In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 22,
a petition was submitted by Highcliffe Community Forum regarding
the Council providing a space for a community hub to serve
Highcliffe and the local area in any redevelopment of the Bar End
Depot site. The Mayor apologised for an error in the agenda as the
petition had contained 353 signatures, and not 329.
Janet Berry (on behalf of the Highcliffe
Community Forum) introduced the petition.
The Leader then responded to the matters in
the petition as summarised as follows:
- The
Council was to consider options regarding any potential expansion
of the Boxing Club facilities at Bar End and would also take a
wider strategic view of youth provision across the
district.
- Since the
Highcliffe Community Plan had been published, the new King George V
Pavilion had opened, and this contained community
facilities. The Plan also did not
reference the Winchester Sports & Leisure Park which has
subsequently been constructed adjacent to the site. The Bar End
Design Framework consultation had highlighted the need for
community space at a redeveloped pavilion.
- No
representations had been received regarding a community space at
the depot site during the Regulation 19 Local Plan
consultation. The Council’s
community consultation regarding the depot site had concluded that
a convenience store was the highest priority for local residents.
- Highcliffe
has had considerable Community Infrastructure Levy allocated,
although the spending here serves a districtwide
purpose. Other areas across the
district have a more pressing requirement for improvements to their
community facilities.
- The
matters referred to in the petition would be included in the
cabinet report of 15 October 2024 in order that the cabinet can
consider them as part of that decision in respect of the depot
site. The report would also be
considered by the Scrutiny Committee on 3 October 2024.
Council then proceeded to debate the petition
and matters therein and in summary, the following matters were
raised:
- Janet
Berry’s advocacy on behalf of the residents of Highcliffe was
commended and that this was of great assistance to the three ward
councillors representing the St Michael’s ward.
- A quality
redevelopment of the depot site to complement the adjacent leisure
centre and King George V pavilion was crucial. The final
development must be absolutely right for
the local community and include a shop as had been requested by
residents.
RESOLVED:
That the petitioner be thanked for bringing
the matter forward and it be noted that that the points raised in
the petition would be included in the Cabinet report of 15 October
2024 for decision and in addition the report would also be before
the Scrutiny Committee on 3 October 2024.