Up and Coming Events
On behalf of the new Residents Association a meeting will be held on 20 January 2010 7pm at Sunnyhill Church Hall for all residents. Please get involved.
Past Events
COFFEE MORNING
Thank you to everyone who braved the cold weather to attend the coffee morning on Saturday 19th December 2009 at the Sports and Arts Club. It was great to see lots of BRAG supporters and local residents. It was a great opportunity for people to meet informal and catch up on recent events over coffee and a mince pie!
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Family Fun Day 2nd August
- Residents Meeting Monday 22nd June 7pm – 9pm - Sunnyhill Church Hall.
Many thanks to ALL councillors who came and answered questions at the meeting including: Cllr Eades, Cllr Adams, Cllr Collier, Cllr Wilson, Cllr Gillard and Cllr Moore. Your time was very much appreciated.
Minutes of meeting
MINUTES OF THE RESIDENTS MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 22 JUNE 2009 AT 7.00PM IN SUNNY HILL CHURCH HALL.
| Present | Terry Stewart (chairman) Jacqui Wilson (chair of BRAG)Councillor Lindsay Wilson, Councillor Philip Eades |
| Also Present | Councillors, Don Collier, Peter Adams, David Gillard, Councillor Mrs Moore.Also about 120 residents. |
| Apologies | Councillor Mrs Joyce Lavender |
Welcome and Introductions
Jacqui Wilson as Chair of BRAG outlined recent results to the Meeting. At the council meeting of 9 June there had been a lot of support from councillors and she thanked so many people for attending, inside and outside the Civic Centre.
The sponsored Dog Walk was a great success with many people taking part and about £600 had been made. Thanks were given to everyone concerned for their support.
A meeting had been held with Robert Syms MP who promised to write to the Council on our behalf.
A letter had been received from the Private Secretary to the Duke of Edinburgh as the situation had been brought to his attention. It is hope he will reply when he had made further enquiring.
Mrs Wilnecker, a local historian has retired to Cornwall and we have now made contact.
Welcome from the Chairman
Jacqui Wilson introduced Terry Stewart from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE). He welcomed everyone to the meeting and outlined his role as chairman for the meeting. He is currently the President for Dorset CPRE and they care very much about green open space. He outlined that Branksome Rec was part of the Wimborne Estate for the people. Local Plan document L1 outlines the protection of development and should apply in this instance. It is important therefore to set up an official Residents Association to deal with the current situation and stated that the ‘fight’ is not over. However, he did stress that the whole issued will require much more legal and planning checking.
Update from Council Meeting held 9 June 2009 – Next Steps
An update on the recent Council meeting was given by Cllr Phil Eades who stressed that the key point is that we do not lose the major battle as the land is protected under Policy L1 and there should be no development on Open Space, with two caveats. When this was written it meant everything other than sports facilities. When planning applications comes into focus L1 land is protected open space. Issues such as parking, lost views to open aspect, alcohol were all valid points, and urged everyone to write to the Council when the yellow planning notices appear. The Council will only take the public view not a personal one. It is most important that we fight this planning application. A briefing document will be placed on the website and newsletter delivered.
Safer Neighbourhood Team Report
Cllrs Miss Lindsay Wilson read out her statement from the recent council meeting. It showed there was concern regarding possible ultimate number of 1000 spectators for a match and the knock effect for traffic. Any future meetings must involved Community Police Officers, but no consultation has taken place yet.
Cllr Wilson was concerned that children were not represented and there appears to have been little consultation with the area. After a younger member of the audience (Katie Bundy) spoke saying she was member of St ? School and no presentations had been made. Jacqui explained the reasons why and agreed to meeting with her. The students were anxious to consider the elderly population, lack of open space and other issues. Their views for the future would be collated by Jacqui and Katie Bundy and their idea recorded.
Cllrs Wilson then said she was unhappy that the residents have been put in this position and has received countless letters against the plans, with only one in support. Cllr Adams, in the audience appeared to disagree with this statement but she went on to say that the Council should be ashamed at which is being proposed for Branksome Rec.
Proposal to Form a Residents Association
Jacqui outline the proposal to form a Residents Association as a step forward which could provide benefits in other ways to all residents. Age is immaterial for this support and is the best way forward. Terry Stewart who has had 10 years experience as President and member of the Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs Association and had interfaced with the Council, stated it is important that your voice is heard. It was agreed that the name should be discussed at the inaugural meeting of the Residents Association Committee. Other agencies that Residents Associations deal with are the Police, TAG (Transport Advisory Group), Poole Partnership, Regional Government (who carries out assessments and dictates housing and employment land strategy).
