BBEST Update – January 2019

On 1st December a lively BBEST meeting was attended by 17 members.  Draft minutes of the meeting and the annual report for 2018 are available on the web from this page: http://bbest.org.uk/meetings-minutes-and-evidence/
A discussion of To Let signs has led BBEST to consider putting photographs of streets with many signs on the web pages – the signs for September 2019 are now up, so this is probably ‘peak to let sign’.  Please email your photographs to info@bbest.org.uk.

Legal criteria for the signs can be found in this document from Reading Council on Estate Agent boards – do let me know if you find a more relevant site! http://www.reading.gov.uk/media/6189/Rules-and-regulations-for-displaying-estate-agents-boards/pdf/Web_information_on_ESTATE_AGENT_BOARDS.pdf

Houses in multiple occupation (HMO) were discussed and it was noted that there are numbers of unregistered HMOs in the area, and SCC has acknowledged its own figures may be an underestimate. The council is reviewing its data and it may be that we can in due course help with that, and put a link to the data on our website.

 

The consultation papers are now on the website again under the Plan information heading at the top. Please remember that these are now pre-current, as they will change in the light of comments.

BBEST: Development and AGM, Saturday 1st December, 2pm to 4pm

The BBEST Development Meeting and Annual General Meeting will take place at the Scout Hut, Spooner Road, Broomhill, from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 1st December 2018.
Development Meeting
As well as a discussion of responses to the consultation, there will be an opportunity to press for action on To Let signs and highlight streets where there are lots of signs.  We’ll also be asking for your views on two green spaces.
Annual General Meeting
Please send nominations for Officer roles (Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary) and Steering Group members to me ahead of the meeting.  Do contact me if you want more information.
Agendas
2pm Development Meeting
  1. Outline of consultation responses and our view of changes needed
  2. New timetable
  3. To Let signs.
  4. HMO registrations
  5. Local Green Space assessment
3.30pm Annual General Meeting
  1. Apologies
  2. Last Year’s meeting
  3. Annual Report
  4. Nominations for Steering Group
  5. Nominations for Officers

BBEST public consultation Closed

The BBEST public consultation closed on 11 November 2018.
Thank you for your interest in the consultation – we have received some interesting comments.
Next steps
The BBEST team are working hard to summarise your views.  The summary will be discussed at a meeting of the BBEST Steering Group on Monday 19th November.
Depending on the range of comments and the views of Steering Group,  the final version of the Plan documents will be presented for approval at the BBEST Forum meeting and AGM on Saturday 1st December. (details later).  This timetable is challenging, so a second date, Saturday 26 January, has been scheduled as a backup. (details later)
This is a very busy and exciting time for BBEST.  The adoption process will continue with assessment by Sheffield City Council (SCC) and an external examiner and a second consultation organised by the Council.  Full details or the process will be discussed at the meeting for approval of the documents to be forwarded to SCC.
Thanks!