Notes of Westbury-on-Trym Neighbourhood Forum 7.00pm Tuesday 22nd October 2013 at Venue 35, Stoke Lane

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1 Notes of Westbury-on-Trym Neighbourhood Forum 7.00pm Tuesday 22nd October 2013 at Venue 35, Stoke Lane Present: Councillors: Cllr Geoff Gollop & Cllr Alastair Watson BCC Officers: Hayley Ash, Andrew McGrath, Gary Brentnall Avon & Somerset Police: PC Paula Donnelly, PCSO Paula Perry WoT Ward Reps: Alan Aburrow (Meeting Chairman) Sue Boyd & David Mayer Plus approximately 30 members of the public 1. Welcome, Introductions & Elections David Mayer welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Alan Aburrow as Chairman for the night s meeting. Alan Aburrow introduced the Councillors and the Officers and explained that, at the last Neighbourhood Partnership meeting (which was also the AGM) David Mayer had been elected Chairman of the Partnership for Henleaze, Stoke Bishop and Westbury on Trym (NP3) and that he had been elected Vice Chairman, for the current financial year. 2. City-Wide 20mph Rollout Proposals See Briefing Paper, attached as Attachment 1 Alan Aburrow gave a review of the proposed 20mph Rollout and the public consultation due to close on Friday 25 th October. 24,000 information postcards have been sent to local Residents for comments/feedback. Essentially, the scheme proposes that the majority of all residential roads are reduced to 20mph, with through routes remaining at 30mph importantly, all roads currently 40mph and above and all dual carriageways also remain unaltered. Questions from the floor A resident asked Will there be a review after six months. Alan Aburrow thought this would be unlikely. Susan Mayer asked why Coombe Lane has been exempted, in contrast to adjacent minor roads and with no compelling reason/excuse to retain the 30mph limit; this move is utterly counterproductive and will actually encourage continued speeding in a wholly residential area; something this shambolic scheme was supposed to abolish. Alan Aburrow said it was probably because it was a current through route and bus route. A resident asked why don t the council widen Stoke Road to ease traffic congestion David Mayer said this had been considered but The Downs Committee was unwilling to allow encroachment/erosion onto a protected area, so the idea was a non-starter. Page 1 of 28

2 3. Actions Arising from Previous Open Forum (29 January) See Briefing Paper, attached as Attachment 2 i. Pavement grabbing on Westbury Road Alan Aburrow confirmed that we need to monitor the response and actions of the residents affected to see if they do take advantage of the conditional planning approval and make the required modifications. ii. Cars parking on pavements in Stoke Grove. WPC Paula Donnelly said that a number of written warnings and fixed penalty charges have been issued which are now set at 100 for reoffenders. (Lampeter Road has also become a problem) iii. Canford Park new fencing Completed iv. Canford Park new play equipment (for older children) David Mayer confirmed that the additional play equipment had been installed and was used extensively throughout the summer holidays. However, there have been a number of accidents on the new equipment which was designed for older children; these incidents have proved to be as a result of misuse; predominantly by parents allowing their very young children to use the more challenging equipment with predictable consequences, resulting in several broken bones. David also confirmed that the council were installing notices to advise the recommended age range for use of individual items of equipment. v. Development on Filton Airfield Alan Aburrow warned that the plan to build 5,000-plus new houses will have a huge impact on north Bristol, including BS9. Although the land is within South Gloucester, if the majority of these new residents work in central Bristol, they will need to commute via BS9. We also need to insist that full infrastructure (schools, doctors etc) to service the new houses are included in the master plan and delivered on day one. Cllr. Alastair Watson said there are cross party groups in talks with South Gloucestershire Council but we must ensure there is proper infrastructure in place during the 15 year development phase in order to avoid another Bradley Stoke. Andy McGrath gave details of an Open-day on Tuesday 12 th November at the Greenway Centre, Southmead, between 3 7pm hosted by Swedish Developers, Skanska. vi. Access to Public Toilets in Canford Park Extra funds were made available to keep the toilets open longer this summer and this was judged a great success. However, it was agreed that a more permanent solution was required and officers are already involved in costing these solutions. It has been confirmed that the Section 106 monies from Hiatt Baker could be used to fund these works, subject to approval from the NP. 4. Not used typographical error in original Agenda 5. Promoting Westbury on Trym See Briefing Paper, attached as Attachment 3 i. Westbury in Bloom Sue Boyd displayed the numerous awards won this year, including Best Shopping Area (again) and a discretionary award from RHS; but warned that Westbury in Bloom may not enter WoT for these awards next year due to the burdensome personal time and effort required. A Resident asked if posters could be produced to promote and advertise the achievements of WIB on behalf of the Village and the residents, or perhaps a permanent sign in Carlton Court, Sue agreed but asked for volunteer/s to help to achieve this. Page 2 of 28

