Gosport Borough Council
Councillors:
27
Wards:
14
Committees:
10
Meetings (2026):
59
Meetings (2025):
50
Meeting
Community & Environment Board - Gosport
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 17th June 2026
6:00 PM
Wednesday, 17th June 2026
6:00 PM
End:
Wednesday, 17th June 2026
10:00 PM
Wednesday, 17th June 2026
10:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
17 Jun 2026
17 Jun 2026
Location:
Council Chamber
Council Chamber
Meeting Attendees
Agenda
1
Election of Chairman
Minutes
RESOLVED: That Councillor Ricketts is elected as Chairman for the municipal year 2026-2027
2
Election of Vice Chairman
Minutes
RESOLVED: That Councillor Bond was elected as Vice Chairman for the municipal year 2026-2027
3
Apologies for non-attendance
Minutes
Apologies for non attendance were received from Councillor Kirkham who was substituted by Councillor Towell.
4
Declarations of interest
Minutes
There were none
5
Minutes of the meeting of the board held on 25 February 2026
Attachments:
- Document Minutes Public Pack, 25/02/2026 Community & Environment Board 09 Jun 2026
Minutes
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 25 February were signed as a true and correct record.
6
Deputations- Standing Order 3.4
(NOTE: The Board is required to receive a deputation(s) on a matter which is before the meeting of the Board provided that notice of the intended deputation and its object shall have been received by the Borough Solicitor by Monday 15 June 2026. The total time for deputations in favour and against a proposal shall not exceed 10 minutes)
Minutes
There were none
7
Public Questions- Standing order 3.5
(NOTE: The Board is required to allow a total of 15 minutes for questions from Members of the public on matters within the terms of reference of the Board provided that notice of such Question(s) shall have been submitted to the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on Monday 15 June 2026)
Minutes
A public question was received from Mr. Chris Blake
"The Head of Public Spaces’ report rightly highlights 'Interaction with buried services' as a major risk to the delivery of the Alverstoke Coastal Defence Scheme. Given that utility companies are notoriously slow, what political weight and direct intervention will the Council leadership bring to bear on companies like SSE to ensure their cable diversions do not push this vital flood defence timeline past 2029?"
Answer:
The Council understands that utility diversions are one of the biggest risks to this scheme and is already challenging utilities directly. Where progress is inadequate, we will escalate through the usual commercial processes as well as at senior Officer levels and through this Community and Environment Board to ensure we have the right political engagement from the Council Leadership Team.
We will bring in our local MP to reinforce the urgency and ensure these diversion works are treated as the priority they are.
Residents need these defences delivered on time and we will hold every partner to the programme required in order to achieve that.
A public question was received from Mr. Jonathan Brown
"The report notes that food waste collection for communal blocks of flats will be delayed beyond the household rollout due to bin supply issues. Given that a significant proportion of Gosport's social housing - including on the Rowner estate - relies on communal bin arrangements, can the Board confirm the timeline for the communal rollout together with the specific communications planned for communal residents, including older and disabled residents, to ensure they are not left behind when the household service starts?"
Answer:
The delay to the communal rollout is primarily due to the current international supply chain pressures and reduced availability of suitable communal food waste containers, which have been affected by ongoing global conflict and associated impacts on manufacturing and distribution. Work is continuing with suppliers to secure the required bins, and a phased introduction to communal properties will commence once sufficient stock is available.
The Council recognises that a significant proportion of Gosport’s social housing stock, including properties on the Rowner estate, utilise communal waste facilities. The rollout of food waste collections to communal properties will therefore follow the initial household service introduction, which will allow for particular attention from the Streetscene team to provide additional support.
To ensure residents are kept informed and supported, a targeted communications approach will be undertaken in partnership with managing agents, housing associations and our communications team. This will include information displayed on communal lobby notice boards, direct engagement with housing providers and managing agents, and updates through the Council’s website and social media channels.
Particular consideration will be given to older and disabled residents to ensure they are not disadvantaged by the later introduction of the service. The Council will work with housing partners to identify any additional support requirements and provide clear and accessible information so that communal residents are fully prepared when the service is introduced.
"The Head of Public Spaces’ report rightly highlights 'Interaction with buried services' as a major risk to the delivery of the Alverstoke Coastal Defence Scheme. Given that utility companies are notoriously slow, what political weight and direct intervention will the Council leadership bring to bear on companies like SSE to ensure their cable diversions do not push this vital flood defence timeline past 2029?"
Answer:
The Council understands that utility diversions are one of the biggest risks to this scheme and is already challenging utilities directly. Where progress is inadequate, we will escalate through the usual commercial processes as well as at senior Officer levels and through this Community and Environment Board to ensure we have the right political engagement from the Council Leadership Team.
