Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor P J Davies.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Planning and Development Policy Development and Review Panel held on 9 July 2014.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the meeting of the Planning and Development Policy and Development and Review Panel meeting held on 9 July 2014 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman announced that in accordance with recently set legislation, members of the public and press are able to audio and video record all public meetings held by Fareham Borough Council.

The Panel were informed that there had been no requested to film parts of the meeting of the Planning and Development Policy Development and Review Panel but members of the public were informed that should they wish to do so they needed to respect the wishes of other members of the public present who did not wish to be filmed.

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.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To receive a presentation from the Director of Planning and Development on the Parking Strategy and Charges – Annual Review

The Panel received a presentation by the Principal Transport Planner on the Parking Strategy and Charges – Annual Review.

The presentation outlined the Parking Strategy that was adopted by the Council in December 2012 and that will run for 5 years ending in 2017, providing details on the implementation plan, income trends, car park occupancy and new car parking payment methods.

Members noted that the majority of the actions in the implementation plan have already been completed, and the progress made on the last 3 remaining actions. The Chairman asked if the implementation plan could become a ‘live’ action plan whereby new actions can be added as they arise. The Director of Planning and Development confirmed that this could be arranged.

The presentation also outlined a request from Fareham Shopping Centre to remove the parking charges in the Osborn Road and Fareham Shopping Centre multi storey car parks from 5pm on a Thursday evening as the Shopping Centre now opens late on that day. If supported in principle, the option also exists to extend this change to the Market Quay car park as well. All Panel Members agreed with the proposal in principle, and expressed a preference for this in all three car parks.

It was AGREED that:-

a)    the Principal Transport Planner be thanked for his presentation; and

b)    the Executive be advised that the Panel supports the proposal to remove the parking charges from 5pm on a Thursday in the Osborn Road, Fareham Shopping Centre and Market Quay car parks.

To receive a presentation from the Director of Planning and Development on an update on the Public Transport Review Progress.

The Panel received a presentation from the Principal Transport Planner on the Public Transport Review Member Working Group.

The presentation outlined the main objectives of the review, Fareham’s and other authorities role in relation to the provision of public transport service, achievements and activities of the review, identified operational practices and experiences which could assist in developing options to address problems identified within the review.

Members commented on the problems with the current bus services and those services which have been withdrawn. Councillor Trott addressed the Panel regarding the withdrawn bus service in Whiteley stating that the service was not successful as it did not run to coincide with the working patterns of the staff who worked there. The Chairman stated that more dialogue is needed with the bus providers to identify particular problems and to look at ways to resolve issues already raised.

The Head of Planning Strategy and Regeneration addressed the Panel to confirm that there are plans to have discussions with First Bus regarding changes to services and to allow the community direct access to the company to enable them to address any issues that they may have.

It was AGREED that the Principal Transport Planner be thanked for his presentation.

To receive a verbal update from the Head of Planning Strategy and Regeneration on the Local Plan Examination Arrangements.

The Panel received a verbal update from the Head of Planning Strategy and Regeneration on the Local Plan Examination Arrangements.

The Panel were informed that the Welborne and Development Site & Policy Plans are likely to be examined by the inspector between 15-23October 2014. It is unknown yet when the inspector will report on both plans, but it is thought that it should be around December 2014, with the hope to have the plans adopted in the new year.

The Head of Planning Strategy and Regeneration was thanked for her update.

To consider a report by the Director of Planning and Development, which reviews the Panel’s Work Programme for 2014/15.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Planning and Development which reviewed the Work Programme for 2014/15.

Members attention was drawn to the two additional items added onto the work programme; Presentation on Inland Flooding – Roles and Responsibilities and current projects to the 4 November meeting and River Hamble to Portchester Coastal Flood Risk & Management Strategy proposed for adoption to the 3 March 2015 meeting.

Councillor Trott enquired as to future meeting dates for the Fareham Design Member’s Working Group. The Director of Planning and Development stated that the Planning Strategy service was principally focused on preparation for the Plan examinations (referenced in minute item 8 above), but that a programme of meetings would be forthcoming for the next calendar year in due course.

It was AGREED that the work programme, as set out in Appendix A to the report, be approved.