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AGM AGM 2015 Notes

Clare Price

Resident
NOTES OF AGM Saturday 14th March 2015

The Pavilion, Abbotts Way


John Marshall (Chair) introduced himself and welcomed the meeting, He welcomed Helen Kemble WPC80 Neighbourhood Police Officer. The notes of the AGM in April 2013 have been circulated and any matters arising will be dealt with in the agenda.

Apologies have been received from M White, P Bevan, G Linecar, L Brayshaw, G Edwards, P Paull, I Clarke, J Byford, the O’Brien’s, the O’Neil’s, P. Thomas, Councillor Norris


  1. Finance Report
Adrian Robinson apologised due to pc problems had not brought copy of report. JM reported currently the bank account stands at approximately £3500 in credit and this is used for professional advice when needed. The Association usually spends around £150 pa.

  1. Neighbourhood Watch
Peter Bevan the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator had sent apologies. CP outlined his report. Communications for Neighbourhood Watch is currently via email and due to arrivals and departures from the Triangle PB is not sure its up-to-date so if residents are not getting emails please let him know at pcbevan@hotmail.co. However this method is not very efficient or secure and now that the website has been updated the committee is asking residents log on to website and get password and set up “watch thread” to enable Neighbourhood watch alerts (and all OTRA communications) to be sent automatically. Note PB will continue to use emails until he is that confident most residents are using website.

  1. Website
Pete Thomas, Website co-ordinator has sent apologies however he reports that he has now installed new software. CP recommended all residents get a login and set their account up to ”watch” a thread (topic) they will get an automatic email notification to visit website to view updates. PT is happy to spend 20 minutes with individuals who would like to be shown how to use it. Please contact PT via pt@otra.org.uk or on Southampton 02380 556473.

  1. Planning Update
JM 1 & 3 Blenheim Avenue have commenced approved work on their garage. 29 & 36 Winn Road – the last traditionally built houses in Winn Road – where the committee were involved last year in objecting to the development of these two sites where the proposed development at 29 was for 5 storey flats which would have overlooked




Blenheim properties and be seen from Oakmont Avenue. Regarding Lovers Walk - JM noted that the council was trying to formulate a plan should funding become available but due to complexities of stakeholders (Common Protection Society, Cycling community and the University) there is still ongoing debate on the route.

8 Blenheim has commenced approved repair and development works

  1. Conservation Report
The Conservation report was circulated at the meeting. There have been a number of small changes to properties. Residents do need planning for cutting trees or changing windows. Applications are free as this is a conservation area.

The 5 year review report is now due. This is the responsibility of the OTRA to submit to the council.

AJ asked about the consistency of applications. JM reported that the committee are looking for sympathetic development but agreed that trying to get council to act is problematic.

6. Parking

JM had written to University regarding parking problems in the Triangle following a number of complaints from residents. Residents note that as a result of their policy the Highfield campus car park is usually 50% empty. The parking office had declined to attend but had reiterated that the university was complying with current legislation to encourage green initiatives i.e. only allow parking for people who had to drive over a specified distance to work and encouraging cycling. The committee agreed to invite Mr A J Tewksbury to a daytime meeting in the Triangle. JM will co-ordinate.

JM reminded the meeting that the association had previously agreed that we do not want residents parking because it would encourage residents to concrete over front gardens changing the nature of the Triangle. Also the council were looking for new funding streams and it was likely if we had a residents parking scheme parking prices could be raised significantly in the future. Thirdly the scheme would create more problems for residents and their visitors obtaining and displaying permits.

A recent parking survey in the Triangle confirmed that largely daytime parking was by outsiders and at night by residents as many houses and flats lacked off street parking.

It is unlikely the council will issue parking policy guidance before the election.

JM recommended residents should photographic example of bad parking and email parkingservices@southampton.gov.uk . When cars are parked illegally blocking access residents can also contact the local police to report bad parking PC 21207 Melissa Buckley or Helen Kemble. Melissa.buckley@hampshire.police.uk

The committee will investigate the possibility and cost of white lines across drives however any changes would need to go to consultation. If residents are keen to

support this they will need to take photographs and report breaches to the university or the police as appropriate.



Residents have complained about speeding in the triangle and drivers using mobiles phones. PC H. Kemble described the Speed Watch Initiative and she could organise monitoring of speeds if she has some volunteers from the residents association to train. CP will contact PC Kemble to organise.

7. Election of Officers

JM commented that this is not onerous and the committee will always welcome volunteers (particularly for conservation group - with expertise in planning and dealing with the council). Please see JM after meeting or contact by phone or email if you are interested.

Committee: John Marshall Chair

Adrian Robinson Treasurer

Peter Bevan Neighbourhood Watch

Pete Thomas Website

Clare Price Secretary

Martin Benning

Colin Bagust

Julie Sparrow

Malcolm White


Conservation Group Mandy Smith

Margot Eardley

Rob Heather

Pete Thomas

Any Other Business

  • DATE FOR YOUR DIARY - Plant Sale and Coffee Morning 16th May at 38 Oakmont Avenue
  • Possible Street Party in Leigh Road – details will follow
  • Central Refuge near Oakmont Avenue – G Linekar has asked for local support for a central refuge near the end of Oakmont Avenue. A conversation followed regarding the practicalities but there were concerns regarding the safety and at this point the meeting felt the current refuge at the Cowherds and the underpass were sufficient.
  • The condition of Leigh road and pavements was raised – photos to Southampton city council.
  • C Rowles asked if anyone would like to rehome some white doves that have migrated to his garden. Colin Bagust will adopt.
  • M Sinclair raised concerns regarding lack of street cleaning.
  • M Benning asked if there had been ad further disturbances by the garages behind Leigh Road. None have been reported.
The meeting closed at 8.00 pm and residents enjoyed the American Supper.
 

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