21st April
|
Residents and groups meet with company to discuss 260-home
plan for Emsworth at forum
HAVE YOUR SAY PLANS were outlined and concerns were voiced
at a meeting about proposals to build 260 new homes on a
greenfield site. Residents, councillors and group
representatives well-attended Land and Partners’ development
consultation forum, to find out more about the company’s
plans to build homes on an Emsworth field. But many are
still objecting to the proposals, which involve a field
north of Long Copse Lane, near to Westbourne. As previously
reported in The News, many have concerns about traffic,
drainage problems, wildlife, and pressure on local services.
J
onathan Harbottle, director of Land and Partners, said: ‘We
felt it was a worthwhile and constructive exercise for us to
be able to explain the technical aspects and background to
the project, and get direct questions back in the open
forum, which we were then able to answer openly. ‘One of the
outcomes from the direct engagement is that we are now
working with several residents opposite the site, to
understand the problems some of them are having with
drainage, and to explore how we can improve their existing
situations as part of the new development. ‘A point made was that we need to ensure there are enough parking spaces in the layout, the densities should not be excessive. ‘And the character of Long Copse Lane should be preserved by not changing the character too much.’ Jonathan said that as the lowest parts of the site front Long Copse Lane, open-water drainage areas can be put at the front, so that the area is kept open.
He said this would minimise the impact on the neighbours
opposite the site. Representatives from the Emsworth and
Westbourne areas were invited to speak on behalf of groups
and residents, including Charles Ashe from Emsworth
Residents Association, and Roy Briscoe from Westbourne
Parish Council – both of which object to the proposals.
Havant Borough Councillor for Emsworth, Richard Kennett,
also objects – and said he would be supporting the action
group residents are planning to set-up in response to the
plans.
He said: ‘The event was very well-attended and it shows just
how much people care about what’s going on. ‘People are
worried about traffic movement on Long Copse Lane, and also
the protection of the bats on-site.’ Councillors raised
queries about schools, doctors surgeries and cycling routes,
which Land and Partners said it has agreed to investigate. Councillor Roy Briscoe, chair of Westbourne Parish Council’s planning committee, said: ‘‘Planning policy over many years has protected the countryside around Westbourne to maintain its identity and character, and we urge Havant Borough Council to continue to protect this important gap in the urban fringe. ‘We do not consider the locations as suitable for the development. It is remote from local community infrastructure and services that are available in Havant.’
The News
20th April 2018 |
21st April
|
Korean War hero ‘insulted’ at plans to limit
veterans at Emsworth St George’s Day parade
The proposal won’t affect this year’s spectacle, with
organisers saying veterans will always be welcome However,
‘conversations’ have been held which could see limits placed
on the number of war heroes processing at future parades 1
HAVE YOUR SAY SNUBBED veterans say they are being pushed to
the sidelines after plans to limit their numbers taking part
in a popular parade came to light. War heroes from Emsworth
say they have been left feeling ‘insulted’ over proposals to
potentially cap the veterans’ ranks at the town’s future St
George’s Day celebrations. A
former long-standing organiser of the event claims Havant
Borough Council’s new team is seeking to only have just 50
retired service personnel to future events. One of the
town’s councillors admitted plans were being looked at to
impose a cap for ‘logistical’ and ‘security’ reasons but
stressed this wouldn’t impact this year’s event, adding all
veterans were welcome to join.
However, Korean War veteran Norman Davies – who helped set
up Emsworth’s event for the past 10 years – lashed out over
the proposals. The 86-year-old retired Warrant Officer, of
Rosemary Way, Horndean, said: ‘This is an insult. I feel
bloody angry to be quite honest. Norman Davies ‘I have been
told that we will have to keep the number of veterans down
to 50, including standard bearers. In previous years we’ve
had 90 to 100 people taking part. It’s not on. ’
The procession was set up to honour the heroism of veterans
who fought in the Second World War, as well as those in the
Korean War and conflicts in Malaya and Borneo. More
recently, currently serving soldiers from Thorney Island
have taken pride of place at the parade, processing through
the town centre.
