Agenda and draft minutes

The meeting was held virtually, and the Chairperson welcomed all representatives in attendance to the meeting. The Chairperson then made the following announcements:

Councillor Michael Read

Tribute was paid to former Councillor Mike Read who sadly passed away in April. Recognition was given to his extensive career and immense contribution to the forum and the development since its inception. Mike had served as a former Winchester City Councillor for 22 years until 2024, representing the Denmead ward and was Mayor of Winchester during 2008-2009.

In addition, Mike had long service as a Denmead Parish Councillor including as its Chairman, and over the last few years had served on the forum as representative for Newlands Parish Council.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

An update was provided on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), specifically regarding the movement of Newlands into the South East Unitary and proposed warding arrangements.

Apologies for absence and deputy members were received and noted, as set out above.

RESOLVED:

That, Councillor Harrison be appointed Vice Chairperson of the Forum for the 2026/27 municipal year.

To receive any disclosure of interests from Councillors or Officers in matters to be discussed.

Note: Councillors are reminded of their obligations to declare disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs), other registerable interests (ORIs) and non-registerable interests (NRIs) in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations made at this meeting.

Future virtual meeting dates of the Forum are scheduled to be held on:

·       23 November 2026

·       2 March 2027

RESOLVED:

That the future meeting dates of the Forum for 2026/27, be noted as set out on the agenda as follows:

·       23 November 2026

·       2 March 2027

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 3 March 2026, be approved and adopted.

To receive and note questions asked and statements made from members of the public on general matters of interest and/or matters relating to the work of the Forum. This period is for a maximum of 10 minutes.

NB members of the public are required to register with Democratic Services three clear working days before the meeting (see below for further details).

No members of the public were present to make representations.

The Forum referred to the update report that was circulated with the agenda pack for information and comment.

The Chairperson welcomed Greg Cornish and Andrew Barron (Grainger) to the meeting who provided an overview of the report and subsequent updates that had taken place since the report had been generated. The following points were highlighted:

(i)       Marketing for land parcels M1 and M3 had been completed and legal          negotiations had commenced.

(ii)       The northern and southern allotments were finished with snagging                 works underway.

(iii)      Planning approval had been received for Town Park Phase B and the     project was currently out to tender.

(iv)      Plans for the community building had reached revision 10 and a                  specification document was being produced.

(v)      Infrastructure works for the cricket pavilion were completed and                   handover to the building contractor had occurred.

(vi)      Discussions with the NHS regarding health centre land continued                though funding remained a concern.

(vii)     An appeal had been submitted regarding the Blue Star Land planning         application.

The Forum raised questions on the update received, which were responded to by Grainger representatives and relevant officers as summarised below:

(a)      A question was raised regarding the management of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) and the River Wallington.

(b)      Further clarification was sought on how Taylor Wimpey contributions were used for the community building.

(c)      Concern was raised regarding the termination of the Parish Council office lease and the impact on local revenue.

(d)      Due to the delay in the community centre provision, a suggestion was made to explore hot-desking or temporary accommodation for Parish staff.

(e)      Further clarification was sought on the legal capacity of the current    office space.

RESOLVED:

That the report be received and the comments raised by the forum as set out above, be noted.

The Chairperson welcomed Laura Jones (Havant BC) to the meeting who gave a presentation and provided an update on the Waterlooville public realm improvements project. Key points were highlighted as follows:

(i)       A funding agreement for £1.8 million had been signed with Hampshire       County Council (HCC) in March.

(ii)       The project had been placed on the Hampshire County Council capital         programme.

(iii)      Detailed design completion was scheduled for the end of June.

(iv)      Construction was forecast to take place between February and          October 2027.

(v)      Phased construction was planned to minimise disruption to local          businesses.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the Forum raised a question which was responded to by the relevant officer’s present on the following point:

(a)      A question was asked regarding the management of public expectations for the regeneration. It was recognised that the project     was restricted to what was possible within the council's powers.

In conclusion, the forum congratulated the regeneration team working on the project for the progress made since the design approval.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be received and the comments of the Forum, as set out above, be noted.

The Chairperson welcomed Rick Smith (Winchester City Council) to the meeting who provided a verbal update on open spaces. The following points were noted:

(i)       Quotes for landscape maintenance at Newlands were being sought           with work expected to commence in September 2026.

(ii)       A hybrid approach for land transfer at Berewood was discussed,    involving a management company for sensitive habitats.

(iii)      Grainger proposed a combined approach using specialists for          woodland and SUD’s management.

The Forum raised questions which were responded to by relevant officers as summarised below:

(a)           Further clarification was sought regarding damaged gates and tree guards on the estate.

(b)           A question was asked regarding the adoption of land outside the Parish boundary.

(c)           A request was made for Grainger to share their presentation slides with the Forum – attached here.

RESOLVED:

That the update be received and the comments of the Forum, as set out above, be noted.

Councillor Crichton provided an update to the report submitted by Newlands Parish Council and reference was made to the following additional points:

(i)       Positive developments were reported regarding the potential for the       Parish to take on land from Taylor Wimpey directly.

(ii)       It was reported that work on industrial units at the southern plot was    expected to start shortly.

RESOLVED:

That the update report be received and noted.

The Chairperson noted the contentious nature of the naming for the new shadow unitary authority.

There were no further items of business of the forum received at this meeting.  

          The virtual meeting commenced at 6:00 pm and concluded at 7.35 pm

Chairperson