Wallisdown, WintonWest & EnsburyPark Area Forum.

Public Meeting on 12th January 2013 at 10.30am

Minutes:

Present: Bernie Culver - Chairman; Chris Caley; Joyce Rolls; Pat Neilson; Cllr. Susan Philips; Cllr. Nicola Green; and 17 members of the Public.

Apologies: Diana Bagnato; Rod Cooper; Amanda Catlin; Lindy Jarvis.

  1. Minutes of Public meeting held on 13th October2012 were accepted. Proposed: Susan Phillips; Seconded: Nicola Greene.
  1. Relaxation of Home Extension Planning Laws. Bernie Culver welcomed Cllr. Dave Smith, who has Cabinet responsibility for Planning and Steve Davis, Senior Planning Officer who will jointly give Bournemouth Councils view on these proposals. As Coner Burns MP was unavailable to present the Government’s reasons for the proposed changes Chris Caley read some relevant parts of the consultation document. They propose to extend the size of Home extensions to double existing sizes for a period of 3 years to benefit the economy. An extension on a detached home will now be permitted to be 8m in length from the original wall without applying for planning permission. They believe that up to 40,000 families could benefit by this reduction in unnecessary costs of up to £2500 and bureaucracy. It could generate up to £600 million of construction output supporting 18,000 jobs. The proposals also cover extensions to shops, offices, industrial premises and garage conversions. The impact of these measures and whether there is a case for their continuation after the 3 year period will be kept under review.

Steve Davis announced that Bournemouth Council had responded to the Government’s consultation to disagree with the proposals. From experience they know that neighbours are concerned with what is built next door. At present extensions over 4 meters to a detached home and 3 meters to an attached dwellingthe developer has to apply for permission. The Council publishes the proposal and consults with neighbours. The applicant has a right to develop his property but the Council has a duty to prevent serious harm. The Planner arbitrates what is acceptable. Neighbours have no right to a nice view or sunny aspect but all day shade or an overlooking window would be prevented by Planners. Planning does not prevent large extensions but checks that they are reasonable – 90% are approved but this may include changes to the application suggested by Planners. Bournemouth believes that the proposed size of permitted extensions would make it difficult to predict which development proposals would be contentious. Relaxation would lead to more controversial extensions being constructed which would harm the amenities of neighbours. Cllr. Smith’s experience in 15 years involvement on the Planning Board is that it is the smaller domestic developments that cause aggravation. Most people worry about developments within 50 meters of their home. This is why Bournemouth has disagreed with the Government’s proposals. He has also written to our MPs encouraging them to lean on the Ministers concerned not to proceed. Cllr Smith also encouraged those present to write to their MP in the same vein.

There were several questions from the floor concerning these proposals, their possible implementation and other planning matters. Bernie Culver thanks both Cllr. Smith and Steve Davis for such enlightening presentation.

  1. Safer Neighbourhood update.

Unfortunately Lindy Jarvis has been sent, at short notice, to present the latest crime statistics for the area to the North Bournemouth Area Forum today. However Bernie Culver read the statistics for Wallisdown and Northbourne area that she has sent us.

Comparison Between 2011 - 2012 reported Incidents or Crimes to Dorset Police
Nourthbourne & Wallisdown SNT
2011 / 2012 / Difference / Percentage
Dwelling Burglaries / 42 / 53 / Up by 11 / 26.2% Increase
Theft / 200 / 158 / Down by 42 / 21.0% Reduction
Theft from Vehicle / 68 / 72 / Up by 4 / 5.9% Increase
Theft of Vehicle / 23 / 23 / Stayed the same / 0.0% Change
Criminal Damage / 145 / 161 / Up by 16 / 11.0% Increase
Anti Social Behaviour / 567 / 470 / Down by 97 / 17.11% Reduction
  1. Questions to Councilors.

Cllr. Nicola Greene said that Petersfield New School which is independent of the L.A. have yet to find a suitable site but are taking applications for a September start in years Recp. 1,2,3, and 7& 8. If applying parents should also make an application to a main stream school in case, as last year, Petersfield does not open on time.

There were also questions and discussion concerning: motor cars speeding; street parking; parking enforcement; street cleaning & trees especially in Fernside and Glenmoor; removal of the skate park fence and safety concerns. Does the Council employ Contractors for street cleaning?

Cllrs Greene and Phillips responded and where required took further details for follow up.

Cllr Greene invited those present to consider whether there were small items of improvements to the area that could be funded at the discretion of individual Councilors by the Local Improvement Fund. In the past small grants have be made for items at Slades Farm and BSVI. Items need to be committed shortly but actual expenditure may be in future months.

  1. Bernie Culver closed the meeting and expressed thanks to our guest speakers and all who had come.

Next Public meeting 10.30 on Saturday 13thApril 2013 at Redhill Fire Station.

Next Committee meeting Tuesday 5th March 2013 at 6.00pm.