Winchester City Borough Council North Whiteley Development Forum Meeting

Apologies were noted as above.

No disclosures of interests were made.

No Announcements were made.

Linda Parkes addressed the committee and expressed concern about the increased traffic passing her home near the Taylor Wimpey office on Whiteley Way. She cited over 100 cars per hour exceeding the 20-mph limit, using the road as a shortcut. She highlighted the lack of speed limit enforcement on this non-adopted road, raising safety concerns and proposed the need for traffic calming measures.

Simon Boulding highlighted concerns about bus services mainly serving Whiteley Shopping Centre and neglecting other destinations like Brookfield School and Botley Station. He noted the inconsistency with school and college schedules, leading to more car journeys and congestion. He inquired about plans for a more convenient and accessible bus service for residents.

Mandy Boulding addressed the committee regarding safety issues at the Glassfield Road and Whiteley Way junction. She mentioned visibility obstructions due to parked cars, high-speed traffic, and unsafe pedestrian crossings, making the situation hazardous. She queried the safety measures planned, including the effectiveness of current speed limit signs and humps.

Councillor David Leslie raised concerns about the frequency of local bus services, specifically routes 28A and 20. He sought information on their future scheduling to operate more frequently. Additionally, he asked about extending these routes to Botley Station and Hedge End.

Danny Pattrick, though unable to attend, submitted questions in advance. He inquired about plans for the gravel parking area near Cornerstone Primary School, expressing concern about its state and mentioning potential rumours of transforming it into a community hub with local shops and a GP surgery. He also highlighted the absence of shelters and seating at bus stops along Bluebell Way, especially near the school, proposing the inclusion of shelters and pull-in areas for buses.

Simon Shepherd, though unable to attend, submitted questions in advance. He sought information on plans and schedules for adding doctors, dentists, and other essential facilities in the area. He also asked about promised local amenities, seeking clarity on their construction timelines.

The Chairperson assured that responses to these inquiries would be provided later in the meeting under the relevant agenda item.

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 July 2023 be approved and adopted.

Carlene Reed, Adult Learning Manager at Fareham College, provided an update on the Zoe Clark Academy, summarised as:

1. The academy's primary goal was to equip individuals aged 19 and above, experiencing long-term unemployment, with essential industry skills.
2. Assistance was offered for interviews and access to local employment opportunities.
3. The academy prioritised contributing to the community by offering diverse adult training programmes, including money management, to enhance development.
4. Vistry Southern Housebuilding and Countryside Partnership led the project.
5. Three-week work-based courses, in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions, covered health, safety, on-site behaviour, CSCS card training, and job interviews for site work and apprenticeships.
6. Seventy unemployed adults received training in the past year, with 70% successfully securing local employment; some received multiple offers from various employers.
7. Expectations were high for generating more opportunities upon the academy's inauguration.
8. Recognition was given to the academy's broader aim of not solely focusing on employment but also integrating into the local community and fostering future leaders in the construction industry.

Members raised queries, including:

1. The exact location of the academy.
2. The duration of the initiative.
3. The current enrolment figures for courses.
4. The connection of this initiative with the local job centre.
5. Whether there was any cost to attendees for attending a course.

Carlene Reed addressed these points accordingly.

Julie Pinnock, Corporate Head of Planning and Regulatory Services provided an update on recent progress. She highlighted the North Whiteley Forum's terms of reference, which stipulated three meetings per year to discuss strategic matters and aid in establishing local democratic structures for the emerging community. It was determined through a previous governance review that Whiteley Town Council would oversee the area. She advised that following a query at a previous Forum meeting regarding the future of the forum, a proposal was under consideration to transfer control of the Forum to the Town Council. This transfer may involve procedural considerations, potentially through cabinet endorsement.

Councillor Mike Evans reported on recent discussions involving the Leader of Winchester City Council and officers. The Town Council's primary focus centred on ensuring the proper delivery and ownership of infrastructure to support and integrate new and existing elements into Whitely. A draft set of terms of reference was created, scheduling three annual in-person meetings on specified dates (16th April, 16th July, and 10th December) at the Solent Hotel in Whiteley. Additionally, informal monthly catchups with the Consortium and Officers were planned to monitor and discuss the progress of transfer of land and facilities to Whiteley Town Council.