Councillor Rivka Cresswell has been helping to organise this
year’s spectacle and said ‘conversations’ had been had with
groups taking part about how many veterans would be able to
join future parades. Asked whether numbers would ever be
capped on the event, she said:
‘It could be the case – it’s not the case this year, we have
still got 70 people marching. ‘In the past few years the
number of veterans has doubled. ‘I think there will come a
day where we will have to put a restriction mainly because
of security and logistics.’ She added the parade had grown
to such a large number it was becoming difficult to fit
everyone in Emsworth’s High Street.'
‘We now have more veterans than soldiers,’ she said. ‘We
need to get a balance.’ John Measham, of the Malay and
Borneo Veteran Association, is the current commander of the
veterans’ contingent and has been involved in the
discussions with Cllr Cresswell.
He said the suggestions were ‘sensible’, adding: ‘We have
got no beef with the council. ‘The main concern was the
space available in Emsworth – there isn’t enough of it.’
However, Mr Davies said the discussions could cause
‘confusion’ for veterans thinking of attending this year’s
ceremony. He added Korean War veterans felt like they had
been ‘forgotten’ and demanded assurances they would always
be able to join the parade.
‘I fought for two years in Korea, it was a horrible,
horrible war – a real war,’ he said. ‘There was hand-to-hand
combat and trench warfare. It was like the First World War.
‘We Korean veterans are now getting fewer and fewer as the
years go by. This parade is an important venue for us to be
remembered.’
The parade will take place on Monday from 10.30am. It will
feature a contingent of 45 soldiers from 30 Battery, 16
Regiment Royal Artillery and members of the Band of the
Royal Artillery. |
19th April
|
Outstanding Ofsted Report for Green Roots Nursery
Pre-School centre in Southbourne
Green Roots Nursery and Pre-School have had a fantastic
start to Spring receiving
“We are so pleased the high level of care we provide has
been recognised and we have received an Outstanding grade
and Gold award. We would like to thank our team for the
amazing work they do every day and our families for their
support. We look forward to continuing to develop Green
Roots to ensure we maintain these high standards.” Gemma
Lawson – Green Roots Manager
OFSED praised Green Roots stating “Children
flourish in an inspirational learning environment. Children
are extremely happy, confident and self-assured, and their
emotional and physical well-being are supported incredibly
well.”
“We introduce flavours from around the world so every
mealtime is an opportunity to learn, and not just about the
food. Mealtimes
with us are sociable and fun, with healthy balanced meals
and creative menus that help children develop a real
interest in what they are eating” Rury Clark– Green Roots
Chef
“Having first helped to grow the vegetables in our garden,
we encourage children to be involved with mealtimes by
serving themselves whenever possible and organising regular
cooking activities with our Chef. This can prevent bad food
habits and we judge our efforts on the results – empty
plates after every meal, smiling faces and glowing skin!”
Gemma Lawson – Green Roots Manager The assessment looks at the way the food is prepared, the ingredients used, how staff are trained and healthier choices promoted. As well as encouraging healthier food options, Eat Out Eat Well rewards caterers who increase their use of fruit, vegetables and starchy carbohydrates while limiting their use of fats, sugar and salt.
|
Outstanding
from OFSTED in their recent inspection and a Gold Eat Out
Eat Well award.
5th April
Local MP, Alan Mak Leads Support the Emsworth Surgery Campaign
Local MP Alan Mak has
launched a campaign calling on the Emsworth Surgery’s doctors to
keep an ongoing presence in the town centre following a potential
move of their main surgery to a new building at Redlands Grange.
Talks between the doctors
and NHS England to build a modern health centre for Emsworth at
Redlands Grange are at an advanced stage, with an announcement
expected in the coming months.
In anticipation of the
planned Redlands Grange move, Alan has brought together other
community representatives in calling for a community presence to be
maintained in the town centre – with a satellite surgery the
preferred option. The doctors currently operate a satellite surgery
in Westbourne, close to the location of the new clinic.
Speaking after the launch,
Alan encouraged all residents to back his campaign by signing-up as
supporters on his website to demonstrate the community’s support for
a surgery presence in the town centre.
