Information Bulletin - July 2012 - New Forest District Council

Information bulletin July 2012InformationbulletinJuly 2012In this editionCivicChairman’s engagementsHousingThe Impact of the Localism Act on Housing ServicesHousing needs reportCouncil rent - arrearsRight to buyHousing maintenanceAverage void timeJust clickon an itemto readmoreabout itPlanningAppealsEnforcement action

Engagements undertakenby the chairmanCllr Mrs Alexis McEvoyInformation bulletin July 2012July 20121st5th6th7th8th8th14th15th18th19th20th23rd25thAttended the Showcase Concert at the Central Hall, Southampton,performed by the Showcase Performance GroupAttended a tour of the Sea City Museum, at the invitation of the Mayorof SouthamptonRepresented New Forest District Council at the Duke of Edinburgh’sAward Gold Award Holders’ Reception at The Great Hall, WinchesterAttended the Hampshire Music Service’s Concert for Winchester Festivalat the Henry Beaufort School, WinchesterAttended the Mayor of Eastleigh’s Civic Service at All Saints Church,BotleyAttended the Mayor of Test Valley’s Civic Service at All Saints Church, North BaddesleyRepresented New Forest District Council at the celebrations for the arrival of the Olympic Torch atBrockenhurst CollegeOpened the new KFC in Long Lane, HolburyRepresented New Forest District Council at the Hardley School Summer Party for Senior GuestsAttended the Cadland Estates to open the new solar farmHosted the New Forest District Council Civic Day, which included a visit to the 17 Port & MaritimeRegiment at Marchwood and Exbury GardensAttended the annual New Forest Show Dinner held in the Rhinefield Restaurant, New ParkShowgroundRepresented New Forest District Council at the lunch at the New Forest & Hampshire County Show,attended by Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, held on the last day of theDiamond Jubilee Tour

The impact of the Localism Acton housing servicesInformation bulletin July 2012The Council’s Community Overview and ScrutinyPanel at its meeting on 26 June 2012 consideredthe impact of the Localism Act 2011 on theCouncil’s housing services. Given its importance,it was suggested that this report be included inthe Information Bulletin. The full report can beaccessed by clicking hereBelow is the relevant minute extract from the26 June Panel meeting concerning that item:The Localism Act had reformed the law on tenure,housing allocations and housing finance. All of thesereforms represented significant operational change forhousing services. Some of these changes were alreadyclear, however there remained uncertainty in manyareas.In relation to tenure reform, the Council would haveto develop and publish a tenancy strategy and atenancy policy determining whether the Councilwould use new fixed-term tenancies, the circumstancesunder which different tenancies would be offered andthe length of fixed term tenancies. At an operationallevel this would create some challenges, as decisionswould have to be taken on the type and length oftenancy to be offered to individual applicants. Thesechanges would affect both new applicants andexisting tenants and new processes would have to beimplemented within housing services to deliver them.Allocation reform also required modification to theCouncil’s allocation scheme and consultation wascurrently taking place on the new draft policy. ThePanel would receive an update on this matter in duecourse.In addition to responding to, and managing thechanges arising from, the Localism Act 2011, officerswere expecting the Welfare Reform Act to makesignificant changes to the areas of rent arrears andhomelessness. This issue would be brought to thePanel at a later date.Members expressed the view that the Council shouldmanage the process of change sensitively to ensurethat existing tenants felt secure. They requested thatregular updates be given on how housing serviceswere progressing throughout these changes.

