HHRA Update 10 October 2025

HEADLINES FROM HHRA MEMBERS' MEETING.docx

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Feedback from meeting 6 October

It was good to see so many members at our meeting on Monday evening and we had an excellent session with Inspector Rob Kearley and his team.  Attached are ‘headlines’ of that and also news from Councillor Steve Dugan. I’ve repeated a few items in the body of this update as they are particularly important, but I do commend the notes to you.  They will be put on the website, together with the update: www.hhra.org.uk Latest News

Osborne View

Steve Dugan and I attended the monthly meeting with the Osborne View project team on Wednesday. The piling went pretty well, but as you may have noticed, things have been very quiet since then.  The reason is the difficulty of laying the base for the massive crane which needs to be installed on site to lift all materials down from the road to the site.  The base needs to be 6m x 6m x 1.4m and unfortunately the soil conditions in the area it needs to be located are not sufficiently stable: ironically, it is the water washing down from the road which is causing the problem and the soil nearer the sea is far more stable, but that would be too far for the arm of the crane to reach and lift the very heavy materials down.  The finest minds are being bent to the problem and we do wish them well. Meanwhile, Hall & Woodhouse have confirmed their continuing support for the project despite the many delays and additional costs.

Once the base is built (we hope), the crane will be constructed by passing all the components down from the road.  That will entail a further relatively brief road closure but will definitely be worth watching!

Stubbington library

HCC is planning minor refurbishments at Stubbington library.  This is very good news but will entail closures on some days, starting on 24 October.

Planning decisions

The application to build one three bedroomed house on the site of the Crofton pub was approved last month.

The appeal against FBC’s enforcement action requiring the road haulier to vacate and make good the site they have been using on Titchfield Road has been dismissed. The haulier has been given eight months to leave the site and make it good.

A reminder that Bargate Homes still have four months in which they could appeal against FBC’s refusal of planning permission for the Old Street site.  Fingers remain tightly crossed.

Good news about three parcels of land which have been purchased for ‘rewilding’ in mitigation for land committed for building projects: two areas close to the Stubbington bypass purchased by FBC  and one behind Meon Cross school purchased by www.wild-capital.co.uk.

Local government re-organisation

Two slightly different proposals were submitted to central government at the end of September to create single tier unitary authorities to replace our current county and district structure.  For details see our 24 September update which is on www.hhra.org.uk Latest News.  For us, the outcome would be pretty much the same whichever option the government selects ie a south east unitary authority  bringing together Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport and Fareham.

ATM safety

We reported on 14 August the problems being encountered with the ATM at Stubbington Co-op and unfortunately they have arisen again. It was interesting that Inspector Kearley at our meeting on Monday advised whenever possible to use an indoor ATM or other means of obtaining cash, rather than an outdoor one.

Contacting police and Hampshire Alert

Inspector Kearley strongly encouraged us to contact the police whenever there are concerns about possible crimes or misdemeanours.  There are several ways of doing this, all of which can be done anonymously if you prefer, though follow up is much easier for the police if you are willing to share your details:

·        Ring 101

·        Report via Hampshire.police.uk

·        Report anonymously via Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or CRIMESTOPPERS-uk.org

Please also consider registering with Hampshire Alert which is run by the constabulary and allows people to feed in concerns and also to receive information about what is going on locally.  Do look at the website: www.hampshirealert.co.uk 

Motor homes parking overnight

Many local people have expressed their frustration about the overnight parking of motor homes on Cliff Road.  HHRA has raised this in the past with HCC (who are responsible for street parking) who    regrettably responded that they could not prioritise using their limited resources to introduce the necessary regulations to ban it.  Councillor Pal Hayre is going to try again, but meanwhile the only action that can be taken is to report to FBC environmental health any dumping of waste, ideally with photographs.

Pavements

There is universal frustration that still nothing has been done to repair the collapsed pavement opposite Haven House.  HCC has at least now agreed it is their responsibility but there is still no date for action.

Another area where no action was taken by HCC is the dangerous junction of Short Road and Old Street, where is it very difficult for pedestrians to cross the road safely.  However, we are very grateful to two of our members who have cut back the undergrowth and made it a good deal safer.

Road closures

The M27 will be closed eastbound for bridge repairs at junction 12 (the Hilsea interchange) from 21.00 tonight to 06.00 Monday morning and again from 21.00 Friday 17^th to 06.00 Sunday  19^th.  The diversion is via the A27.

The A32 will be closed northbound both nights this weekend ie 21.00 to 06.00 on both Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th.

Southern Water

There has been a long period during which Southern Water tankers have been removing waste from a sewer at the junction of Moody Road and Beverley Road, following damage when a telecoms post was installed.  With thanks for the persistence of one of our members, working with Caroline Dinenage’s office, repair work is due to start next Monday 12 October.

