BLUEPRINT MEETING

Shedfield Parish Council consists of 3 villages, , Shirrell Heath and . A group of residents from Ashley Gardens, Bull Lane, Clubhouse Lane, Red Leaves (representative), Brooklyn Close, Road and Chase Grove attended an informal meeting to discuss the Blueprint Project for our 3 Villages. Here are the results of our discussion. ------

STATISTICS & BLUEPRINT PACKAGE It was noted immediately that the statistics that had been provided by Winchester City Council for our Ward were incorrect and 9 years out of date, thus making it totally irrelevant. It was also noted that although some figures were taken for all 3 villages, other figures were only taken solely for Waltham Chase. It was felt that as we are a Parish consisting of 3 villages, we protested most strongly that only Waltham Chase appeared to be mentioned as the Parish Council Ward – it was felt totally irregular in a Consultation Process because WCC should take the Parish as a whole, and not segregate individual villages to suit their own figures. In short, Waltham Chase is not a separate Ward with its own Parish Council.

At the request and concern of Mrs Smith, a local resident, Winchester City Council concurred that their statistics were incorrect and obsolete.

A new set of correct and more up-to-date figures were accumulated via the Neighbourhood Statistics Office (November 2009) to give a more rounded scenario for the 3 villages. As a group, we were not able to work with the fictitious characters produced in the Blueprint Pack as we were unable to establish how many “Pams” or “Davis Families” there were in the vicinity because we didn’t have their personal details to hand, thus giving only viewpoints and presumptions rather than facts about our Community. Although we were encouraged by WCC to report back to them using their format, we preferred to put our Discussion in our own configuration.

The following figures are taken for the whole Ward, i.e. our 3 villages. We noted the following points and questions first of all to see who lived in the neighbourhood so we could understand our Community more and see what our make-up was in order to consider their needs:

How many people live in the 3 villages? 4,112 How many young people are there? 261 – aged 16-24 years old. How many older people are there? 853 – aged 65 and over What are our children’s statistics? 813 – aged from 0-15 Who else lives in the villages? 2,185 – between ages of 16-64 . How many shops are there? In Shedfield and Shirrell Heath there is only shop – McCarthy’s. In Waltham Chase we have a bicycle shop, a MACE store, a Post Office Store, a Hairdressers, Rosehill Garage, a Motor Caravan & Car Sales Depot and several Industrial Units at Clewers Hill (Church House Farm). There are also a number of industrial units along Curdridge Lane in the Farms along that Lane. How many Council purpose-built In Waltham Chase, only 8 (Red Leaves). bungalows are there for our older ones? It is not known how many, if any, are in Shirrell Heath or Shedfield How many houses are privately owned? 91.1%. How many are privately rented? 5.4%

Ashley Gardens/Brooklyn Close/Clubhouse Lane/Bull Lane/Red Leaves/Chase Grove Group 2

LOCAL AREA & REASONS WHY PEOPLE CAME TO LIVE IN THE VILLAGES Everyone present all agreed that the three villages of Shedfield, Shirrell Heath and Waltham Chase were very welcoming and originally were considered as rural areas. Many in the group were born and brought up here, as were their Parents and Grandparents. It was clear that people were really happy in this wonderful “community spirit” environment. Many people stated they had moved here because of this fact - that there were open areas, with a rural and countryside landscape, with a good community and camaraderie spirit.

It was noted that a large amount of resources in the area applied to equestrian and agricultural activities thus giving this lovely “rural feel”. We have a high density of stabling and pasture for the small villages, as well as agricultural and arable land pursuits and this has attracted a number of people in the community for this rural recreation.