Housing needs reportExplained...Information bulletin July 2012The Council is obligated to make decisions on applications for housing assistance from people who are homeless. If applicantsare homeless through no fault of their own and in priority need then the Council will normally accept a duty to securehousing for the applicant. The information on Homelessness Acceptances shows the number of applicants accepted ashomeless in each area of the district.Accepted applicants are normally placed in B&B and then temporary housing when a vacancy becomes available. The lack ofaffordable housing has meant that numbers in B&B and temporary housing has increased in the last few years.The Council nominates applicants for vacancies of permanent and temporary Council and registered social landlord housingin the district and information is provided on the number of nominations.Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May JunHomelessness Acceptances in June:Area of OriginAcceptancesAcceptancesFordingbridge (1) (1) 0 0HHythe/Dibden/Dibden Purlieu (3)(3)11(0) 1Lymington & Pennington (0) 1(1)Marchwood (1) (0) 0 0(1) 0New Milton & Walkford (0) 0S (1) 1Ringwood (1) 0(1) 1South Waterside (1) (0) 1 0Totton & Eling (1) 1Other (In NFDC Area) (0) 0A Jun 12Other (Outside NFDC Area) (1) 1(Figures in brackets are for March)Apr 98 May 12Number of households in temporary accommodation 237 349Number of households in B&B 1 15Number of housing nominations: Permanent & TemporaryCouncil 116 (Apr 11 - Dec 11)Registered Social Land 72 (Apr 12 - June 12 )For further information please S contact:Greg Spawton, Housing Needs Manager, Housing ServicesTelephone: Lyndhurst 023 8028 5588 Email: Greg.Spawton@nfdc.gov.uk

Council rent - arrearsExplained...This shows a range of key Performance Indicators for Council Housing and Garages summarising arrears levels andPossession actions.The information reported is for the current month with comparative data for the previous year.Summary of arrearsHousesTotal debit over the past 12 months £24,174,707Total number of properties 5,012Average weekly rent £84.50GaragesTotal debit over the past 12 months £721,703Total number of garages 1,869Information bulletin July 2012June 2012 June 2011resultANALYSIS OF ARREARS - HousesRent arrears as a % of annual gross rent due 1.27% 1.36%Rent Arrears as a % of annual net rent due 2.84% 3.32%Rent collected as a % of rent due - Houses (BV66a) 98.34% 98.22%Tenants owing over 7 weeks gross rent (BV66b) 1.57% 2.06%Tenants owing over 13 weeks gross rent 0.54% 0.72%Tenants owing over 13 weeks rent & over £507 1.15% 1.48% (over £507)Total Rent Arrears £307,000 £310,000Former Tenant Arears £265,000 £221,000Tenants paying by Direct Debit 20.2% 19.3%Pursue Possession action as a last resortTenants in Arrears who received NOSPS (BV66c) 21.1% 29%Tenants evicted as a result of Rent Arrears 0 0% actually evicted as a resulf of Rent Arrears (BV66d) 0.00% 0.00%ANAYLSIS OF ARREARS - GaragesRent collected as a % of rent due 98.53% 97.75%Total Rent Arrears £6,500 £7,600Rent Arrears as a % of annual gross rent due 0.89% 1.04%Tenants paying by Direct Debit 54.1% 53.7%For further information please contact:Mr G Ballantyne, Housing Income Recovery Manager, Housing ServicesTel: Lyndhurst 023 8028 5588, Email: Gordon.Ballantyne@nfdc.gov.uk

Information bulletin July 2012Right to buyDetails for the month of June 2012Explained...This shows the progress and number of requests to purchase Council Housing through the Right to Buy process leading on tothe actual numbers sold. It shows activity for the current month, year to date and comparative data for the previous year.June 2012/13Year to date2011/12Total1 Number of applications received 7 22 162 Number of properties sold 0 0 103 Number of applications pending 304. Exemption of elderly persons’ accommodation - progress of applicationsreceived from tenants of bungalows and ground floor flatsJune 2012/13year to DateNumber of applicationsreceivedApplications denied bythe CouncilApplications acceptedby the CouncilCouncil’s decisionpendingWithdrawn by tenantprior to decision1 00 10 01 00 0

Right to buyInformation bulletin July 2012BrockenhurstBoldreEast BoldreBurleySwayHythe/DibdenFawleyFordingbridge District*FordingbridgeLymingtonLyndhurstLyndhurst District**HordleMilfordNew MiltonRingwoodBransgore/Sopley#Totton/Netley MarshCompleted Sales and remaining Council accommodation up to end June 2012648134Council house sales41Remaining Council accommodation495132466060803725384365721001372155078818712187100454941534068123914011271188578550 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000*Breamore Damerham Ellingham Hale Martin Rockbourne Whitsbury** Minstead Marchwood Copythorne# also includes properties in WalkfordThe bar chart provides a comparison, by parish of the total properties sold and remaining Councilaccommodation. The latter includes some properties not subject to the ‘Right to Buy’ (eg shelteredaccommodation) and excludes caravan sites.For further information please contactIncome Recovery Section, Community Services, LyndhurstTelephone Lyndhurst 023 8028 5588

