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 22 July 2026 (mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting).
The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day Monday 27 July 2026 (mid-day the working day before the meeting).
The deadline for the submission of a petition is Tuesday 14 July 2026 (10 working days before the meeting).
Minutes:
The Chairman advised Council that given the significant number of questions and statements received the time limit for public questions and statements would be extended to 30 minutes.
Public Question from Roger Mann
Winter Festival is an established attraction, but recent years have raised concerns about planning, environmental protection, community benefit, and funding. Residents need confidence that future events will learn from past issues and benefit Bournemouth as a whole, not external operators.
1. What assurances can Council give those previous concerns—including the ice rink’s approval and unmet restoration and contractual commitments—will be fully considered before any future festival is approved?
2. As sole trustee of the Lower Gardens Trust, how will the Council ensure that its duty to protect the gardens’ natural environment is prioritised alongside their use for entertainment?
3. Why does the Council continue to provide funding to a bad model—previously direct and now indirectly —when this results in a loss. Will it explore partnerships with local businesses and alternative ice-rink locations that could deliver genuine community benefits while generating a return for the Council and Bournemouth?
Response by the Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, Councillor Richard Herrett
The provision of the Christmas in Bournemouth event is much valued by residents and visitors alike with work already underway to deliver the 2026 event following a tender for a five year operation. I would like to reassure you that regular communication takes place with the operators including a debrief after each year’s event and there are currently no unmet restoration commitments outstanding from the operator.
The Bournemouth Borough Council Act 1985 is clear in that the Council/ Lower Central Gardens Trust Board can provide public amenities, facilities for entertainment and recreation and due consideration is given to the items the Trust Board has remit to oversee, including the required agreement from the board for major events in the gardens area.
The temporary winter festival referred to does not exclude public access to the general open space for its intended purpose of the Trust which is the gardens to be for the recreation and enjoyment of the public.
The council is always open to hearing from local businesses regarding potential partnerships and any opportunities which arise will go through relevant procurement processes to ensure we are meeting our statutory regulations
Public Question from Soo Chapman
King Charles reminds us of Attenborough's wonderful achievements but our legacy will gravely dishonour him if we keep ignoring the Intelligence Chiefs' Report, the warnings of the National Preparedness Commission, the National Emergency Briefing Scientists of November 2025 and the ongoing collapse of our planet's heat shields.
Continuing to approve incineratory projects, deadly anachronistic fuels and cretinous investment decisions leave us vulnerable to more expensive flooding, fires and sea level rise.
An MSP points out that North Sea oil and gas drilling adds atmospheric carbon that must later be removed at great expense to avoid driving up global temperatures, with disastrous consequences for future generations.
Time for All Hands-on Deck and an educational update in all communications please before, in an act of spectacular and incredible stupidity, we trigger our own miserable, cruel and totally unnecessary demise.
Response by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, Councillor Andy Hadley
The Intelligence Chiefs report on biodiversity collapse, and the National Preparedness Commission website includes really useful warnings to Government on topics like food security, community cohesiveness and preparedness.
NPC Evidence to the House of Lords National Resilience Committee - National Preparedness Commission
There have been hundreds of public screenings of the “People’s Emergency Briefing” around the country, based on the November 2025 event.
BCP Council have hosted screenings, last week in Poole, and in Highcliffe yesterday, and have forthcoming events in Bournemouth tomorrow evening. We are working actively with others to share this excellent briefing over coming months, and we also have internal sessions to inform staff running this week.
I was shocked recently to read on Climatefiles.com internal memos from the major USA Oil Company, Exxon which highlighted that they knew the impacts of burning fossil fuels back in 1981, where they stated;
“We will undoubtedly recognise unambiguous threats by 2000”
“Potential catastrophic effects by 2030”
But Exxon then has gone on to fund dis-informaton campaigns, and with other Oil majors, they still do, This includes lobbying for further drilling in the North Sea and supporting dodgy politics.
I created a simple handout used at our briefings but have also shared with other hosts locally to highlight actions that individuals and organisations can take, plus where they can influence, including pushing for televised briefings on the Climate and Nature Emergency.
Through our Climate Partners Meetings we continue to work on this agenda with other organisations across the conurbation.
As the wildfires and unprecedented temperatures across Europe demonstrate, time is running out, but hopefully the masks of deceit are falling, and meaningful action will follow. We can all play a part.
