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 Ford, Cllr Steele and Ashley Finch, Student Advisor.

Declarations of Interest

There were none.

Present:

Cllr N R G Clarke (Chairman)
Cllr N J Chard
Cllr D R Cole
Cllr B H Terry
Cllr Mrs J Terry
Cllr A Wiseman
Cllr B Woodifield

In Attendence:

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

P/4633 Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 27th March 2009, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

P/4634 Planning Applications

Members considered planning applications in respect of periods ending 25th March, 31st March, 8th April and 15th April 2009.

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

P/4635 Appeal Regarding Land at 18 & 20 Parsonage Barn Lane

Members considered an appeal in respect of Application No 08/93150 - Land rear of 18 & 20, Parsonage Barn Lane: Bungalow; altered access to number 20. Members initial observation was Permission (1) - Members felt that due to the history of intense urban development in the area, this is acceptable in this location.

RESOLVED: That a further written representation be made to the Planning Inspectorate in support of the application for Land to rear of 18 & 20 Parsonage Barn Lane, with the comment that, if successful, this application would represent a useful addition to low cost housing which is so much needed in Town, and noting the Town Mayor’s point that there are around 1,141 people on the District Council waiting list for housing in Ringwood.

ACTION

Jo Stannard

P/4636 Appeal Regarding 16 Market Place

Members considered an appeal regarding Application Numbers 09/93548 and 09/93550 (Listed Building Application) 16 Market Place – First-floor rear extension. The Town Council’s observation was Permission (3) - Members felt it was essential to support a local business, especially in these difficult economic times. There is already a precedent for this type of extension at rear of Number 12. Cllr Steele had also attended the District Council’s Planning Control Committee meeting to support this application when it was considered.

RESOLVED: That no further comments be made on the appeal regarding 16 Market Place.

P/4637 Tree Preservation Order 36/08

Cllr Woodifield reported on the Appeals Panel meeting held on 9th April 2009 regarding a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on land of Meadow View, 12 Salisbury Road. The owner of Meadow View had appealed against the TPO proposed for her nine pine trees, which form a screen visible from the A338. She wished to remove at least two of the trees which she considered to be dangerous and impacting on her driveway.

She had originally sought planning permission for a detached 3 bay garage. It was as a result of her planning application that the TPO was proposed, as the Tree Officer had concerns that the proposed garage would cause potential damage to the tree roots. The trees are considered to make a positive contribution to the amenities of the area.

Cllr Woodifield said she was surprised that discussion of the planning application was not permitted at the Appeals Panel meeting. TPO 36/08 was confirmed without modifications.

RESOLVED: That Cllr Woodifield’s update on the Appeals Panel meeting regarding Tree Perservation Order 36/08 be noted.

P/4638 Southampton Road Environmental Improvements

Members received notes of a meeting of the Technical Group held on 8th April 2009 (attached as Annex ‘B’).The Deputy Town Clerk drew Members attention in particular to the public exhibition which would be open at 33A Southampton Road on 13th May and 16th May (see page 3 of attached Annex ‘B’).

The Chairman commented that a review of the project was essential due to the closure of Woolworths and to account for the potential impact on the area of the opening of Iceland on the site. He did not agree with the proposal to include trees in the scheme as they were likely to be vandalised and would be a burden to maintain.

The Chairman considered that the area between the main Town car park and Southampton Road requires improved signs and that there are many visual obstacles such as the taxi rank and bus shelters which discourage shoppers from entering Southampton Road. The Deputy Town Clerk commented that new pedestrian signage was proposed in this area and this would help to overcome the physical barriers.

Members agreed it was essential for the Steering Group on Southampton Road Environmental Improvements to open communications with Iceland.

RESOLVED:

1) That the notes of the Technical Group meeting held on 8th April be noted;

and

2) That the Deputy Town Clerk contact the Manager of Iceland to enquire about plans for the new store in Ringwood and to liaise on how this would affect the proposals for Southampton Road.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 3.05pm.