BOROUGH OF POOLE
HAMWORTHY EAST AND WEST AND POOLE TOWN AREA COMMITTEE
20 JUNE 2007
ST MICHAELS CHURCH, BLANDFORD ROAD, POOLE
The Meeting commenced at 7pm and finished at 9:17pm.
Members of the Committee present:
Councillor Gregory (Chairman)
Councillors Bulteel, Chandler, Mrs Evans, White and Wilkins (from 8.00p.m.)
Members of the public in attendance: approximately 75
HEW1.07APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Leverett
HEW2.07DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Chandler declared a personal interest as a member of the Friends of Hamworthy Park in Item 8, Dog Exclusion Orders – Hamworthy Beach and Park.
HEW3.07MINUTES
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the last Meeting of the Area Committee held on 20 June 2007, having been previously circulated, be taken as read and confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
HEW4.07MATTERS ARISING
Mr Chick raised an issue with regard to access to Hamworthy Beach for people with disabilities as this was currently only accessible by steps. No written response had been received. The Chairman explained that the Head of Leisure Services would respond to this issue later in the Meeting.
Mr Winwood also raised an issue with regard to the Section 106 monies which he had queried and was not included in the Minutes.
Benzene Test – Seldown Village
Mr Howard explained that he had not received a written response to the above. The Chairman gave Mr Howard his assurance this would be rectified.
Hamworthy Park - Access
With regard to the access to Hamworthy Park Beach, the Head of Leisure Services explained that, as part of the Corporate Action Plan, to address issues with regard to the Disability Discrimination Act, this would be reviewed.
Hamworthy Park Paddling Pool
The Head of Leisure Services responded to the issues raised with regard to the late opening of the paddling pool, explaining that there had been a difficulty with staffing and also there had been an issue with chemicals in the pool which meant that it was to open later this year but close later in the Season. He explained it was hoped to open it early next year and repairs to the pump be undertaken before it was opened.
A resident queried whether it would be possible to have a pressure relief valve in the paddling pool as this would help when the tide was high?
The Head of Leisure Services explained that he did not have an engineering background but these issues would be reviewed.
It was AGREED that the Chairman would ensure that Mr Howard received a response with regard to the benzene contamination at Seldown Eco Village.
HEW5.07OLDER PEOPLE’S STRATEGY – “A TIME IN OUR LIVES”
Katerine Watters, Research Officer, Strategic Planning Services, gave a detailed Presentation to the Meeting on the above Strategy.
The Presentation highlighted aspects relating to the Report including:
- The Poole Partnership was leading the Strategy.
- Major Themes included:
- Shaping and making decisions on priorities and services
- Tackling inequalities
- Choice, independence and dignity
- Working in partnership with older people
- Removing barriers to older people contributing
- The Strategy covered both long-term and short-term actions
- Major issues for quality of life included:
- Information and advice
- Health and independence
- Social inclusion
- Being able to get out and about
- Housing and related support
- Financial stability
- Crime and personal safety
- Wide consultation was now being undertaken on the draft strategy and responses were being sought, in particular upon:
- The most important issues
- Any omissions from the strategy
- The best means of involving elderly people in developing the strategy
The Chairman thanked Katharine for her Presentation.
HEW6.07TRANSPORTATION MATTERS
Burngate Road – Proposed waiting restrictions
Steve Dean, Transportation Services, introduced the Report, explaining that the Proposal to advertise waiting restrictions in Burngate Road had been advertised as approved previously by this Committee. He outlined the responses to the representations, explaining that there appeared to be a general but not unanimous support for the principle of the restrictions. He explained that the yellow lines could not be swapped beyond the bend without re-advertising the proposals but the proposed lines could be relaxed beyond the bend to allow residents to continue to park alongside No.12 Burngate Road.
Residents of Burngate Road were in attendance at the Meeting. A resident of No. 17 Burngate Road explained that the Road was a cul-de-sac and he felt the situation would be aggravated if parking restrictions were introduced.
Mr Dean explained that there were currently difficulties for emergency vehicles in accessing the road.
A resident of 16 Burngate Road explained that, in his view, the difficulties were caused by residents of Blandford Road using Burngate Road as a car park.
Councillor Chandler explained that residents had been consulted in the past as to where to put the yellow lines and also queried whether a footpath was really needed on both sides of the Road? Mr Dean explained that it would not be appropriate to remove a footway to accommodate parking, and this would, in any case be unjustifiably expensive.
Mr Dean explained that the issues had been discussed with both the Police and the emergency services and these discussions led to the proposal to place yellow lines to protect the inside of the bend. If the yellow lines were placed on the other side of the road there would be a need to re-advertise.
The Committee RESOLVED that the issue be deferred for the time being and further investigations be undertaken.
