BOROUGH OF POOLE

HAMWORTHY EAST AND WEST AND POOLE TOWN AREA COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON

WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH 2006

AT ST JAMES CHURCH HALL, THAMES STREET, POOLE

The meeting commenced at 7.00 p.m. and concluded at 9.20 p.m.

Members of the Committee present:

Councillor Leverett (Chairman)

Councillors Knight, and White

Members of the public in attendance: Approx. 45.

1.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Bulteel, Gregory, Collyer and Wretham.

2.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

3.MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING

Resolved that the Minutes of the last meeting of the Area Committee held on 11 January 2006, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman,

Matters arising from the Minutes included:

Page 7 (Transportation Programme 2005/06)

Steve Dean confirmed that work to assist disabled drivers at the new crossing point in Catalina Drive would be undertaken shortly. Steps had been taken to increase the resistance to vandalism of the new bollards.

Mr Howard urged Elected Members to support the removal of the parking bays but Members did not wish to express a view before the meeting of the Transportation Advisory Group.

Publication of Minutes

In response to a question from Mr Howard, Keith Gordon confirmed that although it was intended that draft minutes would be prepared within a few days of a meeting and placed on the Council’s website within a week, a hard copy of the Minutes would not be published until they accompanied the agenda for the next meeting.

Breach of Planning Condition

Mr Howard reported that an area of Council owned land had been fenced by the developer and incorporated within the development, shrubs and earth banks having been bulldozed clear. In response, Councillor Leverett undertook to ensure that appropriate investigations were undertaken on behalf of the Council as soon as practical.

4.DELIVERING IMPROVEMENTS TO POOLE PARK – PROGRESS REPORT

Councillor Collier, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Open Spaces Manager, Matti Raudsepp introduced a report on progress that would be made to all Area Committees. In addition to the regular maintenance of the park, Matti Raudsepp drew the meeting’s attention to various aspects including;

  • Drainage of the fresh water lake had been alleviated with the installation of a new sluice arrangement
  • The cricket table had been treated and growth was on target for the new season. The table remained fenced to prevent damage
  • Working with Friends of Poole Park for future planting and replacing trees reaching the end of their lives. It was intended to retain the overall number of trees and minimise the visual impact of the works.
  • Geese fouling remained a problem although progress had been made with cleaning and scaring devices had proved successful.
  • The new play area to which the Friends of Poole Park had contributed £25,000 had proved very successful and popular
  • New arrangements for the control of the miniature railway had proved very successful and had led to new attractions such as the ‘Santa’s Grotto’ over the Christmas period
  • The proposed new restaurant was anticipated to be developed over the next winter season. The existing restaurant would be developed into a children’s skating rink.
  • The latest proposal was to dredge the saline lake and create several islands with the dredgings. This was necessary as the lake had silted up over time and was now too shallow to enable full use. The shallow water encourages problems such as algae bloom. Dredging would enable increased use of the lake for sailing and windsurfing. The planting of reed beds would help maintain the water. It was intended to seek a sailing concession with the emphasis on use by young people in view of the safe environment offered.

Dredging and removal of the dredgings would be extremely expensive but if no action was taken the continuing silting would eventually lead to the lake becoming unviable. The proposals had been considered by the Council’s Environment Overview Group and the views of Area committee Meetings were being sought.

Councillor Collier stressed that the Council was looking to the future of the area. New homes were built with small or no gardens and this put additional pressure on the parks. The Council was proposing new parks and better management of the use of parks. He highlighted the better use of the area of the Park by increasing use of the lake and the relocation of the restaurant would spread the use. The Iislands in the Lake would also provide sanctuary for wildlife.

In response to questions, Councillor Collier and Matti Raudsepp stated that;

  • Deeper water and regular flushing of the lake would help restrict algae growth. Increased activity on the lake and a fountain, as favoured by the Friends of Poole Park, would also help. Water quality was checked each week.
  • Flushing was carried out on a monthly basis during summer months. During the winter the lake was rained to enable frost to reach the bottom of the lake, killing algae.
  • There were two views regarding traffic in the park;
  • Traffic should be restricted and slowed in the park, making it safer and discouraging the use by through traffic, encouraging the use by families
  • Traffic provided passive observation of activities in the park and enabled users of the park, particularly those with disabilities to access facilities.

The road between the two lakes had been identified as an area of higher speed, the use of granite setts had been proposed to slow traffic without presenting an unsatisfactory visual impact. The Friends of Poole Park had suggested increased closing times of the park to traffic.