3 Tim Ball, a new business owner in the village offered to help with local digital marketing. ii. Westbury on Trym Business Association (WOTBA) Sue Boyd announced that:- a) Fund raising for The Christmas Lights has begun with Red Boxes on shop counters throughout the Village and asked that everyone donate any loose change to help light up the High Street. b) Additionally the Westbury Christmas Fair - will be on Saturday 14 th December; starting in Stoke Lane between 10am 1pm and continuing in the main Village from 2pm 6pm. Canford Lane will be closed to traffic during the event. Ian Spokes of Venue 35, asked if would be possible to close Charlcombe Court to traffic in order to maximise this year s event but it was felt that the shops as a whole may not be unenthusiastic. Ian Spokes asked if the initiative to provide Commando boxes (external weatherproof electrical supply boxes) to feed Christmas lighting could be shared equally between the two shopping centres in WoT but Sue warned that the display would be small in the first year, due to funding, as the boxes cost between 148 and 198 each. David said that any business wanting to get involved should contact Richard Devereux (chairman WOTBA), 52a, High Street who is leading this project but reminded everyone that boxes will be allocated on a first come first served basis; Julien pointed out that Richard will also have a demonstration unit available shortly. Regarding the Christmas Poster, a Stoke Lane resident asked if the Stoke Lane Christmas Fair could also be included on the poster. Jill Kempshall called for a Vote of Thanks to Sue Boyd for all her efforts to maintain an uplifting Village atmosphere. iii. Village Plan/Community Plan Alan Aburrow confirmed that a Character Assessment for the central area of Westbury on Trym, broadly aligning with the current Conservation Area, is substantially complete and the learning process has been invaluable. It is intended that WotSoc will promote the Character Assessment process across the whole Ward. The data already collected for the central area will be used to review the current 40-year old Conservation area status, with possible increases to the area covered. This will require a full public consultation by BCC. 6. Planning Issues See Briefing Paper, attached as Attachment 4 David Mayer said that with regard to planning the primary role of the Neighbourhood Partnership is to let Residents know about planning issues and it is the role of the community to make their views known through the Council s formal planning process. He also confirmed that we are served very well in this Ward by the Westbury on Trym Society who, amongst other strategic objectives, have a very enviable record of co-ordinating and leading where community responses are necessary. Hence, the Planning briefing paper (Attachment 4) has been provided by WOTSOC. David Mayer reminded all those in attendance that they should fill in the attendance register confirming their address if they wish to be included in the distribution of the briefing papers in advance of the Forum Meetings. He then gave a brief overview of the planning briefing paper including, Holmwood Gardens, Westbury Road, Wessex Water kiosks, Shipley Road Flats and Wesley College. Page 3 of 28

4 Jill Kempshall asked for clarification on the number of houses in the Application for Wesley College because residents have been informed that the latest application is for twelve houses not eleven as previously submitted. Dale Evans of Alder King, said that the revised plans are in fact for just eleven houses and that the likely date for a planning application will be November 4 th, now that Sport England have indicated that they will withdraw their objection. Julien Carey said that the new Tesco Store will open on Tuesday, 29 th October; this news was met with general disdain including a number of references to probable traffic problems in the future. Ian Spokes asked if there was anything the Forum could do in response to planning approval (during the summer holidays) for a detached house in a rear garden off The Dell. Access to the property will be via a very narrow access road to Elm Lea Junior School, who had vigorously opposed the plans, along with several near neighbours. There is a growing consensus amongst parents of children at the school that the Approval should be overturned with both an on line E-petition as well as one available to sign in Venue 35 attracting signatures. Cllr. Alistair Watson promised to lend his support. Julien Carey complained that the new flats on Canford Lane bore little resemblance to the listed cottage next door, despite this being a planning condition. The new build appeared to be higher and bulkier than its listed neighbour. Roger Smith disagreed but went on to say that the St Ursula School site was under threat again. Refurbishment plans for the school are rumoured to include converting the old house into flats, seemingly in an effort to prevent any possibility of a future through school on the site. Cllr. Alastair Watson confirmed that he was attending a related meeting tomorrow and he will pass on our concerns Cllr. Geoff Gollop confirmed that BCC still own the land and buildings and agreed that it was highly likely to be a Developer that was hoping to block the through school plan. (Secretary s Note: there is drop-in session at St Ursula s on Wednesday 6 November, between 4.00 and 8.00pm, to view the new proposals). 7. Police Feedback WPC Paula Donnelly delivered a succinct review of the latest crime figures in the area for the period from 1 st June 22 nd October 2013: i. Four dwelling burglaries, a 73% reduction on last year ii. Three commercial thefts in the Canford Lane area iii. Seventy-two shed break-ins, down on last year iv. One distraction burglary; an elderly resident was followed home and robbed recently. Police now investigating the possibility of links to similar crimes throughout southern England v. Car crime, 50% down. Police have a covert trap car and have caught one person twice! vi. Five push-bikes stolen; however a missing bike was returned to its grateful owner recently, when an officer recognised its distinctive markings whilst making enquiries in the area on a separate matter. Paula urged everyone to report bike theft because sometimes they are recovered safe and sound vii. Domestic violence twenty three reports and just one hate crime viii. Shop-lifting up 84%, predominantly from the newly redesigned Co-op in Stoke Lane. Paula confirmed that a rogue s gallery had been given to the Co-op to alert staff to likely suspects. The proprietor of a nearby shop asked if there could be a general alert between traders to prevent further thefts Page 4 of 28

