HHRA Update 1 July 2025

A quick update to the last update….

Local Government re-organisation – consultation now open

The proposals for local government reorganisation are now open for consultation until 27 July.  This is a very short ‘window’ of time, so please make sure to submit your views swiftly.  Please see attached the briefing I circulated with our 5 May Update below, which reminds you of the context if that is helpful.

https://ourplaceourfuture.commonplace.is/

HHRA will not be submitting a ‘corporate’ response as it feels to us that this is a matter for personal opinion.  We can of course discuss it at our meeting on Monday if you wish.

Members’ meeting 7.30pm Monday 7 July Bells Lane

You may wish to bring with you on Monday evening your own supply of water and a hand held fan if you have one.  Although the weather forecast looks more moderate for next week, the church hall can still be very warm.

Road works on Plymouth Drive

There is going to be work on the lower (Old Street) end of Plymouth Drive for three weeks from 7 July, with traffic lights, so do allow more time for your journey or use an alternative route.  Old Street itself should have re-opened for traffic by the end of this week.  (Hasn’t it been delightfully quiet for the last month or so?)

Vandalism overnight 28/29 June

I mentioned in my last note that there had been vandalism on the Cliff Road promenade – a beach hut was broken into and a large tin of paint found in it was smashed all across the promenade.  A range of damage was also inflicted on Haven House.  Some aspects of the damage suggest the people came well equipped.  As a general principle, if you see or hear evidence of worrying activity, do ring 101.  One cannot guarantee the reaction you get, but if we don’t try we won’t get anything! If you can record vehicle registration numbers without placing yourself in danger, that would always be useful – as long as the perpetrators haven’t fastened velcro ones in place!

HHRA Update 29 June 2025

Bargate Homes application to build up to 62 homes on land west of Old Street P/24/1553/OA

The planning officer at FBC has let us know that this application will no longer be going to the 16 July planning committee, but is now scheduled for the 13 August committee (though we know that the August planning committee is often cancelled… we shall see).  We will keep you posted and meanwhile many thanks to everyone who has added their voice to the objections.

Next members’ meeting 7.30pm Monday 7 July at the catholic church hall Bells Lane

A reminder that our next meeting is a week tomorrow, when we shall hear from Piers Rochford of the Hampshire & IoW Police Cybercrime Unit.  We shall also hear from our councillors with any updates and we can of course put questions to them.

State of pavements etc

We have raised with FBC, HCC and our councillors the dreadful state of the pavement opposite Haven House and the promenade below Cliff Road (further damaged by vandalism overnight).

Scams

We are aware of three doing the rounds: the familiar one of fake QR codes in car parks (pay by card or cash if you want to avoid that one); Co-operative Bank apparently asking you to re-enter all your personal information – but do look at the email address, which certainly has nothing to do with the Co-op Bank;  and FBC warn that residents are receiving fraudulent emails and text messages claiming there is no record of the council having received their council tax payments – do not click on the link.

HHRA Update 23 June 2025

Bargate Homes application to build up to 62 houses on land west of Old Street P/24/1553/OA

The deadline for any last comments on Bargate’s application (and the many new reports they have posted on the FBC planning portal) is this coming Thursday, 26 June.

Attached and on our website are the comments your committee has put together.  If you have not already submitted comments, may I commend to you the first two paragraphs which repeat the basis for the Planning Inspector’s rejection of the appeal in January 2019 and the excellent comments from the landscape consultee on 18 June 2025.  Emphasising them would be the best thing you can do!

A reminder that the intention is that this will be included on the planning committee agenda for 16 July, for which papers will be published on 9 July.  The committee meeting will take place at the civic centre at 2pm and is open to members of the public.  If you wish to make a deputation, you will need to apply by 11 July.  HHRA will be making a deputation.

The King’s Badge

Last week, a metal badge was found by one of our members on their driveway close to the beach access off Giblet Ore/Hill Head Road.

Our member has established that the King's Badge is a large silver pin to be worn only on civilian clothing. It was issued by the British government to persons who served after World War II was declared on 3 September 1939, and who were discharged through injury due to war service, sometimes referred to as a wound badge.   Its basic purpose was to show that the wearer was a veteran. Included among the eligible were members of the armed forces, the merchant navy, the fishing fleets, the Coast Guard, police, Civil Defence Services and the Home Guard.

The small silver circular badge has the crowned monogram of GRI in the centre, and around the edge it says "FOR LOYAL SERVICE". It’s fastened with a brooch pin on the back.

If it is yours or you know someone who has lost it, please let us know on hillheadra@hhra.org.uk

Local government re-organisation

You may find it mildly interesting to read the following report on the recent exchanges between local authorities on the matter of local government re-organisation and, specifically, the creation of unitary authorities. (Or, alternatively, you could re-read my briefing of 27 April which can be found with the 5 May Update on www.hhra.org.uk Latest News….)  https://onthewight.com/southampton-city-council-leader-rules-out-merging-with-portsmouth-in-local-authority-restructure/ 

Consultation panel on the future of Fareham town centre.

HHRA has received the following reminder from FBC (mentioned in our last Update): if you would be interested to participate, do reply direct via the link below.

We would like to invite yourself and your colleagues/members to apply to take part in our ‘Let’s Talk Progress: Fareham Town Centre Panel’.     As part of the Council’s ongoing delivery of its Town Centre Regeneration Strategy, there will be a range of changes and improvements to Fareham town centre. To ensure these changes are developed to incorporate the needs and aspirations of the community, the Council is establishing an online panel to monitor public perception and help inform future development. 

The Council wants to create a panel that reflects the Fareham community – across all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. Whether you live, work, visit or use the Town Centre in anyway we want to hear your views and encourage you to apply. Members will be able to:

• Share their views

• Influence real changes

• Help make Fareham Town Centre even better

Participants in the panel will be invited to complete brief surveys twice a year. In recognition of their contributions, they will be entered into prize draws for town centre-related rewards. Those interested in joining the panel are encouraged to apply online: Let’s Talk Progress: Fareham Town Centre Sign up Form  applications will be open until 31 July.  

Next meeting

Our next members’ meeting is imminent!  It is on Monday 7 July 7.30pm at the catholic church hall, Bell’s Lane.  Our speaker is Piers Rochford of the Hampshire & IoW Police Cybercrime Unit.

HHRA Old Street response June 25.docx

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