The AGM of the Hambrook & District Residents Association took place last Wednesday 24 th September at St Wilfrids Church Hall. Approximately 50 residents including our District Councillor Myles Cullen, County Councillor Mark Dunn, Southbourne District Councillor Mary Marrs and our Parish Council Chairman Mike Penny attended the meeting. This was one of the best turnouts for an AGM that we have had for a few years after the decision last year to move it to the autumn.

Apart from the usual election of Officers, Trustees and Committee Members there was a motion put to the meeting that the name of the association should change from the Hambrook & District Residents Association to the Chidham & Hambrook Residents Association in line with the Parish Council and others. After a debate where both sides of the motion were argued, a vote was taken and a clear majority were in favour of retaining the current name.

During both the report stage of the meeting and questions raised at the end the subject of the recent planning permission for the Bio-diesel plant at the Grain Silo site in Priors Leaze Lane was discussed. The main worries for the local residents in the area is the expected the amount of heavy traffic to and from the site on top of the current tractors and HGV vehicles already travelling there. A group of those who are local to the site will attempt to monitor the situation and report what they find and if they are going beyond the restrictions that form a part of their planning permission. Philip Macdougall of the Southbourne Parish Council has volunteered to act as a liaison between the owners of the site and the local people and will keep the association informed.

Mark Dunn addressed the floor on the subject of planning applications stating that if the council refused to grant permission for a planning application it could go to appeal, which can cost the council a considerable amount of money, which ultimately would affect our council tax bills.

This was noted but most residents felt the cost to be well worth it if we are to try and prevent this type of development in our area. Mary Marrs stated that she had voted in favour of the Bio-diesel site going ahead as they would only try to find other commercial activities for the site if they were stopped from doing this.

Alan Morse reported on the current situation with regard to the minerals extraction an on the restrictions listed in the planning permission document on the Bio-diesel Plant. Our Secretary Nigel Else reported on the completion by Southern Water of the sewage and drainage improvements in Broad Road and on the current situation with the Play Area.

The chairman reported on the social activities that have taken place this year so far and what is planned for the next twelve months. John Wingrove our News Letter Editor reported on the circulation and content of this and appealed for contributions. He also brought us up to speed regarding the Millennium Meadow and also appealed for volunteers to form a working party later on in October.

The meeting concluded with our usual question and answers session and the meeting closed at about 9.30 and my thanks to all who attended.

Andy Collins