5 ix. Drugs, five warrants issued against users x. One hundred and forty four Anti Social Behaviour reports; however some are multiple reports and only one ASB report has been received for Canford Park. Three for Badock s Wood and one beggar in the Village xi. A Canford Road Resident asked if dual speed cables could be introduced across the road to catch speeding drivers because he felt other measures were failing, including Speed Watch because drivers were alerted by the yellow high-viz tabards Alan Aburrow pointed out that this was expensive and would probably only be sanctioned where it was proven to be an accident Black Spot Stephanie French pointed out that the hand held cameras did in fact record the speed before a driver could apply the brakes and that subsequent warning letters could lead to future prosecution following a repeated offence WPC Paula Donnelly also stated that high viz jackets were a health and safety requirement and with public safety in mind, road checks could only take place during daylight hours on clear days PCSO Paula Perry then continued the Police report:- xii. You may have noticed dog mess in Canford Park has been sprayed in brightly coloured paint recently. The Police had assisted Hayley Ash (NP Coordinator) with this initiative to shame dog owners into picking up after their pets; the happy outcome appears to be an overall reduction in fouling xiii. Reported sightings of Nottingham Knockers in the Falcondale Road area recently; these people are rouge traders, using false identification cards, pretending to be legitimate door to door sellers but are secretly casing your property to burglarise later. She went on to say that it is better not to buy anything from the door but stick to recognised traders who can be traced if anything goes wrong xiv. The Beat Surgery group will happily attend any small group including your own home to discuss Crime Prevention tactics xv. If you want to be included on the Ringmaster distribution list contact Paula for details xvi. Twitter for PC is #aspsouthmead 8. Working Group Updates See Briefing Paper, Attachment 5 Alan Aburrow requested that this item could be taken as read given the time constraints and the need to introduce the Neighbourhood Working Initiative item on the agenda. Sue Boyd announced that the next Elderly Folks Day Trip will be on December 5 th and will be a return visit to Oakham Treasures; the cost of the outing includes a light lunch. 9. Neighbourhood Working Initiative See Briefing Paper and Questionnaire, Attachment 6 Hayley Ash described her new role as leading an initiative across North Bristol to ensure joined up solutions are brought to bear on problems requiring multi-departmental involvement. This has been recognised as a particular issue within Bristol City Council departments some of which historically have had a silo mentality and are notoriously blind to, and unwilling to, work with other departments. To aid in identifying and prioritising issues for her (and the relevant departments) to concentrate on, she handed out a briefing paper and a questionnaire to enable residents to select their personal priorities, which should be returned by 1 st November Haley also reported on some of the achievements her intervention had achieved at Canford Park:- Page 5 of 28

6 i. Additional funds had been found to pay for the Park Keeper to extend the public access times for the toilets within the pavilion during the summer holidays ii. Offices have been instructed to design and cost revisions to the pavilion to enable public access to the toilets in the pavilion, without the supervision of the Park Keeper iii. Based on the pre-existing declared local priority to reduce dog faeces soiling in Pubic parks, officers had erected notices and spoken to dog walkers to help with the education process and awareness of the penalty for non compliance. They are also conducting a highly visible survey by spraying dog faeces to identify the scale of the problem and to ensure that the count is not duplicated and, importantly, to identify to dog walkers that their actions are being monitored. This process has proved successful in other regions and it has had the same effect in Canford. The frequency of dog littering has reduced markedly with only a small core of persistent offenders using the Park in the early morning and late at night. Surveillance will continue and appropriate fines will be imposed on owners who refuse to take their dog s faeces home or deposit them in one of the bins in the Park. 10. Any Other Business Cllr. Geoff Gollop, Speeding on Chock Lane continues to be a problem for residents now that the temporary chicanes, installed during recent road works, have been removed Alan Aburrow said there is currently a total review of traffic-calming measures in Chock Lane, aimed at speed reduction. Also, a consultation is imminent concerning junction parking on Stoke Lane, Great Brockeridge, Abbey Road, Briarwood etc. Ian Spokes asked if limited parking on Stoke Lane, particularly near the shops, might be considered to discourage current daylong parking by shop staff; several traders agreed that, in one case, up to four cars regularly hog spaces intended for customers. David Mayer advised that the shopkeepers who want to impose limited parking should take advantage of the forthcoming consultation to make their views known and to influence the outcome of the consultation. Roger Smith asked for the NP to maintain vigilance to ensure that the Highways Dept (Jim Creamer) enforces the recent Planning Consent granted for regularising garden extensions onto a disputed section of public highway in Westbury Road. In addition, the NP should request the Highways Dept to critically review the remaining section of pavement (not covered by the Planning Application) to ensure that parking arrangements are regularised and, if necessary, legalised. Silvia Moore - the Village is lovely but bins are often over-flowing with rubbish. Julien Carey - fires in waste bins near the bus stop in Canford Lane are a regular occurrence due to thoughtless smokers and the failure of May Gurney to properly empty the Fag End Butt compartment causing it to overflow. It was also the consensus that the overall design of the bin was at fault and not fit for purpose and required adaptation. Gary Brentnall agreed to raise the issue with May Gurney. It was also reported by an unnamed resident that a man driving a blue Peugeot, registration number LL03 EAK was seen to park his car on Falcondale Road, take three large bin-bags from the boot and force them into street bins throughout the village. Followed and challenged, he claimed his bin at home was not big enough for his needs, so he does this on a regular basis. 11. Date of Next Meeting Tuesday 28 th January 2014 at Venue 35 at 7.00pm The meeting closed at 9.15pm Page 6 of 28

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12 Westbury-on-Trym Open Forum, 22 October 2013 You said, We did Report on Issues Raised at Previous Open Forum Meetings Attachment 2 Issue New & On-going Issues Pavement grabbing in Westbury Road Monitor regularly and report progress. Update ( ): At a meeting between residents and BCC Planning officers last November, officers informed residents that they could apply for retrospective planning permission regarding this land. This is still the case. BCC officers will not proactively approach residents to do so. Residents, if they wish, will need to formally approach BCC Planning. Action: Cllr Watson to urgently progress the apparent impasse with Council officers, including Jim Creamer (Streetworks & Licensing Manager) Update ( ): S143 notices have been served on two of the properties instructing them to remove the walls and reinstate the surface to its original condition Residents have not moved forward with their applications to extinguish highway rights Residents have been given until 30th April (or thereabouts) to start the planning process, where until then the council will postpone enforcement action pending on the outcome of the application. Update (07/10/13) A retrospective Planning Application (13/02042/F) for the work was granted on 7 October, with numerous conditions and restrictions: applications/files/47166dd23d9d6162e3313f95c23394c4/pdf/13_02042_f- OFFICER_REPORT pdf Car Parking on pavements in Stoke Grove Update ( ): There has been a significant reduction in pavement parking following recent positive police action. Action: police will continue to patrol this road and also Lampeter Road, which was highlighted as having a similar pavement-parking problem. Update ( ): Patrols in Stoke Grove have continued and it would appear that residents are continuing to support the police by parking appropriately and no further complaints have been received.[rep Note: this BCC assertion is incorrect as complaints continue] Parking on Lampeter Rd continues to be a problem. A number of warnings were issued to elderly motorists who park at the location for ease of access to the village. A minority of residents and/or their visitors were found to be parked in a manner that obstructs the pavement. Update (04/10/13) Police response: With regard to Lampeter Rd, we are still receiving complaints from residents. We continue to issue warnings (in the form of an advisory leaflet) to vehicles that are not causing a complete obstruction of the pavement but have also issued a number of Fixed Penalty Notices which incur a 30 fine. The precise number of FPNs will be provided at the forum. We have the registration numbers of offending vehicles. These drivers have received a warning notice to their home addresses. Page 12 of 28

13 Issue Canford Park Fencing Liaise with Nigel Sands to Monitor regularly and report progress. Update ( ): regular liaison with resident group and AEO. Update ( ): The installation work was stopped by the designer in February, following a site inspection which highlighted numerous (and serious) non-compliance issues with design interpretation/manufacture/installation/health & Safety. After lengthy discussions and meetings, BCC have agreed to appoint a Project Manager and a Supervisor to control the contractor and to ensure that proper procedures are followed. Work should resume shortly and will include replacement of some of the recently installed items. Update (04/10/13) The fence has now been completed to the satisfaction of the Parks Landscape Architect. Canford Park New children s play equipment Liaise with Vicki Abel to Monitor regularly and report progress Update ( ): regular liaison with resident group and AEO. Update ( ): Final phase of consultation taking place at Westbury Academy with local school children. Once final design scheme is known, it will be referred back to the contractors for implementation and a date agreed for work to commence. It is anticipated that the play equipment could be on site by July Update (04/10/13) The playground was opened in time for the school summer holidays and proved a huge hit with users. Development(s) being proposed by South Glos Council at Filton Airfield Growing concerns locally that proposals could adversely affect traffic in north Bristol, including WoT. Action: Encourage Bristol councillors and Council officers to be more proactive. Update ( ): The Mayor has been talking to South Glos Council and there will be a public meeting sometime in May, date to be confirmed. Update (04/10/13) South Gloucestershire Officers are trying to confirm a programme for public engagement covering both the new neighbourhood development framework Supplementary Planning Document and individual developer proposals. The programme is influenced by decisions on the Core Strategy for which the Inspector s report is now expected in mid-november. Engagement is likely to include informal drop-in events in the autumn and a period (six weeks) of formal consultation on the SPD starting in the New Year. Further details, dates and venues for drop-in events will be advised as soon as possible. Toilets in Canford Park These are not public toilets as such and, due to their location, subject to opening only when a Park Keeper is on Duty. The toilets are primarily for users of the sports facilities. Action: Officers to explore if toilets can be opened for longer, particularly during school holidays and weekends. Update (04/10/13) Over the school summer holidays extra funding was secured to keep the toilets open during busy times in the park. This proved to be a success. Now that the holidays are over, funding is being sought that will enable the conversion of the toilets (currently not fully accessible to the public) to enable them to be open more often. The Neighbourhood Partnership and officers are exploring a couple of options that may help progress this matter. Closed Issues Access to Canford Cemetery via the Kissing gate Access problems for mobility scooters. Update ( ): Gate removed. Problem solved. If abuse by motorcyclists occurs again, BCC will need to find another solution New style litter bin and Cycle Rack in Canford Lane (Shops) Pursue and progress installations. Update ( ): Bin and cycle racks are now in place Page 13 of 28

14 Redundant bus stop outside Classic Man Despite representations from the Forum, Council officers clearly had no intention of removing this bus shelter. A local resident suggested that we should decorate it with hanging baskets! Update ( ): BCC will not remove the bus stop as it is expensive to do so and it may be needed in the future Overhanging foliage in lane to allotments off Stoke Lane Investigate the scene of the report to establish the current source of the problem and take any necessary action with whomever is responsible to resolve the issue, and report progress Update ( ): Foliage has been cleared Flood Risk Assessment Locate the Report and arrange for a link to be posted on the BCC NP webpage and send the electronic link to the ward reps so that the link can be uploaded to the NP3 web site Update ( ): Report distributed at January Forum and can be accessed via: Canford Lane speeding Residents have complained of excessive vehicle speeds. Update ( ): A Community Speed Watch had been held in November, over a period of 1hr 40min. This recorded 400 vehicles in total with 7 cars exceeding 36 mph. Action: Cheryl Hudson to ensure that all the residents who have volunteered for Speed Watch are trained and contact details are shared to ensure that the project is robust and sustainable. Update ( ): 4 people trained for the voluntary CSW Scheme on Sunday 13th April - 3 ladies from Westbury On Trym (Chock Lane) and 1 gentleman from Henleaze. The newly trained volunteers have agreed to have their contact details shared and will be added to the existing trained volunteer list and all of those volunteers will be mailed the updated list. There are now 7/8 volunteers trained from WOT. Height of Timetables in bus shelters Timetables considered too high to be read by certain users. Update ( ): Council officers have confirmed that there is a generic problem with the bus shelter design and they are trying to find a solution. Therefore, the current design is not fit for purpose. Action: Officers will continue to seek a possible solution and will update the Forum at a future meeting. Update ( ): As has been discussed before, it is not possible to move the timetable cases on these bus shelters. It is proposed that the timetable information is moved to the bottom of the displays and is printed in a larger font. To do this, it will be necessary to split the information over two displays - at present there are two identical displays in each shelter. The new timetables will be installed by Friday 26th April. It is anticipated that this will improve the situation. However, the WoT NP Reps cannot understand why BCC Officers are prepared to accept a solution that is not fit for purpose. Notice Board in Stoke Lane Update ( ): Notice Board had been installed but remedial work is required. The polycarbonate screens need to be sealed to prevent rainwater ingress and the whole board needs to be lowered on its supports by at least 6 inches. Action: Farhan agreed to progress these remedial works. Update ( ): Work is now complete. Page 14 of 28

15 Parking at Westbury Academy (Channells Hill) Growing problem of inconsiderate parking around Westbury Academy. Update ( ): Wayne Dewfall (Parking Services) gave an update to the January Forum about parking enforcement issues in general and around the Academy in particular. Action: Parking Services will continue to patrol the area. WPC Paula Donnelly to liaise with Tony Hoare (Chairman of the Governors) and confirm whether or not displaying photographs of parking offenders contravenes their human rights Update ( ): Wayne Dewfall has directed his officers to Channels Hill to enforce parking. PCSO Paula Perry has included this in her patrol plan and visiting the area more regularly to increase PCSO visibility. WPC Paula Donnelly has been in contact with Tony Hoare and provided information as to actions the school may take in relation to drivers. Closure of Public Toilets (WoT High Street) There were rumours that some of Bristol s public toilets were to be closed but this is not currently the case. Action: Situation to be monitored and Officers to report back to next Forum. Update ( ): Currently, no toilet closures are happening, or programmed to happen. Page 15 of 28

16 Attachment 3 Neighbourhood Partnership Westbury on Trym Neighbourhood Forum, 22 October 2013 Promoting Westbury-on-Trym 1. Westbury in Bloom (WIB) Westbury in Bloom is pleased to announce that Westbury has received the following awards this year: a Gold medal and Best Shopping area (for the 10 th year running!) from Bristol in Bloom. From the Royal Horticultural Society we received Outstanding for It s Your Neighbourhood Award ; a Silver Gilt Medal for Village to Town award and a special Discretionary award for The Edible Bus Stop. This is thanks to everyone who contributed so generously this year - residents, businesses and visitors - and also special thanks to all the volunteers - gardeners and envelope deliverers - a real community effort! As we have said before, this isn t just about flowers but also includes keeping our environment as clean and green as possible and helping to promote Westbury as The Village within the City and as a good place to live, shop, visit and do business in. 2. Westbury-on-Trym Business Association (WOTBA) 2(a) WOTBA Benchmarking Survey. WOTBA continues to make progress in working towards completion of their large Benchmarking Survey including views and opinions from residents, customers and visitors and businesses as to how they currently experience Westbury, their thoughts and ideas on improvements and ideas and suggestions about Westbury s future development. The interviews/surveys completed from the residents and customers were most successful with some 500 replies! A very big thank you to all who took part. We are now following this with the survey of the businesses. We will also be gathering information about other areas, such as car parking spaces, mix of shops and businesses, rates etc. Once we have all the information it will be analysed, bench-marked with other towns of the same size and after that we will publicise the feedback. 2(b) Events As reported at the last Forum, WOTBA is trying to encourage more happenings in Westbury during the year. An event in August - Treasures of Westbury - based on pirates was most successful with stalls and fun and games for the children. It would be good if various groups of people within the community could also put on events! 2(c) Christmas in Westbury Westbury is to have its own Christmas Fair this year - on Saturday December 14th. In fact we are to have two! The first one in the morning, 10.00am pm, is being held at the shopping area in Page 16 of 28

17 Stoke Lane. You can then move on down to Westbury village to visit the Colours of Christmas Fair being held from 2.00pm to 6.00pm in the centre of Westbury. Canford Lane and the High Street will be closed to allow a wide variety of stalls and many other activities to take place - including music, drummers, a carol float, jugglers and of course Father Christmas and lots more! Watch out for the posters and programmes nearer the time! 2(d) Christmas Lights We will be having our own Christmas lights in Westbury this year! Westbury has always been rather low key at Christmas compared with some other areas of Bristol. We are hoping to rectify that and have managed to collect some funding towards setting up lights. However, we really do need everyone s help in adding to this fund by you contributing whatever you can - and helping Westbury to really shine out this year! Please give your donations to: WOT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FUND c/o Venita Vicary, Box No 15 Mailboxes, 60 Westbury Hill, with cheques made payable to WOTBA Christmas Lights Fund. There will also be collecting boxes in many of the shops to encourage you to let go of any spare change - the more money the more lights! Thank you. 3. Village Plan The Westbury-on-Trym Society (WotSoc) has been instrumental in establishing a Community Plan for Westbury village and its environs possibly extending to include the whole of the Ward. The first phase of this exercise has been to review the current 40-year old Westbury Conservation Area by undertaking a Character Assessment exercise, with the support of the Council s Urban Design & Conservation Team, led by Peter Insole. A Mapping Event, to support the Character Assessment, was completed last May, with the help of WotSoc Members and other interested parties. This culminated in the production of the document Our Place: Westbury-on-Trym which is available to view (as a pdf) through the Council s website at: This document can be taken forward as a conservation area character appraisal, or used to underpin community design statements and neighbourhood planning initiatives. Perhaps more importantly, as the document also conforms to the emerging Development Management Policy on Local Character and Distinctiveness, it can be used to inform and respond to planning proposals that potentially impact upon the character of our area. WotSoc hopes to use the Our Place document as the starting point for reviewing the current Conservation Area boundaries and, ultimately, compile a Character Assessment and Community Plan for the whole of the Westbury Ward. Last September, WotSoc hosted an open-evening presentation to outline where they have got so far and to take the Community Plan forward to the next stage. Page 17 of 28

18 Attachment 4 THE WESTBURY ON TRYM SOCIETY SUMMARY OF CURRENT MAJOR PLANNING ISSUES OCTOBER 2013 Battles of the Boundary Walls! Caring for the Village Landscapes In Holmwood Gardens: residents are resisting an application to breach the old boundary wall of Holmwood House, to give access to a planned block of flats in its garden. The applicant has appealed following a refusal by City Council Planning. The Society Committee has also opposed this plan because the old wall borders the Conservation area. The Appeal is currently with an appointed Planning Inspector for adjudication. At the top of Westbury Road, we hope a visual eyesore will be improved: initiatives taken by three residents to extend their front gardens onto forecourts they claim are theirs have resulted in an uneven line of front boundary walls. After several years dispute, City Planning has now required them to apply for retrospective planning permission to stop up the highway (a technical term) a compromise will then be agreed to ensure a legally correct width of footway and grass verge remains but conceding ownership of the enclosed land to residents. Other frontages will be aligned to preserve a more visually pleasing boundary. Also some designation of where cars can and cannot be parked on the forecourts of other adjacent houses would be helpful to pedestrians. Wessex Water has Wall problems too! Members of the committee have had several site meetings with Wessex to discuss locations for their new sewage and water level monitoring kiosks. These kiosks, about a metre high and a little more in width, will stand against various walls around Westbury. Most will be acceptable, if not beautiful, because they are scientifically necessary for our safety and convenience. However, we managed to protect one wall from a blot on the landscape of cottages in Stoke Lane, by insistence on an alternative site. Sadly though, four possible compromises to prevent a kiosk being placed next to the Old Malt House, facing the end of Chock Lane, have failed for various reasons. We have asked for special camouflage paint to tone with the wall behind! Wessex now has to apply for formal planning permission for all the installations. New Homes for Old which also impact on local landscape: At the corner of Shipley Road and Passage Road is a degraded site bordering the conservation area which has been the subject of many planning applications since A new developer has come onto the scene this year and a formal application is pending. We will report any progress as and when the Application is published but keep your eye on the Council s weekly lists if you wish to comment on the design for 9 flats to replace the existing house. We had pre-application talks with the agent and architect earlier this year and some residents came to a meeting to view plans because the plan at that stage was for Page 18 of 28

19 11 flats, necessitating a community consultation (as required for more than 10 dwellings). The plans have been revised with an emphasis on the impact of the elevated design viewed from the High Street. Hopefully our comments plus intervention of the urban design team have brought about some improvement on the original plans which did not find favour locally. At the former Wesley College Site on Henbury Hill plans for conversion of the College to a private Care Home are underway. Several subsidiary applications have been made in regard to the felling of old trees but no objections were lodged. However, objections to the application from Northover Developments to erect twelve detached houses on the former football pitch, east of the former College and behind the Ridgeway, have been made by CPRE on grounds of loss of urban green space, by the Henbury Conservation group and by local residents because it would breach an agreement to retain the Ridgeway as a Culde-Sac. During pre-planning discussions, the developer s original plan for 12 detached houses has been modified to 11 houses, to allow for landscaping between the proposed development and the Frances Greaves House block of flats - now independently and individually owned. In any event, the Planning Application will most likely go to the Planning Committee for a decision, rather than an Officer Decision. No date has yet been arranged but if you wish to view the plans and read the views of local residents, you can do so on the City Council Planning website: The reference number for the Application is: 13/02361/F Hilary Long Chairman, Westbury-o-Trym Society 6 October 2013 Page 19 of 28

20 Attachment 5 Neighbourhood Partnership Westbury on Trym Neighbourhood Forum, 22 October Working Group for Older People Working Group Reports This Working Group aims to promote the health, wellbeing and quality of life of older people within the NP area. Sue Boyd is our Ward Rep on this Group and is also its current Chairman. Pick-Me-Up-Activities focus on those older people over 60 years who have mobility problems, are housebound or have difficulty using public transport. Our next trip is a JOURNEY BACK IN TIME - a CHRISTMAS TRIP TO OAKHAM TREASURES at PORTBURY, on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 TH, The cost is 25 including entrance fee, travel and a Christmas lunch. Travel Arrangements: you will be collected from a central point, or from your own home if necessary, and dropped off at the end of the day - Carers welcome. Please contact GAY HUGGINS on tel by NOVEMBER 10 th. The North Bristol Festival of Age was held on July 1 st, The day focused on local activities for older people - the aim of the day was to give people information and advice and help them to be aware of support services available to them and also activities and groups within our own area. The event was opened by the Mayor of Bristol, George Ferguson, and attended by people. Over 30 organisations were represented and there was a programme of activities taking place throughout the day. There was a real buzz in the air as people joined in with taster sessions of Ping Pong, New Age Kurling, Zumba Gold or the craft sessions. Others enjoyed the Soloman Theatre Company s performances of two plays which were funny but with a serious message on scams. Many of those attending the day were able to find out about a variety of organisations offering Support Services available to them, such as help with transport (including an electric bicycle!) and the local Reminiscence Club for people who have Dementia. Others found out about community groups such as U3A and their family history group, the local Walking Group, or local IT and adult education classes. There was also an opportunity to sit down for a chat and enjoy tea, coffee, sandwiches and cakes in the café. A Dial-a-Ride bus was also available to help with transport. The WGOP would like to give our thanks to all those individuals and organisations who supported the event in so many ways. Altogether, the day was voted a great success by all participants and everyone wants to know when it will be happening again! There were lots of positive comments; Brilliant event, please can it become an annual fixture! ; This was a fantastic day of real enjoyment thanks to the planning and hard work of the organisers ; I ve had such a happy time ; So much to see. There are also some other very positive outcomes from this that are being followed up, including the setting up of three new activity groups and further progress with developing a Leaflet/Web site information setting out the activities available for those people over 60 in this NP3 area. Anyone who has information about any local groups or activities please let us know as soon as possible (to Sue Boyd Tel: ). The next meetings of the WGOP will be held on the following Wednesdays at 2.00pm: October 9 th, November 6 th and November 26 th (A.G.M.) at Waterford Meeting room, United Reformed Church, Waterford Road, Henleaze. Page 20 of 28

21 2. Young Peoples Working Group Currently this Group is not active but being developed by Simon Tomlinson, one of the Henleaze Ward NP Reps. 3. Local Community Small Grants (Previously referred to as Well Being Grants) Alan Aburrow and Sue Boyd are our Ward Reps for this Group During the previous three years 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2011/12 we have funded 30 projects with a total value of 48, During the current financial year, 2013/14, we have already agreed to fund a further 6 projects with a total value of 9, as detailed below: rd Scouts, Stoke Bishop Wall rebuild 3, Phoenix Hedge Preservation Group VAT bill (for original grant application) Westbury on Trym Society 50% contribution to swings in Canford Park 1, Westbury Park (Henleaze) Hanging baskets Westbury on Trym Village Hall New Cooker for updated kitchen project 2, Westbury on Trym Business Assoc Christmas Lights 2, Total 9, Further projects will be considered by the Local Community Small Grants Committee on 29 th October 2013 (closing date for applications ). Successful applications will then be taken forward to the Neighbourhood Partnership and Committee Meeting on 2 nd December 2013, for approval (or rejection) by our local Councillors. Please see our website for Application Forms and details of qualifying criteria, or refer questions to one of your Neighbourhood Partnership Ward Reps. 4. Transport Working Group The last Working Group Meeting was held on 25 July. Alan Aburrow is the Ward s Representative on this Group (and is also its current Chairman). Unfortunately, little progress has been made on any of the Minor Traffic Schemes approved by the Neighbourhood Partnership in June last year. However, the situation should now improve as BCC have recently contracted-out some of the work to cover their current city-wide backlog of minor traffic schemes. The downside is that there is a moratorium on taking on any new schemes, through the Neighbourhood Partnership, until the start of the next Financial Year. Significant transport issues that affect the Westbury Ward, directly or indirectly, are: Greater Bristol Bus Network (GBBN) - protests have continued about the GBBN bus lane on the approach to the White Tree Roundabout. The topic was debated at the Full Council in January, when the issue was referred to the Mayor for resolution. However, it is unlikely that anything will be resolved until traffic counts are completed later this year- so, watch this space! Bus Lane on Parry s Lane - Bristol University is working with BCC s Transport Services to establish if a proposed Bus Lane will be necessary to support the new Transport Hub within the current Hiatt Baker redevelopment. Yellow Box markings could be introduced on Parry s Lane to ensure free movement of buses exiting the site. Parking restrictions will be introduced in Shaplands and surrounding local roads. City-wide 20mph Rollout Scheme - all three of the Neighbourhood Forums held in our Neighbourhood Partnership last May were in near-unanimous agreement that all existing A and B arterial roads should retain their current 30mph status. The Stoke Bishop Forum also highlighted several other roads which they thought should be retained at 30mph. The 20mph Rollout Team presented their initial proposals to the NP Meeting on 26 September and a copy of their Report can be viewed on the NP website: In essence, the majority of A and B roads will retain their current 30mph speed limit. Page 21 of 28

22 Chock Lane - the Neighbourhood Partnership was successful in its recent bid for funding to provide additional traffic-calming measures on this busy thoroughfare. Although the 5k awarded was less than the 15k originally requested, it should provide some positive measures - after the due processes of design assessments and public consultation. BCC have confirmed that the introduction of a 10mph speed limit is not possible, as the current statutory minimum speed limit for all public roads in the UK is 20mph. Stoke Lane Parking Review this includes sections of adjacent roads (eg Abbey Road, Briarwood, Great Brockeridge, Lampeter Road, and Abbey Gate). The review and proposals will be published as part of a public consultation phase in late October, prior to any implementation. Eastfield Road (at the top of Waters Lane) a preliminary redesign of the junction layout has been completed by the Council s Highway Engineers and proposals will proceed to local consultation, probably in two phases. The first phase would be the provision of dropped kerbs for a new pedestrian crossing point. New Bus Stops on Southmead Road - the Council s Passenger Transport Team announced in July that they intend to introduce improvements to both the east and west-bound bus stops near Lake Road. The downside of these proposals is that both bus laybys will be removed and replaced by bus stop build-outs in each inside lane of this short section of dual carriageway. The consensus opinion of near-neighbours is that the two existing laybys and bus shelters have been in place for years and are, therefore, demonstrably fit for purpose. There is a great danger that these proposals will only serve to perpetuate the urban myth that Bristol is anti-car by the introduction of yet another ill-conceived traffic management scheme. At the time of writing, the Passenger Transport Team has agreed that work at these two locations will be postponed until a full review of all the options has been undertaken. Priory Avenue has been included as one of the footways to be refurbished this Financial Year. Further details on all these transport/traffic issues (and more!) can be accessed through the NP s website: 5. Environment Working Group Alan Aburrow, Sue Boyd and David Mayer are the Ward Reps on this Group, which last met on Thursday 5 th September 2013 and the following issues were discussed:- a. Damage to grass verge near mini roundabout on Druids Hill b. Bristol City Council limitation to Public Liability insurance for volunteers c. Absence of litter pickers d. Absence of weed sprayers e. Damage to grass verge in Mariners Walk f. Stoke Lodge i. Play Facilities ii. Town or Village Green Application iii. Knotweed infestation iv. Dog Bins v. Gas Installation, non-compliance with planning permission g. Street trees h. Fallodon Way Park i. Old Quarry Park j. Canford Park i. Play facilities ii. New fencing iii. New toilets k. Community Payback l. New role for Hayley Ash m. Parking by sports users around Coombe Dingle Sports Centre and Stoke Lodge n. S106 funding from Hiatt Baker development o. Does the new Notice Board erected by the builders at the Hiatt Baker development on the ancient wall have planning permission? To view the Notes of the meeting, follow this link to our website: Page 22 of 28