Open Session:

There were four members of the public present.

Cllr Terry declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning application number 86450 and left the meeting before the Open Session began, as his wife wished to speak on the application.

Present:

Cllr N R G Clarke (Chairman)
Cllr N J Chard
Cllr Mrs B Charlton
Cllr D R Cole
Cllr D E Cracknell
Cllr M F J Daly
Cllr B H Terry

In Attendance:

Jo Stannard, Deputy Town Clerk

P/4261 Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr N C Wood.

P/4262 Declarations of Interest

Although Cllr Terry was not present, it was noted that he had declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning application 86450, as the Chairman of Stillwater Park Residents Association. He remained absent from the room until the conclusion of discussions on this matter.

P/4263 Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 11th November 2005, having been circulated, were approved and signed as a correct record.

With the agreement of the Committee, planning application number 86450 was considered next for the benefit of the members of public present (see Annex `D' for observation) - (on the PDF version)

Cllr Terry rejoined the meeting.

P/4264 Walking & Cycling Working Group

The Deputy Town Clerk updated members on the alternative use of funds set aside for the Southampton Road footpath widening scheme, which would no longer take place in the current financial year. At its meeting on 14th October, this Committee had recommended additional drop crossings, a short pedestrian link from Gorley Road to the shops in Butlers Lane and work to improve visibility at an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing in Hightown Road.

Subsequently, officers had met to look at three additional sites and had agreed to also include improvements to the footpath link from Duck Island Lane to Bickerley Road and surfacing a 20m stretch at the junction of Crow Lane and Crow Arch Lane between the existing footpath and the new Castleman Trail link.

Officers had also looked at a possible scheme for a new/improved footpath on the south side of Hightown Road, but had agreed that it would not be possible to accomplish this within the current financial year.

RESOLVED: That the additional use of funds be supported.

P/4265 Bus Services in the New Forest Area

It was noted that Hampshire County Council had commenced a review of bus services in the New Forest and, as part of this, had circulated a questionnaire on the suitability of existing routes and the need for improvements to services.

Members did not feel that they had sufficient information to make a comprehensive response at this time, although it was hoped that the Healthcheck would identify current usage and demand. However, it was agreed that there was a need for a local shoppers bus to bring people into Ringwood from surrounding areas such as Verwood, St Leonards, Ashley Heath, Avon Castle, Sopley, Burley etc.

It was suggested that Waitrose and Sainsbury should be approached with regards to funding such a service. It was further noted that there are several community buses operating in Ringwood, run by the Community Association and Community First, and was suggested that these services might benefit from greater publicity.

RESOLVED: That the Deputy Town Clerk respond to the questionnaire based on the above information.

P/4266 New Forest District Local Development Framework ­ Draft Supplementary Planning Document ­ Housing Density, Design and Character

Members considered a suggested response to the Draft Supplementary Planning Document, which had been prepared by the Chairman of the Committee (Annex `A').

RESOLVED: That the Chairman's draft response be approved for submission to New Forest District Council.

P/4267 Budget 2006/07

Members considered the Committee's revised budget for 2005/06 and budget proposals for 2006/07.

RECOMMENDED TO POLICY & FINANCE COMMITTEE:

1) That the Committee's prioritised Budget Proposals for 2006/07 (Annex `B') be approved.
2) That the Committee's revised Budget 2005/06 and Original Budget 2006/07 be approved (Annex `C').

P/4268 Christchurch and East Dorset Sustainability Appraisal Draft Scoping Report

It was noted that this document had been received for consultation, but that it had little impact on Ringwood.

RESOLVED: That the Deputy Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee, be authorised to respond to the consultation.

P/4269 Planning applications Considered

Planning applications in respect of the weeks ending 18th, 15th, 22nd and 29th November 2005 were considered.

RESOLVED: That the observations as shown in Annex `D' be submitted. (on the PDF version)

P/4270 Urgent Business

Training

Cllr Mrs Charlton regretted that she was no longer able to attend the HAPTC training event on planning matters on 14th December in Marchwood, and asked if any other member wished to attend in her place.

RESOLVED: That no member wished to attend the HAPTC training event on 14th December.