Public Issues
To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link: -
https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1
The deadline for the submission of public questions is mid-day Wednesday 18 March (mid-day, 3 clear working days before the meeting).
The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day Monday 23 March 2026 (mid-day the working day before the meeting).
The deadline for the submission of a petition is Tuesday 10 March 2026 (10 working days before the meeting).
Minutes:
Public Questions
Public Question from Joel Troy-Barnes
As a resident of Southcote Road, I am regularly exposed to street-based drug use including open crack consumption, prostitution, and associated violence outside my home, often continuing until the early hours of the morning, it seems to be progressively more violent over the last 2 months requiring nearly nightly calls to relevant services.
I would like to ask the Council: is this a known and documented issue in the Southcote road area, and if so, what multi-agency response is currently in place? Specifically, what measures are being taken to ensure the safety of residents living in directly affected streets, and has any consideration been given to increased visible presence or patrolling during the hours when these activities are most concentrated, particularly between midnight and 4am? This situation feels quite lawless after the hours of 8pm and only seems to be getting worse.
Response read by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Millie Earl on behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, Councillor Kieron Wilson
I can confirm that our Public Protection team are aware of your concerns. Our anti-social behaviour team are working closely with Dorset Police on the issues you have mentioned. Recent action includes increased use of CCTV monitoring, additional police patrols to both deter ASB and kerb crawling, and tackle drug use and supply, and work with local residents and landlords to increase the reporting of concerns. We would encourage all residents to report any anti-social behaviour to our team or via the police online platform, so that we can work together to tackle issues.
Public Question from Katherine Avery (Read by the Chief Executive)
I would very much like the Council to consider the impact that short - term lets is having on the tourism industry. I have been running a bed and breakfast in Bournemouth for the last 12 years and this is having a big impact on business for B&B’s and hotels in the ward.
B&B's and hotels are fully compliant, we pay thousands every year to ensure the safety of all of our guests in our establishments, as well as paying business rates to BCP Council.
What does need considering are the short-term lets on Booking agents and the student halls selling rooms. Many of which are 10 metres from local B&B’s.
What is the Council going to strategize in the future to prevent the sudden influx of short-term lets in the BCP ward to prevent the smaller establishments closing? Will there be more regulations in place?
Response by the Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations and Car Parking, Councillor Richard Herrett
Thankyou for your question,
The rise of Air BnB and other short term lets, are another example of where technology and changes in supply, have outstripped legislation and where local authorities need support from central government to deal with the consequences.
Currently the councils ability to enforce against short terms lets is limited in planning terms, ... view the full minutes text for item 101