Hurn Parish Council (Christchurch) and Sandbanks Neighbourhood Forum (Poole) have submitted to us, their draft Neighbourhood Plan proposals.
We are publishing these proposals for consultation and seeking your comments on these draft Plans. The consultation will run for eight weeks from 7 July to 1 September 2023.
Following the close of the consultation, all responses will be passed to an independent examiner appointed by the Council. The examiner will consider the responses as part of the process of independent examination and produce a report of the findings for each plan. The reports will be published on our website later in the year.
12 July 2023 Berkley Avenue road closure
Residents please note that Dorset Council plans to close Berkley Avenue daily between 9am and 4pm, 18th -21st July for maintenance works. Full Closure order
29 June 2023 New Road roadworks
Please be advised that the works on New Road, for the junction with the new link road, will be finished and clear by end of Friday 30th June.
This is ahead of next week’s road closure on Christchurch Road (westbound). Dorset Council have also been contacted to request the footpath between New Road and Church Lane is made passable.
22 June 2023 Christchurch Road – Temporary Road Closure between PARLEY CLOSE & PARLEY CROSSROADS
During 3rd - 7th July 2023:
These works are to resolve the issue with the B3073 junction with the new link road on the Land East of New Road development. The carriageway adjacent to the new link road needs to be fully closed to protect the contractors. This new junction is opposite the entrance to Parley Close hence the closure being between Parley Close and Parley crossroads. More information is on the official Road Closure Notice.
Westbound only between its junction with Parley Close and its junction with New Road between 6am - 8pm
Full closure Westbound and Eastbound between its junction with Parley Close and its junction with New Road between 8pm - 6am
In response to a large number of questions raised following the recent roadside signage, hopefully the following will be of assistance:
These works relate to a short stretch of Christchurch Road on the eastern side of Parley Cross, between Parley crossroads and Parley Close, please see this zoomed image from the Closure document.
Vehicular access to businesses, schools & properties is still possible; including Parley Close.
Pedestrian access during the road closure is still possible.
Cyclist access during the road closure is still possible, however cyclist must dismount when using the footway on the stretch of pavement between Parley Close and Parley crossroads.
All emergency services have been informed of the road closure, and where possible the contractors will allow access but this is dependent on the work being undertaken at the time.
The airport and Portfield School have been informed.
To provide some examples to help clarify the position further:
Travelling from the airport - You cannot use the carriageway beyond the junction with Parley Close towards parley crossroads, at any time during this period.
Travelling to the airport – you can use the carriage between the crossroads and Parley Close between 6am and 8pm. But it will be closed between 8pm and 6am.
From Church Lane, you cannot reach parley crossroads and will need to follow the diversion.
From Parley Close, you can only turn left towards the airport and will need to follow the diversion.
All 3 other roads for the crossroads remain unaffected.
The contractor has been asked to review their signage as it is confusing.
BCP are arranging forward notice signage to be in place at both Chapelgate roundabout and Hurn roundabout to divert traffic away from closed westbound B3037 (other than for access).
Dorset Council, Forward Notices have been requested for all 3 other feeder roads to Parley crossroads.
22 June 2023 Polite Reminder
West Parley is a very safe place to live and this was echoed by the Dorset Police and Crime Commission, David Sidwick, who attend the Parish Council meeting last night. However, recent social media reports appear to show an increase in thefts from properties in the area and we would like to remind residents to ensure their properties, cars and outbuildings are secure. We would also encourage you to check on more vulnerable neighbours or those not on social media.
There have also been reports of camera drones being flown over gardens in both West Parley and West Moors, which may or may not be related to the recent increase in criminal activity. If you see anything suspicious, please contact Dorset Police.
19 June 2023 Pitch Improvements
Today a representative of the Dorset FA visited the grounds and undertook an inspection of each of the football pitches. This information is to support the Parish Council in a funding application for pitch improvements as part of the Football Foundation grant scheme. The Football Foundation is the Premier League, the FA & the Government’s charity that helps communities improve their local football facilities through football grants; with a mission to help promote grass roots football.
