Agenda item

The Forum referred to the update report that was circulated with the agenda pack for information and comment. It was reiterated that Grainger representatives had been unable to attend this particular meeting.

Members raised a number of matters on the report as summarised below:

(i)             Councillor Crichton raised concerns regarding the lack of indication about the district centre, particularly the community centre. Concern was also noted regarding the lack of information on the health centre.

(ii)            Further concerns related to Grainger's intention to retain control of the allotment/cultivation plots and lease them, questioning the compatibility with the Section 106 agreement. The complexity of the Section 106 agreement due to delays with the deed of variation was highlighted. Councillor Crichton suggested that Grainger's position regarding asset transfers to the Parish Council appeared to be influenced by local government reorganisation.

(iii)          Councillor Read sought confirmation on the timeline for infrastructure work in Phase 4, aiming for Summer 2025. A question was raised about the southern access point's crucial role in opening the south of the site, noting the original plans for development traffic.

(iv)          The Chairperson expressed concern that the update from Grainger referred to discussions with planning officers at both Winchester and Havant, suggesting that no further consultation on the Town Centre was needed. Disagreeing with this view, the Chairperson advised that he discuss this matter further with Grainger

(v)           Councillor Crichton highlighted frustrations over the lack of Joint West of Waterlooville MDA Planning Committee meetings. Havant Borough Council had advised of a possible meeting for the Blue Star site, which could impact traffic in the development area. The Chairperson agreed to follow up on this.

In response, Louise Weaver (Havant Borough Council) noted that the authority felt councillors should be updated on the original consultation for the local centre plans, suggesting some level of consultation was needed.

In addition, Julie Pinnock (Winchester City Council) stated that the case officer was currently on leave but hoped there would not be a view that no consultation was needed and would follow up.

It was anticipated that a Joint West of Waterlooville MDA Planning Committee meeting would take place this year for Proxima Park - plot 500 (Winchester) and Phase 8 (Havant). The Chairperson reiterated Winchester's policy generally supports consultation on major developments affecting communities and this would be reported back to Grainger. Councillor Crichton clarified that the previous consultation on the district centre was two to three years ago, with a different concept now being considered following a visit to a community centre in Eastleigh. The importance of understanding what Grainger means by consultation was highlighted, with Winchester favouring pre-consultation. The increasing number of questions from residents about the lack of facilities was noted.

Councillor Read highlighted the importance of the Joint West of Waterlooville MDA Planning Committee for applications of shared responsibility between authorities to avoid mismatched developments. The synergies between the Village Centre and the Waterlooville Town Centre regeneration were noted, emphasising the need for Havant Councillors' involvement. The Chairperson compiled a list of points to take back to Grainger.

          RESOLVED:

                    That the report be noted and the comments raised by the                forum on the matters set out above, be reported back to                            Grainger.