Public Question from Barry Smith (Read by the Chief Executive)
Has any progress been made in handing the lease over for Scott’s hill lane park to Christchurch town council from BCP council? I was asking these questions over a year ago and I would have thought this would have been completed by now if not could you give me some time scales as I’m concerned another generation of children will miss out on this park?
Response by the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Partnerships, Councillor Sandra Moore
Discussions have taken place between the Council, the landowner, Merrick Estates, and Christchurch Town Council. These parties are now progressing legal agreements and working towards a land transfer that will see Christchurch Town Council take responsibility for the play space and make improvements that will see it re-open. There is no current timescale, but we hope this will be completed as soon as possible.
I can assure you we’re doing everything we can on our side.
Public Question from Ian Redman (Read by the Chief Executive)
Over recent months, I have sought to identify which officer or corporate function is responsible for ensuring that publicly advertised commercial opportunities falling outside Procurement & Contract Management are managed in accordance with the Council's standards of fairness, transparency and good commercial governance.
I have been advised that Procurement & Contract Management does not oversee certain publicly advertised commercial opportunities, while the Monitoring Officer's office has stated that no single person or Board has oversight of all publicly advertised commercial opportunities. If this reflects a wider governance position rather than an isolated case, it raises important questions about corporate accountability and the consistency of governance arrangements across the Council.
Can the Leader confirm who holds responsibility for this governance oversight and, if no such function exists, whether the Council intends to address this apparent gap in corporate governance?
Response read by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Millie Earl on behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Resources and Governance, Councillor Jeff Hanna
Responsibility for some opportunities such as licensing or permitting regimes to occupy or use space under local government powers that fall outside of the remit of procurement and concessions, sit with the relevant service area and accountable senior officer.
Where an opportunity falls within the scope of Procurement & Contract Management, that service provides oversight and advice in accordance with the Council's procurement framework. Where opportunities fall outside that scope, responsibility remains with the commissioning or service lead, supported as appropriate by Legal, Finance, Governance and other professional services.
To summarise the Council does not currently operate a single corporate function or board with oversight of every publicly advertised commercial opportunity across all service areas. Rather, governance is delivered through the existing framework of officer responsibilities, delegated decision-making, financial regulations and constitutional requirements.
Public Question from Councillor Mark White (Poole Town Council)
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1972: General Disposal Consent (England) 2003, which permits local authorities to transfer land or buildings for less than market value—including at zero cost—where clear community benefit is demonstrated, could the Council outline how this mechanism could be applied to the Poole Guildhall, reflecting the approach previously used for Christchurch Town Council’s Town Hall and associated assets? Dorset has already implemented similar community‑value transfers, including Weymouth’s Old Town Hall and Bridport’s Literary & Scientific Institute, establishing a clear regional precedent.
What criteria will BCP Council use to ensure Poole Town Council is treated equitably when considering a comparable below‑market‑value or free transfer? Finally, can the Council confirm whether it would support Poole Town Council to the same extent as Christchurch in establishing the Guildhall as its permanent civic home, subject to appropriate stewardship and demonstrable community value.
Response by the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Mike Cox
Poole Guildhall is a very historic and income producing asset of BCP Council and as such is not for sale.
The assets transferred by the former Christchurch Borough Council NOT BCP to Christchurch Town Council were a series of non-income producing assets one of which the Old Town Hall and was in need of a new roof which cost the Town Council over £300,000 to repair. As a result of careful and prudent asset management by a team of dedicated Town Council officers the roof was repaired (something Liberal Democrats are very good at apparently) and the asset remains a well used and valued community asset.
The one income producing asset which Christchurch Town Council did obtain from BCP was a car park which our Conservative colleagues wanted to sell to a Private Equity company and for which the Town Council paid for at Market Value.
I am sure Councillor White you will be aware that this administration has introduced a very successful Community Asset transfer policy and I would direct you to read it and act appropriately.
Poole Town Council will be treated in exactly the same was as any other Town Council. If there is a redundant asset which is of community value I would suggest they apply for a Community Asset Transfer.
However, I would recommend the Town Council has the appropriate in-house officer team to prepare the application and manage any asset in the event they are successful. This administration provided the 3 new Town Councils with an ample level of resources and a very capable Town Clerk. I hope you and your colleagues don't squander such an excellent inheritance.