Housing maintenance summary -position as at 18 July 2012Information bulletin July 2012Explained...This report keeps Members up to date with the current financial and operational progress for Housing’sMaintenance Programmes, annual expenditure in excess of £9m. This is split between Reactive, Cyclical andPlanned Maintenance which are explained on page 1 of the report.The tender results for the Major Projects are included with the progress of these Projects reported untilcompletion.The Housing Maintenance programme is agreed by Members on an annual basis. This information is includedwithin the Information Bulletin to keep Members informed of the progress of this Programme.Housing revenue account funded projects1. Reactive maintenanceThis budget is for day to day repairs to the Council's Housing and Garages, this includes void works. Theoriginal budget is £2,268,000.2. Cyclical maintenanceThis budget covers the cost of servicing contracts (e.g. gas appliances and fire alarms), internal and externaldecorating contracts. The original budget is £1,472,000.3. Planned maintenanceThis programme area allows for large-scale repairs and renewals to elements of properties such as Kitchen &bathroom modernisations, re-roofing, rewiring, replacement heating systems, disabled adaptations andreplacement windows and doors. The original budget is £5,789,000.

Information bulletin July 2012Programmed maintenance – housing revenue account funded1.1 Financial summaryType Of Work Reported Budget Provisional AdjustmentYear-End Figure£ £ £Planned Maintenance ProgrammeHeating Replacements – Gas 500,000 512,700 12,700Electrical Rewiring/Smoke Detectors 150,000 150,000 0Rendering 150,000 150,000 0Older Persons 105,000 120,300 15,300Kitchen & Bathroom Modernisations 1,530,000 1,534,300 4,300Estate Improvements 200,000 200,000 0Adaptations for Disabled Tenants 459,000 459,000 0Insulation Works 75,000 75,900 900Structural Works 50,000 51,800 1,800Asbestos Removal 85,000 86,200 1,200T.V. Aerials 25,000 26,450 1,450North Milton Estate Kitchens & Baths 3,352,000 3,352,000 0Miscellaneous 108,000 120,950 12,950Planned Maintenance Total 6,789,000 6,839,600 50,600Expenditure on the Planned Maintenance Programme will be controlled through the year in response to tendersreceived by adjusting the workload, specifications and work programme.Cyclical MaintenanceServicing ContractsGas Dom. & Com. & Smoke Det.Solid Fuel + Upgrading Controls on Oil Fire Boilers 750,000 750,000 0Fire Alarms 58,000 58,000 0Lift Installations 44,000 44,000 0Portable Appliance Testing 3,500 3,500 0Liff Equipment Servicing 3,800 3,800 0Legionella checks 10,000 10,000 0Automatic Doors 1,000 1,100 0Window Cleaning 16,000 14,750 -1,250External & Internal Decorating 440,000 500,100 60,100Older Persons 40,000 40,000 0OAP Internal Decorations 25,000 25,000 0Miscellaneous 80,700 20,750 -59,950Cyclical Maintenance Total 1,472,000 1,471,000 -1,000Total ProgrammePlanned Maintenance 6,789,000 6,839,600 50,600Cyclical Maintenance 1,472,000 1,471,000 -1,000Reactive Maintenance 2,268,000 2,268,000 0Revenue Programme Total 10,529,000 10,578,600 49,600

Information bulletin July 20121.2 Planned Maintenance Contracts Accepted Since Last Information BulletinNone at present1.3 Planned Maintenance Contract ProgressContract Contractor Progress Current Completion DateKitchen Refurbishment CLC Contractors On target Due for completion 31/3/13Various properties: New Milton(PM1/07) DJElectrical NFCS On target Due for completion 31/7/12Various properties: All areasExtended due to volume ofHS3/11 – RTrepairs found on testingBathrooms NFCS On target Due for completion 31/7/12Various properties: HytheExtended due to wetroomsHS9/11 – RTDecorating NFCS On target Due for completion 27/7/12Various properties: All areasExtended due to badHS16/11 – RTweatherRefurbishments Mansell Construction Services On target Due for completion 5/11/12North Milton Estate, New MiltonHS31/11 – DJBoiler Replacements Building Works On target Due for completion 31/5/13Throughout the districtHS01/12 – RTEnvironmental Improvements Engineering Works On target Due for completion 31/3/13Throughout the districtHS17/12 – LK1.4 Planned Maintenance Contracts Completed Since Last Information BulletinNone at presentFor further information on this Section please contact:Richard Topliss, Housing Performance & Asset Manager, Housing Services.Tel: 023 8028 5588. Email: Richard.Topliss@nfdc.gov.uk

