Agenda item

Mr Hughes and Mr Tilbury introduced the report.

In reply to questions from Forum members the officers replied as follows:

With regard to nitrate issues and discharges into the Solent, the development was acceptable to Natural England as it would result in a net nitrate reduction.  The public open space would also have to be in an acceptable condition prior to its adoption.

In accordance with the Minutes of the previous meeting, a letter had been sent to Southern Water regarding drainage.  A further letter would be sent if progress was not made which would include reference that the highways could not be adopted by Hampshire County Council until the Southern Water drainage issues had been resolved.

Following the ending of funding for the Implementation Officer post, Grainger had offered a lower level of funding that would provide the option to employ someone for approximately 16 hours per week.  A new officer would be available only to deal with their own planning work, not the development as a whole.

Representatives of Grainger would continue to meet regularly with the Parish Council to address issues that arose so that they did not become problematic in the future.  Lisa Turley representing Grainger added that Grainger also had a Community Engagement Person who would provide assistance in knowing who to contact between the parties.  It was also noted that Mrs Weaver from Havant Borough Council, who was the Section 106 Monitoring Officer would be taking an increased role in the development.  Specialist community development work would also continue whilst funding from the Section 106 provided for this and Mr Hughes (the present Implementation Officer) would also remain in post at Winchester City Council and could be contacted if required.

In respect of the Aquind Interconnector scheme, Councillor Cutler shared  Winchester City Council’s recommendations for submission to the Examining Authority that highlighted amongst other considerations the impact of carbon emissions during the construction phase; that regard must also be given to the validity of using National Policy Statement on Energy EN-1 (which was probably out of date) and a route for the cable across the open countryside to the west of the A3 had not been properly assessed as an alternative to the road route.

Additional points raised by members of the Forum included:

The route to the Hampshire Waste Recycling Centre required improved signposting to prevent vehicles driving through residential areas and also noise disturbing residents from waste vehicles accessing the Recycling Centre site in the early morning.  The Implementation Officer would chase up the matter of road signage to the Waste Recycling Centre with Hampshire County Council.

Update on the Taylor Wimpey industrial land use and plans for future of the land.

The provision of a public right of way between Brambles Farm and the Taylor Wimpey development.  It was noted that this land, formerly occupied by Thomas Sanderson, was now for sale by the freeholder.  Mr Tilbury advised that this matter might be best progressed when the new leaseholder was in place.

The transfer of open space to the Parish Council.  Mr Crichton stated that it was an aspiration of the Parish Council that it would adopt all open space, including contiguous areas that were outside of the Parish boundary.  It was agreed that the officers also write to Taylor Wimpey to seek clarification on this matter and that an update on the transfer of public open space be reported to the next Forum meeting.

Progress on the junction construction between College Road and Purbrook Way.  Lisa Turley representing Grainger commented that Grainger was in discussion with Hampshire County Council about progress of the scheme and it was most probable that the scheme would be slightly delayed beyond the 25 week deadline, but generally it was progressing well.

Arising out of consideration of the update report, Councillor Cutler (Chair of the Arts Panel) reported that the Boating Lake, which was part of the Section 106 Agreement, was being given further consideration.  This was due to an escalation in price for the project and to ensure that the funds were properly audited in accordance with City Council requirements.  The Arts Panel were now considering options, including how the money could be spent over the site as a whole, rather than on one project.

                        RESOLVED:

That the Progress Report be noted and on behalf of the Forum:

1.        That Lisa Turley from Grainger be thanked for her assistance in progressing the development as this would be the last Forum meeting she would be attending.

2.        That installation of road signage in the Winchester area be progressed by the Strategic Director: Services, Winchester City Council, with the relevant team at the City Council.

3.        That the Strategic Director: Services, Winchester City Council, write to Taylor Wimpey to seek clarification on the transfer of open space to Newlands Parish Council.

4.        That the next meeting of the Forum be preceded by a walk of the area for Forum members.

The meeting commenced at 11.00am and concluded at 12:30pm

Chair