STOKE BISHOP NEIGHBOURHOOD OPEN FORUM Tuesday 2 nd February 2016

Transcription

1 STOKE BISHOP NEIGHBOURHOOD OPEN FORUM Tuesday 2 nd February 2016 Present: Councillor Peter Abraham (PA), Councillor John Goulandris (JG). Officers: Gary Brentnall (GB), PC Jeanette Cadden (JC). Ward Representatives: Alan Preece (Chairman) (AP), Gay Huggins (GH), Peter Robottom (PR), Peter Weeks (PW), Wendy Hull (Neighbourhood Watch Network Rep).(WH), Stephanie French (Tree Champion)(SF), David Mayer (Chair of the NP & WOT Rep) (DM). Alan Aburrow (Vice Chair of the NP & WOT Rep) (AA), Simon Bray (Director of Residential & Hospitality Services, UofB), Maggie Leggett (Director of Marketing, UofB) and Avril Baker (UofB) and approximately 40 members of the public. Apologies: None received. Welcome: Alan Preece welcomed everyone and made the introductions. There were no representatives from Sea Mills despite being invited as our new Boundary will include part of Sea Mills to Sylvan Way from April GB is holding a drop-in at the Cafe on the Square on the 22 nd February 11am-1pm to provide information. AP also congratulated Ian Beattie on his MBE. Updates and Information: a) Police Feedback: PC Jeanette Cadden reported. Crime figures for our area had been submitted and were supplied with the paperwork. 80 Vehicles had been damaged on Stoke Road and Ladies Mile just before Christmas. All did not belong to people living in Bristol, i.e. students. The police were baffled and a camera may be installed on Stoke Road, but this would require permission. Burglaries are down which was probably due to no travellers being in the area. However, the Nottingham Knockers were around so please advise the police if they have called on you, and do not purchase anything. They have been very abrasive and are known to return to burgle your property. Also garages are targeted for bikes. People have been followed back from Ashton Court to see where they live. Complaints about parking on pavements in Sea Mills Lane have been investigated, and letters, then tickets have been issued. Jeanette warned that FunderWorld is back from the 24 th March to 10 th April on the Downs and no police patrols have been allotted to it at the moment. It is a haven for Antisocial behaviour. There was some ASB around Christmas when the Croquet Club was attacked and Sea Mills depot, but the perpetrators were caught on CCTV. PA said parking on pavements was obstructing blind or partially sighted people and pushchairs/wheelchairs. He asked JC to have a word with colleagues as he saw police cars parked on pavements, which was not good when trying to encourage people not to do this. It is all over the City, and it is illegal. Alfred Pope mentioned a car which had been parked on Druid Hill which was causing traffic problems. Although it was not illegally parked, the police eventually contacted the owner and he moved the vehicle. When questioned about a recent burglary, JC said it was in the hands of the Crown Prosecution Service who make the decision whether to prosecute.

2 She was asked about the Violence against the Person figures, and this was mainly domestic violence. b) Neighbourhood Watch Network: Wendy Hull had submitted a report to which there were no questions. She had made a presentation to the local Druid Fountain NW and she asked if there had been any progress on their future, to which she was informed a Steering Group was going forward. WH was happy to help if anyone needed information on NW. c) Parking around Hiatt Baker: Simon Bray (SB) attempted to answer the questions which had been put to him at the previous Open Forum. He had produced a question/answer briefing which he left for people to collect at the end of the meeting. There was no legal way of banning students from bringing cars, but the car parks on campus were not being used to their full capacity, presumably because the University was charging 99 for an annual permit. It was suggested they provided them free, as this charge was forcing students to park on the streets. SB said the car park was used 70-90% during the day although these figures were disputed. Two surveys had taken place and no further ones were envisaged. Further parking restrictions could be imposed in Shaplands, Rylestone Grove and Elmlea Avenue, but these would need a TRO which it was unlikely the University would pay for. PR said he would take the outcome of the options analysis to the next meeting of the Transport Working Group. SB had gone back to the legal team and looked at other Universities. JG stated that it had been a condition when he was at University that you could not bring your car unless you got a permit. He suggested the University took a harsher tone with students. RG stated that last night he had checked the car parks and there were only 19 at the University Hall and 9 at Badock, both have room for 60 cars cars were parked on Shaplands overnight, some blocking people taking their children to school and the Police had to be called. Hiatt Baker removed parking spaces for over 200 cars by building more accommodation and this was discussed with planning. Serious conditions were imposed by the planning in perpetuity and not just for 2 years that they would check on the parking issues. PA had a meeting with residents of Stoke Park Road. The University had attended and had brought the contract with them which said they would tell students not to bring cars, but they had subsequently dropped this. Therefore there was a requirement for the University to do something about the parking. RG advised us that planning permission has been submitted for the playing fields on Coombe Lane. There was concern over the floodlighting. Although Abbey Road residents had been assured their concerns were unfounded as modern lighting will reduce the glare, there were still concerns over the proposals. Please see the Application reference no: 16/00537/F DM asked SB what can the University do? They had promised parking would not spill over into streets in Stoke Bishop but it has. They have created this problem and need to explore a solution. It was suggested that any students residing in Halls were NOT allowed to bring cars. The University set the rules and this should be one of them. SF suggested we invited the Vice Chancellor to the next Forum, but this was not agreed as SB has ultimate responsibility to sort it out. However, it was suggested the Chairman of the NP write to the Vice Chancellor on the matter. AP thanked SB and his colleagues for attending. d) Mayor s Visit: AP reported on George Ferguson s (GF) visit. AP had made an original invitation to hold a public forum which was replaced with an NP tour and opportunity to meet residents. The original planned 5 hours had to be reduced to 3 for the whole NP3 area. However, we able in that time to show him the problems of access to the new Avon Wildlife Trust site on the Portway, the parking problems around Hadrian Close and Sea Mills Lane due to the station and 902 bus stop, lack of parking for allotment users, destruction of banking and verges. PR had given him some ideas for parking on the archaeological site and/or by the

