Gosport Borough Council
Councillors:
28
Wards:
14
Committees:
10
Meetings (2025):
47
Meetings (2024):
47
Meeting
Council - Gosport
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 14th May 2025
6:00 PM
Wednesday, 14th May 2025
6:00 PM
End:
Wednesday, 14th May 2025
10:00 PM
Wednesday, 14th May 2025
10:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed; Adjourned
Confirmed; Adjourned
Date:
14 May 2025
14 May 2025
Location:
Council Chamber, Town Hall, Gosport, PO12 1EB
Council Chamber, Town Hall, Gosport, PO12 1EB
Meeting Attendees
Public
Keith Laurence Gill Honorary Alderman
Copy docmts only
Public
Bob Foster Honorary Alderman
Copy docmts only
Public
Margaret Snaith-Tempia Honorary Alderman
Copy docmts only
Agenda
1
Apologies for non attendance
Minutes
An apology for non attendance was received from Councillor Jessop.
2
Declaration of Interest
All Members are required to disclose at this point in the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter, any disclosable pecuniary interest or personal interest in any item(s) being considered at this meeting.
Minutes
There were none.
3
Minutes of the meeting held on the 26 March 2025
To sign as a true and correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 26th March 2025.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes Public Pack, 26/03/2025 Council 06 May 2025
Minutes
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 26 March 2025 be signed as a true and correct record.
4
Mayor's Communications
Minutes
The Mayor thanked all those that attended Mayor Making and hoped the year would continue in an appropriate respectful manner.
5
To receive Deputations in accordance with Standing Order No. 3.4 and to answer Public Questions pursuant to Standing Order No.3.5, such questions to be answered orally during a time not exceeding 15 minutes.
(NOTE: Standing Order No. 3.4 requires that notice of a Deputation should be received by the Borough Solicitor NOT LATER THAN 12 O’CLOCK NOON ON MONDAY 12 MAY 2025 and likewise Standing Order No. 3.5 requires that notice of a Public Question should be received by the Borough Solicitor NOT LATER THAN 12 O’CLOCK NOON ON MONDAY 12 MAY 2025)
Minutes
There were no deputations.
There was one Public Question in the name of Chris Dyke
The Friends of Stanley Park would like to ask a question to yourself as Chair of the Environment and Community. For the second time this year we as a group have been unsuccessful in securing the approval from the Borough for projects that the Hampshire Woodlands Trust have offered us to enhance Stanley Park.
The Friends of Stanley Park have monthly walkabouts with the Streetscene parks team and over several years now it has been noted that trees have fallen and not been replaced, a lot of trees are rotten and ready to fall and the comments from assessors doing the Green Flag and other awards is that the tree status is not good.
Can you please outline to us the Gosport Boroughs tree planting strategy and explain why the council is not supporting borough wide planting schemes, especially when such projects like those mentioned are funded and include short term maintenance costs,
Answer
The replacement planting of trees is subject to change due to the recent procurement of a tree management software system that will result in the comprehensive survey of all Gosport Borough Council owned trees that will provide a basis for future tree management including the planting of new and replacement trees.
Since 2021 there have been 8 trees removed from Stanley Park and 13 have been planted, the number of trees planted include 10 disease resistant elm trees, planted by friends of Stanley Park.
During 2024/25 Gosport Borough Council have planted 230 trees in 10 different locations in Gosport and Lee on the Solent. This tree planting was funded by the Urban Tree Challenge Fund in areas assessed by the funding body as having a low tree density, areas with a relatively high tree density and would not have received funding for tree planting within the terms of this fund.
There was one Public Question in the name of Chris Dyke
The Friends of Stanley Park would like to ask a question to yourself as Chair of the Environment and Community. For the second time this year we as a group have been unsuccessful in securing the approval from the Borough for projects that the Hampshire Woodlands Trust have offered us to enhance Stanley Park.
The Friends of Stanley Park have monthly walkabouts with the Streetscene parks team and over several years now it has been noted that trees have fallen and not been replaced, a lot of trees are rotten and ready to fall and the comments from assessors doing the Green Flag and other awards is that the tree status is not good.
Can you please outline to us the Gosport Boroughs tree planting strategy and explain why the council is not supporting borough wide planting schemes, especially when such projects like those mentioned are funded and include short term maintenance costs,
Answer
The replacement planting of trees is subject to change due to the recent procurement of a tree management software system that will result in the comprehensive survey of all Gosport Borough Council owned trees that will provide a basis for future tree management including the planting of new and replacement trees.