Information bulletin July 2012Average void time for 2012/13Explained...This graph shows how long it takes us to re-let one of our Council Housing properties.There are two figures shown;The Maintenance average is the time taken to prepare the property to an agreed Void Standard. This includesvarious health and safety checks including the Gas and Electrics. These works are carried out by our own inhousemaintenance team.The total average is the time between the previous tenant leaving and the new tenant actually moving in.Most of our properties are let as soon as the Maintenance works are completed. The exception to this are ourHard to let properties, these are normally bedsits in our Sheltered Schemes.This information is included within the Information Bulletin as it is classed as a key Performance Indicator for theHousing Service.5.0Cumulative Total Average4.54.2 4.3Cumulative Maintenance Average4.03.83.83.53.02.7Weeks2.52.62.5 2.52.01.51.00.50.0Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb MarM th The above figures do not include properties that are vacant due to large programmed maintenance works e.g.major structural works and decants.The averages are calculated for properties that have been let since 1 April 2012For further information please contact:Richard Topliss, Housing Performance & Asset Manager, Housing Services.Tel: Lyndhurst 023 8028 5588. Email: Richard.Topliss@nfdc.gov.uk

Planning appeals18 June 2012 - 15 July 2012Information bulletin July 2012Name Proposal DecisionNEW APPEALS SECTION 78Primetower Properties& Radian HousingAssociationMr M SearleMr ReadDevelopment of 32 flats in 2 blocks; associatedparking; cycle & bin store; demolition of existingcar repair workshops (Use Class B2 industrial) 2-4& 6 MANOR ROAD, NEW MILTON BH25 5EN12/98229Side & rear extension; roof alterations inassociation with new first floor; 2 dormers; 4rooflights; use of garage as ancillary livingaccommodation; porch; use of part of groundfloor as annexe 19 ARNOLDS CLOSE, BARTON-ON-SEA, NEW MILTON BH25 7JW 12/98389Two-storey side extension; single-storey frontand rear extension; roof alterations 2 DANIELLSWALK, LYMINGTON SO41 3PN 12/98471PLANNING / ENFORCEMENT JOINT APPEALMr B KilgourRetention of detached garage 32 DANIELLSWALK, LYMINGTON SO41 3PN 11/98133TPO APPEALSMR J HONEYT3 - Pine - Fell 18 SHARVELLS ROAD, MILFORD-ON-SEA, LYMINGTON, SO41 0PE (TPO131/02)(12/0189)MR M CLAYSONENFORCEMENT APPEALT1 Willow - Reduce in height and spread by50%. THE BAY TREES, 8 HIGH STREET, MILFORD-ON-SEA, LYMINGTON, SO41 0QD (TPO26/11)(12/0172)Mr & Mrs KilgourWithout planning permission, the erection of asingle storey detached garage. 32 DANIELLSWALK, LYMINGTON, SO41 3PN (EN/11/0208)

