Open Session:

There were no members of the public present.

Present:

Cllr N R G Clarke (Chairman)
Cllr M A Steele (Vice-Chairman)
Cllr N J Chard
Cllr D R Cole
Cllr L C Ford
Cllr B H Terry
Cllr A Wiseman

In Attendence:

Jo Stannard, Deputy Town Clerk
Claire Perrens, Meetings Administrator
Ashley Finch, Student Advisor
Ed Fullick, Student Advisor
David Groom, NFDC Development Control Manager

P/4715 Apologies

The Deputy Town Clerk reported that apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Mrs Terry.

P/4716 Declarations of Interest

There were none.

P/4717 Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 6th November, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record

P/4718 New Forest District Council (NFDC) Local Development Framework

The Chairman welcomed David Groom, NFDC Development Control Manager, who had attended the Meeting to provide information on the Local Development Framework. He commented on the following: live enforcement cases were currently at 35 for Ringwood, and in the past year 132 applications had been processed (a reduction of 20%). Only 10% of these applications went to the District Council’s Planning Control Committee, due to the Town Council having a different opinion. This showed that the District Council and Ringwood Town Council were in agreement on the majority of planning applications.

He provided a summary of a training session on the District Council’s Local Development Framework Core Strategy (full document available from www.newforest.gov.uk), which some Members had already attended. The overall vision and objectives of the new Strategy were important in allowing more flexibility where planning applications could provide benefits (such as employment) which might outweigh the fact that they did not meet all planning criteria. It was important to have a balanced view.

A new Local Distinctiveness Study, which had been piloted in New Milton, would be rolled out to other towns and parishes with the aim of providing a framework of practical guidance in context for each individual area.

Members were given the opportunity to ask questions. Some Members were concerned about the restriction on building new houses and the affordability of housing, and problems with the transport network.

RESOLVED: That the information provided by NFDC Development Control Manager be noted.

P/4719 Planning Applications

Members considered planning applications in respect of periods ending 4th November, 11th November, 18th November and 25th November.

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

P/4720 Appeal Regarding 83-87 & Rear of 79-81 & 89-91 Eastfield Lane

Members considered an appeal in respect of Application No 08/93517:- 83-87 & Rear of 79-81, 89-91 Eastfield Lane – Development of 26 dwellings. The Town Council’s observation was Permission (3): Members support this development with two conditions: 1) That flood risk is fully investigated and alleviated and 2) That Hampshire Highways fully assess and approve the development.

RESOLVED: That no further comments be made regarding this Appeal.

P/4721 Appeal Regarding 29 Southampton Road

Members considered an appeal in respect of Application 09/94348:- 29 Southampton Road – New shopfront; roller shutter; air conditioning unit (Annex ‘B’ – Grounds of Appeal attached). The Town Council’s observation was: New Shopfront - Permission (1). Roller shutter - Refusal (4) Members support the Conservation Officer's comments and consider this detracts from the street scene. Air conditioning - Permission (1) with a condition that more sympathetic screening is put in.

Although they had originally recommended that the roller shutter be not granted permission, Cllr B Terry and other Members, having since had the opportunity to view the roller shutter, concluded that it did not harm, or look out of character in, the Conservation Area. In fact, there were two other premises in the road that had similar shutters in place. In addition, it was understood that the local Police supported the use of the shutter as a crime prevention measure to prevent people gathering in the recessed doorway. Members also recognised the investment in the town by Iceland which, at a time of economic uncertainty, had helped to maintain the vitality and viability of this area of the town.

RESOLVED: That the Deputy Town Clerk be authorised to put forward to the Planning Inspector the Committee’s original observations, but with the amendment that the Roller Shutter, which was previously considered unacceptable, be now recommended for approval.

P/4722 Committee Budget 2010/2011

Members considered the Committee’s draft budget for 2010/11, in the light of the recommendation of the Policy & Finance Committee that only essential items should be included in the new budget proposals (Annex’B’ attached)

RESOLVED: That the item ‘Speed Indicator Device’ in new budget proposals for 2010/11 be deferred until another year, as it is not considered essential at this time.

P/4723 Southampton Road Environmental Improvements

The Deputy Town Clerk reported on the meeting of the Southampton Road Environmental Improvements Steering Group held on 26th November. Although works relating to drainage were taking longer than expected, the improvements were scheduled to commence early in September 2010. It had been decided to delay the start date to avoid disruption during the summer holiday period.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Southampton Road Environmental Improvements Steering Group held on 26th November be noted (Annex ‘C’ attached)

P/4724 Cycle Route Proposals

Members considered the Deputy Town Clerk’s report (Annex ‘D’). By coincidence, Ashley Finch, Student Advisor, was currently studying the impacts of cycle routes as part of his course. Issues were being identified by students which could be of interest to Members to help inform their debate. Cllr Wiseman commented on the safety of some of the proposed cycle routes, in particular the crossing by the Lamb Inn.

The Chairman said that some of the on-road cycle routes were in fact undeliverable, due to the narrowness of many of the streets. It was felt that a crossing for cycles/pedestrians on Christchurch Road was vital. It was agreed that if the deadline for the consultation could be extended, this matter should be discussed at the next Meeting, with the benefit of further information from Ashley Finch.

RESOLVED:

1) That further information be provided by Student Advisor, Ashley Finch, and Ringwood School students from their study of cycle routes in Ringwood;

and

2) That comments on the proposed cycle routes and sites for additional cycle parking be deferred until the next Meeting, subject to extension of the deadline for submissions

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 4pm.

RECEIVED AND ADOPTED

6th January 2010

TOWN MAYOR

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN