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 9th July 2018

* The Chair welcomed visitors from East Bassett RA (EBRA) and reps from The Students Union and University

* There were no matters arising not covered later.

* University – the University Estates Dept gave an hour long presentation of the proposed major developments and improvements to be made to Highfield Campus. This was followed by a Q&A session, more details of which will be in the minutes. This was followed by Jon Walsh and the SU reps raising matters of normal domestic concern

* Finance – finances were reported as healthy although the Chair again emphasised the need to top up our Contingency fund.

* Planning – reference was made to the application before the Planning Panel the following night for 18 Grosvenor Rd, at which HRA would not be formally attending, given it’s previous representations. Elina from Granby Grove reported on the amended plans for an extension adjacent to her property and accepted the slight improvement. There was discussion on the recent emails received from the Head of Planning and the Association’s Barrister in relation to a number of long outstanding planning issues both in the HRA and adjacent RA areas. It was reported that robust action was now being taken in every case and the committee welcomed the apparent thaw in relations between the Association and the Planning Dept. Roger Brown paid tribute to the efforts of all involved and gave particular thanks to Cllr Savage for his recent assistance, as with Michael Rudd of Kings Chambers. The issue of more properties being converted to the Airbnb format for letting was again raised and the Chair reported he would be in contact with Gavin Grayer of Enforcement over the matter. The Council’s current position seemed to be that there was no need for any action. JG would also be following this up with both the DCLG and NORA. There was a question over the LA’s latest position on the Lovers Walk application. G Linneker of SCAPPS stated that it should be withdrawn, rather than simply left in abeyance.

* AOB – there was no other business of note.

Jerry Gillen, Vice-Chair

Vice Chair’s Report of 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