicial Review on behalf of the Council. It appears that the thrust of your argument is that the Council should withdraw from defending the action on the basis that this would be the most prudent course of action to save Council Tax payers’ money. I must point out no-one can accurately forecast the outcome of litigation, but the particular issue upon which the Judicial Review challenge is based strikes at the heart of the Council’s planning decision making process, criticising as it does the layout and make up of our standard Decision Notices, because of this and weighing up all the evidence produced thus far we are of the view that this must be defended. Our view is that the Planning permission was granted properly and fairly after due ” and proper consideration at the Planning Committee meeting, in sufficient and proper detail for any one to understand the reasons for granting it. I must also point out that It is not possible to “settle out of court” in a Judicial Review case. If we withdrew, the hearing would still go ahead and the judge would still have to make his mind up on the evidence before him. Further and in any event, just because the learned judge decided that there is an arguable case does not mean that the full court will decide in the Claimants’ favour. The application for the Judicial Review has also brought other parties into the proceedings; namely the owners of the properties concerned and the applicant for the planning permission and they have a right to make representations to the court, so even if we were able to withdraw, they will still be able to present their case to the court and the court could well decide in their favour even without our input and leave the Planning Permission in place, but I should point out that since the Council considers it acted properly, it would not be incurring costs in defending this matter without the Claimants’ challenge. You say there is the question of Council Tax Payers money to consider. I would remind you that if the Council is successful, as it expects to be, we would have the opportunity to seek to recover our costs from the Claimants, if the Judge agreed. Yours sincerely Other current planning issues 2 Tower Road (Conservation area application to demolish existing dwelling & erect 3 detached dwellings with associated parking) Application registered 17/12/08. Local concerns. 31A Western Avenue (Demolish existing dwelling and erect a five bed detached dwelling) – Application registered on 05/01/09. Local concerns. 8 Bury Road (Conservation Area application to demolish all buildings on site including foundations where appropriate / Demolish existing and erect detached house and garaging, summerhouse and tennis court and provision of parking area (Revised Scheme)- appeal allowed. Victoria School, 12 Lindsay Road (Erect modular classroom building comprising 3 classrooms, entrance hall and toilet facilities) - .Local concerns 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. 1 - 3 Compton Avenue (Demolish existing and erect a block of 11 flats & 1 maisonette 4 with basement parking Revised Scheme) – application granted by Planning Committee on 17/04/08. The Dorset Lake Residents’ Assn website reports that the “Chairman has had a conversation with an officer from the Ombudsman’s office, as a result of which she is persuaded that the Council has a case to answer, and she is now in the process of contacting Poole B.C. for their response.” 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.. 5 Shore Road (Demolish existing dwelling and erect detached house with integral garage) - Application refused on 27/11/08. Revised plans to be lodged shortly. 5A Shore Road (Demolish existing dwelling and erect detached house with integral garage) - Application refused on 27/11/08. Revised plans to be lodged shortly. 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. 1 Over Links Drive (Sever land and erect a detached house with integral garage) – application withdrawn on 27/03/08. Awaiting revised application. 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 cash at the end of the year amounted to £31,642. Donations totalling £5,400 had been made during the year to various causes. JS said that he has still to write to Key Drummond and CountryWide Property Management as non-payers from the Spring issue of our magazine. JS reported that the Canford Cliffs Traders’ Assn had asked if the Assn might make a donation for the Christmas lights in the Village. SA was concerned that the Assn should only contribute if others are doing likewise. MH explained that the 20+ members of the Traders’ Association pay £100 per annum, they also held a raffle in November to boost funds. The cost of having the lights put up and taken down amounted to £5,000. A grant of £1,800 was received from the Council last year. Contributions would be very welcome as this is for the benefit of the community. NS added that a grant for up to £3,000 for this year to be match-funded by the Traders’ Assn will be made soon. The Council are keen to help encourage shopping in the local area. SA proposed a donation of a similar amount to last year (£500). A vote was taken and this was agreed by majority. 5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS - In response to a question by TS, CD informed the meeting that the proposed Wind Turbine at Tesco had been red-carded. JS closed the meeting at 8.10pm. Date of next Meeting: The next meeting is on Wednesday 11th February 2009 in the Main Hall at Branksome St Aldhelm’s Parish Centre (Entrance via Lindsay Road)

Comments (0)

Neighbourhood Watch Nov- Dec 08

Jan 01

Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs & Sandbanks November-December 2008 Chairman - Ken Pottle MBE tel. 700013 Newsletter Editor - Pat Halliday tel. 700911 Distribution Manager - Peter Waldron tel. 708495 This newsletter is sponsored by Magna Motor Company in the village Half-Day Conference - discussing local issues Come to this FREE event on Saturday 22nd November10am-12.30pm in the [...] [...more]

Posted: under Neighbourhood Watch.

Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs & Sandbanks

November-December 2008

Chairman - Ken Pottle MBE tel. 700013

Newsletter Editor - Pat Halliday tel. 700911

Distribution Manager - Peter Waldron tel. 708495

Half-Day Conference - discussing local issues

Come to this FREE event on Saturday 22^nd November10am-12.30pm in the Canford Cliffs Village Hall in Ravine Road.

Terry Stewart, Campaign to Protect Rural England, will open the conference and the speakers will be:

* Robert Syms, Member of Parliament for Poole

* Brian Murphy, Harbour, Master of Poole Harbour Commissioners,

* John Shave, Chairman Association of Dorset Watches,

* PC Jane Newcombe, SNT & PC Ralph Mutton, SNT (Safer Neighbourhood Team)

* Richard Daubenay, Chairman of Dorset Crimestoppers,

* Stephen Mant, Dorset Fire & Rescue Service.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr.Joyce Lavender and her consort will attend.

Come along, question the speakers, air your views and share your ideas on local matters concerning law & order in our community.

This is your opportunity to meet the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) the local Police officers who work in our area.

After the event you can meet the speakers, talk to active members of Neighbourhood Watch and enjoy FREE Light Refreshments with a glass of Wine.

Burglary is preventable

No-one wants to become a victim of crime. Here are a few tips on how to beat the burglars.

* Most burglars prefer to enter through doors & windows on the side of the house or at the rear. Keep possible entry points locked.

* Do not leave keys in locks.

* Don’t display what you’ve got. Draw curtains at night when lights are switched-on and have net curtains or blinds for daytime privacy.

* Intruders like the dark. Consider installing outside lights for the long Winter evenings with cost effective movement sensors.

* Thinking of a new path around the house?

Flat paving is easily swept, easy to walk on & favoured by window cleaners, but burglars do not like noisey gravel.

* High prickly hedges deter back garden trespassers.

* Trim boundary hedges at the front. What you lose in privacy you gain in security.

Grand Coffee Morning

Friday 31st October,10.30am-12noon at the Haven Hotel, Sandbanks. Enjoy the magnificent views!

Superintendent Martin Hiles, Divisional Commander of Poole Police will speak and the Mayor of Poole, Cllr.Joyce Lavender, will attend with her consort.

There will be trade stands and a Grand Raffle. Come along and speak to your local Police officers.

An entry donation of £1 would be appreciated.

AGM January 24th 2009

Come to the AGM on Saturday 24th January 2009, 10.30am - 12noon in the Canford Cliffs Village Hall, Ravine Road.

The guest speaker will be Martin Baker QPM, Chief Constable of Dorset Police.

Afterwards you can meet the Neighbourhood Watch Committee, our local Police officers and fellow local residents over FREE Wine and Nibbles.

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Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT)

A Public Meeting will be held on Wed. 29th Oct. 5.45 - 6.45pm at St Lukes Church rooms Wellington Road, Poole.

Speak to the Safer Neighbourhood Officers (SNOs) and discuss your concerns about local law & order. If you have issues, then voice them.

If you cannot attend the meeting, but would like to raise a matter for dicussion please call the Team mobile phone 07796 678 451 and speak to:

PC Ralph Mutton - Canford Cliffs & Penn Hill

PC Jane Newcombe - Parkstone

PCSO Emma Singh & PCSO Cheryl Kingham

You can call the Team mobile or tel. 01202 222 222 to report suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour.

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Crimes in August & September

In August & September 3 homes were burgled. Items stolen included cash, mobile phones and jewellery. There were 14 reported incidents of theft from garages, sheds, communal areas and other non-residential property.

Two motor vehicles, a dinghy and an outboard motor were stolen; 18 motor vehicles were broken into - items taken included coins, car stereos, mobile phones, handbags, laptops, wallets, sunglasses, camping & surfing equipment and a passport.

There were 6 cases of criminal damage - 3 to motor vehicles and two of these were arson.

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Canford Cliffs Information Centre

Come to the Neighbourhood Watch Information Centre held in the Canford Cliffs Library on the 1st Friday of every month 10.30-12noon to discuss any matters relating to law & order. A member of your Safer Neighbourhood Team always attends.

Merchandise available includes:

** DVLA Tamper-Proof Security Tax Disc Holders - £1.50

** Defender Cooper Torch Alarms - £3

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Thank you for 23yrs loyal service

At the October Neighbourhood Watch Committee meeting, the Chairman expressed grateful thanks to Peter Thompson, who has resigned from the role of Neighbourhood Watch Contact at Branksome Court after 23 years.

The chairman welcomed, Les Cousins, who has kindly offered to take over from Peter.

We welcome back to the team Doreen Berrett and new contacts Helen Pearson and Shirley McKoskie who will deliver the Newsletters to residents in Burton Road, Lindsay Road, Cliff Drive and Balcombe Road.

Many thanks to you all!

Surf the Worldwide Web at the Library

Internet Access is available FREE at Canford Cliffs Library. (Time limits may apply when the work stations are busy).

That’s right! FREE. There’s NO CHARGE!

Help is at hand if you don’t know how to get started. Just ask at the desk

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BPCCRA Minutes December 10th 2008

Dec 12

MINUTES OF THE BRANKSOME PARK, CANFORD CLIFFS & DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE & WARDENS MEETING HELD ON 10TH DECEMBER 2008 at 7.30pm IN THE LOUNGE, BRANKSOME ST. ALDHELM’S PARISH CENTRE PRESENT: John Sprackling Chairman John Defty Treasurer John Gunton Magazine Editor Bob Young Magazine Advertising Manager Ken Sanson - Chairman, Sandbanks Assn James Pride - Chairman, Canford Cliffs [...] [...more]

Posted: under BPCCRA Minutes.
Tags: Alington Close, bpccra, Bury Road, development, dolphin quays, Fines, Luscombe Valley, Mornish Road, Neighbourhood Watch, planning, property, Wind Turbine

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

EXECUTIVE & WARDENS MEETING HELD ON 10^TH DECEMBER 2008 at 7.30pm

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

PRESENT: John Sprackling Chairman

John Defty Treasurer

John Gunton Magazine Editor

Bob Young Magazine Advertising Manager

Ken Sanson - Chairman, Sandbanks Assn

James Pride - Chairman, Canford Cliffs Land Society

12 Members/Wardens

Welcomes: TS welcomed our Ward Councillors, Mrs Carole Deas, Mrs May Haines & Neil Sorton and all those present.

1. APOLOGIES AND ACCURACY OF MINUTES (12 NOVEMBER 2008)

Apologies: Terry Stewart, Keith Alcroft, Michael Bond & William Mutlow

Accuracy: JS said that he would sign the Minutes as a true and accurate record of the meetings held on 12 November 2008.

2. MATTERS ARISING :

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

1. Quayside (former) Dolphin Quays development – The Driftwood Brasserie and Pitcher & Piano Licensing applications have been granted but, perversely, Driftwood Brasserie are to allowed to use the 1st floor Terrace area until 10.30pm but Pitcher & Piano can use this up to 11.00pm. Ben Hurley said that he couldn’t recall hearing the outcome of the Appeal against LPA’s refusal to grant the application to use the 1st floor open area in association with use of adjacent unit as a ‘bar/restaurant’. JS said that the appeal was dismissed (09/04/08)

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

3. Former Poole Pottery & Swan Inn site – ditto

4. Quay Thistle Hotel site – JS meeting with Poole Council’s Regeneration Planning Manager has still to take place.

5. Old Orchard House. 39-61. High Street – The owners have asked for the Legal Agreement to be re-worded to allow the payment of the Employment Contribution of £0.5m (plus admin fee) to be phased over a 4 year period commencing 1st January 2009 and the Recreational Contribution of £89,930.00 (plus admin fee) to be phased. 50% of the Contribution paid on the sale of the 50th Residential Unit and the balance of 50% shall be paid on disposal of the 100th Residential Unit. This request is to be considered by the Planning Committee at their meeting tomorrow.