Since 2021 there have been 8 trees removed from Stanley Park and 13 have been planted, the number of trees planted include 10 disease resistant elm trees, planted by friends of Stanley Park.
During 2024/25 Gosport Borough Council have planted 230 trees in 10 different locations in Gosport and Lee on the Solent. This tree planting was funded by the Urban Tree Challenge Fund in areas assessed by the funding body as having a low tree density, areas with a relatively high tree density and would not have received funding for tree planting within the terms of this fund.
6
Questions (if any) pursuant to Standing Order No. 3.3
(NOTE: Members are reminded that Standing Order No. 3.3 requires that Notice of Question pursuant to that Standing Order must be received by the Borough Solicitor NOT LATER THAN 12 O’CLOCK NOON ON TUESDAY 13 MAY 2025 )
Minutes
There were not.
7
Composition and review of Council Boards, Sub Boards and determination of allocation of seats
To advise the Council of the balance of the seats on the Council and the position with regard to Political Groups and to undertake a review in accordance with the “Proportionality Rules” of the balance of seats on the Boards and Committees of the Council.
Attachments:
- Document GBC Proportionality Report May 2025 06 May 2025
Minutes
A Member highlighted that the Peer Challenge had highlighted that the Standards and Audit functions should be considered for separation and the Council was advised that Standard and Audit functions would not be separated.
The Council were reminded that the Peer Challenge report was positive.
RESOLVED:
That the Council approves:
1. That the Community and Environment Board, Housing Board, Policy and Organisation Board comprise of 7 seats and Regulatory Board comprise of 7 members; and the Licensing Sub-Board remain comprised of 3 members; and the Licensing (General Applications) Sub-Board remain comprised of 5 members. The Standards and Audit Sub-Board will comprise of 5 members and the Grants Sub-Board will comprise of 5 members.
2. The allocation of seats on the Boards as set out in Section 3 of the report
The Council were reminded that the Peer Challenge report was positive.
RESOLVED:
That the Council approves:
1. That the Community and Environment Board, Housing Board, Policy and Organisation Board comprise of 7 seats and Regulatory Board comprise of 7 members; and the Licensing Sub-Board remain comprised of 3 members; and the Licensing (General Applications) Sub-Board remain comprised of 5 members. The Standards and Audit Sub-Board will comprise of 5 members and the Grants Sub-Board will comprise of 5 members.
2. The allocation of seats on the Boards as set out in Section 3 of the report
8
Appointment of the Chairman of the Policy and Organisation Board
To elect from the Members of the Council the Chairman of the Policy and Organisation Board.
Minutes
RESOLVED: The Councillor Chegwyn be appointed the Chairman of the Policy and Organsiation Board for the Municipal Year 2025/26.
9
Appointment of the Boards, Sub Boards, Nominated Deputies and Outside Bodies
Minutes
The outside bodies as below were appointed.
The numbers of seats are provisional for each group and are based on the proportions in the Borough Solicitor’s report to the May 2025 Annual Council meeting.
POLICY AND ORGANISATION BOARD (7 seats) (4:2:1)
Liberal Democrat: Chegwyn, Cox, Hutchison, Hylands
Conservative: Philpott, Raffaelli
Labour: Cully
COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT BOARD (7 seats) (4:2:1)
Liberal Democrat: Finn, Kelly, Maynard, Westerby
Conservative: Huggins, Ricketts
Labour: Brown
HOUSING BOARD (7 Seats) (4:3)
Liberal Democrat: Ballard, Herridge, Johnston, Hutchiso
Conservative: Jessop Meenaghan, Namdeo
Labour:
REGULATORY BOARD (7 seats) (4:3)
Liberal Democrat: Bradley K, Bradley M, Earle, Hammond
Conservative: Casey, Hayes, Scard
Nominated
Deputies: Liberal Democrat: all remaining
Conservative: all remaining
(Note: In accordance with Standing Order 2.3.6 (c) & (f) substitute members may only be drawn from the nominated deputies and the substitute members must have received all necessary training to fulfil this role)
STANDARDS & AUDIT SUB_BOARD (5 MEMBERS 3:2)
Liberal Democrat: Cox, Hutchison, Hylands
Conservative: Philpott, Raffaelli
GRANTS SUB BOARD (5 MEMBERS 3:1:1)
Liberal Democrat: Chegwyn, Cox, Hutchison
Conservative: Philpott
Labour: Cully
Chairpersons.
