The Fareham Council meeting on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, covered several key topics, including the allocation of seats to committees, appointments to outside bodies, and the approval of various planning applications. Significant decisions were made regarding the restoration of Holly Hill Woodland Park and the adoption of an Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document.

Allocation of Seats to Committees

The Council discussed and approved the revised allocation of seats to committees for the 2024-25 municipal year. The Allocation of Seats 2024-25 Report and Appendix A Revised Allocation of Seats to Committees 2024-25 were reviewed. The adjustments ensure proportional representation across various committees.

Appointments to Outside Bodies

The Council confirmed appointments to outside bodies for the 2024-25 municipal year. The Appointments to Outside Bodies 2024-25 Report and Appendix A - Schedule of Appointments to Outside Bodies 2024-25 were discussed. These appointments are crucial for maintaining effective representation and collaboration with external organisations.

Holly Hill Woodland Park Restoration

The Council supported the initial public consultation and the submission of an application to the National Heritage Lottery Fund for the restoration of Holly Hill Woodland Park. The project aims to restore important heritage and infrastructure features. The Council approved a new capital allocation of £2,046,000 for the restoration works, with funding from unallocated S106 contributions and future CIL receipts. If the lottery application is unsuccessful, the Council will use up to £425,000 of unallocated S106 contributions for silt removal works and the sunken garden refurbishment.

Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document

The Council adopted the Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document, effective from 1 July 2024. This document provides guidance on the delivery of affordable housing in the borough, ensuring that new developments contribute to meeting local housing needs. The adoption followed a review of consultation comments and the Council’s responses, as detailed in the Public reports pack.

Planning Applications

Several planning applications were discussed and approved during the meeting:

• P/23/0918/OA - Land to the rear of 51 Greenaway Lane, Southampton SO31 9HT: The Council granted outline planning permission for the construction of up to five self/custom-build dwellings, subject to conditions and a planning obligation under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
• P/23/0944/FP - Meon Bye Farm, Triangle Lane, Fareham PO14 4HB: Planning permission was granted for land re-profiling works and associated landscaping to deliver drainage improvements.
• P/24/0414/CU - 8 Derwent Close, Stubbington PO14 2DY: Planning permission was granted for a change of use application.

Tree Preservation Order No. 785

The Council confirmed Tree Preservation Order No. 785 for the front and rear of 43 Anker Lane. This decision followed an objection and a subsequent deputation. The order aims to protect significant trees in the area.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Minutes of the meeting.