BOROUGH OF POOLE

ALDERNEY AND BRANKSOME EAST AND WEST AREA COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY, 16th MARCH 2011

The Meeting commenced at 7.00pm and ended at 8.25pm

Present:

Councillor Mrs Lavender (Chairman)

Councillors Eades, Meachin, Mrs Rampton and Trent

Members of the public present: 40 approximately

ABE34.11APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for Absence were received from Councillors Montrose and Miss Wilson.

Councillor Miss Lindsay Wilson

A statement from Councillor Miss Lindsay Wilson was read aloud to the Area Committeewhich advised that she had been unable to attendrecent meetings for personal reasons.Councillor Miss Wilson wished to assure that Area Committee that through her colleagues and the Council, she remained aware and informed of the urgent and relevant issues affecting the Council and the Alderney Ward in particular, and she was engaged “behind the scenes” in many of these issues. Councillor Miss Wilson wished to assure the Committee of her total commitment in this respect.

The Area Committee confirmed that it wished to pass on its best wishes to Councillor Miss Wilson and asked the Democratic Support Officer to write to her accordingly-

RESOLVED that the Democratic Support Officer writes to Councillor Miss Lindsay Wilson on behalf of the Area Committee to pass on its best wishes.

ABE35.11DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

ABE36.11MINUTES

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting held on 19th January 2011, having been previously circulated, be taken as read, confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

ABE37.11MATTERS ARISING

(Minute ABE23.10- Play Area at Talbot Drive)

Councillor Mrs Rampton advised that the Play Area at Talbot Drive, funded through Developer Contributions, had been officially opened by the Mayor on Friday 11thMarch 2011 and the Council was delighted to provide the local community with this facility.

(Minute ABE20.10 – Play Builder 2 Funding)

Councillor Trent reported that the Department for Education had awarded a reduced, non-ring fenced Play Capital Grant of £370,140 to the Council. The reduced level of grant meant that the Council would not be able to improve all 11 Play Areas and a report was awaited on the sites to which the grant would be allocated.

(Minute ABE31.11- Wallisdown Road / Benbow Crescent)

Councillor Trent advised that he had met with the local Police Community Support Officer and Steve Dean (Transportation Services) on-site to consider solutions to the current parking problems in the Wallisdown Road /Benbow Crescent/ Raleigh Road areas and this matterwould be discussed later in the meeting under `Open Forum’.

Councillor Meachin explained that he had asked Transportation Services if an officer could attend this meeting but this had not been possible due to resource issues.

ABE38.11BELBEN ROAD PLAY AREA

Martin Whitchurch (Leisure Services) presented the Report informing and requesting feedback from the Area Committee, on proposals to allocate the Planning Obligations Fund for the Alderney Ward,to contribute to a larger scheme of improvements to open space either side of Canford Way, including moving the Play Area from its current location. Attention was drawn to the following points:

  • The Belben Road Play Area was a Playbuilder Year 2 site and while the reduction in the Play Grant by the Government meant that certain play areas in the original programme might not be improved,external funding was available for play improvements in this location;
  • Leisure Services was proposing that the Planning Obligations (Recreational Contributions) Sub Group approved £12,000 from the Alderney Ward Equipped Children’s Play fund as match funding;
  • Leisure Services was also working with a Group convened by Poole Housing Partnership and including Environmental & Consumer Protection Services and the charity Groundworks, to submit a funding bid for improvement works;
  • Leisure Services wished to move the existing Play Area to a more central location and to better link the Play Area to the new Multi Use Games Area at the Alderney West Community Centre;
  • The Play Area in its current location was poorly used and the favoured option was to establish a new Play Area in a more central location, with the existing Play Area returned to heathland, and public consultation would be undertaken;
  • The Area Committee noted that litter bins would automatically be provided in the new Play Area and that the facility would provide a range of enjoyable play experiences for young children in the vicinity.

Councillor Trent made a proposal, which was seconded, that the Area Committee formally endorsed the move of the Belben Road Play Area from its current location at the end of Belben Road to a more central location on the Estate, and on being put to a vote, the proposal was carried.

RECOMMENDED:

(i)That the Report by the Head of Leisure Services be noted;

(ii)This Area Committee supports the proposal to move the Belben Road Play Area from its present location at the end of Belben Road to a more central location on the Estate.

UNANIMOUS.