Public Question from Councillor Rosemarie Stirk (Poole Town Council)
Poole’s Regalia belongs to the people of Poole, yet it is stored away so far from Poole that none of Poole’s residents have the opportunity to enjoy seeing, and learning of the history of the silver maces, the Elizabethan spoons, the Jolliffe Medal, The brooch of the Admiral of the Port and so much more. Could the Leader please explain how Poole Town Council can display the Regalia in Poole Museum for the benefit of residents and visitors?
Response by the Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture, Councillor Andy Martin
Poole's Regalia is an important part of the town's heritage.
During the redevelopment of Poole Museum, extensive consultation was undertaken with residents, visitors, stakeholders and community groups to understand which stories, themes and collections were of greatest interest to audiences. The museum's permanent galleries and displays were developed in response to that consultation. While many aspects of Poole's history featured strongly, the creation of a dedicated permanent Regalia display did not emerge as a priority identified through that consultation. However, as part of the museum's interpretation planning, a number of Regalia objects, including the silver maces, Elizabethan spoons and the Jolliffe Medal, were however originally identified for display within the new galleries. During the final stages of exhibition installation, permission for those items to be displayed was withdrawn.
The recently completed £10.3 million transformation of Poole Museum has delivered a mix of permanent galleries and flexible exhibition and programme spaces. There is currently no dedicated permanent gallery available for the display of the full Regalia collection. Creating one would require significant additional investment in specialist display cases, conservation measures, security arrangements, interpretation and gallery redesign.
It is also important to recognise that permanent display is only one way in which collections can deliver public benefit. Throughout the development of the museum, officers explored opportunities to work with the Charter Trustees on a wider programme of engagement, including loans, educational resources, object-handling sessions, talks and schools activities, which would have enabled residents and visitors to engage with the Regalia in a variety of ways. While those opportunities were made available, they were not developed at that time. The Council remains open to working collaboratively with Poole Town Council and other partners to explore opportunities.
Public Question from Councillor Steven Hayes (Poole Town Council)
Poole Town Council is aware that there are many buildings with or without land owned or long-leased (i.e. 21 years or more) in Poole that were handed to BCP in 2019. Would BCP Council provide to Poole Town Council a single and full register, of all addresses and type of property of commercial and community properties excluding those owned and managed by BCP Homes within the Poole Town Council boundary and include whether or not they are currently occupied and, in the case of unoccupied buildings provide any plans they have for their disposal or for bringing them back into use?
Response by the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Mike Cox
In short No I have no intention of wasting BCP officers time in producing lists for any Town Councillor irrespective of party allegiance who wish to go on a fishing expedition of BCP owned Property.
If you want to know who owns a property I would recommend you look up the land register and pay the appropriate fee.
Public Question from Alex McKinstry
In 2025, Bournemouth Christmas Company Limited provided an ice-rink plus various other attractions in the Lower Gardens area. The contract, though a seemingly unfinalised document, cited the need for planning approval at clauses 5.3.5 and 9.3 and that was also a statutory requirement, as the rink would be in place for more than 28 days. What penalties were imposed on the company for breaching these requirements, as the rink never did receive planning permission; and was any separate penalty imposed following the removal of a cherry tree from the proposed ice-rink site?
The company admitted (Eastern BCP Planning Committee, 20 November 2025) that it had asked for this tree's removal to be "expedited" when surveying the site with a Council parks officer. The company also spoke of providing six replacement trees; did these materialise?
Response by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, Councillor Andy Hadley
The tree was removed by the park operations team, it was assessed by the arboricultural team as not thriving. Other cherry trees in the park have similarly been removed over recent years for the same reason.
The contract required the proponent of the ice-rink to fund making good the site after their use, as has been done over a number of years.
They offered the six trees that you highlight as part of their site mitigation.
The best time to plant a tree is the Autumn. The park operations team have a plan to order and plant those trees this Autumn, in the Lower Gardens, funded by the Bournemouth Christmas Company.
The species planned are;
Prunus Taihaku (great white cherry)
Prunus Kanzan (cherry blossom Kanzan)
Liquidambar Styraciflua (sweetgum)
Acer campestre (field maple)
Acer Griseum (paperbark maple)
With two trees of one of the types of cherry trees.
Annual billing is undertaken in August each year following completion of garden reinstatement works relating to the ice rink. This will include for this year the charges for the new trees, including funding ongoing maintenance to support their establishment.