Chairman’s Note: The amendments to the Legal Agreement dated 14/11/05 between Coltham (Orchard) Ltd and the Borough of Poole were agreed by the Planning Committee. The first Employment Contribution payment of £50,000 is due on 1 January 2009.

Planning Enforcement, TPOs/Tree replacements – update:
19 Mornish Road – JS reported that both directors of Barrington Homes had pleaded guilty and accepted caution + paying Council’s costs which include new tree – cost £6k

Fitzmor Homes Ltd sites at 49 & 49a Haven Road & 7 Balcombe Road & 18 Balcombe Road (Oversize ‘For Sale’ board) – No further developments.

75 Canford Cliffs Road – New application (Proposed alterations and extension to garage) registered on 23/10/08.

Poole Beaches and Coastal Defences: JS reported that Matt Crossman an official in DefRA’s Flood Management Programme Dept had written to Peter Jackson last week to say that “The approval for the beach control structures was conditional on the Borough of Poole committing to make information available on the need for the works and proposals for managing risk to swimmers near the rock groynes. Mr Crossman has written to John McBride clarifying this issue and requesting details of the format and timescales for public examination and confirmation that this would take place prior to completion of construction of the beach control structures.

JS said that the words ’stable doors’ and ‘bolted horses’ comes to mind.

NS said that all relevant risk assessments and safety requirements had been taken. The cost will fall on the general taxpayer and, although the cost of oil has now fallen, a contract has to be fair to both parties, costs could equally well have risen and it is not reasonable to expect to change now.

Roy Pointer asked if the Council ever got a price variation formula in the contract to avoid the oil price hike on the groynes? Although it is 100% central funded there is an economic saving which should be banked. JS said that he would follow this up.

Council Tax 2008/09 & Financial Monitoring report: JS reported that, as at 31/01/08 the overall position for the year is a forecast net £1.78m surplus.

JS reported that some progress has been made on the Corporate Asset Management Plan. Property Services’ move from Jade Manor Court to the Civic Centre Annexe resulting in revenue savings in the order of £100,000 pa. The Cabinet are still waiting for a report on the Business Transformation Plan.

Poole Partnership: JS reported that he had attended last Thursday’s ‘State of the Area 2008 - A Future for the Town Centre’ event.

NS reported that the meeting had been very successful with a lot of networking between NHS, Voluntary Sector, Social Services, etc.

Chairman’s note: The next meeting of the Local Development Framework Working Group will take place on Tuesday 6th January 2009

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

Canford Cliffs Village & proposal to plant trees in Haven Road: JS said that he had contacted the Leader of the Council for his support for this project but is currently awaiting a response. James Pride, Chairman of the Canford Cliffs Land Society has written to JS pledging the Society’s support for the proposal.

JS commented on the successful Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in the Village and congratulated the Canford Cliffs Traders’ Assn on their part in this.

Chairman’s note: I spoke to Cllr Leverett briefly at the Planning Committee meeting (11/12/08) and he is conscious that he has still to get back to me about the tree proposal.

Local Bus Services: No further developments.

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 said that he had still to set up a small Sub-Committee to look at this.

Action to prevent Travellers accessing Beach Road car park: There can be no height restrictions on the entrance as service vehicles need access. The car park is being locked between 10pm – 6am. As there is no alternative site available, it is not possible to move travellers on.

Canford Cliffs Chine: There is a problem with debris being washed down the very steep slope onto the path thus creating dangerous, slippery conditions. It had been cleared up prior to a visit by MH, but each time it rains the problem reoccurs.

3. NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

In the absence of KA, who was unwell, JS reported…

7 Lakeside Road (Erect 1 block of 7 flats with underground parking. (Revised Scheme) application refused on 01/12/08

62 Haven Road (Erect 3 x 4-bed houses) subject to a Planning Inquiry(APP/Q1255/A/08/2081952) fixed for February 2009. Statement of Common Ground, additional drawings and Daylight Report lodged with Planning Inspector on 08/12/08.