Befits of a Residents Association
As an example of how a residents association can help, Mr Stewart outlined
- Regional Spatial Strategy for Poole dictated 10,000 extra houses. For the wider conurbation: 48,000 additional households with 45,000 jobs required for the future, plus 60,000 extra cars and commercial vehicles. This may incur a Traffic Congestion Charge in the future; affect air pollution and quality of life. There were a total of 39000 objections to these proposals
- The last Secretary of State, Hazel Blears, put these proposals forward before she resigned recently.
- He advised there is a Local Framework Plan for the future of this borough with the core strategy already being approved. This means house ‘cramming’ and more flats which could affect the area, so it is important to monitor and look at planning applications for the area.
- Contentious issues had been the Solar Pyramid and plans for the Thistle Hotel site on Poole Quay to become flats, which Poole residents should comment on.
- The Railway station is to be moved, West Quay Road and the Sainsbury carpark are to be developed, so Poole will look totally different in the next 10 years.
- These are all items that a good residents association can make representations on your behalf, so please give us your views and concerns by contacting your committee.
Planning Enforcement Department monitors errors by developers. A number of concerns had been raised about the Planning process, so Sir Michael Pitt had undertaken a thorough review. His finding did show that there had been a breakdown in communications between the Council and the residents.
There is now a new Head of Planning and the future is looking good. A residents’ working group has been formed which is a positive step to protecting communities, cycle routes etc. The financial situation will be discussed over the coming year.
If planning permission is given to Branksome Rec there will need to be negotiations with PTFC for handling the future. This is where the Residents association can help.
Magazines, newsletters, monthly open meetings are all items for consideration by the Residents Association. Initially an interim Committee should be formed to develop a Constitution and funding but public input is vital, open to all, including PTFC supporters which will make it easier for mutual communication.
Vote to Forming a Residents Association
There was a unanimous vote from those present to form a Residents’ Association. Mr David Gilliver was concerned about the Friends of Branksome Rec. This was acknowledged but as the Chairman Mrs Natalie Rose is indisposed at present no decision could be made. Mr Gilliver’s concerns have been noted and their hard work within the community and their wishes will be respected once Mrs Rose has returned to full duties.
Anyone interested in joining the new Residents Association Committee to liaise with Jacqui later.
Election of Interim Association Committee Members
It is vital that a meeting is organised as soon as possible and Jacqui asked for volunteers. Mr Vic Humphries offered to be Interim Chairman, Jacqui was nominated as secretary, but did stress that as her name was well known with BRAG that this position will only be in the short term. Lynne Drewitt and Diane Wyatt volunteered as joint Treasurers. These people can step down at the first AGM should they so desire.
Any Questions
Cllrs Adams replied to questions regarding timescale for any planning decision if people want to object. Over the next 2 weeks the Council will be carrying out certain tests in relation to sound, noise, environmental issues and transport. There will be then 4/5 weeks for residents to register any complaints once the yellow notices have appeared. Then an 8 week period for the council to grant permission. Lease issues regarding the PTFC will be dealt with in parallel to planning. This item has been ‘red carded’ so the decision has been passed to the Planning Committee with recommendations from the officers. No decision has been made regarding financial matters and the lease or how the PTFC are able to afford Branksome Rec and Canford Arena. Cllr Adams stated that he could not comment on the financial status of the PTFC. Also that Canford Arena was Green Belt and that it cannot be built on. The chairman disputed this by pointing out that a hotel had been built at Canford Magna and the proposal at Lychett Minster to build houses on the Green Belt. A member of the public stated that Canford Arena is split 3 ways between Poole, Bournemouth and Wimborne. Cllrs Adams said this was arranged before he joined Poole Council and he would look into this matter.
A member of the public asked ‘who approach who’ regarding PTFC and the reply was PTFC approached the Council. Cllr Adams went on to say that his knowledge of Chris Reeves (Vice Chairman) of PTFC was known to him through Jacob Reeves Solicitors who undertake private legal matters but he had no social links with this company or the PTFC. The meeting was asked if it was too late to request a public enquiry
Asked who was on the Planning Committee, Cllr Eades thought 9 members. Cllr Collier stated that there is monitoring for Councillors in pre-determining their decisions on the Branksome Rec involvement. There were further questions from the audience regarding Sir Michael Pitt’s report.
