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 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 HRA Committee Meeting of Monday 10th September 2018

* The Chair commented on the good number of attendees and welcomed a new member and Clare Diaper from October Books to the meeting.

* There were no matters arising from the August meeting

*Clare Diaper from October Books gave a presentation and presented plans for their new premises, the old Nat West bank in Portswood Broadway, plus an explanation of how they were able to fund the purchase and a brief history of their operating as a Cooperative. They hope to be in the new premises around November where a grand opening will be organised. They would love some help with the move and a list will be included in the next e-newsletter.

* Jon Walsh gave an update on University matters. These had been largely covered at the previous meeting. Of note, the Vice-Chancellor Sir Christoper Snowden will be retiring; the University is preparing to close Salisbury Road from October 15th to January to all traffic including pedestrians and cyclists, with the exception of buses. For nine days in early January, Salisbury Road will continue to be closed but this will also include buses. The University will be installing trees and bollards in the road.

Reports – Finance: currently healthy but we still need a new Treasurer; volunteers please!

* Membership – now stands at 470 households.

* Planning – there was discussion of an unauthorised driveway and removal of a front garden in Oakmount Ave, contrary to their Conservation Status, which awaits the result of a retrospective planning application. The Chair reported on the successful outcome of an Appeal for an HMO in Arnold Rd which was refused. The illegal car sales site outside the old ‘Blockbusters’ unit is currently at Appeal stage. Enforcement action is being taken against the Crafty Fox to remove benches.

* Website – Nadine reported that there had been no posts on the website Planning page since March. It was suggested she contacted the Secretary for a monthly report..

* AOB – there being no AOB the meeting closed at 8.30 PM

* Date of next meeting – Mon 8th Oct.

Jerry Gillen, Vice-Chair

Vice Chair’s Report of HRA Committee Meeting of Monday 13th August 2018

* Members attending – Adrian Vinson, Adrian Ford, Nick Bacon, Stephen Connolly, Steve Johnson, Jerry Gillen & Dr James Burgess; in attendance Jon Walsh, University

* Apologies – Cllr Mathew Claisse, Jill Baston, Nicolla Martin, Nadine Johnson, Tom O’Connor

* The Chair welcomed Dr James Burgess as a new member to the area and accepted his offer to join the committee. He reminded members to register their cars at reception to avoid being issued with a penalty ticket. (everyone bare in mind for future meetings)

* There were no Matters Arising.

* University – Jon Walsh gave his usual comprehensive report on current activities, a copy of which is attached to this report.

* Hawthorns – the Chair gave a report on the first meeting of the Hawthorns group of the Common Forum, held at the Hawthorns on Monday 6th August. An initial program of works for tidying up and improving the entrance and courtyard to the Hawthorns was recommended and unanimously agreed by all those present. A copy of the minutes are attached to this report.

* Finances – the Treasurer reported that finances are healthy and that he had made an application to the Council’s Community Chest for a contribution towards our operating costs. There was an outstanding query over our last invoice from Kings Chambers which he and the Chair were dealing with. Adrian reminded members that he needed to stand down from his current duties and we are therefore now looking for a new Treasurer again. The Chair also reiterated the need to fund raise for our Contingency fund.

* Membership – Nicolla is away but the figure remains constant at circa 480 households.

* Planning – Jill had reported there were no household applications of concern although one has since been raised by PRG (8, Brookvale Rd) concerning an outbuilding extension and they have asked us to lodge an objection. However, of major concern, we have just learnt: The Council’s Highways Dept intend to bring forward an application to widen Lovers Walk for use as a cycle route. This is entirely contrary to the policy of The Common Forum at the present time and it appears there has been no liaison between the Highways and Environment Depts on the matter?! (post meeting note: JG has reported to Roger Brown who will follow up with Cllr Kour)

* AOB – there was discussion over the current Council Clean Air Consultation which everyone is encouraged to participate in, although there seemed uncertainty as to the worst cause. The general view was that traffic was probably a major contributor, plus the docks. The Chair reported that he had been threatened with physical assault in Alma Rd by one of our local “serial Planning offenders”: this has also been experienced by members of OARA, the area in question, and has now been reported to the Police.

* Police – The Chair made the point that we no longer appeared to have a community link or enjoy attendance by the Police at our meetings, as used to be the case. He has taken this up with the OARA area PCSO who has agreed to pass this on in the hope of re-establishing this.

* Date of next meeting – will be Monday 10th September (Adrian Vinson gave his apologies in advance).

Jerry Gillen, Vice Chair.