8 Bury Road Roy Pointer attended Tuesday’s Planning Hearing (Conservation Area application to demolish all buildings on site including foundations where appropriate / Demolish existing and erect detached house and garaging, summerhouse and tennis court and provision of parking area (Revised Scheme).

There was a debate as to whether the existing property is a Category A building, it was built in 1926, so not as old as some in the area. The new building is rather unlike others which have been built recently – it is a ‘butterfly’ design, 6,000 sq.ft. and probably not too far out of place in the conservation area. It will be set back from the road and may involve the possible felling of one tree.

The council are undertaking a review of the properties listed as worthy of retention in the Branksome Park Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan.

Victoria School, 12 Lindsay Road (Erect modular classroom building comprising 3 classrooms, entrance hall and toilet facilities) - JS reported that a resident in St Aldhelms Road had written to him as Chairman for his views on this planning application. The resident felt that this seemed to be an attempt to drive a “coach and horses” through the Branksome Park Conservation Area and went on to express the view that, whatever one might think of Livability/Victoria school the Conservation Area is there to protect everybody’s interests. The school knew about the Conservation Area status when they bought and changed the use of the site.

There was a general consensus amongst those attending that any new building should be sensitive to the fact that the site is within the Conservation Area.

Judicial Review 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) granted by Planning Committee on 01/04/08.

JS said that the Judge, HHJ Bidder QC sitting as a Deputy High Court Judge has said has said that “It is arguable that the Defendants failed to sufficiently set out its reasons for the grant of permission and, thus, failed to comply with the Article 22 (1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995.” The Southern Poole Chairmen’s Liaison Group has written to the Leader of the Council and copied to all Ward Councillors & the Chief Executive that the Group believes that believe Cllr Dr Leverett and his fellow Councillors should encourage both parties to seek an ‘out of court’ settlement.

JS said that, at the Cabinet meeting on 09/09/08, Cllr Dr Leverett had said “The current Medium Term Financial Plan is more challenging than it’s ever been,”. The Group therefore questioned if it’s a sensible use of Council Tax payers money to pursue this case, when it’s the Council fighting its own residents about a site where the Planning Committee had previously rejected two similar applications and the Planning Inspector had refused a Planning Appeal.

Chairman’s note: Mandy Loader has written to me today (12/12/08) and I set out below an extract from her note…

“As you know we are now entering the final stage of the JR, and we met this evening (that’s the Luscombe Valley Association) to discuss next steps. You may also be aware that to date, and thanks in large part to your own direct and indirect involvement, we have raised enough to pay our legal bills… we are now entering the most expensive phase

By the way, PBC has one more week to decide on their course of action.”

Wind Turbine application at Tesco, Branksome - Henry Fielden from the Poole Road Veterinary Surgery opposite the store, said that he was concerned that the proposed wind turbine was very close to the petrol station, uses up 4 car parking spaces in too small a car park and, in his opinion, not enough local residents had been notified by the Local Planning Authority.

JS said that Jennifer Hamiliton-Smith, the general manager of Melton Court in Lindsay Road, has objected on behalf of the 112 residents of the sheltered development.

CD said that she will ‘Red card’ the application as she is concerned about the noise of turbines in residential areas. It was agrred that that the Assn would send letter of objection.

Other current planning issues

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.

1 - 3 Compton Avenue (Demolish existing and erect a block of 11 flats & 1 maisonette with basement parking Revised Scheme) – application granted by Planning Committee on 17/04/08 and subject to complaint by Dorset Lake Residents’ Assn to LGO. LGO is still investigating the complaint.

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) - Letter of objection lodged on behalf of Assn on 24/06/08. Still a ‘current’ application.

5 Shore Road (Demolish existing dwelling and erect detached house with integral garage) - Application refused on 27/11/08.

5A Shore Road (Demolish existing dwelling and erect detached house with integral garage) - Application refused on 27/11/08.

1 Shore Road (Demolish existing dwelling and erect a block of 6 apartments with basement garage, bike store & associated vehicular access (revised scheme). – Application refused on 25/11/08.

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.

