Bournemouth Civic Society

Minutes of committee meeting held on Wednesday 15th October 2008

Present: Ken Mantock (Chair); Jean Bird; John Soane, John Cresswell, Keith Barnes; Beryl Parker; Sally McGrath; Brian Shuttleworth; John Barker; Keith Rawlings. Ken welcomed Keith Rawlings as our President. Keith wanted an update on the Bicentenary plans.

1. Apologies: Alan Brown, Peter Jackson, Jackie Nicols, Peter Jackson.

2. Minutes of September meeting. These were approved as a true record.

3. Matters arising. Para 13. Ken had received the e-mail about the “Third Sector” but nothing more.

4. LDF. LDF representatives had put their objection about the proposal for increased housing numbers to Cabinet and the lack ok infra-structure. This last would cost about £500m. The need to protect the green belt was stresses.
Councils in SE Dorset have formed a SE Dorset Defence Consortium fronted by the CPRE. A number of rallies have taken place but have not really engaged with Bournemouth--a disappointment. Strouden Park Forum, Ron Whittaker, Wendy Sharp and Mrs O’Luby have been campaigning against the proposals,
The next meeting of the LDF will be on 29th October.

10. Bicentenary. Keith Rawlings asked for a progress report. John B reported that the “Streets” was making progress. There had been a training session for oral history recorders. The problems of recording and preserving the Council archives in the Southcote Road bus station are still to be resolved. Brian Shuttleworth had not heard anything since being accepted as a volunteer he was concerned that other volunteers were also in the dark and felt that the University should report on progress to them. John B will mention this to Pat Gargan, the administrator.
John C said that the original publisher of the “Coast” book had gone out of business. A new publisher is being sought for propose book of Bournemouth. Most of the authors had been chosen and a number of scripts were with the editor.
John C is co-ordinating an Environment event and has got Anne Filer interested. He would also like to organise a history event.
Before Keith Rawlings left he was congratulated by Ken for his “gong” from
Bournemouth in Bloom.
5. Environment Forum. Jean B attended the meeting on 7th October at Pelham’s.
Before the main meeting there had been a multi-agency discussion on extreme climate conditions.
a) No overall conclusion on the local transport plan but bus use had increased by 21%.
b) Mike Holmes reported slow but good progress on the well being of the town.
c) Local climate impact profile. Leigh Green proposed acquiring Thermal; Mapping Profile. During recent storms Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole reported 90 severe weather events. Evidence was gathered from reports in the Echo.
d) Air Festival. The forum wanted a robust CO2 emission report for next year. The Park and ride was a success.
e) Big Green Eco Bus. It was proposed that such a vehicle should visit schools, businesses, and shopping centres.
5. f) Annual Partnership meeting on 11th December. Environmental agenda items to Angela Pooley by end of October. g) Cycling Forum. Concern about speed limit on Hurn to Throop route. Cycle lane map to be re-issued.
h) Bicentenary day; Saturday 5th June 2010.
I) Next meeting 28th January 2009.

6. Planning.
Built Environment. a) Throop Mill. The repairs had been completed and the court case held over. Ken was concerned that the Council was paying £8000 towards Heygate’s costs.
b) 37 Sandbourne Road. English Heritage decided not to list the building although they considered it contributed to the street scene. John Soane said there was a need for an intermediate level below the national criterion for conservation of similar buildings. Ken and Jean would write to the Echo making this point.
c) The Meyrick Park and Talbot Woods conservation area appraisal due in September had been delayed due to staffing changes but is expected to be complete by end of October. It should result in the enlargement of the area.
d) Margaret Levinson was concerned about tree loss and no replacement in Manor Road. John Soane to follow up.
f) The Pavilion is going ahead but without the Spa on the roof.

Natural Environment. John Cresswell was still concerned about the staff cuts in Parks and Countryside. Friends groups are getting more active and have an umbrella insurance scheme. Tree wardens are pro-active and may undertake a town wide tree count.
Environmental education. The two centres have closed but it is hoped to transfer it to schools. There is some enthusiasm in the schools approached.
Roger West wants the Council to take more steps to reduce the risk of flooding.
David Bird is to report on cliff stability.

Planning Applications. John Soane was away and unable to produce his usual digest. But it will be available at the next meeting with the current one.
He considered the plans for the Diplomat Hotel to be nearly acceptable. St George’s Hotel is likely to be approved. 16 Walpole Road and Tuckton Road should be rejected. 12/14 Sandbourne Road. Jean was concerned about the extensive excavation and its effect on the stability of the cliffs and asked whether JS had approved. After discussion it was agreed that if a decision affected members of the Society the final recommendation should go to Ken. Jean was concerned that it had been reported that the surf reef was being financed by Barretts contribution for Boscombe regeneration, she thought that this was not the original proposal. Ken confirmed that it was.
John C asked about demolition proposals at the Lansdowne College. Most were the post war pre-fabs and part of the school.. The main building with clock tower would remain. He was concerned that House Beautiful was to be demolished, was this so?
Ken was impressed with the two design guides produced by the Council. Should be mentioned at the next Mike Holmes meeting (14th November).

7. Activities. Beryl reported a good visit to the Avonmouth hotel (noe Christchurch Harbour). A good lunch at the Amberwood. Next lunch at Mayflower at Fullerton. The Opera House applications nearly up to 40. Christmas lunch 38 at present.
Keith said next meeting, next day, to Freemasons Knole Hall.
Committee lunch at Bates, Lower Charminster on 24th October.

8. Membership. Sally reported applications from two people and Beryl had enquiries from two more.

9. Website. Jenny Cradock, local TV wanted film from 60s. John B had suggested possible source.

11. Civic Trust. Very little activity at present. Sally asked to do lay assessment at Poole. She noted that the notice to assessors was very late. Ken will raise with Director the apparently poor administration.

12. Financial Position. Current A/c at 30/9, £1752; CAF as last month.

13.AOB. Sally and John B will deal with latest application for B&Q site.
Beryl asked for latest on Ice Rink. Not much optimism.
John Cresswell asked whether there was any knowledge about Walter Crane involvement on Stourwood estate in 1907. Ask Michael Stead.

4a). Vision of Bournemouth Town Centre. The document was reviewed and opinions sought.
The priorities were: 1. New all weather family attractions.
2. Retail regeneration (more small shops
3. Better transport.
4. Quality buildings and public space.
5. Providing quality employment space.
6. Increased number of homes.
Sally was pleased to see no mention of multi-plex cinemas.
The document was considered to have the right balance of possibilities.

JVLB 17.10.08