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 N R G Clarke.

Declarations of Interest

There were none.

Present:

Cllr M A Steele (Chairman)
Cllr N J Chard
Cllr D R Cole
Cllr B H Terry
Cllr Mrs J A M Terry
Cllr Mrs A Wiseman                              

In Attendence:

Jo Stannard, Deputy Town Clerk

P/4533 Minutes of Previous Meeting

That the minutes of the meeting held on 1st February 2008, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

P/4534 New Forest National Park – Proposed Conservation Area

Cllr Steele reported that this item had been referred back to the Committee by Full Council as further information had become available since the matter was discussed at the last meeting. Members noted the contents of the Draft Conservation Area Appraisal and, after some discussion, agreed that this did not alter their views expressed previously.

RESOLVED: That the Council object to the proposed Conservation Area, Western Escarpment, for the reasons outlined in Minute P/4531 of the Committee Minutes dated 1st February 2008.

P/4535 Proposed Extinguishment of Highway Rights

Cllr Steele reported that the Committee had previously made no objection to the proposed extinguishment of highway rights for an area off the Market Place and adjacent to the A31. However, this item had been referred back to the Committee by Full Council following receipt of an objection to the proposal made by New Forest District Council.

It was noted that New Forest District Council had objected on two grounds, as follows:

1) The area was an environmentally sensitive area and no indication had been given as to its proposed use.

2) The lack of capacity on the A31. Whilst the Highways Agency currently had no proposals for capacity improvements, it would not be sensible to dispose of land that could be of use in any future scheme, even if only for noise attenuation or screening.

After some discussion, Members agreed that highway rights should be retained on this area of land, so as not to jeopardise any future highway improvement scheme.

RESOLVED: That the Council object to the proposed extinguishment of highway rights on the grounds of lack of capacity on the A31 and the potential use of this land in any future highway improvement scheme.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.00pm.