HHRA Update 4 June 2026

Fields west of Old Street Bargate Homes appeal

Next week, the planning inspector from the National Planning Inspectorate will hear the appeal by Bargate Homes regarding FBC’s refusal of planning consent for 62 houses on these fields.  The hearing is scheduled for 9 and 10 June, from 10.00 in the civic offices, though the latest information we have is that the inspector believes it may be completed in one day, by the end of the 9^th.

It is an ‘informal hearing’ which is – as you may be able to deduce – less formal than a formal hearing, which is what we had in December 2018.  The informal hearing is described as a ‘round table’ meeting between the parties – FBC and Bargate – and there will not be barristers representing FBC and Bargate.  I may or may not be able to speak on behalf of HHRA – that will be at the discretion of the inspector.  To be honest, there is not much that I could add to the submissions we made on the planning application and the additional note we sent to the planning inspector.

We do not expect to hear the result next week, but my guess is that it will be issued quite swiftly. There is no scope for any further appeal by either party (or us).

The hearing is open to the public, so if you wish to attend you may do so.  The inspector will have seen the many objections which you and others sent in last year, so be assured that they will be in no doubt about the strength of local opinion.

Discarded fishing hooks

As you may have observed, there are many fishermen on the promenade at Meon Shore in the evening and, in the morning, there is a lot of discarded rubbish, seaweed etc.  Among that rubbish one also finds fishing hooks and fishing lines and this week, a member’s dog was rushed for major surgery having ingested a large hook.  I am glad to say the dog has survived.

We have asked FBC to consider signage encouraging the fishermen to take their rubbish and, in particular, not to discard hooks and lines; we have also requested visits by the FBC enforcement officers.  The Community Safety Manager replied immediately and confirmed she had alerted the enforcement and street scene teams and that signage would be considered as part of the wider review (see below)

Meanwhile, do keep a close watch on your own dogs and warn friends or family who walk along there with their dogs.

Signage

We reported in an earlier Update that three committee members had walked the length of the promenade (Monks Hill to Meon Shore) with one of the FBC officers to review signage. I have inquired about progress on this and, in particular, have asked that priority be given to the renewal of the No Cycling signs at each end of the Cliff Road promenade: they are now unhelpfully faded and, although most offenders probably do see them and choose to ignore them, some may genuinely not see them.  We have been told that will be given priority though the wider replacement of signs will take longer.

Meanwhile, it appears that the current dog access regulations will remain in place ie no dogs on the beach at Salterns in summer and no dogs on the beach at Cliff Road in winter.

Anti social behaviour

I know many people have been aware of noisy cars and motor bikes in the late evening and night.  I have raised this with our PCSO who has advised that, even if it takes some time, it really is important to report it on 101 as only then will a recurrent problem be apparent to the police.  One of our members who did so was given a reference number 44260243296 which others may wish to quote – her complaint was about loud and repeat motor cycles obviously being driven very fast.

Shellfish gathering

I reported in the 25 March Update the outcome of our meeting with FBC, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and Southern Inshore Fisheries Conservation area. 

Osborne View rebuild

Yesterday we had the bi-monthly meeting with the Osborne View project management meeting. Building handover to Hall and Woodhouse is now expected in December.  My personal suggestion would be that you look at booking your Easter meals there, but it may be open a little earlier.

Regrettably, the road closure is likely to remain in place for at least another three months.

Next members’ meeting

A reminder that it is on Monday 6 July at the Catholic church hall Bell’s Lane and the topic is the Great Underpass Project – junction 10 of the M27.  Start time probably 19.00 but possibly 19.30 – I will keep you posted.

HHRA website

May I make a plea that you (re)acquaint yourselves with our website at www.hhra.org.uk. Under About Us Latest News you will find all recent Updates so you can remind yourselves of information which has been circulated. Under Local Information you find precisely that – useful local information!