Open Session:

There were four members of the public present.

Present:

Cllr N R G Clarke (Chairman)
Cllr N J Chard
Cllr D R Cole
Cllr L C Ford
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
Ashley Finch, Student Advisor
Ed Fullick, Student Advisor
Cllr G O’Reilly (until 2.07pm)

P/4760 Apologies

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

P/4761 Declarations of Interest

1) Cllr O’Reilly declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Appeal Regarding 7 Monmouth Court, Southampton Road – see P/4763 below.

2) All Members present declared a personal interest in Planning Application 10/0148 – see P/4764 below.

3) Cllrs Clarke, Chard, Cole, Ford, B Terry and J Terry declared a personal interest in Planning Application 10/95104 – see P/4764 below.

4) Cllr Wiseman declared a personal interest in Ringwood Traffic Management Issues – see P/4767 below.

P/4762 Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 9th April 2010, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

As Cllr O’Reilly wished to make a statement, it was agreed that item 6 on the Agenda should be brought forward.

P/4763 Appeal Regarding 7 Monmouth Court, Southampton Road

Members considered an appeal in respect of Application No: 10/95126:- Use as hot food takeaway; extraction flue. Town Council Observation: Refusal (2): Members support the Conservation Officer's comments, and those of Environmental Health regarding measures to mitigate odour and noise pollution. The Committee was concerned about the proposals for waste disposal which were not considered adequate. Given the location, there would be a high probability of disturbance to local people due to the lack of parking and congestion in the area, which already has a Chinese takeaway and restaurant.

Cllr O’Reilly declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item, as her business is located close by. Cllr O’Reilly made a statement and left the meeting at 2.07pm, taking no part in the debate or decision reached. She was representing local residents and wished to reiterate residents’ opposition to the application.

RESOLVED: That a further written representation be made to reinforce the Town Council’s original observation, as detailed above.

P/4764 Planning Applications

Members considered planning applications in respect of periods ending 7th April, 14th April, 21st April and 28th April 2010.

All Members present declared a personal interest in Planning Application 10/0148, as Mrs S Harford, the applicant, is known to them as a member of staff at the Town Council.

Cllrs Clarke, Chard, Cole, Ford, B Terry and J Terry declared a personal interest in Planning Application 10/95104, as they are known to the applicant, Mr N Light.

Planning Application 10/95102 – Sunnydown, Hightown Hill
The applicants were present to answer Members’ questions and make supporting comments.

Planning Application 10/95104 – 2 Avonvale Cottages, Kingston
Mr Light was present to support the application.

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

P/4765 Appeal Regarding The Orchard, Crow Lane, Crow

Members considered an appeal in respect of Application No: 09/94820:- 2 houses; 2 detached garages; demolition of existing. Town Council Observation: Officer Decision (5): Two semi-detached houses would be more in keeping with the street scene.

RESOLVED: That no further comments be made.

P/4766 Southampton Road Environmental Improvements

The Deputy Town Clerk presented the notes of the meeting of the Southampton Road Environmental Improvements Steering Group held on 20th April 2010 (attached as Annex B).

Cllr Wiseman was concerned that there was no plan for safety railings to the east of the junction with Mansfield Road. However, a final safety audit was still to be completed.

RESOLVED: That the notes of the Southampton Road Environmental Steering Group meeting of 20th April 2010 (Annex B) be noted.

P/4767 Ringwood traffic Management Issues

Cllr Wiseman declared a personal interest in this item, as her grand-daughter attends Ringwood Junior School.

The Deputy Town Clerk presented the notes of the meeting of the Informal Local Members Liaison Meeting held on 20th April 2010 (Annex C).

Cllr Wiseman was concerned about safety in Hightown Road (Annex C, No. 2 refers) and would like highly visible signs and barriers, to safeguard children travelling to school. The Chairman commented that this had not been considered necessary following the official safety audit.

Cllr Wiseman also raised the issue of cycle access to Ringwood Junior School. The Deputy Town Clerk said consideration would be given to extending the cycle route to the School, should the trial scheme be made permanent.

A member of the public, Mr D Whitfield, asked Members whether the public would be able to comment regarding the Hampshire County Council proposals for the A31 and West Street (Annex C, No. 6 refers). The Chairman said that Ringwood Town Council had not itself been consulted yet, but that there would be public consultation at a later date. He added that the current analysis into the use of West Street by vehicles would help to ascertain whether the closure of West Street to through traffic would be detrimental to the economic viability of that part of the Town.

RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Informal Local Members Liaison Meeting held on 20th April 2010 (Annex C) be noted.

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

RECEIVED AND ADOPTED

26th May 2010

TOWN MAYOR

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN