Information bulletin June 2014 In this edition Civic Chairman s engagements Economy Unemployment rate Environment Environmental protection notices Housing Average void time Housing needs report Council rent arrears Affordable homes Right to buy Housing maintenance Planning Planning appeals Forthcoming planning appeals
Engagements undertaken by the chairman Cllr Maureen Holding June 2014 3rd 4th 5th 6th 8th 9th Attended the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, accompanied by two long serving members of staff Represented the New Forest District at the Annual Mayor Making at Southampton City Council Represented the New Forest District at Portsmouth City Council s Drumhead Ceremony, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings at Southsea Common Represented the New Forest District at Portsmouth City Council s D-Day 70 Remembrance Service, held at the D-Day Stone Memorial, Southsea Esplanade Attended the Mayor of Winchester s Sunday Evensong Service, held at Winchester Cathedral Attended the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire s Reception for New Civic Heads, held at Serle s House, Winchester 12th Represented the New Forest District at the South East Reserve Forces and Cadets Association 2014 Hampshire & Isle of Wight Counties Briefing, held at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton 13th 15th 15th 20th 21st 21st 22nd 23rd 27th 28th 29th Attended a Charity Cheese and Wine Evening at Wallington Village Hall, Fareham, hosted by the Mayor of Fareham Attended the Brand New Forest Great Burley Picnic, held in the village of Burley in the New Forest Attended the Mayor of Basingstoke & Deane s Civic Service, held at St Michael s Church, Basingstoke Represented the New Forest District at Hartford Care s Afternoon Tea, held at Woodlands House and the 1st Birthday Party of Hartwood House in Lyndhurst Attended the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Sports Annual Games Opening Ceremony, held at Aldershot Military Athletics Stadium Represented the New Forest District at the Lymington Brockenhurst Community Rail Partnership s D-Day Commemorations, which involved the unveiling of a plaque to mark the event at Lymington Quay and a reception on HMS Medusa, at Berthon Marina Represented the New Forest District at the Hampshire County First World War Centenary Service, held at Winchester Cathedral Raised the Armed Forces Day Flag at New Forest District Council s offices at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst Represented the New Forest District at the Minstead Training Trust s Open Morning, also attended by HRH The Earl of Wessex Attended the Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre Open Day Represented the New Forest District at the Friends of New Forest Airfields Annual Service, held at Holmsley South
Unemployment Rate New Forest District - May 2014 Ward (2003) Male Female Total Young people aged 18-24* No. % No. % No. % No. % Ashurst, Copythorne S & Netley Marsh 12 0.7 8 0.5 20 0.6 5 1.5 Barton 15 1.3 14 1.0 29 1.2 5 1.9 Bashley 7 0.9 3 0.4 10 0.6 5 3.2 Becton 21 1.7 11 0.8 32 1.2 5 1.6 Boldre & Sway 6 0.4 # # 7 0.2 5 1.7 Bramshaw, Copythorne N & Minstead # # # # # # 0 0.0 Bransgore & Burley 8 0.5 4 0.2 12 0.4 5 1.6 Brockenhurst & Forest South East 13 0.8 5 0.3 18 0.5 5 1.3 Buckland 23 2.2 6 0.5 29 1.3 10 4.1 Butts Ash & Dibden Purlieu 30 1.6 21 1.0 51 1.3 15 2.9 Dibden & Hythe East 24 1.4 24 1.4 48 1.4 15 4.0 Downlands & Forest 6 0.7 # # 7 0.4 0 0.0 Fawley, Blackfield & Langley 37 2.0 15 0.8 52 1.4 15 3.3 Fernhill 40 2.3 22 1.2 62 1.7 10 2.2 Fordingbridge 18 0.9 16 0.8 34 0.9 5 1.1 Forest North West # # 4 0.5 6 0.4 0 0.0 Furzedown & Hardley 20 2.0 4 0.4 24 1.2 5 2.2 Holbury & North Blackfield 57 2.7 38 1.7 95 2.2 30 4.6 Hordle 13 0.9 11 0.7 24 0.8 5 2.0 Hythe West & Langdown 26 1.5 14 0.8 40 1.1 10 2.5 Lymington Town 18 1.3 11 0.7 29 1.0 5 2.2 Lyndhurst 5 0.6 7 0.8 12 0.7 0 0.0 Marchwood 17 0.8 13 0.6 30 0.7 10 1.6 Milford 9 0.8 8 0.7 17 0.7 5 2.2 Milton 25 1.8 17 1.1 42 1.4 10 2.7 Pennington 32 1.9 13 0.7 45 1.3 10 2.6 Ringwood East & Sopley 6 0.7 4 0.4 10 0.5 5 1.8 Ringwood North 16 0.9 10 0.5 26 0.7 5 1.3 Ringwood South 25 1.4 14 0.8 39 1.1 10 2.1 Totton Central 11 0.6 8 0.5 19 0.5 5 1.1 Totton East 30 1.6 14 0.8 44 1.2 15 3.3 Totton North 34 1.6 14 0.7 48 1.1 10 1.9 Totton South 25 1.3 12 0.6 37 0.9 15 2.9 Totton West 20 1.2 14 0.8 34 1.0 10 2.1 New Forest Total 652 1.3 382 0.7 1,034 1.0 280 2.4 Hampshire 10,115 1.8 5,927 1.0 16,042 1.4 3,600 2.1 Great Britain 665,741 3.4 369,513 1.9 1,035,254 2.6 245,845 4.3
Rolling 10 year unemployment rate 4.5 4 Percentage working age residents 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 New Forest Hampshire Great Britain 0.5 0 )May- 2005 )May- 2006 )May- 2007 )May- 2008 )May- 2009 )May- 2010 )May- 2011 )May- 2012 )May- 2013 )May- 2014 Sources: Sources: Office for National Statistics / Hampshire County Council Notes: Rates are based on the claimant count of all people in receipt of unemployment-related benefits. Estimates of the working age population are used to calculate the above rates. The residential unemployment rate is defined here as the proportion of the working age population (16-64 for males and females). In the above table Hampshire refers to the Hampshire County Council area as well as Portsmouth and Southampton unitary authorities. * Numbers are rounded to the nearest 5, so a 0 could mean 0, 1, or 2 persons. For further information on this section please contact: James Ives - Telephone: 023 8028 5588 Email: James.Ives@nfdc.gov.uk More information on unemployment and the labour market in the district can be viewed on the Facts and Figures page of Hampshire County Counci s website www.hants.gov.uk
Environment protection notices Notices served during February, March and April 2014 Notice Address ACT Number and type of notice 32/13/14-32/13/14 New Milton EP18 EPA 1990 S3 Notice of intended entry 1 EP18 1/14/15-1/14/15 Hythe and Dibden EP18 EPA 1990 S3 Notice of intended entry 1 EP18
Average void time for 2014/15 Explained... This graph shows how long it takes us to re-let one of our Council Housing properties. There are two figures shown; The maintenance average is the time taken to prepare the property to an agreed void standard. This includes various health and safety checks including the gas and electrics. These works are carried out by our own Building Works team. The total average is the time between the previous tenant leaving and the new tenant actually moving in. Most of our properties are let as soon as the maintenance works are completed. The exception to this are our hard to let properties, these are normally bedsits in our older persons accomodation. This information is included within the Information Bulletin as it is classed as a key Performance Indicator for the Housing Service. Weeks Months The above figures do not include properties that are vacant due to large programmed maintenance works e.g. major structural works and decants. The averages are calculated for properties that have been let since 1 April 2014. For further information on this section please contact: Richard Topliss, Housing Performance & Asset Manager, Housing Services Telephone: 023 8028 5588 Email: Richard.Topliss@nfdc.gov.uk
Housing needs report Explained... The Council is obligated to make decisions on applications for housing assistance from people who are homeless. If applicants are homeless through no fault of their own and in priority need then the Council will normally accept a duty to secure housing for the applicant. The information on Homelessness Acceptances shows the number of applicants accepted as homeless in each area of the district. Accepted applicants are placed in temporary housing when a vacancy becomes available. The Council nominates applicants for secure, assured and temporary tenancies to Registered Social Landlords and allocates tenancies within its own stock. Information is provided on the number of nominations accepted. Homelessness Acceptances in May Area of origin Acceptances Fordingbridge (0) 0 Hythe/Dibden/Dibden Purlieu (3) 2 Lymington & Pennington (1) 0 Marchwood (0) 0 New Milton & Walkford (1) 0 Ringwood (1) 0 South Waterside (0) 1 Totton & Eling (1) 0 Other (In NFDC Area) (1) 1 Other (Outside NFDC Area (1) 1 (Figures in brackets are for April) Number of households in temporary accommodation Number of households in B&B April 2007 April 2009 April 2011 April 2013 April 2014 May 2014 393 345 337 355 343 347 4 4 7 6 11 12 For further information on this section please contact: Greg Spawton, Strategic Housing Services Manager, Housing Services Telephone: Lyndhurst 023 8028 5588 Email: Greg.Spawton@nfdc.gov.uk
Council rent - arrears Explained... This shows a range of key performance indicators for council housing and garages summarising arrears levels and possession actions. The information reported is for the current month with comparative data for the previous year. Summary of arrears Houses Total debit over the past 12 months 4,266,729 Total number of properties 5,027 Average weekly rent 100.00 Garages Total debit over the past 12 months 126,512 Total number of garages 1,853 May 2014 2013 ANALYSIS OF ARREARS - Houses Rent arrears as a % of annual gross rent due 1.50% 1.47% Housing Benefit as a % of annual gross rent due 53.50% N/A Rent Arrears as a % of annual net rent due 3.46% 3.23% Rent collected as a % of rent due - Houses (BV66a) 94.80% 98.30% Tenants owing over 7 weeks gross rent (BV66b) 2.09% 2.23% Tenants owing over 13 weeks gross rent 0.56% 0.52% Tenants owing over 13 weeks rent & over 6 x average rent ( 565) 1.42% 1.22% ( 565) Total Rent Arrears 372,000 372,000 Former Tenant Arears 285,000 265,000 Tenants paying by Direct Debit 20.4% 20.2% Pursue Possession action as a last resort Tenants in Arrears who received NOSPS (BV66c) 39.8% 18.3% Tenants evicted as a result of Rent Arrears 1 1 % actually evicted as a result of Rent Arrears (BV66d) 0.02% 0.02% ANAYLSIS OF ARREARS - Garages Rent collected as a % of rent due 97.72% 96.10% Total Rent Arrears 6,100 12,800 Rent Arrears as a % of annual gross rent due 0.79% 1.77% Tenants paying by Direct Debit 54.8% 53.0% For further information on this section please contact: Pauline Lewis, Housing Landlord Services Manager Tel: Lyndhurst 023 8028 5588 Email: Pauline.Lewis@nfdc.gov.uk
Provision of additional affordable homes update - 20 June 2014 The introduction of the New Council Housing finance regime introduced as part of the Localism Act enabled the Council to re-look at its Housing Strategy and how it can best meet the aims of the Corporate Plan. One of the key aims relating to Housing within the Corporate Plan is helping provide affordable housing for local people. In response to the above Cabinet agreed in 2012/13 to invest additional funds for the acquisition and development of new Affordable Housing. Summary of property acquisitions status to date Purchased 66 Properties (2012/13 = 36, 2013/14 = 29 & 2014/15 = 1). Average purchase price 167,000. 1 Property is at exchanged status. 3 further properties have had final offers accepted and are with legal. 1 further property has had an offer made, awaiting response. Breakdown by Property Type Houses = 56 Bungalow =1 Flats = 8 Maisonettes = 1 Breakdown by Bedroom Size 1 Bed = 5 2 bed = 8 3 Bed = 47 4 bed = 3 5 bed = 1 6 bed = 2 Breakdown by property acquisition area Hythe, Fawley, Marchwood, Holbury, Dibden, Blackfield = 26 Totton/Calmore = 6 Ashley/New Milton = 10 Hordle/Pennington/Lymington = 13 Ringwood/Fordingbridge = 10 Bransgore = 1 Summary of In-Housing Development status to date 4 new 2 bed Houses were completed in Milford-on Sea on 31st March 2014. 4 new 1 bed flats at Testwood Crescent, Totton due to start in June 2014. For further information on this section please contact: Richard Topliss, Housing Performance & Asset Manager, Housing Services Tel: 023 8028 5588 Email: Richard.Topliss@nfdc.gov.uk
Right to buy Explained... This shows the progress and number of requests to purchase Council Housing through the Right to Buy process leading on to the actual numbers sold. It shows activity for the current month, year to date and comparative data for the previous year. Details for the month of May 2014 1 2 3 Number of applications received Number of properties sold Number of applications pending May April 2014 to date Last financial year (2013/14) total 5 13 54 3 5 30 40 4 Exemption of elderly persons accommodation - progress of applications received from tenants of bungalows and ground floor flats May Total for 2014/15 Number of applications received 0 0 Applications denied by the Council 0 0 Applications accepted by the Council 0 0 Council s decision pending 0 0 Withdrawn by tenant prior to decision 0 0 For further information on this section please contact: Sarah Jones, Performance and Asset Management, Housing Services Telephone: Lyndhurst 023 8028 5588 Email: Sarah.Jones@nfdc.gov.uk
Housing maintenance summary - position as at 20 June 2014 Explained... This report keeps members up to date with the current financial and operational progress for Housing s Maintenance Programmes, annual expenditure in excess of 9m. This is split between Reactive, Cyclical and Planned Maintenance which are explained below. The tender results for the major projects are included with the progress of these projects reported until completion. The Housing Maintenance programme is agreed by Members on an annual basis. This information is included within the Information Bulletin to keep Members informed of the progress of this Programme. Housing revenue account funded projects 1. Reactive maintenance This budget is for day to day repairs to the Council s Housing and Garages, this includes void works. The original budget is 2,450,000. 2. Cyclical maintenance This budget covers the cost of servicing contracts (e.g. gas appliances, fire alarms, & lifts), internal and external decorating contracts. The revised budget is 1,447,000. 3. Planned maintenance This programme area allows for large-scale repairs and renewals to elements of properties such as kitchen & bathroom modernisations, re-roofing, rewiring, replacement heating systems, rendering and disabled adaptations. The revised budget is 5,852.000.
Programmed maintenance housing revenue account funded 1.1 Financial summary Type Of Work Reported Budget Provisional Adjustment Year -End Figure Planned Maintenance Programme Heating Replacements Gas 550,000 571,400 21,400 Electrical Rewiring/Smoke Detectors 170,000 186,000 16,000 Rendering 480,000 480,000 0.00 Older Persons 297,000 275,650-21,350 Kitchen & Bathroom Modernisations 2,280,000 2,334,350 54,350 Estate Improvements 200,000 200,000 0.00 Adaptations for Disabled Tenants 509,000 509,000 0.00 Insulation Works 100,000 100,000 0.00 Structural Works 85,000 50,000-35,000 Asbestos Removal 150,000 150,000 0.00 Roof Renewals 900,000 900,000 0.00 Replacement Doors & Windows 23,000 23,000 0.00 Resurfacing 50,000 50,000 0.00 Miscellaneous 58,000 101,000 43,000 Planned Maintenance Total 5,852,000 5,930,400 78,400 Expenditure on the Planned Maintenance Programme will be controlled through the year in response to tenders received by adjusting the workload, specifications and work programme. Cyclical Maintenance Servicing Contracts Gas, Solid Fuel, Oil & Smoke. 812,000 812,000 0.00 Fire Alarms 50,000 50,000 0.00 Lift Installations 52,000 52,000 0.00 Portable Appliance Testing 3,900 3,900 0.00 Legionella checks 10,000 10,000 0.00 Automatic Doors 3,000 3,000 0.00 Window Cleaning 16,000 16,000 0.00 External & Internal Decorating 400,000 400,000 0.00 Older Persons 40,000 38,900-1,100 OAP Internal Decorations 25,000 25,000 0.00 Miscellaneous 35,100 35,100 0.00 Cyclical Maintenance Total 1,447,000 1,445,900-1,100 Total Programme Planned Maintenance 5,852,000 5,930,400 78,400 Cyclical Maintenance 1,447,000 1,445,900-1,100 Reactive Maintenance 2,450,000 2,450,000 0.00 Revenue Programme Total 9,749,000 9,826,300 77,300
1.2 Planned Maintenance Contracts Accepted Since Last Information Bulletin None at present 1.3 Planned Maintenance Contract Progress Contract Contractor Progress Current Completion Date Replacement Kitchens Mountjoy On target Due for completion 30/11/17 HS01A/13 - DJ Rendering & External Mitie Property On target Due for completion 30/6/14 Refurbishments Services Additional properties added HS06/13 CD Replacement Doors Paramount On target Due for completion 27/6/14 Various areas Delay due to manufacturer HS10/13 - NM of doors Alterations to fire alarms Dorset Electrical On target Due for completion 20/6/14 HS26/13 - LK Bathroom Refurbs G.R.Westbuild On target Due for completion 20/12/14 HS37/13 - KL Boiler Replacements Building Works On target Due for completion 30/4/15 HS03/14 - DM Electrial Testing Building Works On target Due for completion 30/4/15 HS04/14 - GP Bathroom Refurbishments Building Works On target Due for completion 30/4/15 HS09/14 - JD Decorating Building Works On target Due for completion 30/5/15 HS15/14 - DS Driveways Engineering Works On target Due for completion 30/4/15 HS17/14 - LN Heating Upgrades Building Works On target Due for completion 31/12/14 HS19/14 - DM
1.3 Planned Maintenance Contracts completed since last information bullletin Contract Contractor Progress Replacement Kitchens Building Works Completed HS01B/13 DJ/RT Electrical Testing Building Works Completed HS03/13 GP Replacement Bathrooms Building Works Completed HS07/13 JD Decorating Building Works Completed HS16/13 DS For further information on this section please contact: Richard Topliss, Housing Performance & Asset Manager, Housing Services Telephone: 023 8028 5588 Email: Richard.Topliss@nfdc.gov.uk
Planning appeals 19 May - 15 June 2014 NEW APPEALS SECTION 78 Name Glenbeigh Developments Ltd Mr Scott Taggart Mr Martin Archer Langdown Lawn Ltd Mr Clive Marshallsay Proposal Demolition of existing glasshouses and associated structures and redevelopment for the construction of an employment development comprising a mix of B1 (b) & (C), B2 & B8 floor space (maximum floor area of 7,500 sqm) together with alterations to an existing access from the service road, an upgraded access from A36 (as an emergency access), car parking and associated works SHELLEY NURSERIES, ROMSEY ROAD, OWER, COPYTHORNE SO51 6AE 13/10842 Detached building to provide ancillary living accommodation 85 EWELL WAY, TOTTON SO40 3PQ 14/10012 Without planning permission the change of use of the land from agricultural to a mixed use of agriculture and the storage, preparation of vehicles prior to sale and the sale of vehicles, with associated building works consisting of the construction of external walls, door and window openings and internal alterations to form of an ancillary office at mezzanine level. Also, the creation of a hardstanding undertaken to facilitate the above change of use. 115 RAMLEY ROAD, PENNINGTON, LYMINGTON SO41 8LH 13/10129 9 dwellings; associated parking; bin & cycle stores THE CROFT PUBLIC HOUSE, LANGDOWN LAWN, HYTHE SO45 5GS 13/10285 Retention of shed to front of the property NORMANDY, WHITSBURY ROAD, TINKERS CROSS, FORDINGBRIDGE SP6 1NH 13/11208 Mr & Mrs C A Hill Two-storey side extension; front porch 17 MAIN ROAD, TOTTON SO40 7EP 13/11471 Mr Gregory Retention of outbuilding 18 CHAFFEY CLOSE, RINGWOOD BH24 3EU 14/10044 Mr & Mrs Fotherby First-floor extension over garage creating canopy over front door; roof lights 15 ADDISON SQUARE, RINGWOOD BH24 1NY 14/10071 ADVERTISEMENT APPEAL DECISION Name Proposal Decision Hall and Woodhouse Ltd Display non-illuminated letter sign to rear elevation (Application for Advertisement Consent) BEACH HOUSE, PARK LANE, MILFORD-ON-SEA SO41 0PT 13/10980 Allowed. The consent is for five years from the date of this Decision and is subject to the five standard conditions set out in the Regulations. on this large and robustly proportioned and well detailed building the proposed sign would cause no harm to the character and appearance of the building or the surrounding area and hence for the reasons given above it is concluded that the display of the sign would not be detrimental to the interests of amenity and that the appeal may be allowed.