The initial impression is that the grounds are not in too bad condition but there is a lot of thatch below the grass level. Other issues relate to the drainage and exposed roots. Whilst the last few years of improvements to the grounds means that the pitches are unlikely to qualify for the maximum funding available, we are hopeful to receive some level of funding to help us continue to improve the condition of the playing fields in West Parley.
16 June 2023 Land East of New Road - Dust!
The Parish Council has received numerous complaints from residents about the level of dust emanating from the development on New Road. Last week, we reported our concerns to Dorset Council’s Environmental Health team and they immediately visited the site. Environmental Health are working with Planning Enforcement to establish the current requirements by the developer and contractors.
Whilst some improvements have been made over the last few days, Environmental Health are pushing for more to be done by the grounds contractor and the developer. A dust blanket will be attached to the boundary fencing and this is expected to be installed on Wednesday.
If you have concerns, please let the Parish Council know, however you should raise them with both Dorset Council Environmental Health and Planning Enforcement departments who have the powers to enforce change.
6 June 2023 Become a Councillor - Your Village Needs You!
There are currently 6 vacancies on the Parish Council and we are seeking more people to sign up as councillors to help keep West Parley wonderful.
It is advantageous to have a diverse group of people as a council to encourage a holistic approach to the needs of those in the village.
The Council meets once a month, along with planning committee meetings when required.
The Council owns 30 acres of land which includes the recreation ground, playing fields, sports club, car park and the lovely parley wood (SSSI). Parish Councils also respond to all planning applications within the parish, have input on highways matters and generally try to make the village a better place for all to enjoy.
More information on what is involved in becoming a Councillor, can be found at Become a councillor - GOV.UK or take a look at this website.
If you have any questions, please email the Parish Clerk or phone 07477 514862.
6 June 2023 Two Notices Of Vacancy
In Office Of Councillor
Sadly, two of our Parish Councillors have resigned. Please see the Notice Of Vacancy
In Office Of Councillor for Peter Grenfell, and the Notice Of Vacancy
In Office Of Councillor for Moya Magorian
5 June 2023 Round 4 of the Housing Support Fund opens Tuesday 6th June
Dorset Council news - please following the link for information on eligibility.
To allow Bellway Homes to construct a housing development, the footpath between New Road and Church Lane will be closed for a period of 6 months from 16th June 23. There is an alternative route from further along New Road to the South. Please see Dorset Council's temporary closure order.
31 May 2023 Update on the West Parley Community Sports and Social Club
We would like to update residents following increased activity at the premises over recent months.
Skips have been hired and a waste clearance was undertaken at the start of the year. Thank you to the volunteers and Councillors for their assistance.
A building survey for the presence of asbestos was completed and all that was identified, has been safely removed and disposed of.
A Legionella assessment was completed.
A fire Risk Assessment has been completed.
A bat survey was undertaken before any roof works could be commenced.
Temporary repairs to the roof have been completed to make the building watertight.
Regrettably, a water leak during the freezing temperatures at the start of the year caused a burst pipe and subsequent damage to the entrance porch and the ladies WC at the front of the building. During the period of closure, the area was tidied and made safe. In addition, changes were made to provide the alternative WCs for the sports sections.
Improvements have been made to the ground floor changing rooms to make them usable by both Parley Cricket Club and the under-18s team of Parley Youth Football Club.
The Jubilee Room, overlooking the playing fields, has received updates to the access door, lighting, installation of wall heaters and the interior painted to improve the decor. Noticeboards have been put up so the users and Parish Council can display information. The room is now being used by the sports sections and the Parish Council hope to relocate meetings there in the near future.
A Quantity Surveyor is undertaking a feasibility study to assess the most cost-efficient way to remodel/repair the building. A reduction in the overall footprint would reduce ongoing business rates for the building, but the costs to undertake the reduction in footprint or the choice of area to be removed may outweigh the longer-term savings.
