11th January 2017

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Minutes of the Garrison Residents ' Association Committee Meeting

Wednesday 11th January 2017 At Hinguar School.

Present;

  • Chris Coomber - Chairman
  • Pamela Deakin - Secretary
  • Daniel Puddick
  • Jason Britchford
  • Simon Wright
  • Peter Farrington
  • Robert Fowler -  Fowler and Spenceley
  • Michael Stiers -  Fowler and Spenceley
  1. Apologies were received from Phil Coombe, Richard Spence, Ann Hawley and Helen Parke
  2. Minutes of the meeting 5th October 2016, previously distributed, were agreed.
  3. The new committee members, Jason Britchford, Simon Wright and Peter Farringtonwere welcomed.
  4.  Parking - Discussion took place about the parking problems particularly with reference to Parade Walkbut parking throughout the Garrison can be a problem. With residents parking in the area outside the Garrison going to consultation this may become more problematic. Robert has contacted Jo Massey at SGMCL who has agreed that it is acceptable to use Parking Organisations for parking control. Fowler and Spenceley have done some initial work on two proposals. It was proposed that a phased parking control could be implemented, starting with North Camp as the most likely to be affected

    Action - Residents views are to be requested via Web Site and Face book with the views being sent to Pamela Deakin.
  5. Planning Application Updates - Rifle Shed has been given planning permission for conversion to a dwelling with various restrictions.

    Leisure Centre has applied for planning permission to be converted to five dwellings, there is minimal change to the exterior but possibly there maybe parking problems. The application goes to the planning committee in February.
  6. Fowler and Spenceley report.

1.     Car Parking – This remains a contentious issue and issues continue particularly along Parade Walk. See committee decision at 4 above

2.     Landscaping and Arboricultural Matters – Following the various site meetings towards the end of 2016 with the landscapers we are pleased to report the standard of grounds maintenance has improved and a number of ‘forgotten’ areas have been pulled back into maintenance.  The landscapers have allocated additional resources and undertaken a number of additional visits and no extra cost.

   Following our inspection of the various trees on the unadopted communal parts of the Garrison, accompanied by specialist tree surgeons CTS: a number of recommendations were made by CTS, approval was obtained from the Local Authority and the works completed prior to Christmas. 

3.     Street Furniture – We are in the process of preparing a schedule of works and obtaining quotations for the repainting of the streetlamps, bollards and other items of street furniture on the unadopted areas of the Garrison with a view to having the work done in 2017/2018.

4.     Road Sweeping – The 6 monthly gulley clearance and mechanical sweep of the unadopted roads was undertaken by Flowline in mid-December.  Aside from a few cars ignoring our instructions not to park on the roadway all went well with no significant issues noted on this visit.

5.     5–16 Parade Walk Water Ingress Issues – We recently commissioned a water test on the cladding and window surrounds of this block to try to identify the cause of the very intermittent water leak experienced within 4 of the 10 apartments.  Whilst the test was inconclusive the surveyor made a number of observations as to possible contributory factors, all of which are being addressed.

6.     Gravel Pathways in the Horseshoe Crescent –afterfurther discussion with GRA it is likely that regravelling over the existing paths will take place

7.      Sewerage Pumping Station – Warrior Square Road –This serves 19 properties in the Warrior Square Road/Chapel Road area and is currently maintained by the SGMCL at the expense of those residents.  We are working with Anglian water in anticipation of them adopting the station, thus relieving the residents of that cost.  We have met with their representatives on site and are currently seeking additional information from Avant Homes which we hope will assist the process

8.      Block Redecorations – Following the external redecoration of the Horseshoe Crescent blocks we have underway a number of further redecoration projects at varying stages of consultation and/or tender with the aim of completing throughout the first 6 months of the year.  These include:

a.      Internal redecoration of the Horseshoe Crescent/Chapel Road blocks

b.      Internal Redecoration of Willow Court

c.      Internal redecoration of Gunners House

d.      External Redecoration of the Horseshoe Crescent Maisonettes

9.      General – We continue to receive various enquiries from residents on all things relating to the Garrison, including block repairs, advice on covenants, neighbour disputed.  We try to ensure responses are sent to all such enquiries in a timely manner and, where appropriate have arranged to meet with the resident in question to discuss such issues face to face. 

 7. Updates on S106 and Coastal Community Team

No further news re handover. The cart and wagon shed (previously The Heritage Centre) has yet to be handed over to the council but is expected imminently. Work is continuing within the team to Identity a commercially viable community use.

A.O.B.  Chris Coomber asked Fowler and Spenceley whether the sinking fund needed to be increased: at present it was felt the fund was sufficient. He confirmed that he had made a £50 donation to Hinguar School in appreciation of the hall usage. It was noted that we need an updated list of names and contact details for the committee.

Next Meeting Wednesday 1st March 2017