1 Over Links Drive (Sever land and erect a detached house with integral garage) – application withdrawn on 27/03/08. Awaiting revised application.

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 SOUTHERN POOLE CHAIRMENS’ LIAISON GROUP MEETING (24/11/08)

Chairman’s Note: As time was pressing, I promised to include a note in the Minutes. The subjects discussed included…

TS reported the Secretary of State has delayed her response to the South West Regional Spacial Strategy until Easter 2009.

Dorset Lake Residents’ Assn - Lilliput School being enlarged by 200 pupils. Problems with road safety, parents parking too close to school

Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs & Sandbanks Neighbourhood Watch - Discussion by members of the problems of cyclists on the pavement, even when there is a markedcycle lane on the road. The Safer Neighbourhood team will be out at Courthill School and Baden Powell Schools in the first week in December. Dangerous parking outside building sites was also discussed.

CPRE - The application for a loan for the Poole Bridge to be decided on 5th December but there would still be problems regarding access roads. Widening of the A31 is not scheduled till 2016.

Parkstone Bay Assn - Possibility that the Route 1 bus will be re-routed down the lower High Street.

Concerns regarding the plans for changing traffic lights in Commercial Road junctions with Springfield Road and Parr Street and re-routing traffic through Church Road. Also difficulties for pedestrians crossing Commercial Road to get to the bus stop. Building in flood plains was mentioned particularly regarding Turks Lane and Poole Quay (Thistle Hotel) proposed sites.

Canford Cliffs Land Society - Improvements to Bessborough Road, bulbs planted. Posts installed to prevent traffic using it as a through road. Thanks expressed by the group to the Land Society for the Christmas lights in the village and improvements to the Village Hall.

Sandbanks Assn - Pointed out that the ferry had started operating again after two months out of action. Proposed cycle lanes from Evening Hill to the Ferry to be considered at the T. A.G. meeting on 27^th November. Sandbanks Yacht Company site still empty. There is to be a party on the Beach, 5^th and 6^th December, 4500 expected, 500 cars which the car park can accommodate.

Open Spaces Society - Still problems with Footpath 82 (Panorama Road to Davis Boatyard) Suggestion that the RMYC intends to extend the Marina with a new channel and a swinging pontoon. Dalkeith Road has a sign up ‘Private Road’ but the road is adopted so the sign needs re-wording as it may deter walkers and cyclists.

4. ACCOUNTS TO DATE – JD reported that total funds this month we £30,500. This is down £3,800 on last month due to various legal costs, including Luscombe Valley.

JD said he had paid out the following sums this year..

50% of Consultant’s fee re 31 Western Ave Appeal Hearing £709.82

Legal advice from Blake Lapthorn, Oxford £840.71

Luscombe Valley Assn £6,000

JS said that, at the October meeting, John Defty asked for the names of Key Drummond and CountryWide Property Management to be minuted as non-payers from the Spring issue of our magazine. This was voted on and it was carried but it did not appear in the minutes. JS agreed to wrote a letter to the two firms involved.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS -

Sand on Promenade – JS said that the Chairman of the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee had written to him yesterday to say that “Cllr Moore did raise your concerns. I have to tell you it wasn’t seen as a practicable solution. The Cttee voted unanimously to recommend that the clearance is done, and kept as a Poole operation. In terms of the costs, the £25,000 figure isn’t a direct cost figure but the calculated additional budgetary pressure as a result of taking up the option.”

JS closed the meeting at 8.20pm, which was concluded with mulled wine and mince pies.

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

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Traffic Issues on Western Avenue

Dec 03

Is anyone else affected by the parking and traffic caused by the constant development projects going on on Western Avenue? It would seem that rush hour is the chosen time for massive load drop offs at the bottom of the road that block it and cause residents to have to turn in the road and [...] [...more]

Posted: under residents comments.
Tags: development, parking, traffic

Is anyone else affected by the parking and traffic caused by the constant development projects going on on Western Avenue? It would seem that rush hour is the chosen time for massive load drop offs at the bottom of the road that block it and cause residents to have to turn in the road and use an alternative route. And nearer the middle of the road the blind inner bend seems to be the the place that all 4 by 4s want to park, further blocking the view of speeding cars coming up the road! Please leave your comments below:

Comments (3)