Information bulletin July 2012Name Proposal DecisionAPPEAL DECISIONS SECTION 78Ringwood and DistrictOld Peoples HousingSocietyMr M LambertMr BurnettButlers Bar & GrillM & S PropertySolutionsMr D SpencerOne & two-storey extensions; balconies;demolition of existing garage & bin store FLATS1,2,7 & 8 MARY MITCHELL CLOSE, LYNES LANE,RINGWOOD BH24 1EH 11/97343Retention of house; new access 17 MEADOWROAD, RINGWOOD BH24 1RT 11/97796Two-storey dwelling; parking; access Land rearof 74 HAMPTON LANE, BLACKFIELD, FAWLEYSO45 1WN 11/97762Continued use of land as beer garden; retentionof pergola, decking and smoking shelterBUTLERS BAR AND GRILL, 1 SHAFTESBURYSTREET, FORDINGBRIDGE SP6 1JF 11/97065Bungalow; parking; access from Wessex RoadLand rear of 226 SOUTHAMPTON ROAD,RINGWOOD BH24 1JQ 11/97036Two-storey rear extension BROOKHAYES,KINGSTON COMMON, KINGSTON, RINGWOODBH24 3AZ 11/97760Allowed. Subject to an alternativecondition"I find that condition 6 does notaccord with Circular 11/95 and onthis basis the appeal succeeds.However, I have concluded that itis necessary to impose a substitutecondition. This would not causeharm to the living conditions, withregard to privacy, of the occupiersof 7 to 15 Bickerley Road.Furthermore this course of actionwould accord with CS Policy CS2."Dismissed.Dismissed.Dismissed.Dismissed.Allowed. Subject to 3 conditions"The proposal would notunacceptably diminish the opencharacter and appearance of thelocality and would accord with LPsaved Policy CO-H2 and CS PolicyCS2, which together promote highquality design and protect therural character of thecountryside."Mr & Mrs Johnstone Front dormer; rear roof alterations 89WAINSFORD ROAD, PENNINGTON, LYMINGTONSO41 8GG 11/97974Appeal Allowed in Part. Subjectto 3 conditions"The appeal is dismissed in so faras it relates to a front dormer.The appeal is allowed in so far asit relates to rear roof alteration"

Information bulletin July 2012Name Proposal DecisionTREE PRESERVATION ORDER DECISIONSMR D KENT Sycamores - T7 and T8 - Crown reduce by 30%FORRESTERS RESPITE CENTRE, 2 SOUTHAMPTONROAD, HYTHE, SOUTHAMPTON, SO45 5GQ(12/0083) (TPO 09/11)DismissedENFORCEMENT APPEAL DECISION SECTION 174Mr BundockMr D A KayWithout planning permission, the erection of anoutbuilding on the land adjacent to the rearboundary of the site. 17 PEARTREE ROAD,DIBDEN PURLIEU, SOUTHAMPTON, SO45 4AN(10/0581)Without planning permission the materialchange of use of land and premises from adwellinghouse (class C3) to a mixed use of adwellinghouse (class C3) and a club (a use fallingwithin use class D2 of the Town and CountryPlanning (use classes) order 1987) HIGHLANDS,SALISBURY ROAD, CALMORE, SOUTHAMPTON,SO40 2RQ (06/0567)DismissedDismissed.Allowed 3Dismissed 4Allowed 35Dismissed 58For further information contact Appeals Services (Planning Department),Appletree Court, Lyndhurst.Telephone (023) 8028 5345.

Enforcement actionInformation bulletin July 2012Since the publication of the last Information Bulletin, the following Enforcement Notices have beenserved:-(A) Land at The Cherry Orchard, Manor Farm Access Road, Milford Road, Pennington(i)(ii)(i)Cease the use of the land for residential purposes;In order to secure compliance with (i) above remove all items brought onto the land for the purpose ofthe residential use including, but not exclusively, the bed, all kitchen facilities, the wood burning stoveand the flue;Remove all materials and debris resulting from the compliance with (i) and (ii) above from the site.(b)Land at Avon Court, Gravel Lane, Ringwood, Hants, BH24 1LLi) To comply with condition number 3, carry out the boundary treatment for the site as shown on plannumber P212/205, Rev A, dated April 2005, attached as Appendix A, within the area of land affected bythe notice and removed all existing boundary treatment which fails to accord with these approveddetails.ii)Landscape the area hatched green on the attached plan at Appendix B in accordance with the hardsurface and soft landscaping details illustrated on plan number 2368/1a dated September 2005(Appendix C) as formally discharged by the Local Planning Authority on 27th September 2005, so as tofully comply with condition 7.Since the publication of the last Information Bulletin the following Breach of Condition Notices havebeen served:NONEFor further information:Contact Judith GarrityPrinicpal Planning Officer (Enforcement)Appletree Court, LyndhurstTelephone direct line Lyndhurst 023 8028 5588Email: Judith.garrity@nfdc.gov.uk