HEW7.07ST AUBYN’S COURT RESTRICTIONS: REPORT OF THE HEAD OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Mr Dean introduced the Report which outlined the response to consultation regarding parking restrictions in St Aubyn’s Court.
Residents had been consulted on proposals to impose parking restrictions to assist access and turning in St Aubyns Court.
Mr Dean explained there had been no clear support from frontagers for restrictions here but all other stretches of the road throughout the Old Town area were subject to parking controls and, in view of the high demand for parking, it would not be appropriate to leave the turning area unprotected.
There were concerns that the parking that was occurring adjacent to the garages caused access problems and difficulties for vehicles using the turning head and the Traffic Panel had recommended imposing restrictions here to address these problems.
RESOLVED that approval be given to advertise the proposed restrictions as part of the Area Committee’s 2007/2008 Programme.
HEW8.07PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
There was a proposal being considered that Planning Committees should revert to being held in the daytime as currently they alternated 3 weekly between daytime and evening, commencing at 6pm.
Residents were consulted, if they were attending a Planning Committee, whether they would prefer to attend during the day, during the evening or have no preference.
On being put to the vote, the Meeting voted as follows:-
Daytime – 4
Evening – 5
Status quo (i.e., alternating between daytime and evenings) – 8.
HEW9.07THE DESIGN OF THE OPEN SPACES WITHIN THE WEST QUAY TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION AREA AT POOLE BRIDGE – BARBOUR PILES, THE OLD BURIAL GROUND AT HUNGER HILL AND ST JAMES’ CHURCHYARD
The Head of Leisure Services introduced his Report which sought to inform the Area Committee on the proposals to improve the existing open spaces within the Town Centre Regeneration Area.
Leisure Services intended to improve the existing open spaces within the Town Centre Regeneration Area using funds generated by Developer Contributions. As a first stage, Leisure Services were to engage a consultant to provide detailed designs for the improvement to three open spaces at the existing Poole Bridge, the Old Burial Ground at Hunger Hill and St James’ Churchyard.
The Head of Leisure Services explained that the Town Regeneration in the West Quay area of Poole would see a substantial increase in the residential population of this area, together with a wider recreation and commercial user base. These areas would become well used and the only new public areas would be Quayside areas which were an important recreational resource but would not meet all the important recreational requirements for residents and the visiting population.
Currently there were two areas of open space within this area owned and managed by the Council, the triangular area of the existing Poole Bridge and what was known as the “Old Burial Ground” at Hunger Hill. These Spaces were key elements in the redevelopment of the West Quay area of Poole and needed to be redesigned and procured as fully functional, open spaces, ahead of, or, delivered early in the redevelopment cycle. The only other area that could be developed as a useful “green” recreational resource was the closed churchyard at St James’ in the Old Town. The latter space was outside the development area and it was considered important that a Strategy and Plan was adopted for this space.
The Head of Leisure Services informed the Meeting that the Poole Bridge Open Spaces currently managed as an “island site” with a number of trees but was predominantly laid to grass. The Area was isolated and little used. At the north end of the site was an un-adopted and unmade up road to the front of the terrace of Victorian Houses of Barbours Piles, currently used as parking. This Road would become a major link for pedestrians from the Old Town to the new West Quays development at the Quayside areas as it linked with the road which would run into the Quayside.
The Old Burial Ground open space presented another challenge. This was an important and underused open space in this area of the Town where there were no other facilities or opportunities for creation of any. Currently all headstones were moved to be adjacent to a boundary wall to assist in the maintenance of grassed areas. The greatest challenge to this site would be developing it for recreational use whilst respecting the burials where no records exist of their location or identity.
St James’ Churchyard open space was a closed churchyard and no new interments had occurred for many years. There were issues of parking in this area that impinged on its visual and spatial qualities in an area to be used as an open space of peaceful contemplation and general recreation. The main challenge was to manage the car parking issues.
The Reverend Bob Mason of St James’ Parish Church supported the principle of the public using the open space but explained that there was a need for some parking spaces for the elderly and infirmed who used the Church. He also explained that the permission of the Diocese of Salisbury was required before any work could be undertaken.
He also queried why the Council needed to employ external consultants?
The Head of Leisure Services responded, explaining that it was important that the Council taxpayers money was spent wisely and due to the increase in Section 106 monies from Developers the Officers were unable to keep up with the work required to implement the Schemes. The consultants would be paid for by the Developers and it would facilitate the work being undertaken.
A member of the public queried the installation of the new play area at Hamworthy Park for youngsters as the problem was that the older children played on younger children’s equipment, so an area was required for older children.
