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.

Early March 2018 – snowfall in our area (photos by Nadine Johnson)

Early March 2018 snowfall photos from HRA Member: Ian Morse

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 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

Acting Chair’s Report of the HRA Committee Meeting of Monday 9th April 2018

There was little to report from the University, as the Easter vacation coincided with the break between our meetings.

Planning for the AGM on Thursday19th April was finalised. The hotel will supply drinks on a sale or return basis and the rooms are booked.

Nicolla Martin and Nadine Johnson will be at the door to facilitate taking membership subscriptions.

Cllr Savage offered the use of a PA system, which was gratefully accepted.

It was agreed that the rooms for committee meetings will in future be booked in blocks as management will now only take payment in advance.

The Treasurer, Adrian Ford, reported that finances are still in credit. The report for the AGM (January to December 2017) will be augmented by a verbal report so that members have an update on the current situation, as far as possible.

Nicolla provided a membership update.

The application for an HMO at 8 Blenheim Gardens was refused; a decision on 8 Highfield is awaited. Otherwise, only minor applications have been submitted.

Concern was expressed about a licensing application for a bar at the former Costa Coffee premises in Portswood Broadway. Several residents have sent in objections.

It was noted that the site at the north end of Furzedown Road is to be developed for affordable housing. No planning application has been submitted as yet.

The committee welcomed the news that City Councillors are to be trained about enforcement, which is a mysterious area for most. It was noted that legal constraints and confidential negotiations sometimes obscure any progress that may be made.

The next committee meeting will be held on 14th May at Highfield House Hotel.

Jill Baston, Acting Chair

Acting Chair’s Report of the HRA Committee Meeting of Monday 12th March 2018

· Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed and taken as read.

· There were no matters arising

· University – Jon Walsh gave a comprehensive report on recent activity and particularly on the current student numbers and accommodation availability. His full report will be attached to this meeting’s minutes

· Finance – the new Treasurer gave his report and is liaising with Mark Bachelor over preparation for the AGM. It has been decided to have a working group to further consider the need for the Assoc to have full online banking, with particular reference to automated membership renewals.

· Membership – the database now stand at 408, a reduction of some 20 households. Mention was made of the new Data Protection requirements and this is being looked into.

· Planning – the Secretary has sent off two written objections this month and there was discussion of the continuing difficulty in obtaining information and prompt action from the Planning dept. Cllr Savage has had a brief word with the HoP and was trying to assist with outstanding issues. JG reported on the proposed Lidl development, which although out of our immediate area he felt would be a benefit and we would be supporting. There is a public consultation on Tuesday 20th March at St mark’s Church Ctr, Archers Rd, 4PM – 8.00 PM.

· Website/Newsletter – JG complimented everyone concerned with the production of this issue and the fact that the cost had been significantly reduced this time. Nadine questioned whether we might need to revert to Tudor Distributions for deliveries next another time, due to the burden placed upon the St Reps for such a large quantity. Nadine reported we would, unfortunately, be losing the participation of Alison Titherage as she is moving on within Mayflower Court. Sue Hayes will be replacing her.

· AOB – JG reported that this would be the last HRA meeting he would be Chairing apart from the AGM with Roger Brown’s support on the night. In any case, he is not available for the committee meetings on the second Mondays in April and May. As things stand, the April committee meeting will still be held, not least to ensure final arrangements for the AGM. Nicolla said she had been approached by the Church about the state of their wall which they believed was the Council’s responsibility to look after; Ward Councillors agreed to look into it. There was still no definite answer re the unauthorised HMO at 8 Westridge Rd. Cllr Savage is assisting in obtaining answers.

The meeting closed at 8.30 PM

Jerry Gillen, Acting Chair