Alan said: "Over the last
three years I’ve chaired a number of meetings between the doctors,
the NHS and other stakeholders to turn our vision of a modern health
centre for Emsworth into a reality and to identify the best possible
option that meets the long-term needs of the community.
“Some people hoped that the
old Victoria Cottage Hospital site could be used. However, the
doctors have the final say, and their view is that a new, modern
purpose-built facility at Redlands Grange secures the long term
clinical needs of local residents.
“Nevertheless, I believe
it’s important that some presence is maintained in the town centre,
especially for those residents who would find it harder to access
the new facilities at Redlands Grange. That’s why I have launched my
campaign to persuade the doctors that Emsworth Surgery needs to keep
a presence in the town centre.”
The campaign has been
backed by the business community, with Sue Treagust from the
Emsworth Business Association saying that it was important for the
town that the doctors have a retained presence.
She said: “Although I am
disappointed by the decision to move to Redlands Grange, I believe
now that it’s vital the community comes together to ensure that some
health provision remains in the town centre. I’m support the aims of
Alan’s campaign and I encourage all residents to get behind it.”
The campaign is also
supported by all three of the Emsworth councillors, who backed the
push to retain services in the town centre.
Cllr Richard Kennett said:
“From speaking with residents I believe most people wish to finally
see a modern health centre for Emsworth even if that means moving to
Redlands Grange. However, I fully back Alan’s idea of a satellite
surgery which is a sensible compromise and hopefully something that
everyone can get behind.”
If you wish to sign-up to
the campaign please visit here.
If you wish to leave a
comment, visit alanmak.org.uk/contact
2nd April
Christians in Westbourne, near Emsworth mark Good Friday
Christians in Westbourne, near Emsworth, marked Good Friday with their traditional walk through the village with a large cross, recalling the death of Jesus. Celebrations of the resurrection included a sunrise service on Easter Sunday, followed by breakfast.
Rev Andrew Doye, rector at St John's parish church, said: "Easter is the great celebration in the church, taking us from the solemn sadness of Jesus' cross to the joy and brightness of his rising from the dead. God brought new life, then; and does so through his love and mercy to us, today."
26th March
Emsworth Museum Re-opens for the 2018 season on March 31st
Following last year’s successful temporary exhibition of the CDAS
finds from the Warblington Roman Estate, Emsworth Museum is pleased
to provide a permanent home for the unique Warblington Cist and
other finds from the excavation.
The new CDAS display cabinet will be formally opened by David
Hopkins, the Hampshire County Archaeologist at 10.30 on March 31st
The picture shows Trevor Davies and Jane Weeks of Chichester and
District Archaeology Society (CDAS) preparing the new display
cabinet.
The Museum is pen om Saturdays and Bank Holidays 10.30am - 4.30pm Sundays 2.30pm - 4.30pm and St \St George’s Day (23rd April) 10.00am - 2.00pm Admission is freewww.emsworthmuseum.org.uk.
26th March
Emsworth Business Association raises £6,500 for local primary
schools
Each year the Emsworth Business Association supports a local good
cause which has included over the last few years the Rosemary
Foundation, The Rowans Hospice and Stonepillow. The EBA chose as its
local good cause for 2017 the two Emsworth Primary Schools – St
James’ Primary School and Emsworth Primary School with the aim of
supporting the future generations of the community. Giles Babb,
Chair of the EBA was delighted this week to hand over a cheque to
Headteachers Kate Fripp and Erika
Biddlecombe for £6,500 which will be shared by the two primary
schools. Fund raising events over the year included –
· Emsworth
Apple Pressing Day
· The
Community Seafood Lunch held during Emsworth British Food Fortnight
· Father
Christmas’s Grotto at the Emsworth Christmas Lights Turn on
· Christmas
Tree re-cycling
The series of fund raising events culminated with the annual
Emsworth Charity Black and White Ball, held at the Brookfield Hotel
and attended by almost 100 people which raised through an auction
and raffle in excess of £4,000.
The Emsworth Business Association would like to thank all the local
business and residents who contributed and supported these events
last year and are delighted that the amount raised will make a
significant difference to these two primary schools.