Public Question from Xena Dion
The 2024 consultation on the closure of the Whitecliff entrance to Poole Park found 63% of respondents disagreed with the closure. The report states that it would ‘help increase health and well-being outcomes for our communities and visitors’. I’m sure the Leader and portfolio holder agree that increased and frequent traffic congestion along Parkstone Road, backing to the George Roundabout, adversely affects health through emissions from stationary traffic that contributes to respiratory and other illnesses. Moreover, the risk of serious harm and chaos by only allowing cars to exit from one location, should there be a major incident in the park is grave. Based on these facts and the deterrent effect that traffic in the park has on antisocial behaviour could I ask that the Administration reopen the Whitecliff entrance to cars and reassure residents that no further money be spent on aesthetic landscaping that could be better spent elsewhere?
Response by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment, Councillor Andy Hadley
By contrast to your 2024 figure, in the 2022 consultation on retaining the closure of Keyhole Bridge, 65% of those responding wanted it kept closed to through traffic. Yet, the Conservative Administration overruled that to reopen it.
What has become clear from the multiple sets of consultation on measures along this link is how social media, including the misinformation widely circulated by your ex colleagues, influenced opinions and the results. Consultation is just one part of the process.
The formal decision to permanently close the gate was made back in May 2024. This is a park, and not part of the highway. Kings Park and Meyrick Park were closed to through traffic in the 1980s.
Overuse of cars for short journeys contributes to congestion, and health problems including respiratory and other illnesses, partly arising from a lack of exercise. We need to protect our parks and open spaces for people to dwell, exercise and enjoy rather than just to pass through and pollute.
The beneficial effects for health and wellbeing of preventing drivers from using this historic park as a cut-through are significant, it makes the Park a far better place for those who visit or pass through on foot or by bike. It is also better for the nature in the park, including reduced disturbance to the Greylag Geese, especially in their flightless moulting season.
If there were a major incident in the Park, the Police and parks teams would be able to open access and direct traffic as they see fit.
The Parks team will continue to look at ways to improve the experience of those visiting the park, including supporting legitimate access by vehicle, and especially catering for the needs of those with disabilities, prioritising park users, not rat-runners.
Public Question from Philip Stanley-Watts
Can the cabinet member assure me that in the light of the hot weather that BCP heathlands are protected as a priority in partnership with the fire authority.
Response by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, Councillor Andy Hadley
Philip, thank you for your very timely question. The huge wildfires reported over the weekend in Spain and France, and the fires in Scotland and Wales are a significant concern, and symptoms of human-induced Climate Change, and careless actions.
I have checked in with my colleague Cllr Clare Weight, Chair of the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, who has consulted with the Chief Fire Officer and his team in providing you an answer.
The Council are acutely aware of the risks that the current heatwaves present to our internationally significant heathland, and the Countryside team work closely with the Fire and Rescue Service, and through the Dorset Heaths Partnership with many other partners, landowners and specialist groups.
Proactive work includes:
Additionally, we have been working with partners in the Dorset Heaths Partnership to reintroduce meres and other wet areas, both to create peat, sequestering carbon, and to limit risks of spread of fire.
Sadly despite all these measures, heathland fires remain a significant challenge, particularly during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather. There were 116 heath fires recorded in SE Dorset last year, including two significant ones at Newton Heath, and Holt Heath.
We are seeing increased wildfire activity across the UK and internationally, and Fire and Rescue Services are strengthening preparedness through national resilience arrangements, including specialist wildfire response teams coordinated by the National Fire Chiefs Council, the NFCC.
We support their calls for retailers to remove disposable barbecues from sale and we welcome public support for that initiative.
I am aware that Fire services continue to call for sustainable funding. I would encourage members of the public to express their support for our Fire crews by contacting their MPs.
While these interventions cannot eliminate the risk entirely, I am satisfied that we have strong partnership arrangements in place with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and our wider partners to protect BCP's heathlands, our communities and our environment.
The public questions and statements listed below were duly submitted in advance of the meeting. However, as the allotted time for public presentations was exceeded, it was not possible for them to be read aloud during the meeting. All statements and questions were circulated to members prior to the meeting and are included below for the record and for informational purposes.
