This past week, Fareham Borough Council held several meetings addressing a range of issues from affordable housing to leisure facilities and community safety. Below is a summary of the key decisions and discussions.

Council Meeting - Wednesday 26 June 2024

The Council made significant decisions, including the adoption of the Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and deferring a motion on Community Generated Energy Schemes until after the General Election.

Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The Council adopted the final version of the Affordable Housing SPD, which will take effect from 1 July 2024. This document, shaped by public consultation, aims to guide affordable housing development in Fareham. You can read the Affordable Housing SPD on the council's website.

Community Generated Energy Schemes

A motion supporting community energy schemes and calling for the Local Electricity Bill was deferred. The Council discussed the benefits of such schemes, including local energy security and reduced carbon emissions, but decided to wait until after the General Election for further debate. The motion was initially referred by the Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel on 5 June 2024.

Minutes and Appointments

The Council noted the minutes of recent committee meetings and appointed councillors to various council committees and external bodies, such as the Solent Airport Consultative Committee and the Portchester Crematorium Joint Committee. You can read the minutes of all recent meetings on the Fareham Borough Council's website.

Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel - Tuesday 25 June 2024

The Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel discussed updates to the Council’s Leisure and Community portfolio and considered a proposal to build two padel tennis courts in Holly Hill Park.

Leisure and Community Portfolio

The Panel reviewed the Council’s performance in delivering its Leisure and Community Strategy, focusing on six objectives, including enhancing the natural environment and supporting a thriving local economy. Challenges such as achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and maintaining tourism were highlighted.

Padel Tennis in Holly Hill Park

The proposal to build two padel tennis courts, funded by the Lawn Tennis Association, was referred to the Executive for approval. Concerns about biodiversity and noise were raised, but the council assured that measures would be taken to mitigate these issues.

Voluntary Sector Support Fund - Priory Park Community Association

The Panel recommended a £5,000 grant to the Priory Park Community Association for community projects, including refurbishing the community centre’s kitchen.

Community Fund - Funtley Village Society

The Panel recommended a £2,000 grant to the Funtley Village Society for a new defibrillator for the village hall.

Health and Public Protection Scrutiny Panel - Thursday 27 June 2024

The Health and Public Protection Scrutiny Panel reviewed a draft of the council’s Antisocial Behaviour Policy and decided to refer it to the Executive for approval with minor changes.

Antisocial Behaviour Policy

The updated policy, aligned with the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, focuses on making the policy more accessible and proactive in preventing antisocial behaviour. Councillor Mrs Susan Bayford and Councillor Sean Woodward emphasized the need for clarity and prevention.

Executive Business

Updates included the approval of a Traffic Regulation Order Amendment for Osborn Road and a presentation on the Panel’s achievements and future plans.

Executive Portfolio for Leisure and Community - Wednesday 26 June 2024

The Executive Portfolio for Leisure and Community considered grant applications and discussed the draft budget for 2025-26.

Community Fund Applications

The committee approved a £5,000 grant for the 1st Locks Heath Scouts to replace their hut and deferred a decision on a £9,750 grant for St Paul’s Church in Sarisbury for a community garden.

Draft Budget 2025-26

The draft budget proposes a 2.99% council tax increase to address challenges such as inflation and rising social care costs. Further work is needed to finalize the proposals.

Housing Scrutiny Panel - Thursday 27 June 2024

The Housing Scrutiny Panel discussed a new tenant engagement strategy and a revised Mutual Exchange Policy.

Draft Tenant Engagement Strategy

The strategy focuses on supporting tenants, providing efficient services, and ensuring value for money. No decision was made.

Draft Mutual Exchange Policy

The new policy aims to process mutual exchange requests within six weeks. Concerns about the feasibility of this timescale were discussed, but the Head of Housing and Community Safety assured it was achievable. No decision was made.

Housing Service Portfolio Overview

The panel received an overview of the Housing Service, covering the Housing Strategy, Housing Register, and homelessness. No decisions were made.

For further details on these meetings and documents, visit the Fareham Borough Council's website.