Eastleigh Borough Council Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Area Committee Meeting

A statement was read out from a member of the public raising concerns that trees had not yet been replanted at Scoreys Copse in Horton Heath, and requesting confirmation from Eastleigh Borough Council on what work is currently being done, alongside a timetable for completion of the works, and a management plan for when the trees are planted to ensure they do not die.

The Lead Local Area Manager agreed to follow up.

Councillor Couldrey declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 of the Agenda as the Biodiversity Strategy includes part of his land.

RESOLVED -

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 31 January 2024 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

The Chair recorded the Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Area Committee’s thanks to the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for their actions and clear communications after the fire in one of the buildings on the Bishopstoke Memorial Hall site.

The Chair was sad to see that Bishopstoke was losing the post office in Spring Lane, leaving just one remaining in the area in Whalesmead.

The Chair informed the Committee that the community café in Fair Oak was due to open later in March and that members had been invited to its opening event.

The Chair extended the Committee’s thanks to Councillors Tidridge and Broomfield for their work in the area over the years, and was hopeful that they would be standing again in the local elections in May.

Councillor Tidridge, seconded by Councillor Broomfield, moved the following motion:

The Local Area Committee for Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath will submit a response to Eastleigh Borough Council’s public consultation on Biodiversity.

The Committee agreed that the response be drafted by the Chair and Vice-Chair and circulated to members before sending to ensure that the Committee was happy.

RESOLVED –

That the motion be approved.

(NOTES: Councillor Couldrey declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 of the Agenda as the Biodiversity Strategy includes part of his land, he did not vote on the Motion.)

Councillor Tidridge, seconded by Councillor Broomfield, moved the following motion:

The Local Area Committee for Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath request clarity from Eastleigh Borough Council on the criteria being used to determine whether a decision is to be taken by a Local Area Committee or the Joint Area Committee.  Clarification is also requested on which assets are to be managed by Joint Area Committees, by Local Area Committees or by other parts of Eastleigh Borough Council.

RESOLVED –

That the motion be approved.

Councillor Tidridge, seconded by Councillor Broomfield, moved the following motion:

The Local Area Committee for Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath to commission a feasibility study to explore how the framework of a Local Nature Reserve management plan for the Stoke Park Farm site (this Committee’s stated aim for the site) can be congruent with Eastleigh Borough Council’s strategic objectives including for Nitrate Offsets and Biodiversity Net Gain.

Councillor Couldrey moved an amendment, which was seconded by Councillor Marsh, to add four words to the Motion as follow:

The Local Area Committee for Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath to request the Borough Council commission a feasibility study to explore how the framework of a Local Nature Reserve management plan for the Stoke Park Farm site (this Committee’s stated aim for the site) can be congruent with Eastleigh Borough Council’s strategic objectives including for Nitrate Offsets and Biodiversity Net Gain.

RESOLVED –

That the motion be approved, as amended.

The Legal Services Manager reported:-

(a)  that the following appeals had been lodged:-

Cockpit Farm Barn,  Knowle Lane, Horton Heath

Appealed against the Council’s refusal to grant planning permission for construction of 6.no dwellings, including landscaping, parking and associated works following demolition and site preparation.

This was an LAC decision.

(b)  that the following appeals had been allowed:-

Burlair, Botley Road, Horton Heath, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 7DQ

Appealed against the Council’s refusal to grant planning permission for a two-storey rear extension, interior and elevational changes.

This was a delegated decision.

The appeal for costs was refused.

RESOLVED -

That the report be noted.