BOROUGH OF POOLE

BROADSTONE, MERLEY AND BEARWOOD AREA COMMITTEE

16TH SEPTEMBER 2009

Broadstone First School, Tudor Road, Broadstone, Dorset

Present

Councillors Brooke (Chairman), Brown and Martin

Members of the public present

Approximately 54

Also in attendance: Councillors Collier, Mrs Deas, Mrs Dion and Gillard

BMB15.09 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs Long and Maiden.

BMB16.09 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillors Brooke, Brown and Martin all declared personal interests in Agenda Item 5 “Bournemouth International Airport” as they all lived under the flight path of aircraft using Bournemouth International Airport.

BMB17.09 MINUTES

The Minutes of the last Meeting of the Area committee held on the 29th July 2009 were not available but a draft summary was circulated for information.

BMB18.09 PROJECT PURPLE POOLE

The Chairman advised that Steph Quinn, Project Co-ordinator of Age Concern Bournemouth was unable to attend the Meeting but copies of the leaflet detailing the purpose of Project Purple, a new initiative in Poole aiming to provide a range of services and health improving activities for the over 55’s across the Borough were circulated.

BMB19.09 BOURNEMOUTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Chairman introduced Sally Windsor, the External Communications Manager at Bournemouth Airport and Mr Rob Goldsmith, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, together with Mr Andrew Murray, Group Planning Advisor Bournemouth Airport and Councillor Shaun Webb, a member of the Independent Consultative Committee of the Airport and a Parish Councillor for West Parley to the meeting as part of the Consultation process. At the last 1 Area Committee concerns had been raised over the Craft Noise Action Plan on which the Airport was consulting. The Representatives of the Airport had been invited to make a presentation.

The Chairman advised that Mr Jeremy Birch of Airport Watch Southwest had also made a submission regarding the Airport and produced an Executive Summary of his own presentation which would be available at the end of the Meeting for any interested members of the public to collect.

Sally Windsor commenced by explaining that these were challenging times for aviation and that there was an anticipated drop of 10-15% in passenger numbers and that currently Bournemouth International Airport was undertaking a £45,000,000 redevelopment programme. It was extending its runway and had developed a new passenger terminal which was to open next year. The Airport was consulting from the 1st July to 21st October on its Noise Action Plan, a European Union requirement. The planning application for the redevelopment of the Airport had included the production of a Noise Action Plan as a planning requirement. The Government had issued strict guidelines as to how such a plan was produced and contained noise contour maps, which were strictly of a limited area, but the Airport had decided to extend this out over Bransgore, and to the East and the West of the Airport. The Airport was seeking public consultation to establish whether the current noise was acceptable under the guidelines and, if not, what further action would be taken as part of the plan. Ms Windsor explained that the Plan queried whether the public felt that it set out a suitable regime to control noise whether any further actions were required and whether there were any comments from the public. A copy of the Draft Noise Action Plan could be down loaded from the Airport’s web site or is available to view in the public library and Council Offices and could be requested by letter from the Airport.

Night Flights

Ms Windsor explained that Thomsons in 2010 were including some night time flights to destinations but there was no overall increase in their flights for next year. The Airport had sought to reduce the number of flights for 2010 and Thomson had agreed. The Airline was to fly the 737 800 aircraft which was more fuel efficient and was a quieter, larger Plane 14 times a week so there was one less flight but with the increase in seats the airline was increasing the passenger number by 19%. Ryanair was also using new aircraft which seated 189 passengers. Three years ago most of the flights from the Airport were for mail and newspapers to the Channel Islands and there were 36 night flights in 2006 there were 29 in this year and the Airport was anticipating the same in 2010.

It was explained that the definition of a night time flight was between 11.30pm to 6.00am. The Section 106 Agreement entered into by the Airport allowed half an hour either side of 11.00pm to 6.30am and there was to be a reduction in the number of night flights from last year. In the Noise Action Plan the flight time was 11.00pm to 7.00am. The preferred routing was to take off and return from the East. Flights took off and returned from the West of the Airport only when the weather conditions demanded. 2 Complaints

From January to July 2009 there had been 99 complaints, 83 from different complainers. DC10’s were operated by the military and many complaints in February were relating to a police helicopter flight and in July military aircraft as the Red Arrows had been taking part in the air display at Bournemouth.