Councillor Tod advised that the forum was established by the cabinet in 2009, and an update agreed by the cabinet in May 2023 stated that dissolution would be governed by the revised constitution. In line with the council's revised constitution, the Forum continued until it was deemed that adequate and appropriate governance was in place, considering the views of local ward councillors, specifically, the three councillors for Whiteley and Shedfield Ward. Councillor Tod suggested that if the Forum had a viewpoint on its dissolution and transfer to the Town Council, it would be beneficial to hear it. Otherwise, the final decision on dissolution would likely rest with the Winchester City Council Cabinet to determine if adequate and appropriate governance was established.

Members raised questions and made comments on the following:

1. Uncertainty about the future committee's composition, specifically relating to the Whiteley and Shedfield Ward Councillors.
2. The potential costs of holding future meetings at the Solent Hotel.
3. Clarification on the criteria used to ensure governance compliance was met or completed.

After further discussion, it was noted that:

1. The Town Council was able to take over the Forum's management.

2. Officers were currently assessing if adequate arrangements existed for transferring authority. This assessment particularly concerned the engagement and involvement of ward members. Proposed governance arrangements by the Whiteley Town Council would be reviewed by all present members.

3. Further clarification would be sought from the Monitoring Officer to determine whether this decision required a cabinet decision or if providing notice now complied with the Constitutional requirements.

The Forum would convene again on the 15th of February 2024 to continue discussing this topic.

Ray Alborough from Hampshire County Council provided an update on the Botley Bypass as follows:

1. The latest information about the construction project was available here on the County Council's website. This information would be circulated with the minutes of this meeting. (available here)
2. Concerning the timing of the roundabout construction at the upper part of Botley Road, details about the forthcoming phase (involving the construction of a bridge over the River Hamble) were accessible on the website. Ongoing discussions with the contractor aimed to provide a specific date.

Members raised the following queries and comments:

1. Concern was expressed about the omission of the Western Gateway near Snowdrop Place Care Home. Officers were requested to provide an update on the timeline for this work.
2. A question was posed regarding development at the Pinkmead end of the bypass. Opening the roundabout before completing the bypass could potentially alleviate significant queues on the B3051 heading north during afternoons and evenings.
3. Noting numerous cones remaining on the roadside along Whiteley Way, clarification was sought on the responsible party for their removal.

Ray Alborough addressed these points accordingly and committed to responding separately to points 1 and 2 above.

Jeff Davis (Tetra Tech) provided the forum with a presentation which had been made available on the council’s website. (available here) The presentation covered a range of issues, which included the following:

1.     Overview of Highways works.

2.     Progress on Phase 1 Bluebell Way.

3.     Updates on Strategic Cycleway: Footpath 9.

4.     Latest Developments for Phase 2 – Off-Site Whiteley Way.

5.     Update on Phase 3 – Station Hill – Whiteley Way / Curbridge Way to Whiteley Way.

6.     Housing Delivery Update as of 4^th December 2023.

7.     Key Updates on Open Space Delivery.

8.     Bus Services Developments.

Hilary Oliver, Implementation Officer, Winchester City Council, addressed the forum and provided updates covering the following:

1.    The progress in erecting the new telecommunication mast in the north of the development.

2.    An update from Hampshire County Council’s travel plan team, including the launch of “North Whiteley Travel Matters”. (available here)

3.    Issues concerning overflowing waste bins and Sports Pitch 2 were being addressed by Vistry who are responsible for maintenance.

4.    The weather had delayed progress on the groundwork for Sports Pitch 2. These should recommence in the new year.

Members asked several questions and made comments regarding the following:

1.     The ongoing speeding issues despite agreed measures.

2.     The unsightly pavement parking near Cornerstone School.

3.     Bus routes not aligning with crucial locations or school timings.

4.     Concerns about secondary school construction commencement.

5.     Traffic management issues on unadopted roads.

6.     Consideration for smaller buses to reduce costs/carbon emissions.

7.     Inadequate street lighting in Avon Road, Whiteley Meadows.

8.     Whether the consortium could write to residents regarding parking issues on Glassfield Road.

9.     Measures to improve safety on unadopted roads.

10.  Inquiry about health and safety contact details.

11.  Questions about a proposed care home and nursery provision in Whiteley.

These points were responded to by Jeff Davis, Hilary Oliver, and Ray Alborough accordingly.

Governance Review and Future of the Forum