“On behalf of St James' Primary School thank you for the money
raised for our school and our children. It is superb to see
our local community through the EBA supporting the education of the
future generation of Emsworth. One of the joys of Emsworth is
the team spirit shown by residents and businesses which is
demonstrated with this fund raising. Thank you.” Erika
Biddlecombe, Headteacher, St James' Primary School, Emsworth'
“Emsworth Primary School are incredibly grateful for the fund
raising by the community which will benefit the children in so many
ways. It shows our pupils the power of collaborative work and the
importance of being part of a wider community with local interests.
We are looking forward to sharing with you how the funds will be
spent and the benefits to our learning and environment! Thank you
from all of us.” Kate Fripp, Headteacher Emsworth Primary School.
“This
the largest total the EBA has ever raised for its annual support of
local good causes and we have been amazed by the continued
generosity and support of businesses. These are tough times for many
businesses and the fact that many still supported this initiative
shows just how strong and determined this community is.” Giles
Babb, Chair EBA
For more information - www.emsworth.org.uk & www.stonepillow.org.uk
19th March
Residents fear the ‘destruction’ of Emsworth as proposals for 260
new homes
PROPOSALS for 260 homes on
a greenfield site have sparked an outcry from residents who have
said: ‘don’t clog up our town’.
Land and Partners has
revealed plans to build on a field north of Long Copse Lane,
Emsworth, and will hold a public exhibition at the town’s community
centre. The field opposite Long Copse Lane, Emsworth where
developers want to build 260 homes But many fear the plan,
part of Havant Borough Council’s plan to see 1,700 homes built in
Emsworth by 2036, will add to the ‘destruction’ of the town.
Dr Alistair Thomas, 74, has lived opposite the field for 33 years.
He said: ‘Traffic and a
growing population is swamping Emsworth such that everybody’s
quality of life, including any new people, is and will continue to
suffer.
‘There’s going to be too
many people in an area with not enough infrastructure.
‘Our road is very
narrow, it can’t fit two cars down it and there’s no pavement.
‘The town itself is getting
busier and is being destroyed. This new development will only make
things worse.’
In 2014 Bellway Homes
finished building 280 houses to the south of Long Copse Lane, as
part of its Redlands Grange development.
The field to the north of
it has an area of 15.8ha and is used as grazing land and horse
paddocks.
Jonathan Harbottle,
director of Land and Partners, said: ‘We understand the positive
benefits of respecting the environment, engaging with the community
and insisting on high-quality design, tailored to the local context.
‘Our proposals north of
Long Copse Lane are very-well contained by existing development and
natural boundary features.
‘We propose to keep open
the frontage of the land facing the lane with a green corridor which
acts as a visual buffer, a biodiversity corridor and sustainable
water feature.’
Mr Harbottle said there
would be no more than ‘about two additional vehicle movements every
minute’ on the road network as a result. Havant Borough
Council has proposed the build of 9,549 homes by the year 2036, in
its Draft Local Plan. A total of 125 homes are being built on
land west of Horndean Road in Emsworth. And 1,100 homes have
been earmarked for Southleigh, the strategic gap between the town
and Denvilles.
Paul Brown, 52, lives on
Long Copse Lane with his family. He said: ‘We’re resolved that if
the development does go ahead we’ll probably just move.
‘I can’t believe 260 homes
can be put on that field without some major changes to the road
infrastructure around here, it would just clog this lane up.’
The exhibition will take
place at Emsworth Community Centre tomorrow, from 5.30pm-8.30pm.
The News 20th
March 2018
12th March
The Future of the Old Hospital Garden
Restoration plans and ideas for opening the garden to the public have been presented, but were rejected by the trustees. They seem determined to keep it under lock and key, and open it only for occasional use.
With more and more homes being built in the area, and with no public space south of the A27, the garden is a valuable but under-used community asset.
FECH is a small and little known local charity, but has assets of more that 600k and apparently distributes interest on capital to local good causes without breaking into its enormous capital. The garden (if restored) would become a huge asset locally and be a place of peace and relaxation, helping the health and well being of our residents - young and old.