3 Trym. We then showed him the new boundary area and discussed the implications of the different organisation and demographics, followed by Stoke Lodge where we had achieved a playground, improved car park, possible sensory garden, which raised particular interest and support. Time was then spent in the very well used Adult Learning Centre where he was shown the huge range of subjects and importance of the Centre to the wider Bristol community. Local Developments & Projects: Roger Gamlin, Co-convenor, Stoke Bishop Residents Planning Group : Very little activity at the moment. 1) Shepperton Homes of the 14 houses, 8 are sold or reserved and 4 more being released shortly. This means more children for the local schools to accommodate. 2) 69 Coombe Lane Despite a lot of work by SF, planning went ahead for two additional houses being built on this site. 3) 17 Woodland Grove A 4-bed detached house had been applied for in November but it had been refused, but another application was in at the moment and looks likely to go through. Tree Issues SF had not produced a report as two weeks ago there was nothing new. However, at 69 Coombe Lane she was very worried about the builders cabins, huge vehicles weighed down with earth on the drive, right against the pine trees (which have TPOs) and on top of their roots. They now plan to put a garage on top of the tree roots. There are regulations about building on top of tree roots of TPO trees. Other items raised were: 1 The replacement oak tree has been planted near the Druid Hill, Shirehampton Road, Parry s Lane roundabout. It replaces the one that was new but died 18 months ago. We wish it better luck. 2 The other tree we are waiting for, the Cedar of Lebanon to replace a felled diseased Ash, has been promised by the end of March. It has a spot on Stoke Lodge near an oak that was lost a few years ago. 3 There is to be a new tree obtaining process. A lot of the work will devolve upon the Environment Group (EG) but that does not matter because at least then we will know where along the chain of progress each planting scheme has reached. Several members of the EG offered help in overseeing it. 4 We now have a scaffolding quote for carving the dismantled Cedar of Lebanon on Stoke Lodge that is within our budget (just). We are waiting for sign off from BCC Landscapes and can then go ahead. We do not know why there is a delay here as the scaffolder is one of the main contractors for BCC and can comply with the certification, insurance and inspection schedules required by BCC. It was suggested she go to BCC and say What is the problem? BCC are also requiring the reinstatement of the ground after the work is done, but as their truck had to be pulled out when the tree was felled this was not felt to be appropriate. TVG Update: DM reported. We are now in our tenth cycle of exchanges over 5 years. Importantly, the Inspector had recommended TVG registration in However, the objectors have raised the issue of Statutory Purpose and Statutory incompatibility following the Newhaven Judgement. All parties have made written submissions regarding the relevance of Newhaven at Stoke Lodge Parkland. The Inspector has expressed doubt regarding the relevance at SL in his direction s dated , but has called for a Public Hearing to hear oral evidence. The pre-hearing meeting is on Friday 5 th February 2016, to set the agenda. The public hearing date is not yet confirmed (now known to be th June and th June set aside, venue TBA). All paperwork is on the website ( ) but to date it is 300mb! NP Working Groups: a) Transport PR reported that the Downs restrictions we now in force. No progress with CPNN. The formal consultation on the zebra crossing on Shirehampton Road/mini roundabout top Druid HIll

