Open Session:

There were no members of the public present.

Apologies

Prior to the commencement of the meeting, the Deputy Town Clerk reported that apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Chard, Cllr Terry, Cllr Mrs Terry and Cllr Woodifield. Cllr Wiseman had advised that she might be late due to having an appointment prior to the meeting.

Declarations of Interest

Cllr Steele declared a personal interest in Campaign on Transport Costs as his daughter is affected by the issue of transport costs (see minute P/4602). Cllr Wiseman declared a personal and prejudicial interest in David Lloyd Premises Licence, as she has a close relative living in the vicinity of the David Lloyd Leisure Club, Christchurch Road (see minute P/4609).

Present:

Cllr N R G Clarke (Chairman)
Cllr M A Steele (Vice-Chairman)
Cllr D R Cole
Cllr L C Ford
Cllr A Wiseman (joined the meeting at 2.45pm)

In Attendence:

Jo Stannard, Deputy Town Clerk
Claire Perrens, Meetings Administrator
Ashley Finch, Student Advisor
Rachel Giles, Student Advisor

P/4601 Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 November 2008, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

P/4602 Campaign on Transport Costs – Ringwood School

Cllr Steele declared a personal interest in this item as his daughter is affected by the issue of transport costs.

Members received a presentation from Gemma Harris, student, and considered supporting the campaign for a reduction in transport costs for students (see Annex ‘A’ attached). Councillors supported the campaign and gave advice, including suggestions that Ms Harris should contact the local MP, Desmond Swayne, ideally going to a surgery in person, organize a petition and explore liaising with other schools. Ms Harris was asked to provide a cover note including what she would like done and the number of students affected, to prefix her report (Annex ‘A’) so that the Chairman could take further action.

RESOLVED:

1) That the Campaign on Transport Costs – Ringwood School be supported;

and

2) That the Chairman, as he is also a County Councillor, take up the issue with the Hampshire County Council Cabinet Member for Transport on behalf of Ms Harris and her fellow Students.

P/4603 Planning Committee Draft Budget 2009/10

Members reviewed the prioritised budget proposals for 2009/10 and considered, as requested by the Policy & Finance Committee, whether any budget items could be deferred. Members felt that this was a very small budget; all items should be kept, and that the priorities should be changed as shown in Annex ‘B’ attached.

Members also received a report from the Deputy Town Clerk on issues arising from Town Plan consultations for action in the short term (1-4 years). There is no evidence that any further budget provision is necessary, apart from those already identified by the Deputy Town Clerk.

RESOLVED:
1) That the prioritised budget be amended as shown in Annex ‘B’ Appendix A attached;

and

2) that the Deputy Town Clerk’s report on the Town Plan consultations be noted;

and

RECOMMENDED: That Policy & Finance Committee be requested to approve the amended prioritised budget and the base budget 2009/10 (as attached Annex ‘B’’)

Cllr Wiseman joined the meeting at 2.45pm.

P/4604 Planning Applications

Members considered planning applications in respect of periods ending 5 November, 12 November, 19 November and 26 November.

RESOLVED: That the observations summarised in Annex ‘C’ be submitted.

P/4605 Appeal Regarding Kinder Cottage, Bickerley Road

Members considered an appeal by Mr & Mrs Buckley regarding Application 07/90578. The Town Council observation was:- Permission (1) - note the Planning Officer’s observations, but given the nature of existing diverse pattern of development not overly concerned, and not concerned about the hard standing which would not be obtrusive in the members' opinion.

RESOLVED: That no further comment be made regarding the Kinder Cottage appeal.

P/4606 Appeal Regarding Little Gatton, 103 Linford Road, Poulner

Members considered an appeal by Mr Smith regarding Application 08/92939. The Town Council observation was:- Refusal (4) - Members were concerned that the protected Yew tree would make most of the gardens unusable and cause lack of light. Despite a new proposal to set the new terrace further back from the road, some of the comments made with regard to the previous application 07/90887 were reiterated: "There is concern about the impact the proposal would have on the character of the lane; the insufficient car parking and the increase in pedestrian and traffic movement in this narrow lane. There is also concern about the density, which would appear to be overdevelopment in this semi-rural area."

RESOLVED: That no further comment be made regarding the Little Gatton appeal.

P/4607 Site of the Old Forge, Linford Road, Poulner

Members considered the request of the developer to rename The Old Forge site ‘Old Forge Mews’. It was felt that the word ‘Mews’ was not appropriate for this site and therefore:-

RESOLVED: That the name ‘Old Forge Close’ be preferable to ‘Old Forge Mews’.

P/4608 NFDC Core Strategy

Members received a report (attached as Annex ‘D’) by the Town Clerk regarding the New Forest District Council’s Core Strategy.

RESOLVED:
1) That the publication of the Core Strategy be noted;

and

2) That it be noted that members were disappointed that, due to the new legislative arrangements, the Core Strategy is unable to deal with the urgent issues relating to housing and employment within the Town.

P/4609 David Lloyd Premises Licence

Members considered making a representation to New Forest District Council (NFDC) regarding an application from David Lloyd Leisure for a variation of its Premises Licence extending finish time for sale of alcohol, refreshments and entertainment.

Cllr Wiseman declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item, as she has a close relative living in the vicinity of the David Lloyd Leisure Club, Christchurch Road.

Cllr Wiseman made a statement, expressing the concerns of local residents at the increase in noise disturbance which might arise if the application were successful. Cllr Wiseman left the room and took no part in the debate or voting on this issue.

Members discussed the issues and the four categories under which any representation might be made. It was considered that ‘prevention of public nuisance’ was the only valid category.

RESOLVED: That representation be made to NFDC that the members would have concern that noise pollution after 11pm, particularly in the car park of the David Lloyd Leisure Club, would have a detrimental effect on the amenity of close neighbours.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 3.29pm.