Please consider attending the FECH AGM that takes place on Thursday 22nd March at 4.30pm in the Community Centre. Perhaps the Trustees can be persuaded the public should have a voice about the garden’s future?
If you would like to become a member of the friends the subscription is £2 which can be paid via BACS [ FECH-account 00013227- sort code 40-52-40]
Malinda Griffin 12th March 2018
 |
1st March
Footpath loss angers locals
at Emsworth homes plan exhibition
A PUBLIC exhibition to
showcase plans for a new development and gain feedback from
residents was held at a community centre.
Curious members of the
public visited Emsworth Community Centre to learn more about
Hampshire Homes’ plans to build 49 homes off Westwood Close, in
Emsworth.
The move follows the
Development Consultation Forum held at Havant Borough Council’s
Public Service Plaza in January.
But some of those who
attended said the boards of information, which were on display
yesterday, told them ‘nothing new’.
Ray Cobbett, chair of the
Havant branch of Friends of the Earth and who opposes the
development, said: ‘Most of what I’ve seen today I’ve seen before,
except for the very basic designs.
‘This is over-development
on a valued piece of land – a green space with Emsworth on one side
and Westbourne on the other.
‘The development isn’t even
needed to meet the council’s housing targets.
‘It should have been
designated as a green space by the council because it includes a
much-loved historical footpath, which will now be diverted into a
flood zone.’
The 1.48-hectare site is
neighboured by the River Ems and the West Sussex village of
Westbourne.
The developer plans to
build four one-bedroom flats, 22 two-bedroom homes, 19 three-bedroom
homes and four four-bedroom homes, with a total of 121 car parking
spaces.
Tony Dove, 73, lives in
Westwood Close and attended the exhibition. He said: ‘People won’t
be able to use the path when it’s wet. I don’t think the developer
is listening to residents – today is a sham, we’ve seen it all
before.
‘The only thing I haven’t
seen is the picture of the houses, which isn’t detailed at all.’
Residents questioned why
the homes couldn’t be added to the some 2,100 due to be built at the
Southleigh site, between Emsworth and Denvilles, identified in the
council’s Local Plan 2036.
Phil Shephard, 65, lives in
Westwood Close. He said: ‘There’s 2,000-odd homes being built
elsewhere in Emsworth, but here we’ve got 49 houses encroaching on
to the last greenfield site between Westbourne and Emsworth.
‘It’s messing with a famous
footpath and water voles – which I saw at the Westbourne end of the
river last year.
‘They’re endangered.’
Hampshire Homes said it
will listen to the community and incorporate feedback given into its
planning application, which will be submitted to the council ‘in the
coming weeks’.
Director of Hampshire
Homes, Ian Wallace, said: ‘Residents were keen to engage with our
team and turned out in numbers.
‘Of particular concern was
the footpath, and we’ve been happy to take peoples’ thoughts on
board.
‘We’re proposing the path
is diverted slightly to ensure it’s kept within the green space. A
portion of it is being moved out of the developable area to a small
section of flood zone 2.
‘A large section of the
remainder of the path sits within flood zones 2 and 3.
‘Discussions with Hampshire
County Council’s Rights of Way team are continuing about the
diversion, and correct measures will be taken in selecting the
finished surfacing and maintenance of the footway.’
The News 28th
February 2018
28th Februay
|
Havant Council
Tax Rise for 2018-19
Havant Borough
Council has ‘with great reluctance’ decided to increase
its council tax for the first time in nine years – with
an increase of 2.99% which is £5.76 per year – less than
a month’s membership of Netflix at £5.99.
Councillor
Michael Cheshire, Leader of Havant Borough Council,
outlined how the council planned to maintain its
financial sustainability while continuing to boost the
local economy and make the area as prosperous as
possible.
The 2.99%
increase will result in a Band D rate of £198.54 which
equates to a £5.76 increase per year. He said that the
budget will be under constant review.
He told the
Full Council meeting on Wednesday night (21 Feb): “We
have delivered and will continue to deliver affordable
high-quality services of our customers and residents for
less cost and yet we have done this without lowering our
standards.