Community Board – Chair Westerby Vice Chair Maynard
Housing Board – Chair, Ballard Vice Chair Hutchison
Regulatory Board – Chair, Hammond Vice Chair Earle
P and O - Chair Chegwyn Vice Chair Hylands
LOCAL JOINT STAFF COMMITTEE
Chairman & Vice-Chairman of P & O Board plus one representative from each Political Group (4)
Liberal Democrat: Chegwyn, Hylands, Westerby
Conservative: Burgess
Labour: Cully
ALLOTMENTS STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIVE GROUP (2:1:1)
Liberal Democrat: Bradley M, Kelly
Conservative: Burgess
Labour: Cully
ARMED FORCES REPRESENTATIVE
Liberal Democrat: Hutchison
OTHER PANELS & OUTSIDE BODIES
GOSPORT ROYAN TWINNING FORUM
Deputy Mayor plus any Councillor who wishes to attend the Forum.
Liberal Democrat: Earle
Conservative: Philpott
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Chegwyn
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION HAMPSHIRE AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT (2 representatives)
Liberal Democrat: Chegwyn, Hylands
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION COASTAL ISSUES SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Hammond
CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Westerby
GOSPORT HERITAGE OPEN DAYS (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Earle
Conservative: Casey
GOSPORT SOCIETY (The Mayor) (ex-officio) plus 1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Westerby
Conservative: Casey
SOUTH EAST EMPLOYERS (1 representative plus Standing Deputy)
Liberal Democrat: Westerby
COASTAL PANEL (2:1:1)
Conservative: Huggins
Labour: Cully
Liberal Democrat: Hammond, Hylands
COASTAL PARTNERSHIP (1representative)
Liberal Democrat: Hammond
GOSPORT COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP STRATEGIC BOARD (1 rep plus Standing Deputy)
Liberal Democrats: Hutchison (Standing Deputy Finn )
HAMPSHIRE POLICE AND CRIME PANEL 1 plus Standing Deputy
Liberal Democrats: (Standing Deputy ) Hammond (Finn)
BRIDGEMARY, ROWNER AND WOODCOT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Maynard
GOD’S PORT HOUSING SOCIETY (1 representative) The mayor
Liberal Democrat
DAEDALUS AVIATION & HERITAGE GROUP (1 representative)
Conservative: Hayes
GOSPORT FOOD PARTNERSHIP (2 Representative)
Conservative: Huggins
Labour: Brown
GOSPORT/FAREHAM JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PANEL (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Kelly
GBC HEALTH AND WELL BEING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP (1 rep plus Standing Deputy)
SOUTH HAMPSHIRE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL (1 representative)
Conservative: Jessop
HEDCA GENERAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Hutchison
LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Bradley K
PORTCHESTER CREMATORIUM JOINT COMMITTEE (2 representatives plus 2 Deputies)
Conservative: Jessop
Labour: Cully
Standing Deputies: Scard, Brown
PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL HEALTH OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANEL (1 co-opted representative)
PORTSMOUTH WATER CUSTOMER FORUM (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Maynard
PROJECT INTEGRA STRATEGIC BOARD (1 representative plus Standing Deputy)
Liberal Democrat: Hammond (Maynard)
STANDING CONFERENCE ON COASTLINE PROBLEMS (1 representative)
Labour: Brown
PARTNERSHIP FOR URBAN SOUTH HAMPSHIRE (PUSH) JOINT COMMITTEE
(1 representative plus Standing Deputy)
Liberal Democrat: Hylands (Standing Deputy) (Chegwyn)
PARTNERSHIP FOR URBAN SOUTH HAMPSHIRE (PUSH) JOINT OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (1 representative plus Standing Deputy)
Liberal Democrat: Westerby
Labour: Brown (Standing Deputy)
PATROL (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Bradley K
SOLENT TRANSPORT (1 representative plus Officer)
Liberal Democrat: Johnston
SOLENT SEA RESCUE ORGANISATION (1 representative)
Conservative: Ricketts
GOSPORT/FAREHAM JOINT BUILDING CONTROL PANEL (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Hammond
BRIDGEMARY BOWLING CLUB (1 Representative)
Liberal Democrat: Hammond
SOLENT AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (1 Representative)
Liberal Democrat: Hammond
The numbers of seats are provisional for each group and are based on the proportions in the Borough Solicitor’s report to the May 2025 Annual Council meeting.
