HIRA Meeting 13th MARCH 2007

- Tue 3rd Apr 2007

Present  Paul Fisher, Margo Allen, Bruce Bennett, Carole Evans,Brenda Greenland, Lois Neale, Dale Norman,
                Colin Richards,Dave Turvey.

Councillor  Andy Lenaghan

Apologies Shirley Adams, Chris Lewington, Barbra Gardner, Tony Higham, Claire Myers.

Welcome Matt Shearman, Youth Council, Community Board.

2 Review of Minutes

3. Matters arising     None

4. Planning Issues

  Development to rear of shops in Mengham -
 We have spoken to the HBC with concerns over 8 one bed flats and 6 parking spaces - also access not clear, i.e.   new access to Elm Grove.
  West Lane Development - no decision until we know size of properties.  Andy said it falls within the Govt. guidelines.  CaE in favour as houses are needed to meet the demand.  Dave Turvey objected.
  Weststar H.I. Holiday Park:
Change of use of recreation area for 22 static homes and to create a new recreation area. No objections.
  Esso planning application withdrawn.

5. NEHRA - Copse Lane change of use rejected as unsuitable
   - Yew Tree Lane, Countryside C.I. rule applies.
   - Village Design Statement still ongoing
   - Core Strategy HBC - certain priorities addresses, Paul replied,
     choosing tourism on HI - Voted Option One
     Colin favoured Option Two.

6. Topics for Discussion

 6.1.  Community Board and Liveability Fund Update
  
  AGM  23.4.07   

  Meeting 12.3.07 Paul and Matt attended
  Dennis Ansell presented 'Pride of Place'

  Matt said HBC restructuring Youth Council - 5 on Council and  representatives.
  Matt and Committee discussed what the youth of HI needed and supervision  by Youth Workers.

  Youth Project -   Café only open Tues and Friday evenings and not big enough.
    
  HBC withdrew funding for Youth worker
  Building needed for Youth venture.

 6.2. Bosmere Field

  Application objected on a variety of grounds with unanimous ante vote by
  Councillors, with just one abstainer.  Good presentation on objections -
 
 6.3. Pride of Place

  Dennis Ansell made presentation on 12.3.

  Up and running in Leigh Park and HI told to get on with it, but there is no    funding for HI and also needed Police support.

  We should know in April if successful in getting money (£180K) to refurbish
  room at Library.  Library looking to maximise use to other organisations and
  it would be an ideal base for 'Pride of Place'

 6.4. Beachlands Development

  Officers recommending refusal on grounds of the outstanding overall review   for Beachlands. HIRA appealing against, as not suited to central Beachlands.

  Rainbow Corner site is being fenced and Andy asked the committee if they    had any objection for its painting by the youth on HI. Committee approved.

 6.5. Dilkusha Development

  Formal planning not in yet by McCarthy Stone and committee to object and    protest.

 6.6. 40 St Catherine's Road
  
  Letter sent to protest, possible page missing,  Bruce to double check.
  Wrong for area and TPO precedent for trees and area.

 6.7. April Open Meeting      Thursday 19.4.07

  Topic: 'Declining Services on HI'.   Population increasing, increased social    problems, decrease in police, health services in decline etc.

  Representatives from police and other services to be invited.

7. Correspondence

  Proposed microwave tower in Rails Lane not suitable at this site, as it should be sited out of sight.

  Proposed Bylaw: Proposed new bylaw to stop drinking alcohol in public places. 8 places in HBC but none on HI. Andy said that West Town was to be designated as a site.

  Tony had received a letter which Paul raised at the Community Board meeting.  It was from David Willetts, agreeing with 'red tape' making it difficult for volunteers to collect rubbish etc - also confirmed the problems with gangs at the Community Centre and St. Helen's Road.   David Willetts was hoping to go on patrol with the police.

8. April Islander Report
 
Tony was away and had left notes with Paul who would be doing the report for the HI.  Paul would include the Open Meeting in April.

9. A O B

Margo drew attention to the fact that the Farm Stores are likely to seek Planning  Permission to demolish and redevelop.  Owners will not renew the lease at the end of the year.

 Dave stated that the rent on seafront Refreshments was too high with the result that
 the premises remain empty.

Brenda said that although work was being done on the Billy Trail, the matter of the erosion near the trail was not being addressed. Paul stated that only minimum work was being done.

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

By forum user, PaulFisher