In January 2009 29% of complaints related to night flights with 13% from Bournemouth, 11% from Poole and breaking this down by operations, 14% were passenger flights and 35% military or police flights.

Questions from the public

A member of the public queried whether the Air Traffic College was still operational from Bournemouth Airport and was informed that it was but that it was classroom based only.

A member of the public queried whether Bournemouth International Airport was seeking to emulate the current movements/passenger numbers at Luton Airport as, 15 years ago, Luton was in a similar position as Bournemouth Airport was now?

The Meeting was advised that there were no growth plans in 2010. There were 4,000,000 passengers at Bournemouth, which to emulate Luton a fourfold increase to 10,000,000 passengers would be required.

The Meeting was advised by the Managing Director of the Airport that the Master Plan produced in 2007 by the Airport explained that it did not intend to increase night time activity, any increase in flights were to be restricted to day time.

A Member of the public queried how the proposal for 21 flights per night resulting in 3,000 flights per year compared with Bristol and Southampton Airports. The Managing Director of the Airport responded explaining that Bristol had 6 times the air traffic that Bournemouth International Airport had and for night time passenger flights there was a 6 fold difference. Bristol had 6,000,000 passengers, Southampton Airport had double flights compared with Bournemouth International Airport and also double passenger movements although it was a smaller site with a different style of operation.

A member of the public queried how Bournemouth International Airport compared with Southampton Airport. The Managing Director of Bournemouth International Airport explained that Southampton was more limited for night time flights.

The Managing Director explained that nationally there was a demand for new destinations Sharm El Sheikh in particular and Thomson was to serve this market immediately which was a four and a half hour flight each way. 3 The Aircraft had to be profitable and Crew hours worked so that there could be two flights per day, one out and one returning and slot times at other Airports would be affected regarding the timing of flights. He accepted that some flights returned later than the Airport would like but with four new destinations further from Bournemouth he felt that the Airport had done a good job in minimising the number of night flights and it was marginally better than this Year’s Programme. It was also explained that it was better for aircraft to take off in the evenings from overseas destinations when the temperature was lower, both for technical reasons and aircraft performance was improved.

A member of the public queried how many additional flights would be required to meet the payback of the £45,000,000 extension at the Bournemouth International Airport?

The Managing Director responded explaining that there was hoped to be an increase to 3,000,000 passengers a year currently there are 1,000,000 at Bournemouth international Airport.

A member of the public queried if, although planning permission was granted by Christchurch Borough Council whether other Councils had objected? Both East Dorset, Poole and Christchurch residents lived under the flight path and would be affected by noise. It was explained that Christchurch Borough Council was the only Local Authority making the decision on the planning application. New Forest National Park Authority had sought Judicial Review over the Airport expansion and this had been dismissed.

A member of the public explained that he was supportive of Bournemouth International Airport and its proximity and its ease of use but felt that there had been inadequate public consultation with regard to Airport noise and the lateness of flights. He also complained with regard to the Vulcon Flights refuelling and landing in the daytime he was advised that these Aircraft started their descent and stabilised at 500 feet for landing especially at night with a westerly wind and it was agreed this was difficult for more control.

Government guidelines were designed to look at commercial passenger movement and it was acknowledged that this was a legitimate point that did not take into account the scope of other air traffic movements. It was suggested that the Airport should make reference to this in the Final Plan and included in the Noise Footprint 2011 when things were reviewed again and Vulcon Aircraft should be included in that footprint.

The quota count limit was queried. Christchurch Borough Council Section 106 Agreement had set this at 320. Consultees on the Noise Action Plan included Members of Parliament and the Member of Parliament for Poole and North Dorset present at the Meeting did not recall being asked to express views on the quota count or the number of night flights added in.

The Managing Director explained that the quota count was nationwide and it was currently not being used to it’s potential. The Section 106 4 Agreement tied the Airport to this and Christchurch Borough Council was keen to retain the Agreement reached with the previous owners 10 years ago. It was queried whether 5 decibels were added on and it was explained that it was and this was standard across the Country. The EU had developed a new measure, the Contour of Social Disturbance to take account of night noise and added 10 decibels to every 5 decibels compensating for the noise.