Cllr Gillard, an Independent Poole Councillor, corrected Cllr Collier’s statement that Sir Michael Pitt had not found any evidence of wrong doing. ‘I would suggest to you that there are 3 or 4 four members on the committee who should declare an interest. Sir Michael Pitt and the Audit commission recommended that portfolio members should not sit on the Committee, even as substitutes’. It was felt that the Conservatives will have difficulty in finding 4 people to sit on the Planning Committee. Anyone with a complaint regarding actions in relation to Code of Conduct should write to Tim Martin, Head of Legal Dept, with a copy to the Chief Executive, John McBride.
Question What is the position from the Will of Lord Wimborne?
Reply This is proving difficult to trace as the Canford Estate solicitors need to have more specific details as the archives are extensive and not computerised.
Question What has happed to the £1.68 million available on the accounts of the Council?
Response Cllr Adams advised that these are earmarked reserves.
Question Regarding the position on Registering the Rec as a Town Green
Response This is in the hands of Frank Wenzl at Poole Council and Jacqui will request an up to date on this position
Question How many Conservatives councillors live around Branksome?
Response 2 - Cllr Collier and Cllr. Mrs Lavender
Any Other Business
The Epetition now stands at 449 signatures. Cllr Gillard referred to access, parking and without consultation should not be imposed on this community.
Jacqui advised that a Fun Day is be scheduled on the Rec and wanted to know how many people would be interest in Tai Chi with a qualified instructor?
Terry Stewart thanked everyone for attending.
Date of Next Meeting
To be notified in the usual way
The Result: Council Meeting Tuesday 9th June 2009
The Council Chambers were over flowing with objectors against PTFC proposal. In fact as opponents of the scheme filled two of the three public viewing balconies, the Mayor allowed the rest of the residents to sit infront of the councillors. However, even this wasn’t enough room and many had to listen from outside the chambers! A lengthy debate of nearly 2 hours heard arguements for and against the proposals. The coucillors then voted as to whether the proposals should be taken further.Verdict:
For proposal 20
Against proposal 16
Abstained : 2
A recorded vote was asked for by councillors so people will be able to see exactly how the voting went. While the vote may not be what we wanted there are still processes to go through, including the planning. So please continue your support for open space. When the minutes of the meeting are published a link will be posted on this site so you can find them easily.Residents Meeting Wednesday 13th May 2009
Residents turned out once again to show support for the Rec.
The meeting was chaired by Jacqui Wilson who gave an update of recent events. It was also an opportunity for those who were not at the Environment and Overview Scrutiny Committee (EOSC) meeting on 5thMay a chance to hear BRAG’s speech. Natalie Rose from the Friends of Branksome Rec, also joined the meeting and shared her speech. Click on Newsletters, Reports and Links to find the minutes from the EOSC meeting, including speeches from all sides.
Residents had the opportunity to ask questions not only to BRAG but two special guests, Councillor Carole Deas and Councillor David Gillard, whose support was warmly welcomed.
Congratulations to all those who attended and made donations to BRAG, we raised in excess of £150 to go towards the fighting fund.
Once again residents turned out in force to support the Rec!
Sponsored Dog Walk
WOW! More sponsorship money has arrived. The total now stands at a massive £600! Thank you! ( Updated 22.06.09)
Congratulations to everyone who completed their laps around the rec on May 30th. It was a great day enjoyed by both pets and owners! A big thank you goes out to all those involved in organising the event and making it so successful.
Residents Meeting 17th Feb
This was the scene at the Residents Meeting held on Tuesday 17th February. The meeting was attended by in excess of 150 people from the Branksome Rec area.
Jacqui Wilson, Chairman of BRAG, opened the meeting by briefly bringing everyone up to date on the situation following the Public Meeting held at the Lighthouse. This was followed by Phil Eades, who explained the procedure which is expected to be followed both in terms of the Football Club planning application, and the Council decision making process regarding leasing the ground to the club.
The second part of the meeting was spent discussing alternative suggestions for possible upgrading and use of the Rec and Pavilion. Questionnaires were distributed for those in attendance to record their preferences and comments, and to make suggestions of their own.
Finally, a questions and answers session including general discussion regarding concerns of residents brought the meeting to a close. Many suggestions were aired and work is in hand to analyse the questionnaires which virtually everyone handed in, including as they did many offers of help from those present. A fund raising collection also took place and it was very gratifying to see that in excess of £200 was raised on the night to help support the fighting fund.