We will bring in our local MP to reinforce the urgency and ensure these diversion works are treated as the priority they are.
Residents need these defences delivered on time and we will hold every partner to the programme required in order to achieve that.
A public question was received from Mr. Jonathan Brown
"The report notes that food waste collection for communal blocks of flats will be delayed beyond the household rollout due to bin supply issues. Given that a significant proportion of Gosport's social housing - including on the Rowner estate - relies on communal bin arrangements, can the Board confirm the timeline for the communal rollout together with the specific communications planned for communal residents, including older and disabled residents, to ensure they are not left behind when the household service starts?"
Answer:
The delay to the communal rollout is primarily due to the current international supply chain pressures and reduced availability of suitable communal food waste containers, which have been affected by ongoing global conflict and associated impacts on manufacturing and distribution. Work is continuing with suppliers to secure the required bins, and a phased introduction to communal properties will commence once sufficient stock is available.
The Council recognises that a significant proportion of Gosport’s social housing stock, including properties on the Rowner estate, utilise communal waste facilities. The rollout of food waste collections to communal properties will therefore follow the initial household service introduction, which will allow for particular attention from the Streetscene team to provide additional support.
To ensure residents are kept informed and supported, a targeted communications approach will be undertaken in partnership with managing agents, housing associations and our communications team. This will include information displayed on communal lobby notice boards, direct engagement with housing providers and managing agents, and updates through the Council’s website and social media channels.
Particular consideration will be given to older and disabled residents to ensure they are not disadvantaged by the later introduction of the service. The Council will work with housing partners to identify any additional support requirements and provide clear and accessible information so that communal residents are fully prepared when the service is introduced.
8
Construction of Coastal Defence Scheme at Alverstoke
This report provides an update on the Alverstoke coastal defence scheme following the update given at the Community and Environment Board in February 2026. The planned construction stage of the scheme was paused in 2022 due to a funding gap. The scheme has now received full funding through the Environment Agency, closing that gap. This report seeks approval for the scheme to be restarted as set out in the forward plan.
Attachments:
- Document Alverstoke CE Report_20260617_rev 8 09 Jun 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Public Spaces updating members on the Alverstoke coastal defence scheme. The planned construction stage of the scheme was paused in 2022 due to a funding gap.The scheme has now received full funding through the Environmental Agency, closing that gap. This report seeks approval for the scheme to be restarted as set out in the forward plan
Members received a presentation from officers of Coastal Partners on the Alverstoke Coastal Defence Scheme, including the background of the scheme, the scheme design, the timeline and next steps and a reflection on the flooding incident in 2024.
Members were advised that the design crosses a road and at times of risk the floodgates are closed and sealed manually. The high ground to the north and south of the gate stops water from escaping sideways and does not increase the flood risk.
Officers explained that although a lot of work had taken place previously on the design and development of the scheme, this would now need to be revisited to ensure that current standards are reflected and any updates required are carried out before being submitted to planning.
In answer to a Member’s question officers explained that the 1 in 100 year risk is a good target which aligns with coastal strategy and takes into consideration global warming.
Members were advised that there would be a multi approach to communicating the scheme and the works to the community. Exhibitions and drop in centers would provide face to face opportunities for discussion alongside leaflets and letters as well as the website and emails. A communication plan would be drawn up and it offered an opportunity to re-evaluate what had been done in the past in order to ensure all residents are reached.
Officers advised that the financial forecast is very robust with headroom and allowance made for inflation. There has been a lot of scrutiny of the forecast with a business case approved by the National Audit Office. Whilst there are always risks, there is a high degree of confidence and experience accumulated through the delivery of the Forton and Alverstoke East Schemes.
Members wished to thank the officers for all their work in successfully securing the funding for the scheme and hoped it could begin soon.
RESOLVED: That the Board approved the restart of delivery of the Alverstoke Coastal Defence scheme and that the project team reports back to the Board at key project milestones.
Members received a presentation from officers of Coastal Partners on the Alverstoke Coastal Defence Scheme, including the background of the scheme, the scheme design, the timeline and next steps and a reflection on the flooding incident in 2024.
Members were advised that the design crosses a road and at times of risk the floodgates are closed and sealed manually. The high ground to the north and south of the gate stops water from escaping sideways and does not increase the flood risk.
Officers explained that although a lot of work had taken place previously on the design and development of the scheme, this would now need to be revisited to ensure that current standards are reflected and any updates required are carried out before being submitted to planning.