Public Question from Michael Day
My question relates to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) that BCP Council raise from permitted development in Poole. This ranges from £75 to £289 per square metre. Could the Leader tell us the projected CIL receipts for this financial year to date that Poole Town Council is entitled to and what is the schedule for transferring those funds across to Poole Town Council.
Response by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Millie Earl
Community Infrastructure Levy is collected from chargeable development across the council area, including certain forms of permitted development. As with any CIL receipt, the funding is attributed to the area where the development takes place, and the relevant neighbourhood proportion—15% or 25%, depending on whether a neighbourhood plan is in place—is then passed to the relevant Town or Parish Council.
In relation to the schedule for transferring funds, Neighbourhood CIL is transferred twice a year, in April and October.
In terms of projected receipts for the Poole Town Council area, it is difficult to provide a reliable forecast. Neighbourhood CIL income depends on when development commences and the timing of CIL payments, and there can often be a lag between development starting on site and CIL being received by the Council. However, the twice-yearly Neighbourhood CIL payments will provide a clearer indication over time of the level of funding being generated within the Poole Town Council area.
I’m looking forward to the three new town councils adopting a Neighbourhood CIL policy and begin providing the community with grant funding as soon as the first transfer takes place.
Public Question from Soo Chapman
Friends of the Earth tells us, “The government’s failure to protect people – especially older and disabled people – is turning heatwaves into preventable public health crises."
Tens of thousands of elderly folk died horribly in the overheating conditions of 2003 in France when nuclear couldn't discharge into the waters. Given BCP's concern for healthy aging it's astonishing that the NHS advice advertised by BCP is out of date or absent altogether in surgeries and hospitals. The Lancet's warnings and the acceleration of the climate and biospherical emergencies for which we're all unprepared are unadvertised.
I'm still awaiting replies as I wasn't the only pensioner struggling to keep out of hospital recently. Blank managerial stares when I ask for the speedy, scaled plan to keep us safe are most unwelcome.
When will BCP and the NHS update their records and issue decarbonising advice for all residents please?
Response by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, Councillor Andy Hadley
I was in France during one of the big heatwaves in June, where temperatures were 40 degrees. It was unbearable to be outside in the peak of the day. The River Loire was extremely low, and vegetation extremely parched. Nuclear power stations again had to be shut down due to river temperatures.
The Met office working with Imperial College estimate that there were 2,700 excess deaths due to the May and June heatwaves in England and Wales. July figures yet to come, but our bereavement mortuary service has sadly been busy.
We are working with colleagues from Dorset Council and in partnership with other organisations across the County on a Climate Adaptation strategy.
Additionally, all NHS organisations across Dorset are also working together on adaptation measures to consider the risks to health, and to the operation of secondary care in extreme weather events.
The Council have also been working on a refreshed Sustainability website, which I’m hoping will be launched imminently, and will provide decarbonising advice for all residents.
Public Statement from Soo Chapman
The government's still pretending their nature plan is good enough but it's been criticised as completely insufficient.
Campaigners are attacking the Planning and Infrastructure Act, calling out "cash to trash" nature, alleging changes are being rushed through, giving developers permission to destroy nature for as little as £1.
A letter signed by more than 100 scientists, businesses and others, including Stephen Fry and Chris Packham, urges Andy Burnham to immediately halt the rollout of environmental delivery plans. The letter states the plans will result in decades of protections for biodiversity being reversed, “precisely when those protections are needed the most”.
The Hillsborough Law; ie Public Office (Accountability) Bill, creates a duty of candour for transparency by public officials after the scandalous gaslighting of innocents at Hillsborough following the 1989 tragedy. Let's now please have some honesty and proper updating from those currently promoting short-term solutions and deadly fuels.
Public Statement from Nick Greenwood
I wish to record my concern about the rejection of my public question concerning the Council’s motion, Standing United Against Racism and Division.
My question sought clarification of the evidential basis for assertions made in the motion. It was a legitimate request for transparency concerning a matter debated by elected representatives and of public interest.
I accept that the Chair has discretion under the Council’s Constitution. However, the explanations subsequently given for rejecting my question raises concerns. I was initially advised that the issue related to who could answer it, while later correspondence relied upon the Chair’s discretion and the question’s form.
BCP Council has also stated that it is happy to work with members of the public where statements or questions may require amendment. I therefore question why my question could not have been amended or clarified rather than rejected outright, given its legitimate public accountability purpose.