Consultations

FBC consultation about safety in the town centre, which closes 10 November:

https://lets-talk.fareham.gov.uk/consultation/HelpuskeepFarehamwelcomingandsafeforall

Future meetings

Dates for your calendars are:

·        7.30pm Monday 2 March 2026 AGM and Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS)

·        7.30pm Monday 6 July 2026

·        7.30pm Monday 5 October 2026

HHRA Update 24 September 2025

Members’ meeting 7.30pm Monday 6 October Catholic church hall Bells Lane

Do join us at this meeting with Inspector Rob Kearley, Sergeant Joanne Jones and PCSO Kiera Day: Inspector Kearley will give us an update on Policing Today, but the prime purpose is for us to have a conversation with our police officers about matters of concern and interest in this area.  Councillors Kay Mandry and Steve Dugan will also be present so will provide updates on council issues.

Dogs not allowed on Cliff Road beach 1 October to 31 March

The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which applies to the beach in front of the Cliff Road beach huts comes into force on 1 October and dogs are not allowed on the beach: this is to protect the overwintering birds who come from colder climes and feed in this area.  Do take notice of this as the fine is £100.

Conversely, dogs are allowed on the beach Salterns to Monks Hill from 30 September.

We have sent a detailed report to Fareham Borough council pointing out the lack of consistency, lack of clarity in signage and the unhelpful approach to enforcement. We have pressed for a fundamental review of the situation along the Hill Head sea front.  We are advised that the current PSPO will need to be reviewed early in 2026 and that any proposals arising from that will be the subject of public consultation (as was the current PSPO, though I know not many people noticed that!)  We will do all we can to ensure HHRA is involved in the review and will alert you when any proposals come out for consultation.

Local Government Re-organisation

By the end of this week, proposals have to be submitted to central government about creating ‘single tier’ local authorities to replace our current two tier districts and county.  At the time of writing it seems likely that two different proposals will go in:

·        Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council are suggesting three mainland councils plus the Isle of Wight separately.  The three mainland councils are

o   South East (Portsmouth, Havant, Fareham and Gosport);

o   West (Southampton, Eastleigh, New Forest and Test Valley);

o   Mid-North (Winchester, East Hampshire, Basingstoke, Hart and Rushmoor)

·        The other group includes ten councils who are proposing four mainland councils and the Isle of Wight separately.  The ten councils supporting this proposal are: Southampton, Eastleigh, New Forest, Winchester, Test Valley, Basingstoke, Hart, Rushmoor, Havant, Fareham, Isle of Wight.  Portsmouth is half in and half out of this group (fully involved in the proposals in the report, but declining to put its leader’s signature below its logo, because it would very much like to remain as it is) and Gosport has turned its back on the whole process and will have nothing to do with it.  The four mainland councils proposed by this group are:

o   South East (Portsmouth, Havant, Fareham and Gosport, plus taking in a little of East Hampshire up to Waterlooville)

o   South West (Southampton, Eastleigh, New Forest – though a sub option puts New Forest in with Mid Hampshire)

o   Mid (Test Valley, Winchester, East Hampshire)

o   North (Basingstoke, Hart and Rushmoor)

Should you wish to read the (very long) reports let me know and I will point you in the right direction.  However, you may well wish to wait and see what emerges in due course!

Devolution

This is the separate process to have more powers devolved from central government at local level.  An elected mayor will be central to this. These proposals are going forward and the May 2026 elections will include the mayoral election.

Road Closure signage, Osborne View

We know how frustrating the signs have been warning of the road closure on Hill Head Road, between Solent Road and Old Street. The position of the initial signs on Crofton Lane and the subsequent diversion down Old Street means that people have found it difficult to access the lower part of Crofton Lane, Hill Head Road up to Solent Road and all roads turning off them.

Councillor Pal Hayre and Turvey Construction have both asked Hampshire Highways to re-position and possibly re-word the signs, with the sadly customary response – ie none.

However, the good news is that this phase of the Osborne View work is now complete and the road should be fully open tomorrow, Thursday.

Pavement opposite Haven House

The pavement opposite Haven House remains in a dreadful state, with additional problems as barriers are blown across the road by high winds. Councillor Pal Hayre has tried to spur Hampshire Highways into action, to no avail.  We have pointed out that this has been a sorry way for HCC to present itself for four months throughout the summer.

Daedalus Waterfront and Haslar

Some of you will remember the very interesting presentation we had in 2023 about the development plan for the Daedalus site.  Daedalus Waterfront have just launched a new website with updates, following further recent planning approvals by Gosport Borough Council – do take a look https://daedaluswaterfront.co.uk/ 

Should you wish to explore another of our heritage military sites, you might wish to take advantage of an open day 10 till 3 on Saturday 11 October at ‘Royal Haslar Waterfront Village’.  Having visited last Saturday as part of the Heritage Open Days, I do recommend a visit (and there are now opportunities for tea and cake on site….).