ABE39.11BRANKSOME RECREATION GROUND OUTDOOR FITNESS TRAIL

Martin Whitchurch (Leisure Services) presented the Report which provided information to the Area Committee on the potential installation of new outdoor fitness equipment on Branksome Recreation Ground using Planning Obligations (Developer Contributions) funding. The following points were highlighted:

  • It was proposed that the running/jogging route would be 1-mile long around the Recreation Ground, with four clusters of approximately 15 pieces of equipment and installation would be scheduled for Summer / Autumn 2011;
  • Prior to the Town & Village Green (TVG) application being received in 2009, Leisure Services had consulted with the public on the different types of fitness equipment and where to locate them on Branksome Recreation Ground;
  • Leisure Services would draw up final designs for the type and location of fitness equipment, which would be publicised on
  • £40,000 of funding was to be requested from Planning Obligations (Developer Contributions) Branksome West Casual Play and Amenity Open Space Fund of the £70,899 currently available;
  • The potential funding from the Primary Care Trust (PCT) for Outdoor Fitness Equipment at a range of sites across the Borough was unlikely to be forthcoming.

A discussion ensued during which the following points were raised:

-Councillor Mrs Rampton noted that the equipment shouldalso be accessible for people with disabilities and Martin Whitchurch confirmed that the equipment would be accessible for people of all abilities;

-A Resident proposed that a survey be undertaken regarding the course of the Bourne Stream before the equipment was installed to avoid the facilities becoming flooded during heavy rainfall;

-Councillor Eades welcomed the addition of the fitness equipment and trail and confirmedthat theywould be well-used by local residents.

The Area Committee expressed strong support for the introduction of a fitness trail and equipment on Branksome Recreation Ground and felt that they would be welcomed by local residents-

RECOMMENDED that:

(i)The information report be noted; and

(ii)The Democratic Support Officer seeks an update from Leisure Services on what work has been carried out in respect of identifying where the Bourne Stream flowed/ areas at risk of flooding (etc) for the next Area Committee.

ABE40.11OPEN FORUM

The following issues and concerns were raised by Residents:

(a)The Chairman advised that Jenny Bothwell, a local resident and frequent user of the Bourne Valley Nature Reserve, had submitted the following question:

  • “There is a footpath which runs through to the Bourne Valley Nature Reserve from Herbert Avenue (opposite the Chemist and Doctors Surgery). Work was begun many months ago to improve access along this section of woodland. New footpaths have been begun (cut out and edged with planks of wood), a large drainage pipe placed in the ground and a large pile of gravel having been left at the entrance to this section of the Nature Reserve (just of Herbert Avenue) as if to fill in the newly created footpaths with this gravel. I frequently walk my dog through this area of the woodland, but there is a section which is particularly muddy and almost impossible to traverse without becoming ankle deep – certainly not suitable for small children, pushchairs or wheelchair access. It is just about possible to skirt around the edge of the mud, but with the risk of toppling off the side of the ridge into the stream which runs alongside the footpath. Please may we be told when these improvements are to be completed, and if not, why not when preparations have been made and materials have been delivered to the site?Would it also be possible for a dog waste/litter bin to be placed at the entrance to this area of woodland?”

The Area Committee was advised that the following response had been received from Leisure Services:

“These works were initially started due to the re-direction of a path. The original path had become narrow along this stretch of the stream and due to the drop it was felt it was no longer suitable. In redirecting the path it meant the new route went through one particularly bad patch (very boggy) and so an improvement was going to be made to this. This area generally lies very wet but became unworkable during the winter months due to the continual bad weather and it was no longer suitable for access with any forms of machinery. Due to the difficulties here the old path was reopened until we can finish the work.

During this time a proposal was also being put forward in the hope of securing some grant money to enable improvements all the way down this strip of woodland as there are numerous improvements needed. Leisure Services are pleased to announce that this has now been approved and work will commence later this year when ground conditions allow”.

Councillor Trent advised that the above improvements were part of a Heathland Mitigation project and it was potentially a really good scheme.

(b)The Chairman advised that the following question had been submitted by Marion Le Poidevin:

  • “Around 3 years ago there was a lot of talk about the fact that a 400 metre exclusion zone had been put in place around local heathland which would prevent any developments. Clearly this was likely to have an effect on many parts of the town covered by this Area Committee. Is this zone still in place? If not, how and when was the restriction lifted?”

The Area Committee was advised that the following response had been received from Planning and Regeneration Services:

The 400m zone is still in place and will remain so due to being a requirement imposed through European Union legislation. Since this restriction was imposed the Council has adopted its Core Strategy (which sets out the overarching planning policy framework for the Borough) which includes Policy PCS28 – Dorset Heaths International Designations. With regard to the 400m zone, PCS28 states:

“Development in Poole will not be permitted where it would be likely to lead to an adverse effect upon the integrity, directly or indirectly, of the Dorset Heaths International designations.