DEVELOPMENT OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS To be able to look into the future, it is necessary to see what the last 20 years has produced by way of previous development, and observe what this has done to the 3 villages relating to infrastructure, floods, transportation etc. As Winchester City Council seem to be insisting on only dealing with Waltham Chase regarding possible development projects over the next 20 years, one of my group has collected the following developmental statistics from the past 20 years for this particular village only i.e. Waltham Chase. Homes Developed since 1980 No. Development Residences Amberlea 4 Ashley Gdns 4 Brooklynn Close 54 Chase Farm Close 54 Chase Grove 5 Clayhill close 48 Clubhouse Lane 1 Coach House 2 Coolgardie 4 Dalecote Farm 1 Folemoor 1 Lawsonia (now Morrell Close) 8 Linden Close 20 Lyons Copse 1 Milner Cottages 3 Mizpah Villas 2 poplar Cottages 2 Poplars 12 Provene Gardens 0 Ridings 41 Robins Nest 2 Smithy Cottage 2 St Aubyns/Fairlawn 14 Talugra 1 GRAND TOTAL 286

Ashley Gardens/Brooklyn Close/Clubhouse Lane/Bull Lane/Red Leaves/Chase Grove Group 3

(development over past 20 years – continued) The result of having this influx of new buildings and development without having assistance of infrastructure in place built into the situation has taken its toll on the village of Waltham Chase. In the last 5 years alone, development has produced 56 new dwellings mainly in Waltham Chase. It has been clearly seen that the infrastructure has broken down even more due to all this development. It was agreed by the Group that school places, severe flooding, increase in traffic, and more electricity power cuts, has certainly been imposed on our local villages.

It was agreed by some people at the Meeting that although assurances had been made by Winchester City Council regarding certain affordable homes/rented accommodation which would meet the local needs first, this unfortunately has not been carried out and in fact with every single development that has been produced in the Village, WCC apparently has ignored the needs of the local people first (as promised) and these homes are now lived in by people from outside areas such Alton, Basingstoke and Portsmouth. No one has been placed in any of these developments from the local villages even though there has been a proven need for them to be facilitated! Examples are available of this fact if required.

AND THE FUTURE OF DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS?

a) Young People’s needs (16-24 years old), Previous Consultation Meetings and HARRAH A Meeting took place last February 2010 at the Methodist Hall, Curdrige Lane, Waltham Chase via HARRAH and WCC who tried to identify a specific need relating to our youngsters and their interest in wishing to stay within the 3 villages. There were 54 separate “questionnaires of interest” filed by our young people – quite a high demand. It was later realised by the majority of these young people that the suggestion of development proffered was not what they were looking for i.e. the mainstream of them wanted rented accommodation as this was more affordable to them. Most of these young people felt they were not in a position in this current financial environment to build up a deposit, and certainly were not able to get any mortgage in place for half share of any development offered to them. So basically, the idea was cancelled out!

It was also noted by some people in our group that the particular development being suggested at the time (Mount Pleasant and Gamblins field) protruded into the green belt, and was out of the jurisdiction of Shedfield Parish Council’s domain. As a Group we asked WHY this development had been heralded up as a developmental site in the first place, as the latest Government Plan to utilise green space had not come into force and certainly did not suit the needs of the local community at all. The area suggested was too far away from the main centre of the local village, as this was the highest peak of the village which would cause severe flooding and density to that area, and also was not suitable for the needs of our older community – it also heralded the aspect of “light industrial units and office space”.

Most people in our group agreed due to this previous Consultation that our younger community (aged 16-24) preferred rented accommodation.

Others felt that young people in our village have NO CHOICE about staying or leaving; if they want rented, part rented or purchase. They have no option but to move away and it was felt strongly they should have choices.

One member in our group before the meeting asked their own two grown up children (aged 20 and 23) that if they had the chance would they come and live in the village? Their responses were that no, they would not wish to live here under the current situation as there were hardly any job prospects available, and it was extremely difficult to travel via public transportation to a place of work in nearby Fareham, or further away i.e. Winchester or . They also felt there were no facilities for their age group, no leisure activities and stated that the area was “boring” and “dormitory”. Ashley Gardens/Brooklyn Close/Clubhouse Lane/Bull Lane/Red Leaves/Chase Grove Group 4

b) Our Older Generation’s needs (65 plus) As discovered by the Neighbourhood statistics, we have 853 people aged 65+ living in the 3 villages. A quick résumé of what facilities there were in Waltham Chase showed that only 8 purpose-built council landlord bungalows have ever been built for the needs of this older generation (Red Leaves). It was therefore agreed and identified that perhaps the needs of the village must be met regarding further facilities for our older community, especially due to the high statistics gleaned for this older generation in our 3 villages.