Councillor Collier felt that the majority view supported traffic in the Park but he wanted to prevent a conflict between the traffic and vehicles. He felt that imposing and enforcing speed limits, particularly below 20m/h, was a difficulty and felt that a pedestrian priority area would be beneficial but this would entail a large amount of signage and he was aware of the visual impact this would create. It was not possible under current legislation for officers to stop cars in the park and take registration numbers. He undertook that the Council would look at the siting of dropped kerbs and crossing points.

  • The Lake had silted over the last hundred years, the proposed dredging would offer a long-lasting solution. Disposal of the dredgings would cost over £150/ton as it would be classified as contaminated waste.
  • The Council was following Government Defra (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) advice in connection with possible ‘Bird flu’ infection. The current advice was not to erect signs until infection was discovered in this country.

The Chairman, thanked Councillor Collier and Matti Raudsepp for the Presentation.

5.HAMWORTHY PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN

Richard Nicholson, Technical and Development Team Leader, presented the report of the Head of Leisure Services relating to the Hamworthy Park Management Plan. He referred to the recent consultation that had resulted in over one thousand responses to the questionnaire. He thanked the local Ward Members who had hand delivered questionnaires. Amongst the main items identified were;

  • More benches
  • Refurbishment of the paddling pool and water canon
  • Dog fouling
  • Segregation of cycle paths

Further consultation would be undertaken on the last two of these items as although a large number of responses referred to them the responses were split approximately 50% -50% as to the action preferred.

It was felt that the Plan had a lot of support in light of the consultation but views of the Area Committee Meetings were being sought before implementation.

Councillor Collier thanked the Ward Members who had hand delivered questionnaires, he felt hat this had contributed to the high response. He referred, in particular to the issue of dog fouling and informed the Meeting of enforcement actions that would be taken under new legislation.

In response to questions, Councillor Collier and Richard Nicholson stated that;

  • All public conveniences in open spaces were being re-assessed and consideration would be given to the provision of mobile toilets during the busy summer months. It was not possible to open the toilets in the Outdoor Education Centre to the public due to child protection and security issues.
  • The need for additional parks in areas of development was recognised and being obtained by use of planning requirements
  • The Plan included work that was already in progress
  • Work had commenced on the thinning of the thickets and would be completed by the end of March. The replacement of trees was carefully assessed and it was not intended to remove any healthy mature trees. The variety of trees planted had been chosen with the location and environment in mind. Under planting of trees would help prevent vandalism.
  • The ‘Dog Loo’ area would be removed as the experiment had not proved to be successful. All rubbish in the area would be removed.
  • Income generated in this Park remained available for expenditure in open spaces across the Borough.

Councillor White thanked all those who had responded to the Questionnaire. He felt that the issues raised at the Meeting had highlighted the divided opinions on issues regarding the park.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Collier and Richard Nicholson for the presentation.

6.TRANSPORTATION ISSUES

TRAFFIC PROGRAMME 2006/07

Steve Dean presented a report relating to the Traffic Programme 2006/07. He noted suggestions for additional locations for speed indicator signs in Blandford Road and Turlin Road.

RESOLVED that the Church Street – Extension of the Access Only Restriction be included in the Traffic Programme 2006/07.

UNANIMOUS.

TRAFFIC PANEL

The Head of Transportation’s report on the Traffic Panel was noted.

In response to questions, Steve Dean stated;

  • The part-time traffic lights on the bridge were merely to prevent excessive building up of traffic and would not prevent large lorries meeting head-on on the bridge.
  • The re-surfacing of Blandford Road would be competed shortly
  • Undertook to investigate the shielding of traffic lights at Hunger Hill Junction that was causing confusion.

OPEN FORUM

7.HAMWORTHY PARK BEACH

The following question has been received from Mr Stan Chatterton;

“In view of the deterioration of the concrete structure of the outfall in Hamworthy Park, are steps being taken to expedite its demolition? A large piece of concrete has already fallen on the adjoining beach and this was brought to the attention of Leisure Services at a meeting on 17 November.”

Response

The structure had been checked and although a block had fallen recently there was no overall structural problem and no danger at present. There was no agreed demolition of the structure and it performs the function of a groyne. If it were to be removed then erosion could become an issue. The structure was being monitored to ensure continuing safety.

Mr Chatterton did not agree that there was no risk of further collapse and referred to rusty reinforcement bars in the structure. He emphasised that the sand retained by the structure attracted people to the beach and the risk of falling masonry was a danger.