APPEAL DECISION SECTION 78 Name Proposal Decision Mr Govier Miss Bruce 3 three-storey houses; access; parking; demolition of existing 26 WHITBY ROAD, MILFORD-ON- SEA SO41 0ND 13/10875 Removal of Condition 6 of Planning Permission 08/93006 to allow use of holiday chalet for permanent occupation as a dwelling house WREN COTTAGE, BROADMEAD, HORDLE SO41 6DH 13/10995 Dismissed. Dismissed. Mr David Chisnall Retention of fence at rear 3 LANGLEY LODGE GARDENS, LANGLEY, FAWLEY SO45 1FZ 13/11054 Allowed. The fence does not detract from but respects the character and appearance of the local area. There is no conflict with Policy CS2 of the Core Strategy for the New Forest District outside of the National Park 2009 (Core Strategy) and Policies NPPF1 and DM9 of the Local Plan Part 2 as well as the National Planning Policy Framework and in particular Section 7 on Requiring Good Design. the fence does not adversely affect highway safety. There is no conflict with Policy CS2 of the Core Strategy in this regard. Mrs H Woodford Boundary fence 5 RIVER GARDENS, MILFORD-ON-SEA SO41 0QA 14/10117 Allowed. Subject to 3 conditions In determining what is unacceptable, a balance should in my opinion be struck between the impact the fence would have on the street scene and the benefits the fence would bring about in the gardens standard of privacy. I have considered this matter carefully and have concluded that the balance is in favour of granting planning permission for the fence. The appeal has therefore been allowed. LAWFUL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE APPEAL DECISIONS Name Proposal Decision 4zero LTD Use as milkshake bar/cafe (Use Class A3)(Lawful Development Certificate that permission is not required for proposal) 40A SOUTHAMPTON ROAD, RINGWOOD BH24 1JD 13/10824 Allowed. WITHDRAWN APPEALS SECTION 78 Name Mr Mair Proposal Use of outbuilding as ancillary living accommodation (Lawful Development Certificate that permission is not required for proposal) GREENBANK FARM HOUSE, LOWER DAGGONS LANE, SOUTH END, DAMERHAM SP6 3HE (14/10471)
Allowed: 2 Dismissed: 2 Allowed: 24 Dismissed: 30 For further information on this section please contact: Appeals Services (Planning Department), Appletree Court, Lyndhurst. Telephone: 023 8028 5345
Forthcoming planning appeal hearings and inquiries Date Venue Application Site Case Ref Proposal 10.00am Thursday 10 July 2014 Council Chamber Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington Former Coles Nursery, 86 Everton Road, Hordle SO41 0FD 13/11235 Hearing 2 detached houses; detached garage; parking; demolition of existing glasshouses To be advised To be advised The Croft Public House, Langdown Lawn, Hythe 13/10285 Hearing 9 dwellings; associated parking; bin & cycle stores. S106 condition