HIRA Report for July 2007

- Mon 18th Jun 2007

HIRA July ‘Flooding and Sea Defences’ meeting cancelled

PLEASE NOTE that the July HIRA meeting has to be cancelled for both good and bad reasons. The bad reason is that it could not be organised because staff involved were busy.
The good reason is that they are busy organising an imminent replenishment programme for Eastoke and, more importantly in some ways, carrying out a re-assessment of the whole
coastal defence strategy for the East Solemt, this latter being fronted by Havant Borough.
A report will be produced in the autumn. HIRA apologises for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation of the meeting: it is the first time we have had to do this for many years
and we have been left without enough time to arrange a new topic and speakers.

In discussion with Lyall Cairns, Coastal Defence Engineer of HBC, a number of matters of related general interest were raised.
First, if persons want to know the threat to their property look, or get a friend to look, at environment agency flood map, on Google or other similar internet site.
Type in your full postcode and you will get a map showing your area and the potential threat (phew, I’m OK!).

Another matter taxing people at present is a new factor in obtaining planning permission for properties in flood risk areas.
Earlier this year the rules changed and now individual assessments may be needed.
There are three types of risk categories varying from houses to hospitals and the procedures for dealing with each vary.

All likely information is contained within Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS 25 on Google) and is immediately available.

Yet again, once the dust has settled, we would hope to re-schedule the meeting.

Flats, Flats & More Flats

At our June meeting a considerable amount of time was spent discussing planning and the prevalence of flats over all other types of current development.
HIRA has always objected to applications for flats with only one bedroom on the basis that they do not provide accommodation of a type that would encourage a long-term
commitment to the Island by the occupants. This was irrespective of whether the particular development under discussion had other merits, which few do.

We now feel that the situation is completely out of hand and out of our, or anyone else’s, control. In the town plan covering the period 1996 to 2011 it was anticipated that Hayling
would have to accommodate 450-500 new dwellings to accept its share of the pain.
This was long ago exceeded and there are still four years to go. Current applications add at least a further sixty-five.

The inspector’s report a couple of years ago relating to confirmation of the contents of the plan indicated that infrastructure problems on Hayling were such that no further
significant developments should be permitted. We have also been informed that, in future, planning applications should be submitted to Community Boards.
This sounds good BUT:

Only large developments need be presented to such Boards and nearly all current applications do not fall into this category.
Much more seriously, development of brown field sites is not constrained either and gardens are now defined as brown field.
Clearly any existing sea-front property on Hayling can now be replaced by out-of-character blocks of 31 flats, 14 flats or any number you can squeeze into the available space.

This might be good if people wanted these flats. The number of unsold flats indicates that people do not WANT them but they may be often FORCED to have them for a number of reasons.
It is well established that, on Hayling, people WANT houses (ask local Estate Agents) but as so few are being built they have little option other than accept the flats available.

Our discussion ended in a feeling of total frustration.

Crime

At the recent Community Board meeting we were informed that a significant improvement in Community Safety patrols had been noted.
The alleged ‘littterer’ of some weeks ago had been identified, the alcohol ban has caused teenage drinkers to go somewhere other than West Town.
Various undesirables are keeping their heads down and Paul Fisher has his bike back.

Things may be getting better! (Three hours after I wrote the draft of this report the arson attack took place in Winsor Close! I keep trying to be optimistic but sometimes it is difficult!)

Other matters

Eastoke Corner, phase 1 is open, the road layout is being re-assessed and various ideas for planting etc. are being bandied around.

The Carnival is coming, the Scarecrow Festival is coming, the three Churches Fete is coming, many other events are coming and, hopefully, so is summer. Enjoy yourselves.



Tony Higham.

Main contacts:

Chairman: Paul Fisher 92461412

Membership: Shirley Adams 92462881

Notice Board: Lois Neale 92469339

Reporter: Tony Higham 92464723.

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