The Open Spaces Manager, Matti Raudsepp, reiterated that in the view of professional engineers, there was no evidence that breaking would occur and that demolition was premature at this stage.

  1. DOLPHIN QUAYS DEVELOPMENT.

The following question has been received from Mr. David Howard, on behalf of the Parkstone Bay Association;

“What is the current position regarding the revision of the lease? It is noted that the Local Planning Authority have set a new deadline for Skelton's agents, Pegasus Planning to provide a Deed of Variation to the Section 106 dated 14March 2000, namely 23April 2006 or "the application will be reassessed as withdrawn and consequently no decision will be issued?"

Response

The Variation to the Sec.106 agreement has been sent out to the applicants who have been considering it with their solicitors and we expect to receive confirmation that they are satisfied with it shortly.

Mr Howard stated that the original Section106 Agreement with Poole Pottery included the provision of a Park and Ride. He asked whether this had been withdrawn from the revised S106 Agreement. He further asked, ‘Does this related to Poole Pottery or subsequent users of retail sales? What are the variations beyond Poole Pottery?’

The Chairman stated that, as detailed information was not available at the Meeting, Mr Howard would be provided with a written response to these supplementary questions.

  1. QUAY THISTLE HOTEL SITE

The following question has been received from Mr. David Howard, on behalf of the Parkstone Bay Association;

“Should the applicants be invited to withdraw Application No.04/19965/032/P as it was agreed at the Cabinet Meeting on 6September 2005 not to proceed with the negotiations with Poole Hotels Ltd regarding the revision of the lease of the Quay Thistle Hotel? This is still shown on the Borough of Poole Planning Application website as a "Current application."

Response

It is a matter for the Applicants to decide whether or not to withdraw their application in the light of changed circumstances. The Local Planning Authority reviews outstanding cases on a regular basis but there is no time imperative for this Application to be determined or otherwise disposed of.

Mr Howard felt that a deadline should be set for the Application and expressed concern that it remained a current application. He asked whether there was a Section106 Agreement limiting the building to hotel use? An application had now been submitted for 200 residences.

The Chairman expressed the view that there was confusion between the terms of the lease and planning issues but, as detailed information was not available at the meeting, Mr Howard would be provided with a written response to the supplementary questions.

  1. COUNCILLOR WRETHAM

The following question has been received from Mr. David Howard, on behalf of the Parkstone Bay Association;

“What is the current situation concerning his [Councillor Wretham’s] continuing absence from Council Meetings?”

Response

Council considered Councillor Wretham’s absence from Meetings due to ill-health at its Meeting on 25 October 2005.

The Report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services stated;

“Failure to attend as an Elected Member at any meeting, throughout a period of six consecutive months from the date of the last attendance at any meeting, unless approved by the Local Authority before the expiry of that period, means that an Elected Member ceases to be a Member of the Authority.

The Local Government Act 1972 Part 2, Section 85 provides for a Local Authority to approve the non attendance of an Elected Member providing such approval is BEFORE the expiry of the six month period in which that Member has not attended.”

The Meeting was informed of Councillor Wretham’s continuing ill-health and that he had not been able to attend meetings of the Council since 24May 2005.

Council Resolved that;

“Council approves the absence, through ill-health of Councillor Wretham, from meetings of the Authority for six months from the date of this meeting.” (25October 2005).

Mr Howard, expressed sympathy to Councillor Wretham but expressed concern that a Councillor’s absence could be extended beyond six months.

A Member of the Public expressed deep regret that ill-heath had prevented Councillor Wretham from representing the Ward and recorded her appreciation for the efficiency with which he had represented the Ward as Ward Member. Councillor Leverett undertook to convey the best wishes of the Meeting to Councillor Wretham.

  1. GUILDHALL REFURBISHMENT

The following question has been received from Mr. K Chick;

“What is the estimated cost and real cost to the Council including any consultants' fees for refurbishing the Guildhall?”

Response

Guildhall refurbishment
Total budget / £800,000.00
NB: Please note Guildhall has not been tendered therefore budgets are guideline figures only

Mr Chick expressed his concern that he had requested that the questions he had asked be included on the Agenda of the Meeting for discussion. The Chairman responded that it was appropriate for public questions to be addressed under the section of the Meeting for that purpose, Open Forum.

In response to a supplementary question from Mr Chick, the Chairman confirmed that the Council had paid for the erection and removal of the scaffolding to the Guildhall but not the rental. The work had been necessary as an emergency to the roof of the Grade II Listed Building. It was planned that the Guildhall would be in use as a Registry Office by this time next year. This would provide a highly suitable use for the building.