POLICY AND ORGANISATION BOARD (7 seats) (4:2:1)
Liberal Democrat: Chegwyn, Cox, Hutchison, Hylands
Conservative: Philpott, Raffaelli
Labour: Cully
COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT BOARD (7 seats) (4:2:1)
Liberal Democrat: Finn, Kelly, Maynard, Westerby
Conservative: Huggins, Ricketts
Labour: Brown
HOUSING BOARD (7 Seats) (4:3)
Liberal Democrat: Ballard, Herridge, Johnston, Hutchiso
Conservative: Jessop Meenaghan, Namdeo
Labour:
REGULATORY BOARD (7 seats) (4:3)
Liberal Democrat: Bradley K, Bradley M, Earle, Hammond
Conservative: Casey, Hayes, Scard
Nominated
Deputies: Liberal Democrat: all remaining
Conservative: all remaining
(Note: In accordance with Standing Order 2.3.6 (c) & (f) substitute members may only be drawn from the nominated deputies and the substitute members must have received all necessary training to fulfil this role)
STANDARDS & AUDIT SUB_BOARD (5 MEMBERS 3:2)
Liberal Democrat: Cox, Hutchison, Hylands
Conservative: Philpott, Raffaelli
GRANTS SUB BOARD (5 MEMBERS 3:1:1)
Liberal Democrat: Chegwyn, Cox, Hutchison
Conservative: Philpott
Labour: Cully
Chairpersons.
Community Board – Chair Westerby Vice Chair Maynard
Housing Board – Chair, Ballard Vice Chair Hutchison
Regulatory Board – Chair, Hammond Vice Chair Earle
P and O - Chair Chegwyn Vice Chair Hylands
LOCAL JOINT STAFF COMMITTEE
Chairman & Vice-Chairman of P & O Board plus one representative from each Political Group (4)
Liberal Democrat: Chegwyn, Hylands, Westerby
Conservative: Burgess
Labour: Cully
ALLOTMENTS STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIVE GROUP (2:1:1)
Liberal Democrat: Bradley M, Kelly
Conservative: Burgess
Labour: Cully
ARMED FORCES REPRESENTATIVE
Liberal Democrat: Hutchison
OTHER PANELS & OUTSIDE BODIES
GOSPORT ROYAN TWINNING FORUM
Deputy Mayor plus any Councillor who wishes to attend the Forum.
Liberal Democrat: Earle
Conservative: Philpott
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Chegwyn
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION HAMPSHIRE AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT (2 representatives)
Liberal Democrat: Chegwyn, Hylands
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION COASTAL ISSUES SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Hammond
CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Westerby
GOSPORT HERITAGE OPEN DAYS (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Earle
Conservative: Casey
GOSPORT SOCIETY (The Mayor) (ex-officio) plus 1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Westerby
Conservative: Casey
SOUTH EAST EMPLOYERS (1 representative plus Standing Deputy)
Liberal Democrat: Westerby
COASTAL PANEL (2:1:1)
Conservative: Huggins
Labour: Cully
Liberal Democrat: Hammond, Hylands
COASTAL PARTNERSHIP (1representative)
Liberal Democrat: Hammond
GOSPORT COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP STRATEGIC BOARD (1 rep plus Standing Deputy)
Liberal Democrats: Hutchison (Standing Deputy Finn )
HAMPSHIRE POLICE AND CRIME PANEL 1 plus Standing Deputy
Liberal Democrats: (Standing Deputy ) Hammond (Finn)
BRIDGEMARY, ROWNER AND WOODCOT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Maynard
GOD’S PORT HOUSING SOCIETY (1 representative) The mayor
Liberal Democrat
DAEDALUS AVIATION & HERITAGE GROUP (1 representative)
Conservative: Hayes
GOSPORT FOOD PARTNERSHIP (2 Representative)
Conservative: Huggins
Labour: Brown
GOSPORT/FAREHAM JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PANEL (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Kelly
GBC HEALTH AND WELL BEING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP (1 rep plus Standing Deputy)
SOUTH HAMPSHIRE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL (1 representative)
Conservative: Jessop
HEDCA GENERAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Hutchison
LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Bradley K
PORTCHESTER CREMATORIUM JOINT COMMITTEE (2 representatives plus 2 Deputies)
Conservative: Jessop
Labour: Cully
Standing Deputies: Scard, Brown
PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL HEALTH OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANEL (1 co-opted representative)
PORTSMOUTH WATER CUSTOMER FORUM (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Maynard
PROJECT INTEGRA STRATEGIC BOARD (1 representative plus Standing Deputy)
Liberal Democrat: Hammond (Maynard)
STANDING CONFERENCE ON COASTLINE PROBLEMS (1 representative)
Labour: Brown
PARTNERSHIP FOR URBAN SOUTH HAMPSHIRE (PUSH) JOINT COMMITTEE
(1 representative plus Standing Deputy)
Liberal Democrat: Hylands (Standing Deputy) (Chegwyn)
PARTNERSHIP FOR URBAN SOUTH HAMPSHIRE (PUSH) JOINT OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (1 representative plus Standing Deputy)
Liberal Democrat: Westerby
Labour: Brown (Standing Deputy)
PATROL (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Bradley K
SOLENT TRANSPORT (1 representative plus Officer)