4 was due next week. Both he and Jim Doxey had given the Mayor written submissions regarding the parking problems around Hadrian s Close/Sea Mills Lane. Road markings due shortly on Druid Hill to stop parking across the dropped kerb in front of NISA, and a SLOW on Stoke Hill to try to slow down traffic for residents exiting their driveways on the steep part. He explained the Council s new Traffic Choices Tracker scheme. People would be asked to submit their ideas through the Open Forums to be discussed before being added to the Transport Group s Highways Issues list. AP went through those shown in the papers for the meeting. AA explained that yellow lines needed a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which cost 4,000 whether it was for 2 yards or 2 miles! And a zebra crossing cost 25,000+. Items covered were:- 1) Crossing on Dingle Road a possibility though Ian Beattie said he had never had problems crossing there. It was probably worse at different times of the day. 2) Branscombe Road now being used as a rat-run to the Portway.. Parking was on both sides and it was in the 20mph zone. A speedwatch might help here. 3) Crossing on Sea Mills Lane presumably for children accessing Stoke Bishop School. 4) Kerb damage on Stoke Park Road University should do something about this as it is due to student cars parked and lorries unable to get through. 5) Parrys Lane/Cross Elms Lane basically cars should slow down. There is about to be a consultation to up-grade bus stops, 2 on Stoke HIll and 1 by Stoke Lodge. b) Environment AP reported that the full notes from the latest meeting would shortly be on the website ( He went through the points mentioned in the report. Ian Beattie raised the matter of the verges on Bell Barn Road which had been sprayed by the contractors to the width of a foot for the total length. They are not allowed to use strimmers now but these areas should have been mown. Where residents have planted bulbs or other perennial plants, these were not sprayed. Parks are responsible. GB would look into it. c) Older People WH had produced a report but unfortunately this was not the one included in the papers. However, she reported the latest trip at Christmas had been a great success. d) Well Being Fund GH reported as PW had not been able to attend the meeting. The approved grants were subject to the Councillors approval at the next NP forum. The next round would be in the new financial year and would include the new boundaries. West of England Joint Spatial/Transport Plan: PR reported. The West of England (formerly Avon) had produced two documents, and although it was passed the deadline date there was still time to make a comment if you were quick, either on the website: or by comment@jointplanningwofe.org.uk. The requirement is for 85,000 new homes. Over 56,000 have been identified, but where will 29,000 more be found. There are 20,000 in the pipeline but a further 12,000 may be expected through urban intensification of the built-up area including hat part in South Glos. It is intended that green spaces are to be preserved. PR was particularly concerned that we stressed the need to restore passenger services on the railway line from Avonmouth to Parkway and not just have a spur from Temple Meads to Henbury as this way users from Stoke Bishop could travel to Filton and the business parks and educational establishments around Parkway as well as for onward connections. Without this, the A4018 and routes through Southmead would be more congested. PA thanked all who had put in their comments. Do not leave it long to write in as they all have to be collated. These plans have been around for a long time, but if the money is not there, then they cannot be done. As a NP we should toughen up and make our opinions felt.

5 Any Other Business: 1) Jim Doxey raised the parking in Sea Mills particularly concerning access to the allotments. PA had met with highways last week and there are officers looking into the situation and it is very much in hand. Probably put restricted parking limits in Hadrian s Close, as well as on Sea Mills Lane. 2) Ian Beattie raised the matter of Mariners Path wall, which he had been involved with over many years, renovating it in Two years ago it was again in poor state and he had cleared the ivy from the wall. It is an historic wall, going back hundreds of years, as has the footpath. There is a need to get someone to take on the responsibility for the path and wall for the future. There are no drains in Church Avenue so gravel put down in the past was soon washed away.. It was suggested he liaise with GB and he could apply to the Environment Group or Well Being Grants for funding. 3) Nick Alderson, of Queens Gate asked about the 901 bus service. It is now being used a bit more as it stops on Sea Mills Square. PA pointed out that if it was taken off, the money would not go into the transport pot. We would also not be living up to our commitment with the Park and Ride. PA had waited an hour for a No.3 bus that day. These are the real issues that we should be addressing. JG advised the 901 bus was due for review in August with the renewal of the contract in September so it could be pulled. 4) Sue Mayer ask everyone to have a look at the Planning Application for the Coombe Dingle Sports Complex. Ref: 16/00537/F There being no other business, the meeting closed at 9.10pm. Date of Next Meeting: TUESDAY 10 th MAY 2016.