April 24 Planning Report

Village Green Application.  The LRA was pleased to see that the Diocese, in its objection to formally designate the remaining open space in Victoria Square a ‘Village Green’,  recognised it was unlikely to be able to develop the open space further due to planning constaraints. The Church being a listed building since 1997, it now also sits within the planning guidelines of ‘West Lee Area of Special Character’ a planning SPD adopted by GBC since the start of this case.  The wording of the Church case also points to a softening of the Diocese position since the Village Green application was launched in 2016.

In view of this change of attitude it was suggested to the Diocese, through HCC Open Spaces Team that if the Diocese, as landowner, was to make a formal statement that the land would not be developed there appeared no further case to contest. The LRA, on its part gave the assurance that the LRA’s aim is to maintain the remaining open space for the continued enjoyment of the community, with St Faith’s Church use neither undiminished or changed.  It is reassuring that we now have this stated in a Diocesan letter.  By mutual agreement of all parties the ‘Village Green’ case has been formally closed.

It is a shame that this amicable settlement could not have been achieved earlier. Although it must be recognised that the West Lee Area of Special Character and the change of personnel within the Dioceses have both occurred since the application was started in 2016.

Lee-on-the-Solent Tennis, Squash and Fitness Club 41 – 47 Manor Way 24/00046/FULL. The replacement of Floodlight Heads to LED units on the existing 8 poles has been approved.

Court Barn Conservative Club – 24/00080/FULL.  This is an application to replace shed outbuilding of the same size and in the same place, within the curtilage of a listed building. This should be an improvement in function and looks and it has been approved by the LPA.