‘Priority Swimming Area’

Some of our members were disconcerted this week while they were swimming in front of the Cliff Road beach huts and a man on a blade surfboard came past, close in and fast. They asked him to observe the ‘Priority Swimming Area’ signs which apply the length of the promenade: he maintained there was no such requirement, no signs and he was able to surf where he wanted – and promptly came in more closely. Please be assured there are three signs: at the HH Sailing Club car park access to the promenade, at the last steps leading up to Cliff Road and at the bottom of the slope at Giblet Ore.  All are very clear.

HHRA Update 3 September 2025

Osborne View

Now that the Crofton Lane road closure for the Southern Water work has ended, the Osborne View is able to proceed with the crucial next stage of construction work, for which a three week road closure is necessary.  This will start on Monday 8 September and will be between Solent Road and Old Street.  Pedestrian access will remain, so if you wish to watch the excitement, Breezes café will be the ideal place from which to do so!  Turvey Construction will be trying to manage the barriers so that fewer motorists, motor cyclists and cyclists can try to force their way through the closed area than was the case last time.  The 35 ton vehicle will be arriving on Tuesday, the piling delivered on Wednesday and the ‘pressing’ of the piles from Thursday.  Pressing should result in less noise and vibration than the conventional method.

Work is about 14 weeks behind what had been planned, but the Property Investment Committee of Hall and Woodhouse – doubtless through slightly gritted teeth – confirmed their approval yesterday. The project manager is in frequent contact with HCC Highways and FBC planners to try and ensure the coming months of construction can proceed efficiently and without further delay.

Gosport Heritage Open Days

I should have alerted you to this in my last Update, but better late than never.  The excellent programme of open days to historical sights in Gosport will run from 12 - 21 September as part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme sponsored by the National Trust, and with considerable support from Gosport Borough Council.  Do look at the programme on https://www.gosportheritage.co.uk/  Many of the events which need booking are now full but there are a lot that you can attend on a simple ‘turn up’ basis.

Flags and graffiti

A number of you have contacted me about the appearance of flags on lamp posts and graffiti on roundabouts and pavements.  I have discussed this with Cllr Pal Hayre, as highways issues are the responsibility of Hampshire County Council.  She advises that the council’s position is as follows:

HCC confirm that items already placed will be considered for removal as part of the routine highway maintenance activity, however anything that is placed that poses a risk to the safe operation of the public highway will be prioritised for immediate removal. Please do bring to my attention any areas in Hill Head where there are such issues and I shall raise them with Highways.

There are many of us who feel very uncomfortable at the way our national flag is currently being used, but I do understand that HCC may feel that allowing feelings to moderate might work better than by actively removing them and possibly provoking an unwelcome reaction.  Do let councillor Hayre know you views if you wish them to be taken into account: pal.hayre@hants.gov.uk.

We can also discuss this at our meeting on 6 October.

National alarm test 3pm Sunday 7 September

The UK government is testing the Emergency Alert system on Sunday 7 September at 3pm: compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an alert and make a loud siren like sound and vibrate.  You will not need to take any action.

This system is used to warn if there is danger to life nearby eg extreme weather.  Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly , should it need to be used in a life threatening emergency.  Find out more at gov.uk/alerts

Bygone Fareham

Bygone Fareham will once again be coming to Fareham Town Centre on Saturday 13 September 10am-4pm. There will be an array of classic cars, pop up vintage market and vintage singing and dancing throughout the day. For more information on this event and other with the Fareham Borough visit www.fareham.gov.uk/bygone.

Parking and other scams

Those of you who were at our meeting on 7 July about cybersecurity will remember the warnings about parking scams and we have often mentioned them in these Updates.

The linked article below provides very helpful advice: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn8438ngpe1o  

Members’ meeting 7.30pm Monday 6 October Catholic church hall Bells Lane

Inspector Robert Kearley and PS Jo Jones will be with us for this meeting, as will Councillors Dugan and Mandry.  I will also feed back information from Pal Hayre, who is unable to be with us.  In the last Update I set out the topics I had flagged to Insp Kearley.

As mentioned above, we may wish to discuss flags and graffiti.  Other topics which I have discussed recently with our councillors on which they may be able to report back are a number of overgrown areas blocking pavements, the continued mess opposite Haven House and the state of the promenade in front of the Cliff Road beach huts, plus cycling on the promenade. I am most grateful to Cllr Dugan for taking on the problems on the promenade and he visited (again) this afternoon, this time with lead councillor Ian Bastable.