In answer to a Member’s question officers explained that the 1 in 100 year risk is a good target which aligns with coastal strategy and takes into consideration global warming.
Members were advised that there would be a multi approach to communicating the scheme and the works to the community. Exhibitions and drop in centers would provide face to face opportunities for discussion alongside leaflets and letters as well as the website and emails. A communication plan would be drawn up and it offered an opportunity to re-evaluate what had been done in the past in order to ensure all residents are reached.
Officers advised that the financial forecast is very robust with headroom and allowance made for inflation. There has been a lot of scrutiny of the forecast with a business case approved by the National Audit Office. Whilst there are always risks, there is a high degree of confidence and experience accumulated through the delivery of the Forton and Alverstoke East Schemes.
Members wished to thank the officers for all their work in successfully securing the funding for the scheme and hoped it could begin soon.
RESOLVED: That the Board approved the restart of delivery of the Alverstoke Coastal Defence scheme and that the project team reports back to the Board at key project milestones.
9
Simpler Recycling & Food Waste Update
To update Members on the progress being made to implement the changes required for simpler recycling and more specifically food waste collections within Gosport.
Attachments:
- Document Simpler Recycling June Board Report 27.5.26 CW 09 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 3 - Food Waste Campaign 2026 Leaflet, DRAFT INDIVIDUAL PROPERTIES 09 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 4 - Food Waste Campaign 2026 DRAFT COMMUNAL PROPERTIES 09 Jun 2026
- Document Food Waste EIA 09 Jun 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Environmental Services updating the Members on the progress being made to implement the changes required for simpler recycling and more specifically food waste collections within Gosport.
The Head of Environmental Services (HES) introduced her report by advising Members that implementation of the food waste collections was progressing well with rollout hoped for Autumn 2026. The vehicles had been procured and were being built with delivery expected September. The caddies had already started to arrive and thanks needed to be given to Fareham Council for helping with storage. The communal bins should follow soon after and was confident they would be in place by the end of the year.
Members were advised that over 500 surveys had taken place of communal bin stores belonging not just to Council properties but those of housing associations and managing agents. Distribution planning and rounds mapping is underway, and a 12 month communications plan is being developed which would include a regular drip feed of information and seasonal events. There are a number of known areas that present additional challenges such as flats over shops, but each situation will be worked through to provide a solution. Members would be receiving a briefing on aspects of the scheme.
In answer to a Member’s question the HES explained that the vehicles are built specifically for food waste and not split mechanism like some recycling vehicles. There are four vehicles being built which will hopefully follow the existing rounds but much will depend on how many bins are used. Plans are based on 2 tips per day.
Officers explained that having other authorities introduce the scheme before us we have benefitted from lessons learned. The quality of the bins procured is better than other authorities, more sturdy with lockable lids minimizing the fox and bird issue.
In answer to Members questions the HES was able to reassure that those residents with assisted lift plans in place would not need to reapply and agreed bin points would apply to the food waste caddies. An in cab system helps the collectors to be aware of these needs. Although the scheme cannot be compulsory it was hoped that with good communications and ongoing engagement with residents the resulting buy in to the scheme would help improve recycling figures for Gosport. The scheme should be seen as an adjunct to composting and should reduce smell and maggot infestations in waste bins.
The HES explained that there was further legislation coming regarding dry recycling but we are very much governed by HCC facilities. There is however significant investment happening and hopefully there should be additional MRF in Eastleigh in 2028.
Members were advised that there were just a few final details to be resolved mainly around vehicle ownership and maintenance, and although projected revenue costs are not yet finalized, it was known that any costs around GBC properties in providing communal storage areas or updating existing would come from the HRA budget.
The Chairman and Members wished to thank the officers for the work so far and requested a visit be arranged for Board members to visit the ERC.
RESOLVED: That the Board noted the report.
The Head of Environmental Services (HES) introduced her report by advising Members that implementation of the food waste collections was progressing well with rollout hoped for Autumn 2026. The vehicles had been procured and were being built with delivery expected September. The caddies had already started to arrive and thanks needed to be given to Fareham Council for helping with storage. The communal bins should follow soon after and was confident they would be in place by the end of the year.
Members were advised that over 500 surveys had taken place of communal bin stores belonging not just to Council properties but those of housing associations and managing agents. Distribution planning and rounds mapping is underway, and a 12 month communications plan is being developed which would include a regular drip feed of information and seasonal events. There are a number of known areas that present additional challenges such as flats over shops, but each situation will be worked through to provide a solution. Members would be receiving a briefing on aspects of the scheme.