Liberal Democrat: Johnston
SOLENT SEA RESCUE ORGANISATION (1 representative)
Conservative: Ricketts
GOSPORT/FAREHAM JOINT BUILDING CONTROL PANEL (1 representative)
Liberal Democrat: Hammond
BRIDGEMARY BOWLING CLUB (1 Representative)
Liberal Democrat: Hammond
SOLENT AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (1 Representative)
Liberal Democrat: Hammond
10
Election of Deputy Mayor
Minutes
RESOLVED: That Councillor Richard Earle be elected Deputy Mayor for the Borough of Gosport for the Municipal Year ending May 2026 and that he appoint Debbie Sherman as his Mayoress.
11
Approval of additional capital spend - third party funding
This report details updates to two capital schemes which we would like Council to approve changes to. If approved these changes would then be in addition to the Capital Programme agreed at Full Council in February 2025.
The first is the Tennis Courts at Privett Park – this project is to refurbish the existing Tennis facilities at Privett Park and provide two new pickleball courts.
The second is the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) project (The P&O Board were made aware that additional funding was granted to Gosport Borough Council in a paper that was approved at March 2025 P&O Board).
Both projects can be paid for by available third-party funding already (now) received and held as cash by Gosport Borough Council.
The first is the Tennis Courts at Privett Park – this project is to refurbish the existing Tennis facilities at Privett Park and provide two new pickleball courts.
The second is the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) project (The P&O Board were made aware that additional funding was granted to Gosport Borough Council in a paper that was approved at March 2025 P&O Board).
Both projects can be paid for by available third-party funding already (now) received and held as cash by Gosport Borough Council.
Attachments:
- Document Full Council revised capital programme May 2025-Final 06 May 2025
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Finance detailing updates to two capital schemes which it is requested Council to approve changes to. If approved these changes would then be in addition to the Capital Programme agreed at Full Council in February 2025.
Members felt that the improvements to the sports pitch at the football club. An all weather pitch would make it accessible to all teams and would allow for more use.
The football club hoped to have it in place in advance of the new season. Members were advised this was the first of a number of improvement projects that would be presented but this was time sensitive.
Members commended officers for their work and some Members expressed a desire for improvements to be made across the whole Borough.
Some Members expressed disappointment that the report had not been through the Board process and as a result was not able to have the finances fully explained.
Members welcomed the additional use of the pitch and that it was to be more accessible to more users.
Members advised that there was significant spending into sports facilities including the first pickleball court in the area and this would benefit the entire Borough.
RESOLVED:
That Council:
i) approves the additional spend on the Tennis Courts and agrees that this is paid for using available existing Section 106 money (which was allocated to the Football Pitch and then the gap can be funded by new CIL money).
ii) approves the additional spend for the UKSPF project given that the additional funding has been confirmed.
Members felt that the improvements to the sports pitch at the football club. An all weather pitch would make it accessible to all teams and would allow for more use.
The football club hoped to have it in place in advance of the new season. Members were advised this was the first of a number of improvement projects that would be presented but this was time sensitive.
Members commended officers for their work and some Members expressed a desire for improvements to be made across the whole Borough.
Some Members expressed disappointment that the report had not been through the Board process and as a result was not able to have the finances fully explained.
Members welcomed the additional use of the pitch and that it was to be more accessible to more users.
Members advised that there was significant spending into sports facilities including the first pickleball court in the area and this would benefit the entire Borough.
RESOLVED:
That Council:
i) approves the additional spend on the Tennis Courts and agrees that this is paid for using available existing Section 106 money (which was allocated to the Football Pitch and then the gap can be funded by new CIL money).
ii) approves the additional spend for the UKSPF project given that the additional funding has been confirmed.
12
Any other items
Minutes
There was none.
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