HRA Highlights April 20249 April 2024
We had a good turnout to our Quarterly Members Meeting on Thursday 28 March, and I’d like to thank everyone for braving the very inclement weather to come along and support us.
The minutes will be produced very soon, but meanwhile, there are some interesting items which are worth informing you of before the minutes are tabled on our website.
Transfer of Old School
Consents in principle have now been received from CIC Regulator and BCP Council . The Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council are now to proceed with a full structural survey of Old School prior to making a decision to continue with the process of taking over the building.
Draft BCP Council Local Plan public consultation
Excellent meeting held on 26 March 2024 at St. Mark’s church hall with Margaret Phipps as speaker. This draft local plan has important implications for the future of the Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole area, and each ward has its own dedicated list of policies. These policies for Highcliffe and Walkford contain plans for housing, building heights, travel infrastructure, recreational facilities, retail areas, and ‘Local opportunity areas’. This plan, if accepted, will be used in planning applications for the next 15 years, and so it is really important that it is a reflection of the needs of the residents.
It is therefore VITAL that everyone engages with the process.
There is a hard copy in the Highcliffe Library, and links to the on line document via the HRA website
Councillor Andy Martin is holding a drop in session on Saturday 13th April 2024 at The Old School from 1030 - 1230 when residents can ask more questions before submitting their comments on the proposals.
Survey
We have recently launched a survey of members’ attitudes towards HRA in order to help us to formulate a strategy for the future. This can be found on www.highclifferesidents.co.uk/survey, and we would be glad to receive your completed forms by 11th April 2024. There are hard copies available in a holder by the letter boxes in the porch at Old School if you prefer.
Planning Issue
A member raised an issue about infill development in Smugglers Lane North. The issue has gone to appeal and you can see more information about it at this link:
https://planning.christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk/plandisp.aspx?recno=119011
Report from our Councillors
Cllr David Martin asked residents to continue log and report any incidents of anti-social behaviour at the Cliffhanger Car Park. He is taking steps to close the gate to the overflow car park earlier in the summer months.
Cllr Andy Martin reported that the consultation on the future Library Strategy will open in 2 weeks and urged people to make their views known so they can be taken into account.
He passed on an apology from BCP's Head of Seafront about the state of Chewton Bunny and a commitment to make good the damage once the weather improves.
Cllr Paul Hilliard wanted to let residents know that the astroturf is being re-laid at Mudeford Wood Community Centre and that this will entail some closure to traffic. The re-opening is due mid May.
There will be a launch event for the new information boards about the local heritage of Steamer Point later in the summer.
Finally, the Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council will be holding their Annual Meeting on Thursday 18 April 2024 in the Old School, 254 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, commencing at 6.30. An Annual Parish Meeting is a legal requirement of all civil parishes and is a public meeting giving the residents an opportunity to ask questions and make resolutions for the parish council to consider.
