Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence made at this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 8 January 2013.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the meeting of the Strategic Planning and Environment Policy Development and Review Panel held on 8 January 2013 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman apologised that he was not able to join other Panel members on the tour of Titchfield Abbey Conservation Area which took place on Friday 1 March 2013.  Instead he had taken a separate tour of the area accompanied by the Conservation Officer on Monday 4 March 2013. 

The consensus was that the site visit had been beneficial and further informal visits should be arranged to the appropriate conservation area prior to members consideration of the relevant draft appraisal document.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

In accordance with the Council's Standing Orders and Code of Conduct, Councillor Forrest declared an interest in item 6 - Titchfield Abbey Conservation  Area Character Appraisal and Management Strategy -Consultation, on the grounds that he is a member of the Rambler's Association.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To consider a report by the Director of Planning and Environment which invites members to consider and support the content of the draft Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Strategy for Titchfield Abbey.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Planning and Environment which invited members to consider and support the content of the draft Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Strategy for Titchfield Abbey Conservation Area and the proposed arrangements for public consultation.

The Conservation Officer and Principal Planner (Strategic Sites and Design) made a presentation to the Panel.  To assist members, an A3 size, colour copy of each of the plans shown on pages 21 and 22 of the draft document was circulated at the meeting.  Reference was made to the key changes contained in the current updated character appraisal document.

Details of the proposed period and methods of public consultation were explained.  The Panel was informed that information about land ownership and land interests in the area were currently being obtained from the Land Registry.  This information would ensure that, as far as possible, all relevant landowners would be sent letters of consultation.

Councillor Forrest suggested that it might be appropriate for an additional Historic Interpretation Board be provided at Titchfield Abbey which gave more detailed information about the history of the buildings and other features within the wider landscape context.  The Director of Planning and Environment proposed that officers approach English Heritage (or the landowner if not English Heritage) to see if it would be possible to erect an additional Board.  A further suggestion was made that maps/leaflets could be produced for members of the public showing suitable walking areas and specific viewing points in the Conservation Area.

Councillor Miss Harper highlighted that the increased flooding of the River Meon could pose a risk to the integrity of the Anjou Bridge. Officers agreed to investigate with the Environment Agency and/or landowner whether the management of the valley floor would lead to ever worsening flooding and whether this could potentially lead to damage of the Anjou Bridge.

Having discussed the matter at length, it was AGREED that:-

(a)          officers be thanked for their informative presentation;

(b)          the contents of the draft document be supported; and

(c)          the proposed arrangements for public consultation, as detailed in the report, be endorsed.

To consider a report by the Director of Planning and Environment which invites members to assess the overall progress for the current year and finalise a draft work programme for 2013/14.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Planning and Environment which invited members to assess the overall progress for the current year and finalise a draft work programme for 2013/14.

Councillor Mandry enquired about items shown under the Strategic Planning & Environment Portfolio on the Executive Work programme attached as Appendix E to the report. He queried why no items appeared on the Executive work programme after April 2013.  The Director of Planning and Environment advised members that in future the Executive work programme would be produced in a different format.   He would ensure that details of the Executive items for 2013/14 which fall under the Strategic Planning & Environment Portfolio would be provided at the next Panel meeting for members' information.

Consideration was given to the Panel's proposed work programme for 2013/14 as shown in Appendix D.  It was proposed by Councillor Forrest that officers revisit the strategy for the western end of West Street, including future land use around the railway station and station roundabout.  The Director of Planning and Environment stated that he would try to ascertain when it may be appropriate to  provide more information to the Panel on Hampshire County Councils plans and proposals in this respect.  Officers will endeavour to provide an update to the Panel on this matter at the next meeting in May 2013 and determine when the item can be included in the 2013/2014 work programme.

It was AGREED that:-

(a)          the outcomes of the Panel's work programme for 2012/13 be noted;

(b)          the Panel's proposed work programme for 2013/14 as shown in       Appendix D attached to the report be approved; and

(c)          the Panel's proposed work programme for 2013/14, attached to these         minutes, be submitted to the Council for endorsement.