Eastleigh Borough Council Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee Meeting

There were no declarations of interest in relation to items of business on the agenda.

RESOLVED -

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 June 2023 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There was no public participation on this occasion.

In August the Chair met with the new Chief Inspector Matt Paling where they discussed local issues such as graffiti, speeding and Anti-Social Behaviour and talked about better collaboration and improved communication between Eastleigh Borough Council and the Police. Matt will be attending the next HEWEB team meeting on Monday 6 November to update members on their progress against the key issues locally.

In August the Chair visited Itchen Valley Country Park (IVCP) to observe the progress of improvements from the master plan and it looked amazing. The new facilities for our communities are taking shape whilst still ensuring the IVCP feel of space and serenity. HEWEB members will go on a site visit in October so they can see the improvements at the Country Park.

The Ageas Bowl Resident’s Liaison Panel meeting has been reinstated, the first meeting since 2019, to ensure residents and key partners have a voice to help shape future events and procedures at the Ageas Bowl. The Panel are also working closer with the Ageas Bowl and the Operations Director by setting up steering group meetings at the start of the season, at the mid-point of the season and at the end of the season to ensure greater communication with residents and users.

The HEWEB local community grants are now open for applications! The Chair encouraged community groups within the HEWEB area to consider applying for a grant to help those residents most in need. Further information can be found on the Eastleigh Borough Council community grants web page and the window closes on 30 October.

The Chair welcomed Ross McClean as the new Local Area Manager for HEWEB.

The Senior Planning Officer gave a short presentation on guidelines that had to be taken into account when determining planning applications; in particular the issues that could, and could not, be taken into account. This was set against the broader policy framework.

The Committee considered the report of the Service Director for Planning and Environment (Agenda item 7) concerning an application for the demolition of all existing buildings and detailed planning approval for light industrial floorspace [Use Class E(g)(ii) & E(g)(iii)], warehouse floorspace [Use Class B8] and estate office (Use Class E(g)(i). (Ref F/22/93835)

RESOLVED –

That permission be REFUSED for the following reasons:

1)  The proposed construction of 4no. industrial units would result in an unacceptable urbanising impact which would be detrimentally harmful to the countryside, thus the proposals would be contrary to Policies S5, DM1 and DM18 of the Eastleigh Borough Local Plan (2016-2036), and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework (2023).

2)  The proposed development would result in an adverse impact upon the nearby Moorgreen Meadows SSSI (north and east) by reason of its close proximity and sensitivities of the flora associated with the SSSI (marsh orchid), thus the proposals would be contrary to Policies DM1 and DM11 of the Eastleigh Borough Local Plan (2016-2036), the Council’s Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (2009), and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework (2023).

3)  In the absence of a planning obligation to secure financial contributions towards sustainable transport and public art, the proposals are unacceptable, contrary to Policies S1, S11, DM1 and DM13 and DM38 of the Eastleigh Borough Local Plan (2016-2036), the Council’s Public Art Strategy (2015-2019), and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework (2023). 

[NOTE: One person spoke in objection to the application, citing concerns – including but not limited to – setting a precedent for industrial sites, impact upon countryside and ecology, Settlement Gap should be an important consideration, contradiction of designation in the Local Plan and safeguarding from inappropriate development.]

Consideration was given to a report of the Local Area Manager (Agenda Item 8) that contained recommendations for expenditure from the Committee’s capital and revenue budget.

RESOLVED –

That the Committee:

(1)  noted the spend of £3,319 from the revenue budget to repair the bus shelter in Botley and replace 2x polycarbonate sheets;

(2)  approved the allocation of £9,000 from reserves to relocate and alter the autumn sculpture near Dowds Farm;

(3)  noted the spend of £175 from the revenue budget to install a Bridleway sign at Shamblehurst Lane South;

(4)  noted the spend of £362 from revenue budget to replace the picket fence at Hornbeam Close, Hedge End;

(5)  noted the spend of £2,950 from revenue budget to repair Berrywood Meadows footpath;

(6)  approved the allocation of £1,257 from revenue budget to repair Stag Drive bridge;

(7)  noted the spend of £522 from revenue budget to replace 9x dragons’ teeth on Birch Road, Hedge End and install 2x dragons’ teeth adjacent to Hackworth Gardens; and

(8)  noted the spend of £1,513 from revenue budgets to treat and remove floating pennywort at Cheltenham Gardens balancing pond.

The Legal Services Manager reported:-

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

62 St Johns Road, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4AG (Ref: H/22/93848)

Appeal against the Council’s refusal of the partial demolition of garden wall to extend the existing dropped kerb.

24 Grange Road, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 2FB (Ref: H/23/94848)

Appeal against the Council’s refusal of the retention of partly reinstate boundary wall, add an additional return wall and roof to create carport. Carry out works to driveway, grading surface and the entrance. Installing permeable paving/stone the driveway. Installation of gates (Part Retrospective).

Broadway Farm, Broad Oak, Botley, Southampton, SO30 2EU

Appeal against the Council’s refusal of the proposed construction of a Warehouse for storage and distribution (Class B8) together with a relocation of existing parking apron for first response vehicles and ancillary works.

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

68 Chalk Hill, West End, Southampton, SO18 3DB (Ref: H/22/93889)

Appeal against the Council’s refusal of the extension of basement level to rear with ground and first floor rear extensions including terrace.

1 Railway Cottage, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO50 7DE (Ref: F/22/93388)

Appeal against the Council’s refusal of a new end of terrace 3-bedroom dwelling.

RESOLVED -

That the report be noted.