A resident explained that she had a property on the incoming flight path and when she had complained she was advised that new planes would soon be used, Whisper Jet. She queried when this was likely?

The Resident was advised that Thomson was soon to fly new planes, the 737 200.

A member of the public queried whether there were checks and balances with regard to the Section 106 Agreement if all of the provisos were not implemented as had been agreed?

The Meeting was advised that the Section 106 Agreement was the subject of an Annual Monitoring Report to Christchurch Borough Council and reported to local elected representatives at the Airport Consultative Committee which held the Airport to account. The Airport’s environmental operating information was published on its website.

A resident queried what there was in place to ensure that this happened? It was explained that if the Airport breached the Section 106 Agreement this could be addressed legally and in the worst case scenario, the Airport advised to cease to operate. The Airport valued opportunities to consult with the public and would not breach a legally binding agreement.

A member of the public felt that although there may be fewer flights there would be an increase in passengers and traffic on the roads.

The Meeting was advised that the Airport had introduced an Area Wide Travel Plan and was seeking to improve travel facilities with contributions to road improvements as part of the package of improvements relating to the Airport’s extension. A local bus service had been introduced from Bournemouth to the Airport and the Airport was seeking to introduce more routes in an attempt to avoid people being dropped at the Airport to cut down on pick up and drop off as this had a detrimental effect on the road network and traffic movements.

The Chairman stated that he felt that durng the consultation period there appeared to be fewer flights. He was advised that this may have been to Easterly winds and also to the 10-15% drop in passenger traffic. The published Flying Programme was less than last year , the Flying Programme listed the number of flights.

A member of the public queried who the representative for the Poole area was on the Airport Consultative Committee and was advised that this was the democratic route to hold the Airport to account. 5 Councillor Mrs Dion was present at the meeting and explained that she was the Borough of Poole’s representative on the Airport Consultative Committee and was happy to come to the Area Committee to feedback on issues raised at the Airport Consultative Committee.

A member of the public queried if budget airlines were using older aircraft which increased noise?

It was explained that the Budget Airlines actually had a very modern fleet and did not use aircraft more than three years old and that Palmair had also recently replaced its jet with a quieter, more modern aircraft.

A member of the public queried whether the noise contours represented an average view of flights over the year and stated that noise 57 decibels to 90 decibels once an hour would wake up residents and the effect of lots of flights at night was quite loud. The noise quota at Bristol Airport was lower than Bournemouth by half a point per count. It was explained that in the Noise Action Plan the noise contours were 55 decibels not 57 and the impact was totally separate measurement.

A member of the public commented that the road infrastructure around the Airport was totally inadequate and that one bus link from Bournemouth Interchange to the hotels and the Airport was also inadequate.

He was advised that the Airport was discussing with other bus operators new routes and that the increase in traffic congestion levels caused by the Airport was minimal as the peaks in commuter traffic was different to those seeking to use the Airport.

The Chairman felt there were two options:

(i) to do nothing; or

(ii) to respond to the Draft Plan on these further issues. He explained that the Borough of Poole had established a working party to comment on the Noise Action Plan by the 21st October and this was to consider a technical report from officers and would ensure that the representations made by residents were fed in to this Consultation.

He thanked the representatives of Bournemouth Airport for their attendance and members of the public for their participation.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 8.35pm and reconvened at 8.47pm.

BMB20.09 BROADSTONE LESUIRE CENTRE – UPDATE

The Chairman advised the Meeting that the future of the Broadstone Leisure Centre had been secured as Bournemouth Young Mens Christian 6 Association (YMCA) and the Council was taking over its running. Bournemouth YMCA was a leading sports operator and was to undertake its operation. There was to be a meeting with the YMCA to discuss community engagement. He hoped that prices at the Centre may be reduced and that the Centre maybe more accessible. There was to be a £200,000 refurbishment with £110,000 in year one with £50,000 from the Borough of Poole in April 2010.

BMB21.09 PLAYBUILDER FUNDING – UPDATE: LEWESDON PLAYBUILDER IMPROVEMENTS

The Chairman drew the Meeting’s attention to the Information Report by the Head of Leisure Services on the Springdale Recreation Ground at Lewesdon Drive noting that, following on from the consultation carried out with local school children and members of the community and Ward Members at the site meeting on the 14th August 2009, Officers had met with a landscape architect who was designing the site as requested. Orders were to be placed for the purchase of equipment as soon as possible upon receipt of the final designs and interests of priorities were to be circulated with copies of the designs in due course.