Their needs were also discussed regarding better transportation to get to a Doctor/Dentist and other Professional Agencies (buses and transportation will be discussed under a separate heading). An excellent suggestion was made by a good many of the group that perhaps a Mobile Doctor/Dentist Service could be utilised – the Car Park of the Village Hall seemed to be a good choice for this facility.

It was noted with great sadness that there appears to be very little in the way of assistance or entertainment for these hundreds of people, and if they had no transport of their own, then it was extremely difficult to get anywhere due to the very poor public transport available.

The older generation of Shedfield and Shirrell Heath have more problems and lack of facilities for their needs, which indeed is of great concern for the future and needs to be re-addressed in the near future.

c) Our youngster’s needs (0-5 year olds) The statistics for our youngsters in the above age bracket (0-5 age group) were 276 in November 2009. There is a Pre-School in the village of Waltham Chase, a Toddler Group that meets in Shirrell Heath and another toddler group that meets once a week in Waltham Chase, a Nursery in Shedfield, opposite the Church, and two pre-schools in Wickham and Bishops Waltham (Montessori). There is also a thriving parent and toddler group at the Methodist Church Hall, Curdridge Lane. None of these schools have their own facilities but rely on Church/Community Halls or St John Ambulance facilities and rely on much needed grants to keep these very important amenities open and viable. Ideally, these pre-schools would prefer their own buildings and facilities. Many of the facilities currently being used are out-dated and need to be totally updated such as purpose-built areas for small children to wash their hands to fully promote children’s health in order to comply with OFSTED’s strict Regulations and the Children’s Act.

Otherwise, our youngsters are well catered for and have good playground and leisure facilities in and around the 3 villages’ vicinity.

d) Our next age gap (6-16 year olds) There is a local school for the 3 villages called St John the Baptist School situated in Solomon’s Lane, Waltham Chase. This School has consistently been over-stretched and usually has no surplus places. In the past 10 years, it has had 2 classrooms built to accommodate the influx and rise of families flowing into the 3 villages. The last figures taken from the school in 2008 (HCC School Plan statistics) showed there was a deficit, i.e. the roll figure for the school was 315, the actual figure for children there at the school was 329, thus having a figure of 14 places over-subscribed.

The Headmaster, Mr Morrison, has this to say about his school:

“…..Our predicted numbers for the near future is around the 315 mark. If there was to be a increase in this number it would require the building Of extra classrooms - add 5 children to a year group and you would need an extra classroom built and so on…..”

Ashley Gardens/Brooklyn Close/Clubhouse Lane/Bull Lane/Red Leaves/Chase Grove Group 5

Most people in the group were concerned that their own children in the future might not be able to go to this school within their catchment area, and indeed 3 of our group stated they have had personal problems getting their children/grandchildren into their own catchment area already. It was mentioned that many may have to go to Wickham or Swanmore Schools.

FACILITIES IN THE 3 VILLAGES AND ARE THEY VIABLE? As a group, we then discussed the facilities such as shops in the village and what has happened in the past few years to these premises.

There is only one shop, McCarthy’s, in Shedfield and Shirell Heath.

In Waltham Chase, during the past 20 years, we have lost a Butchers, Hairdresser, Newsagent, and a grocery store, and a couple of other shops.

What we have left is a bicycle shop, a MACE store, a Post Office Store, a Hairdressers, Rosehill Garage, a Motor Caravan & Car Sales Depot, together with many Industrial Units at Clewers Hill (Church House Farm) and Industrial Units at other strategic places along Curdridge Lane. Unfortunately, a number of these Units have been used unlawfully with regards to wrongful use, ie. B8 (Heavy Duty Industry) although these units should mainly be used as B1 or B2 (light industry) with conditions placed due to the agricultural aspect of the Farms. There have been many Lawful Development Certificates applied for, Retrospective Planning Applications as well as Enforcement Notices placed due to the fact that local people have picked up on severe problems regarding heavy goods lorries, trailers, speeding, and the breaking up of our country lanes., and certainly not due by the diligence of the County Council.