The likely model is for a 'lock up and leave' building with 1 or 2 function rooms which can be hired by the public and used by the affiliated sports sections and used for Parish Council meetings.
Outside of the building:
Improved signage has been installed at the end of Stocks Lane, which leads to the Parish Council's car park, to help improve the identity for the Council’s community area and those using the Council’s facility.
A new grounds maintenance contractor has been instructed, who will now undertake additional activities to keep the community area looking at its best.
Tree works on the recreation ground and the path into Parley Wood have been completed. A survey of the trees around the perimeter of the playing fields and Parley Wood has been completed and the appropriate works will be undertaken in the coming months to maintain the health of the trees.
The canopy over the patio was repaired.
The compound was repaired to provide a safe storage space.
A second Pétanque terrain has been installed due to increasing numbers within the sports section.
The Wendy house was dismantled in anticipation of relocation to Parley First School, but sadly too much of the wood was rotten to salvage.
Next Steps:
Repair the toilets at the front of the building following the water leak and install a ramp to increase accessibility. This has been progressed through the Council's insurance company and confirmation of settlement has been received. Upon receipt of the monies, the repairs will be completed with the inclusion of an accessible toilet.
A planning application is being submitted patio doors into the Jubilee Room, to make it accessible to all.
A small kitchenette area will be installed in the Jubilee Room to aid hygiene and allow users to provide basic refreshments.
Internal alterations are being progressed to provide additional toilets and an office for a new long term user. The Parish Council is delighted to be offering Longham Pre School a new home for the new term starting in September 2023.
The Quantity Surveyor will produce and issue a Tender for the main building works which will include removal of the first floor changing rooms, tank room & flat to facilitate a total re-roof of the building.
Council will continue to seek further funding in the form of grants and progress negotiations regarding a possible forward payment of the section 106 funds which were a condition of the development at the Land East of New Road.
31 May 2023 Christchurch Road – Overnight partial / total road closures
To allow resurfacing works, various roads including Christchurch Road will be closed between 3rd – 7th July 2023. Please see the full road closure details.
As per last year, we also have our community response form, which is the quickest and most effective way to reach our team if you have any concerns.
19 May 2023 Road Closure – Berkley Avenue
Essential maintenance on the highway.
18th and 20th July 2023
9am to 4pm but it will be open overnight and at weekends. Berkley Avenue closure details.
17 May 2023 Ringwood Road (Longham Roundabouts – Pompey’s Lane)
The Northbound closure has now been lifted, however temporary signals will be required on Wednesday 17th May to allow encapsulation works to be completed.
SGN have been advised not to commence these works until after 9am given the commencement of the examination period in all the local schools.
16 May 2023 Vandalism / Anti Social Behaviour
West Parley’s Open Spaces : Recreation Ground, Parley Wood, Car Park, Playing Fields
We are sadly receiving an increase in resident concerns regarding antisocial behaviour in the village’s open spaces.
The most recent is the damage caused to the bridge in Parley Wood; the second occurrence in about 6 months. Other incidents reported have included graffiti on the gazebo; cars doing doughnuts in the car park; adults using the children’s play equipment; tampering with the doors to the clubhouse; drinking and littering which includes nitrous oxide cannisters and bottles / cans; dog waste not being picked up. Dorset Police have been made aware of the issues currently being experienced and encourage residents to call 101 with details; or 999 if a crime is in progress.
The Parish Council look after the land on behalf of the village and want it to remain an area for everyone to enjoy.
Emergency road Closure - Ringwood Road (northbound only, between Longham roundabouts and Pompey's Lane).
Started 2nd May and likely to be completed by Friday 5th May. Ringwood Road road closure details.
2 May 2023 Events at St Marks Church
Lots going on at St Marks Church!
King Charles’ Coronation
6th May 2023, 10am. Watch the coronation of King Charles live on the big screen.
Spring Concert
13th May 2023, 7pm. A spring concert with St Mark’s Singers