The Meeting was also advised that a request had been made for Skate Park at Broadstone Recreation ground but at present the Borough was concentrating on the year one sites which had to be completed by the end of March 2010.

BMB22.09 ITEMS FROM BROADSTONE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

(i) Graffiti competition for the Broadstone underpass

Mr Godfrey the Chairman of the Broadstone Residents Association introduced Catriona Moor, a youth representative, of the Residents Association who had suggested a graffiti competition for this underpass. There was support from the Chamber of Trade and the Youth Community. The Chairman also supported this initiative but explained that the Council had raised a number of concerns, not least the fact that £15,000 had been spent on coating this area in anti graffiti paint. He detailed the issues raised by Officers as a note of caution before this Project proceeded.

A member of the public commented that this was a good idea for a facelift and Catriona was congratulated on a good initiative. Progress was to be reported back to the meeting.

(ii) Broadstone Recreation Ground and Pocket Park – Application for Town Green

Note: Councillor Brown, a member of the Borough of Poole’s licensing committee having declared a prejudicial interest in this item left the Meeting and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.

7 Mr Godfrey explained that although he was not aware that Broadstone Recreation Ground and Pocket Park were currently at risk they had both been identified as part of the 18 possible sites for the Poole Town Football Club, as a consequence in an effort to prevent such use occurring the Residents Association had applied in writing to register Broadstone Recreation Ground and Pocket Park as Town Greens to prevent any future development of this public open space. A number of residents spoke in support of the Residents Association’s actions and recognised the importance of public open space. A resident also suggested that the possible registering of Springdale Recreation Ground as a Town Green should also be considered.

The Chairman explained that under current legislation it was possible to take away public open space providing an equivalent amount of open space was found to replace it. He explained that the Ward Councillors of Broadstone, Merley and Bearwood were all incensed at the proposal to progress the use of Branksome Recreation Ground as a site for Poole Town Football Club, feeling that the loss of public open space on this site was a most unfortunate precedent.

The Chairman thanked Mr Godfrey for his presentation of items from the Broadstone Residents’ Association.

Councillor Brown returned to the Meeting.

BMB23.09 OPEN FORUM

Street Lighting Trials

The Chairman explained that, in an effort to conserve energy and reduce the Council’s carbon footprint, street lighting was to be reduced in selected areas as part of a pilot scheme from November to March. The street lights would be turned off from midnight to 6am in these areas. Within Broadstone part of Fairview Estate had been proposed for the trial and the Police were supportive of the proposal. Councillors Brooke and Martin had objected and wished residents to have the chance to comment before any trial took place in Broadstone. It had been agreed that any decision by the Head of Transportation Services should be delayed until after this Area Committee Meeting. Residents were supportive of reducing the carbon footprint, however, they were concerned both for safety, security and difficulties that may be encountered by people with disabilities if street lighting was reduced.

The Chairman agreed that he would feed back to the Head of Transportation Services the residents concerns of possible increase in crime and other issues raised should the trial proceed. A resident explained that there may be no reduction in the carbon footprint if residents replaced the street lights with security lighting should a particular road be selected as part of a trial.

It was AGREED that the Head of Transportation Services be advised of these comments.

8 Anti Social Behaviour

A member of the public raised the issue of underage drinking within Broadstone and the Chairman explained that he had raised the issue with the Safer Neighbourhood Team. Councillor Brown explained that there was a Safer Neighbourhood Meeting at 1pm next Wednesday and he advised any residents to come along and raise the issue of crime and disorder in the area. The introduction of Alcohol Free Zones within the Park was raised. The Chairman explained that the Police had stated that there was not enough evidence to pursue this course of action. A resident explained that it was difficult for working people to attend daytime meetings.

Footpath No.5

The Chairman reported that the Golf Club was hoping that work would commence later this year.

Vote of Thanks

The Chairman requested that the School and the Caretaker be thanked for its hosting the Meeting due to its later than expected finishing time.

BMB24.09 DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

The next Meeting of the Area Committee was to take place on Wednesday 25 November 2009.

CHAIRMAN

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