Another factor for these industrial units being placed where they are is that their locality causes severe problems for residents at the top of Curdridge Lane/junction with Clewers Hill and Sandy Lane as many vehicles ignore the “unsuitable for HGV” signs, and use Curdridge Lane and Clewers Hill either as a shortcut/rat run for access to these Industrial Units. It is difficult for Shedfield Parish Council and Residents to keep up with these unlawful usages, but we bear the brunt of the difficulty, but the problem lies fairly and squarely with Winchester City Council failing to make the correct assessments when approving any planning applications that just might be applied for!.

Both the MACE Store and Post Office are unfortunately struggling. It is understood that the Post Office Owners are currently trying to sell this facility.

We have a Village Hall whereby the land on which this building is allocated is Church Land. All revenue collected for the use of this Village Hall is poured back into the Hall to pay for the rental. The Committee of this Hall work incessantly to provide good facilities for the Community whereby the Hall is used for a pre-school, dance classes, bingo, wedding hall, etc. The Committee rely on Grants and from assistance from their Parish Council for the up-keep of this facility.

There is also a Methodist Church in Curdridge Lane that facilitates for several important roles in the Community such as an Over 50s coffee morning, the Causeway group for adults with learning disabilities, and youth groups for various ages overseen by the full time youth worker.

DO WE WELCOME DEVELOPMENT? With Blueprint and the Stragetic Gap going into all the rural areas such as Curdridge, Wickham, Swanmore, Bishops Waltham etc, more development will naturally mean an arrival of new residents. Whilst this is welcome in order to keep the villages “alive” it was clear that rather than looking for areas for development and interest gleaned from owners/developers in our area first, it was felt more prudent to plan in advance to cater for the further influx of neighbours before this strategy goes ahead, thus reviewing and strengthening the infrastructure is a primary concern first and foremost.

Ashley Gardens/Brooklyn Close/Clubhouse Lane/Bull Lane/Red Leaves/Chase Grove Group 6

Many in the group voiced that more development usually results in completely changing the style of a locality and losing individual village identities as they finally meet and merge at their boundaries. We certainly have seen this over the past 20 years.

Everyone agreed that in the past 20 years, the area has become totally changed and built up thus causing a breakdown in infrastructure for the whole Community under the Shedfield Parish Ward. The green spaces have been taken up with a hotch potch of development that has proved unsuitable for the needs of the Community. We all felt we did not want the same mistakes to be made by WCC for the next 20 years of development.

IF WE HAVE TO HAVE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT, WHAT COULD BE BUILT IN OUR VILLAGE – WALTHAM CHASE? It was unanimously stated that all in our group would like to see the green belt remain as it is so that the identities of the surrounding villages can retain their separate boundaries and not be amalgamated.

At the present time and for the foreseeable future (up to 10 years) it was felt that no further development is needed. There is not the infrastructure or transport links to sustain further development and the local school is full to capacity.

It was felt that as we have been asked by WCC to project our thoughts for 20 years’ time we agreed that undoubtedly, we may well need new development in order for the village to survive with new growth. We established that we have more than enough 3, 4, and 5 bedroom homes for the moment, and a development solely made up with a mix of starter/rental homes and some sort of housing for the older ones in our community may benefit the village. It was also agreed upon that these homes should be provided for the needs of the local people first. Development of this type though would only be welcomed on sites within the current settlement boundary.

We only have certain areas that can possibly support development for housing. We have very poor drainage thus causing severe floods in the local area, and there have been many electricity power cuts in the area (over 2,000 in the past 3 years). For these reasons, some members of our Group felt that the WCC Planning Office needs to work with local people with local knowledge before authorising any developments. It was noted areas that have been highlighted on the Ariel plans of the village such as “Morgans Yard” and “Lower Chase Road/Ludwell Farm” may not necessarily have originated from the owners of the land themselves, but the Strategic Planning Department may have identified these areas as a “possibility”. Again, it was felt that the needs of the local community should come first relating to any development, i.e. starter homes, homes for people wishing to downsize, bungalows for the older generation etc.