In answer to a Member’s question the HES explained that the vehicles are built specifically for food waste and not split mechanism like some recycling vehicles. There are four vehicles being built which will hopefully follow the existing rounds but much will depend on how many bins are used. Plans are based on 2 tips per day.
Officers explained that having other authorities introduce the scheme before us we have benefitted from lessons learned. The quality of the bins procured is better than other authorities, more sturdy with lockable lids minimizing the fox and bird issue.
In answer to Members questions the HES was able to reassure that those residents with assisted lift plans in place would not need to reapply and agreed bin points would apply to the food waste caddies. An in cab system helps the collectors to be aware of these needs. Although the scheme cannot be compulsory it was hoped that with good communications and ongoing engagement with residents the resulting buy in to the scheme would help improve recycling figures for Gosport. The scheme should be seen as an adjunct to composting and should reduce smell and maggot infestations in waste bins.
The HES explained that there was further legislation coming regarding dry recycling but we are very much governed by HCC facilities. There is however significant investment happening and hopefully there should be additional MRF in Eastleigh in 2028.
Members were advised that there were just a few final details to be resolved mainly around vehicle ownership and maintenance, and although projected revenue costs are not yet finalized, it was known that any costs around GBC properties in providing communal storage areas or updating existing would come from the HRA budget.
The Chairman and Members wished to thank the officers for the work so far and requested a visit be arranged for Board members to visit the ERC.
RESOLVED: That the Board noted the report.
10
Any other items
Minutes
The Chairman asked the Head of Open Spaces to give the board a brief update on the tennis courts.
I would like to provide an update on recent and upcoming developments relating to the tennis and pickleball courts at Privett Park.
The Spring/Summer opening hours are currently set at 07:00 to 21:00, seven days a week. A minor adjustment will be introduced for Sundays, with a later opening from 08:00.
We will be progressing with the implementation of the electronic gate system, integrated with the ClubSpark booking platform, in time for the summer holidays and on an ongoing basis thereafter. There is no additional cost to the Council, as the courts were constructed with this system already in place.
While the courts will remain free for public use, all users will be required to book a timeslot. Bookings can be made in advance or on site via a mobile app or QR code.
The introduction of the booking system will provide a number of key benefits:
Enables the Pickleball Club to reserve courts for their free community sessions Supports the prevention of anti-social behaviour and reduces the risk of damage, including misuse such as cycling on the courts or sitting on nets Provides reliable usage data, allowing the Council to monitor demand and demonstrate how frequently the courts are used for tennis and pickleball
These changes will come into effect for the summer holidays. We will work closely with the Communications Team to ensure that residents, clubs and stakeholders are informed well in advance.
New signage and updated information on our website will also help to guide the public on how to access and book the courts.
Winter booking times 9am – 5pm
Members were assured that a manual booking alternative would be sought to help those without internet access,that the system could be monitored to identify block bookings, and that costings for permanent pickle ball court lines were being gathered and liaison with the club will determine if there is a desire for it.
A Member wished to acknowledge that these improvements had come about through cross party collaboration and listening to residents, enabling changes to take place in a positive way.
I would like to provide an update on recent and upcoming developments relating to the tennis and pickleball courts at Privett Park.
The Spring/Summer opening hours are currently set at 07:00 to 21:00, seven days a week. A minor adjustment will be introduced for Sundays, with a later opening from 08:00.
We will be progressing with the implementation of the electronic gate system, integrated with the ClubSpark booking platform, in time for the summer holidays and on an ongoing basis thereafter. There is no additional cost to the Council, as the courts were constructed with this system already in place.
While the courts will remain free for public use, all users will be required to book a timeslot. Bookings can be made in advance or on site via a mobile app or QR code.
The introduction of the booking system will provide a number of key benefits:
Enables the Pickleball Club to reserve courts for their free community sessions Supports the prevention of anti-social behaviour and reduces the risk of damage, including misuse such as cycling on the courts or sitting on nets Provides reliable usage data, allowing the Council to monitor demand and demonstrate how frequently the courts are used for tennis and pickleball
These changes will come into effect for the summer holidays. We will work closely with the Communications Team to ensure that residents, clubs and stakeholders are informed well in advance.
New signage and updated information on our website will also help to guide the public on how to access and book the courts.
Winter booking times 9am – 5pm
Members were assured that a manual booking alternative would be sought to help those without internet access,that the system could be monitored to identify block bookings, and that costings for permanent pickle ball court lines were being gathered and liaison with the club will determine if there is a desire for it.
A Member wished to acknowledge that these improvements had come about through cross party collaboration and listening to residents, enabling changes to take place in a positive way.
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