To ensure these sites are not harmed:

  1. No development involving a net increase in dwellings will be permitted within a suitable buffer area around Heathlands (normally 400 metres) unless, as an exception, the form of residential development would not have an adverse effect upon the site’s integrity”

The Dorset Heathlands Interim Planning Framework makes it clear that the above provisions will apply save inexceptional circumstances. In such cases itwould be necessary for this Authority to ascertain that the plan or project would not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the site.

Councillor Eades expressed surprise that planning permission had been granted for the creation of 800 units at Talbot Heath in view of the above and Councillor Mrs Rampton explained that a large number of residents were being supported by their Ward Councillors in opposing this development.

(c) The Chairman advised that the following question had been submitted by Norman Reid:

“The fishing platform was removed from the pond and has been dumped back in the Council yard which could mean it will get lost, or never repaired

or refitted back in place.

Is the problem now down to Continental Landscapes as they have taken over maintenance of the pond from January 2011. I ask why the platform was taken away as it could have been refitted on site with the new posts being driven into the ground and bolted on. Fishermen have been to the pond to fish in the last couple of weeks and have asked if I know when the platform is being refitted.

The Area Committee was advised that the following response had been received from Leisure Services:

The platform will be refitted, much work is being undertaken across the Borough and this will be slotted in, in due course. The platform was not refitted at the time, as time is not always available due to other works already being undertaken elsewhere. The removal was a quick-action response since the platform could not be left floating in the middle of the lake and this also meant it was safe and secure until such time that it could be refitted.

Councillor Trent confirmed that the lake should be accessible for people with disabilities and the need for access improvements had been identified. Councillor Trent added that the Bourne Valley Action Group had submitted a bid to establish a natural Play Area in this vicinity.

(d)The Chairman advised that the following question had been submitted by Mr Norman Reid:

  • As to the pathways in the (Bourne Valley) Park and Nature Reserve, there is a great need for maintenance as to alternative routes; may i ask that someone tries to walk some of the alternative route(s) – they will find that erosion from heavy rain is making them very slippery and this is not a good idea with a pushchair; this is again a problem if you try walking the pathway in the Park.

The Area Committee was advised that the following response had been received from Leisure Services:

The paths across the Bourne Valley Park are generally in very good condition, including some across the nature reserve. Others are of a different standard as generally they are not heavily improved as the natural soil type has value; the exposure of the sandy soils are important for rare invertebrates and protected reptiles, these are also more in-keeping with the natural surroundings, but are susceptible to erosion. Thesensitivity of these paths means they need to be treated with a different approach, works can only be undertaken at certain times and in a sensitive manner. Erosion is a recognised problem which does need controlling and we do aim to strike a balance, as such, improvements were made to several locations last year. Where possible further works may be undertaken, though there are many other paths in more serious need of work in other parts of the Borough. It should be recognised that these paths will not be to the standard of the more formal park areas, if residents feel that there are a few locations that are not ideal for pushchairs, these can easily be bypassed by using the nearby pavements, the good paths across the park/nature reserve can then be rejoined at Monkton Crescent or Evering Avenue. In general there is a good accessible network which has varying route options depending on the users need.

Norman Reid acknowledged that Leisure Services had made significant improvements to the Bourne Valley Nature Reserve in recent years, although unfortunately the work undertaken to reduce erosion of the pathways was being ruined to an extent, when tractors passed over the area.

POOLE NEWS DISTRIBUTION

Councillor Meachin advised that at a recent meeting with Alderney Residents, some residents had highlighted that they did not receive copies of Poole News (parts of Herbert Avenue etc.) The Advertiser was not delivered in some areas and therefore the residents missed out on receiving Poole News.

The following response had been received from the Head of Customer Services and Communications:

“There are occasional problems with distribution across the Town and we always encourage these to be advised to us so that we can follow them through, so thanks for letting us know. All 64,000 or so properties in Poole should get a copy every two months, regardless of whether or not they get the Advertiser.

Whilst we can never guarantee 100% distribution (even if we were to post a copy to every house, which would be exorbitantly expensive too), we work hard to ensure that we get as near to this as possible and know from research that the vast majority do get delivered. Reported instances of failed delivery across Poole have been low for some time and have fallen further in recent years.