Since the meeting, one of the group requested that the issue of road safety be mentioned which is obviously a very important factor when dealing with more development which will undoubtedly make an increase to traffic and pedestrians alike. It is worth mentioning that the road traffic issue still needs improving. Some progress has been made through a recent school-based campaign, but Highways and HCC should be reminded of their pledges to push the 60mph limit further south away from the school on the B2177, to install a pedestrian island (believed to be near Brooklynn Close) and to “get on” with pedestrian safety road markings in Solomon’s Lane as time is ticking away on this project very slowly. This was reported in the July/August Shedfield Parish magazine - p17 – and should be upheld and carried forward for any future Reports and Consultation Programmes within Winchester City Council’s remit.

It was clear that a Village Design Statement should be made as we are leaving ourselves wide open. We need to have a “grow and change” plan for the village. Shedfield Parish Council, please yet again, take note!

Ashley Gardens/Brooklyn Close/Clubhouse Lane/Bull Lane/Red Leaves/Chase Grove Group 7

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION This section was able to be summed up in one word by all in our Group - ABYSMAL”. The three villages are serviced normally by 1 bus per hour, but it takes 1.5 hours to get to most destinations and often the passenger needs to change buses. Frequently, these buses are not on time, fail to stop, and are not synchronised to support the leisure facilities offered to the local residents at nearby Fareham (swimming pool and leisure centre, the Theatre etc). The last bus to Fareham is at 6pm. The last bus back home to Waltham Chase is 7pm!

Another matter that links to lack of public transport, lack of provision for the elderly, the permitted commercial development and its subsequent heavy traffic on unsuited narrow lanes, is that the very elderly, of whom we have so many in the Parish together with the very young, (both of which groups do not drive) are put into danger when they try to walk about the Parish.

Also, statistics showed a higher than normal ratio for our rural community regarding car and own transportation – clearly an indicator that the local transportation lacks assistance to the rural community and that Parishioners were “forced” to use their own transportation facilities.

Shirrell Heath does not have any buses at all; which makes the issue of a free bus pass to the elderly a bit of a joke!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Regarding Employment, there are local workers employed at Church House Farm,Morgan’s Farm and Rosehill Garage. It is unknown how much local employment is actually given to the Villagers relating to all the Industrial Units that are surrounding the local area. Not many MAJOR employers are in this village as statistics show many residents have to travel to their places of employment. Any increase in more industrialisation would cause severe traffic congestion.

CONCERNS OF INDUSTRIALISATION, BREACH OF PLANNING REGULATIONS AND CONDITIONS, RETROSPECTIVE PLANNING APPLICATIONS, ENFORCEMENTS ETC This Heading is a serious bug bear to many in the Community as a major factor in consideration for future development, hence the reason why this has been added in to this Report. There already has been a proven knock-on effect due to industrialisation in the local lanes of the villages.

There is much concern that failure to act from Winchester City Council may cause even further harm to the Countryside and to the surrounding areas and it is requested that any further development that ensues, consideration be given to the industrial areas of the village.

It has been noted that more industrial units are popping up on the agricultural farms surrounding the local areas of Waltham Chase and Curd ridge whereby a diverse range of items are stored/sold at these units, often without planning permission or the correct industrial usage.

For instance, at Woodman’s Farm Curdridge there are at least 11 industrial units housing the Curdridge Motor Company, The Jen Centre (Classic Cars), S.W.L. Lifting Services, Botley Stonecraft, and even though the Country Lane that gains access to the Farm is extremely narrow and has “unsuitable for HGV” signs placed at each end of Curdridge Lane, surprisingly, an Operator’s Licence was approved and given to a Firm in 2008 even though apparently this Farm does not have the appropriate Industrial Useage! Winchester City Council have these lists beforehand, and are always able to give their concerns or observations to VOSA and to the Applications and Decisions of the Western Traffic Area that governs our area before any decision is made – details are as follows of this Operator’s License:-

