Hampshire County Council Regulatory Committee Meeting

Apologies were noted from Councillors Hayre, House, Pankhurst, Price.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and agreed.

It was confirmed that a deputation had been received for item 6 on the agenda and would be heard at that point. The deputee had up to ten minutes to speak in accordance with Standing Orders.

The Chairman congratulated Lisa Kirby-Hawkes MRTPI, Head of Development Management & Flood and Water Management, on having been named as one of 2025’s Women of Influence in Planning. This was an annual list, celebrating women across the UK’s private, public and voluntary planning sectors, who have had a significant influence on national planning policy, or have inspired the planners who work with them.

New two storey school for 125 pupils with Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, with associated external play areas and parking and drop off facilities at Luminous Oak SEMH School, Flycatcher Road, Boorley Gardens, Hedge End, Botley SO32 2FG (No. CS/24/98535) EAE047

The Committee received a report from the Director of Universal Services related to an application in respect of a new two storey school for 125 pupils with SEMH Needs.

Officers summarised the report, sharing details of the location of the site alongside site plans and photos of the area. It was noted that no objections had been received as a result of the consultation and the application was in line with the relevant policies of the Eastleigh Borough Council Local Plan (2022).

One deputation was received from Andrew Parker, Principal Architect, on behalf of the Applicant, in favour of the recommendation to the committee, noting that the application would help to meet the demand for Special School places in Hampshire.

During questions to officers it was clarified that the traffic impact would be minimal due to the majority of pupils travelling to the school via taxi or Hampshire Transport. The design included a one way system for traffic with dedicated waiting areas for vehicles.

Following a brief summary, the Chairman moved to the recommendation, which was voted on with the following outcome:

Favour:          11

Against:         0

Abstentions:  0

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions listed in Appendix A to the Decision Report.

The Committee received a Monitoring and Enforcement report from the Director of Universal Services, which summarised work undertaken by the Development Management team (including monitoring and enforcement) during the period December 2024 – February 2025.

RESOLVED:

That the Regulatory Committee noted the contents of the report.