The Head of Leisure Services explained that this would be undertaken in Phase 2 of Hamworthy Park improvements. He hoped that Sky Net would be installed in Hamworthy Park under phase 2 of the improvements.
A Member of the public explained there was nothing yet at Turlin Moor for older children and requested a sign be placed on the play equipment stating the “Under 8’s Only”.
It was AGREED that the feedback from this Meeting on the design of Open Spaces within the requirement area was to be reported to the Planning Obligations Working Party.
The Chairman thanked the Head of Leisure Services for his Report.
HEW10.07DOG EXCLUSION ORDERS – HAMWORTHY BEACH AND PARK
The Head of Leisure Services introduced his joint Report with the Head of Environmental and Consumer Protection Services on Dog Exclusion Orders – Hamworthy Beach and Park, explaining that the feedback from this Meeting would be reported to the Environment Overview Group on 21 June 2007 before a recommendation was made to Council on 24 July 2007.
Consultation had been undertaken on “The Dogs Exclusion (Hamworthy Park Playground) Order 2007, The Dogs Exclusion (Hamworthy Beach from the Western End to Beach Hut Number 97) Order 2007 and the Dogs on Leads (Hamworthy Park) Order 2007. Support had been received for the total exclusion of dogs from the Hamworthy Park play area.
With regard to the Dogs Exclusion (Hamworthy Beach from the Western End to Beach Hut Number 97) Order 2007, 15 representations had been received in support of making the Order and 42 objections to the Order. The Officers were recommending that this Order be not made.
With regard to the Dogs on Leads (Hamworthy Park) Order 2007, 16 people responded in writing to the Proposal and 68 objections to the Proposal had been received together with a petition against the proposal of banning dogs from Hamworthy Park. It was thought that 75 signatory petition related to the Order proposed to keep dogs on leads. The Officers were recommending that the Order be not made.
The Chairman outlined and expanded on the background to these proposals. He felt that a balance needed to be struck between the needs of dog owners and beach users. If Hamworthy Beach was seeking Blue Flag status then dogs would not be allowed on the Beach during the Summer period. He thanked the dog walkers for cleaning up Hamworthy Park and referred to the consultation with had taken place on the proposed Order. As Beach Hut owners had not been formally separately advised of the proposals, he had invited them to the Meeting this evening? He then invited members of the public to comment on the proposals.
Mr Chick explained he was in favour of the Orders as some dogs were out of control. He wished a separate dog exercise area to be established in the Park so that dogs could be exercised without causing a nuisance to the rest of users of the Park.
In response, a dog owner explained that volunteers cleaned up dog faeces and that the Park Wardens should prevent it from being deposited. She felt that the Park was not just for children.
It was stated that there was no enforcement of the existing rules. Dogs on leads still fouled the area and it was felt enforcement of current rules was the answer.
A member of the public explained that Hamworthy dog walkers had set up an Action Group. Research had also been undertaken into tarnose and toxocaris (dog related worm infections) and it was found that if the dog faeces was removed within two weeks eggs did not hatch in the faeces and blindness could not be caused. She explained there was also glass on the beach and used condoms etc which were also hazards.
A member of the public spoke in favour of the Orders, explaining that he had a disabled daughter and when visiting Hamworthy Park he had to wash dog faeces from the tyres of her wheelchair.
Again, in speaking in favour of the Order, a member of the public suggested that dogs should have an area of the Park for their own use and suggested the area by the ditch.
A Member of the public felt that the implementation of new Orders was a total waste of money, the existing Orders should be implemented.
In response to a query as to whether members of the public were prosecuted over dog fouling, the Chairman explained that a number were summonsed each year but there were difficulties with gaining evidence for successful prosecutions. He suggested that owners allowing their dogs to foul indiscriminately should be photographed by the public using mobile phones.
A member of the public suggested that a Warden could impound the dog and look at the dog tag to ascertain the owner to assist with any prosecution.
The Head of Leisure Services responded, explaining that it was National legislation requiring dog owners to pick up after dogs in all parks and open spaces. For dangerous dogs out of control in all parks, again there was National legislation. There were extra Orders in play parks, Orders relating to dogs on the lead were specific to Hamworthy.
A Member of the public commented that disabled people found it difficult to exercise dogs on a lead.
The Chairman took a straw poll to assist in ascertaining the strength of felling of the Meeting with regard to the following:
How many members of the public wished Leisure Services to apply for Blue Flag status for Hamworthy Beach? / 28He asked how many members of the public were in favour of some zoning of the Park? / 19
He asked how many members of the public were in favour of the status quo? / 20
He asked how many members of the public felt the park should be dog free 10am to 6pm in the Summer? / 6
The Chairman thanked members of the public for their attendance and participation and explained these views would be considered by the Environment Overview Group tomorrow evening.