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.

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.

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

Acting Chair’s Report of the HRA Committee Meeting of Monday 12th June 2017

• Councillors Claisse & O’Neil were welcomed to the meeting. The Chairman also welcomed back our Treasurer and the committee expressed their good wishes for the continuing progress of his and Megan’s baby daughter.
• Matters arising from last meeting – it was noted that the bench outside #Coffee had still not been removed and that Vans were once again being left on Double yellow lines and causing obstruction outside the S/H Washing machine shop. Cllr Claisse undertook to follow up with Balfour Beaty and the Council Parking Dept.
• University liaison – Jon Walsh gave a report on current activities including the Uni’s recent fund raising exercise. He also stated the Uni intended to Appeal the Planning refusal against renewing the Steps and also expressed strong opposition for any suggested alternative cycle route using the Uni service road and that they supported the Lovers Walk proposal.
• Common Forum – Prof Roger Brown, Chairman of the recently formed new Forum gave an update on the latest position and urged everyone interested to attend the next general meeting on Tue July 4^th, PM at Tauntons School. He gave details of a wide public consultation recently held and the proposal to prepare an Options Appraisal for the treatment of The Common, to include the Hawthorns visitor centre.  There is also now an active website for the Forum
• Little Common – in the absence of Simon Hill, John Bradshaw reported that a letter was being prepared to send to the Council regarding it’s future treatment and ongoing difficulties with present management.
• Lovers Walk – Prof Brown confirmed the Forum were opposed to current proposals and would be objecting, as were HRA. It was pointed out that HRA had already obtained Legal Opinion from Kings Chambers, which the Council appeared to be ignoring.
• Reports – Planning; permission has been granted for an Oral Hearing as part of the Judicial Review process for 12 Russell Placr.  A member raised concerns about the Council’s handling of a change of use application for a site in Hilldown Rd;  the Chair undertook to seek an informal legal opinion if the member provided a summary of the issues, mainly concerning Permitted Development Rights and change of Use.  Another member raised concerns about proposals for the Blockbuster site but on balance it was felt the proposals were an improvement on what was already there and HRA were not objecting.
• X Chair’s Event – an update on numbers and organisation was provided by Bryan Wakely who is coordinating. Would those attending email him with their “American Supper” style contribution.
• AOB – the Chair reported that The Cowherds were prepared for Park Runners to use the Parking and Toilet facilities of the Pub on Saturday morning provided they sought the permission of the Landlady first. It was also reported there was a spate of car break ins in WinnRd.
• Date of next meeting – Monday 10^th July.

Jerry Gillen, Vice Chair

HRA Chair’s Meeting Report of the HRA Committee Meeting of Monday 8th May 2017

• We were updated on the progress of the newly formed Common Forum, the next meeting of which is on Tuesday 4^th July at Richard Tauntons College.
• Simon Hill gave an assessment of the latest situation on the Little Common. The newly agreed Management Plan is once again being undermined and usurped by certain Council Staff working to their own agenda. Simon and John Bradshaw will liaise on a letter outlining our concerns, intended as a marker for any future correspondence.
• Jon Walsh from the University gave an update on current activities including the University’s successful Bond launch raising some £300 million.
• Dan Varley of Student Engagement outlined the Union’s summer scheme for picking up large furniture items from student houses when they leave. Details will be posted on the website.
• The issue of Student noise was acknowledged by both Jon and Dan who emphasised their efforts to mitigate public noise and nuisance. It was generally agreed this was much improved over recent years.  Phone numbers are available for residents to register complaints, to the council initially who will then contact the University if students are involved.  Out of hours 023 8023 3344, otherwise 023 8083 251.
• Our Treasurer, Mark Batchelor, cannot be with us because of family illness. They are in our thoughts, and we wish them well. We are fortunate that Headley Rossell has agreed to assist.
• An update was given on the progress of the Judicial Review on 12 Russell Place. The Council has lodged its defence and applied for an initial Oral Hearing.  We await notification of a date and members can attend if they wish.
• There was some discussion of the application on the Blockbusters site. HRA felt there were insufficient grounds for objection but a number of residents wish to individually object. The application on the Lloyds Bank site has been withdrawn following discussion with the Planning department. It may reappear with amendments.

Jerry Gillen, Vice Chair