About Us

Welcome to Highfield, a charming, leafy suburb of Southampton. Highfield is set in the middle of the University belt, steeped in academia, and flanked by Southampton Common on one side, and Portswood on the other.

How many landmarks can you spot?

Let us know on email: highfieldracomms@gmail.com.

Highfield from the air. Taken by Paul Godfrey, May 2017, from the first of the Trislander farewell flights.

The Highfield Residents’ Association is an active group of local residents and their families who seek to protect and preserve their environment and support their neighbours. We always welcome new members. You can join by clicking on the “Join us” leaf above and paying the annual subscription of £5.00.

If you wish to contact the HRA Secretary, you can email her on: jill.baston6@gmail.com. Alternatively, just click on the ‘Contact Us’ leaf above or email: highfieldracomms@gmail.com for general enquiries or information.

For HRA Newsletters, Committee Members, Agendas, Minutes, Blogs, the Constitution and other Local & National Residents Associations, see below.

Vice Chair’s Report of the HRA Committee Meeting of Monday 11th June 2018

* The Chair welcomed our newly elected Ward Councillor, Lisa Mitchell, and Ken Burtenshaw who is joining the Committee.

* Matters arising are carried forward to this Agenda.

* University Liaison – Jon Walsh gave a report on current activities. He reported there would be road closures in Church Lane and University Road on 28/29th June. There would also be an exhibition of the University’s plans for a major development of the Highfield Campus for two days and a presentation would be made to the HRA Committee at the July meeting (details on our website).

* Finance – the Treasurer was unavailable. Jerry Gillen (JG) mentioned the legal fee for Kings Chambers which including VAT, was £720.

* Membership – total Households 470.

* Planning – outstanding Planning applications were discussed. JG stated we were awaiting further advice from Michael Rudd re 8 Westridge Rd. (post meeting note: this advice arrived Tuesday am) and Jerry and Tom O’Connor are to meet the Case Officer over a PRG application.

* Website – Nadine reported that the General Data Protection Regulation had been implemented by the deadline date of 25/5/18 and, moving forwards, new members and also existing members when renewing would be asked for their consent for the HRA to store, manage and use their personal data. This would happen at each new application and renewal. Nadine also reported that Nicolla Martin, Membership Secretary, had done a huge amount of work to implement procedures at the coalface and deserved a round of applause, which was duly given. The HRA’s Data Protection Policy is now on the website.

Nadine to circulate details of the University consultation and put a link on website.

* AOB – JG reported he had received an invitation to attend a meeting with the remaining EBRA committee shortly, with a view to encouraging their continuation. He reported further approaches from an ‘Airbnb’ type of organisation seeking to convert HMOs to this format. Both Ward Councillors to advise the LA and MP accordingly.

* Date of next meeting – Monday 9th July.

Vice-Chair, Jerry Gillen

Vice Chair’s Report of the HRA Committee Meeting of Monday 14th May 2018

The Chair opened the meeting which was also attended by a Guest from Thornbury Ave RA.

There were no maters arising from the previous meeting. (not attended by JG)

University – Jon Walsh gave a comprehensive report on current activities as far as they affected HRA’s area.  This included an update on The Steps from Lovers Walk to the campus, which still have work to be carried out before they are finished; the future of the old Style Pub, now closed and subject of a Community Asset application; a retro Planning application to retain fencing installed at the wrong height; and confirming the Uni’s position that there has never been a RoW along the Service Rd, which remains closed until 6.00 PM each day.

Data Protection Policy – Nadine gave a presentation on the legal requirement  for HRA to have such a policy and reported on the final document following final amendments.  This was put to the committee for approval and was adopted unanimously.

Finance – the Treasurer reported on the accounts and finances are healthy although we remain some £4,000 short in our Contingency Fund.  JG expressed his gratitude for an additional £1,000 we had just  received from a PRG member.  The Treasurer agreed to make a Community Chest bid to cover our annual meeting costs;  JG to obtain a pro forma invoice from the hotel to support the application.

Membership – now stand at 470 households in total.

Planning –  in the absence of our Planning member, JG mentioned recent applications in the  “Battle Roads” but these remained to be considered.   He made reference to two long outstanding cases;  5 Crofton Close and 8 Westridge Rd and the committee agreed to take advice from Kings Chambers on what more could be done to try and finally resolve these cases.  Adrian Vinson also asked for support in opposing 18 Grosvenor Rd, which can best be described a “a folly”!  A member from Granby Grove asked for support in opposing an application to her adjacent property and JG undertook to assist.  (post meeting note:  JG has sent objection letters for both)

AOB –  the Chair reported on the recent sad loss of Jean Wawman, long time Chair of EBRA.  He plus another member of the committee will be attending her funeral on Friday (details already circulated) as official reps of HRA and the NSCF.

Jerry Gillen, Vice Chair