“We have
achieved this while facing a significant reduction in
central Government funding (the Revenue Support Grant)
which in 2016/17 was £1.4m, is now £290,000 and from
2019/20 will be zero.
“However,
despite this reduction in central funding, we continue
to provide a full range of public services for people
and businesses in our borough, furthermore we continue
to explore every option to deliver value for money for
our residents.”
He told the
meeting how the council was achieving its key
priorities.
He said: “We
will seek to enhance our economic growth by transforming
our town centres in order to attract inward investment
and work to finalise our local plan.
“We will look
at our major development opportunities such as Havant
and Waterlooville town centres, Hayling Island,
Brockhampton West and Dunsbury Business Park to focus on
regeneration opportunities.
“We will
continue to maintain our financial sustainability. This
will be achieved by our continued support in growing our
joint venture Norse South East and building on our
strong relationship with other councils, in particular
our shared management with East Hampshire.
“We will
maintain our environmental sustainability programme and
this will be achieved by continuing to develop our
excellent coastal partnership, offering a high quality
level of service across the breadth of the partnership
coast, this includes seeking investment of improvements
to Langstone and Hayling Island.
“We will
continue to strive for public service excellence as an
organisation at the centre of democratic and civic
leadership here in Havant. This will be achieved by
investing in our staff, councillors and our business
community.
“Using customer
insight, we shall determine our service priorities and
redesign our processes such that our customer’s most
important services are delivered at the right price at
the right time and to the required quality.”
To read the full speech please click on this link: http://havant.moderngov.co.uk/documents/b32775/Leaders%20Budget%20Speech%2021st-Feb-2018%2017.00%20Council.pdf?T=9 |
13th February
12th February
An explosion of colour awaits visitors to Emsworth this spring.
On 28th, 29th April
and 5th, 6th,
7th May
2018, Emsworth Arts Trail will showcase the exciting and varied work
of over 100 talented local artists within the town.
From home studios to community halls, businesses, sailing clubs and
churches, artists will open their doors to art lovers on its popular
annual arts trail.
Nearly all venues are located within a mile of Emsworth’s town
centre. By
walking or cycling, visitors can look forward to meeting artists and
have a chance to purchase their work.
“A full spectrum of mediums and styles including painting,
printmaking, photography, furniture making, weaving, woodturning,
ceramics, jewellery and textile art will be on display,” explains
Carol Price, chairman of The Emsworth Arts Trail.
“We have lots of exciting new artists and makers this year, offering
something new to visitors, alongside many established names that
have been part of the trail since its launch in 2001,”
Emsworth Arts Trail works alongside local business to help stimulate
economic activity in the town. Nearly 50 companies have paired up
with one or more artists to exhibit their work for its ‘Adopt an
Artist’ scheme.
"We are delighted that so many shops, restaurants, churches, pubs
and cafes across the town have offered their premises as temporary
galleries so that visitors will be able to take advantage of all
that Emsworth has to offer whilst enjoying the art on display. Nearly
all of the venues are based near the centre of Emsworth so visitors
will be able to follow the Art Trail map on foot or by bike to take
in as many as they like,” explains Carol.
Organisers recommend parking outside the village or on the outskirts
of the Trail and walking in, as parking in the town is often very
busy over the two weekends. All
public transport information can be found on the web and in the
Trail Guide.
Look Out For:
The
Boat Project,
the Arts Council England initiative that formed part of the London
2012 Olympic Festival will be on display at Hollybank
House during the first weekend of the trail.
‘Collective Spirit’ is made of thousands of donated wooden items and
was built in Emsworth during 2011-12. It documents the lives of
people within the South East of England, with many items coming from
local residents. http://theboatproject.com
Hollybank House will also host a collection of artists on the 28th –
29th April,
and promises to offer visitors a special experience this year.
And, of course don’t miss all the local artists who open up their
studios and gardens to welcome visitors to their homes, definitely
worth a visit for a chance to see their work and spend some time in
their company.
The event runs over two weekends on 28th –
29th April
and 5th, 6th,
7th May
2018.
Visit
the Emsworth Arts Trail’s website for more information on each
artist, opening times, access and trail map www.emsworthartstrail.org.uk