Ashley Gardens/Brooklyn Close/Clubhouse Lane/Bull Lane/Red Leaves/Chase Grove Group 8

ALAN MORGAN T/A A M TRANSPORT on 22.4.2008 35 ELM ROAD, BISHOPS WALTHAM , SOUTHAMPTON SO32 1JR Removed operating centre: JAMES DUKE & SONS, ABBEY MILL, STATION RD, BISHOPS WALTHAM, SOUTHAMPTON SO32 1GN New operating centre: WOODMANS FARM, CURDRIDGE LANE, CURDRIDGE SOUTHAMPTON SO32 2BH (0 vehicle(s), 0 trailer(s)) New authorisation at this operating centre will be: 1 vehicle(s), 1 trailer(s)

Other Industrial Units are found at Church House Farm, Clewers Hill – this area is currently subject currently to two Lawful Development Certificates and Breaches of Enforcement!

The Community have been concerned about so many problems that have occurred regarding these industrial businesses and their lack and failure to apply for planning permission and there appears to be a blatant disregard to the Law and definitely a trend to breach Planning Regulations constantly.

It has been noted that Winchester City Council have not been diligent at all regarding these businesses that seriously breach planning conditions continuously. This is unfortunately to the detriment of the local villages that have to bear the brunt of large vehicles ignoring speed signs or “not suitable for HGV signs”. If more development is required by WCC, then more care and consideration should be taken and regulations upheld relating to Industrial Units. WCC please take note of this serious problem in the village.

MAJOR CONCERNS AND SUMMARY Last but not least, the majority of my group showed great concern and “contempt” at what Winchester City Council have already dealt and agreed upon relating to the development in our village. We have suffered severely from their lack of understanding of the area, their lack of correct reports relating to drainage, flooding, electricity power cuts, BT and other telephone systems also have continuous problems due to water-logged cables etc, all largely due because the lie of the land is chiefly marshland. We are full to capacity at the present time, and we are most concerned about the statistics and possible plans drawn up by WCC Strategic Housing Dept stating that they are hoping to build the largest amount of housing in the next 5 years in our area, and then suggests possibly slowing down the capacity.

In short, many have lost faith in our Council’s concerns for its development for the local communities under its jurisdiction and many are suspicious of future development because they have been so severely let down by their County Council.

It is important to build into WCC’s strategy that probably in the next 20 years, the Government will once more change its views on how large a capacity of housing is needed in the Council’s plans, and that there is a large possibility we would no longer be under this latest scheme – especially due to Mr Eric Pickles’ position regarding the High Court situation.

This is a Statement of Fact because in the past 20 years, we have had many different changes (SHLAA, PUSH, STRATEGIC POLICY, THE ADOPTED PLAN OF 2006 for example). The Local Development Framework in particular has changed at least 4 times in the past 20 years, and this has to be taken into consideration and built into the scenario WCC have produced.

We urge WCC to have several discussions with Shedfield Parish Council and its Parishioners before any consideration is given to more development. We are the locals, we know what is needed in the village, we know what would work and what wouldn’t, we can give you first hand knowledge of the problems (floods, drainage, power cuts, etc). Please ask and talk to us!

Lastly, we take severe umbrage to the comments made by WCC in their Presentation at the recently held local meetings in that you state “be careful what you wish for”, thus putting the onus on us the

Ashley Gardens/Brooklyn Close/Clubhouse Lane/Bull Lane/Red Leaves/Chase Grove Group 9

Community should any future development cause a severe knock-on effect, as a result averting the problems away from WCC – how cowardly!

It is clear from many of the meetings that the majority of the Community of the 3 villages do not wish for further development, but recognize that unfortunately, we have been targeted for further development in our locality, and realistically, to keep the village alive, we need impetus. We feel unfortunately due to past experiences with Winchester City Council and Planning that our wishes probably will not actually be taken into consideration, but at least we have tried in this community effort to relay some of our major concerns – please listen to us.

THE ASHLEY GARDENS/BROOKLYN CLOSE/CLUBHOUSE LANE/BULL LANE/RED LEAVES/CHASE GROVE GROUP

NOVEMBER 2010