Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 564 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Elmbridge Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, KT10 9SD
Contact: Cheryl Poole, Community Partnership & Committee Officer Elmbridge Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, KT10 9SD
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes: No apologies for absence were received. |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 2016 as a correct record. Minutes: The minutes were agreed with the following amendment in the 4th paragraph of minute item 46/16: ‘Waitrose’ to be replaced by ‘the shopping centre’. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
All Members present are required to declare, at this point in the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter (i) Any disclosable pecuniary interests and / or (ii) Other interests arising under the Code of Conduct in respect of any item(s) of business being considered at this meeting NOTES:
Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
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CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
To receive any Chairman’s announcements.
Minutes: The Chairman informed the Local Committee that 5 Elmbridge groups had been successful with their applications to SCC’s Community Improvement Fund and Local Centre Fund. Whiteley Village had received £12,000 , 2nd Thames Ditton Guides received £14,000, Hersham Youth Trust £25,000, Walton on Thames Traders’ Alliance (WoTTA) £9,000 and Molesey Business Association just under £5,000. |
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LOCAL COMMITTEE DECISION TRACKER (FOR INFORMATION)
The Local Committee is asked to note the updates in the tracker document. Minutes: The tracker document was noted. |
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UPDATE ON CHANGES TO ABELLIO BUS SERVICES (FOR INFORMATION)
This report sets out the background to the changes to bus services announced by Abellio Surrey and summarises the alternative bus services that SCC is securing to cover the services affected by Abellio’s decision. Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None Officers attending: Paul Millin (Travel & Transport Group Manager) Laurie James (Bus Service Planning Team Manager
The Travel and Transport Group Manager introduced the item explaining that the bus provision in Surrey was through a mixture of services, but it was not all contracted by Surrey County Council (SCC). There were approximately 29 million trips in Surrey, of which 1.2m were children, 8m concessionary and the remaining approximately 20m were full fare paying.
He explained that Abellio had announced changes to services and had resigned from 9 services contracted to SCC in September 2016. SCC worked hard to find a solution with Abellio, but as it couldn’t be found the team has worked to find replacements for the services Abellio have resigned from. It was unaffordable to replace like for like, but with marginal compromises and additional budget they have been able to provide the services detailed in Annex 1 to the report from 31 December 2016.
Member discussion:
Members praised the team on their hard work in such a short amount of time. Officers explained that the new arrangements were in place until the end of August as the contracts could not be awarded for any longer due to the uncertainty with the budgets.
Concern was expressed about some of the individual services and also about ‘First’ as they had previously pulled out of a contract in Surrey. Further questions were asked about the resilience of routes, the calculation of subsidies and how the subsidies compared to those in other local authorities.
The Travel and Transport Group Manager confirmed the service hadn’t yet been given any savings targets for 2017/18.
The Local Committee resolved to note
(i) the report, including the alternative bus services to be provided from 31 December 2016, replacing the services Abellio has resigned from.
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To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 68. Notice should be given in writing or by e-mail to the Community Partnership and Committee Officer at least 14 days before the meeting. Alternatively, the petition can be submitted on-line through Surrey County Council’s e-petitions website as long as the minimum number of signatures (30) has been reached 14 days before the meeting.
Four petitions have been received:
a) A petition with 351 signatures from Mr Roger Higgins requesting that the roads and pavements of Grove Way, Cranbrook Drive, Parkwood Avenue, The Drive and Cranleigh Road, KT10 are resurfaced.
b) A petition with 54 signatures from Mr Andrew Vautier requesting that felled trees in Meadowside, Walton on Thames are replanted.
c) A petition with 65 signatures from Mr Peter
Almond requesting that the traffic island at the entrance to
Heathside, Hinchley Wood is extended to prevent u-turns and
the kerb at the left-hand bend at the entrance to Heathside is moved to enable better
manoeuvrability. d) A petition with 32 signatures from Ms Debbie Chitty requesting that restricted parking is introduced in Silverdale Avenue, Oxshott to place it on an equal footing with all other surrounding local roads.
Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None Officers attending: Nick Healey (Area Highway Manager NE) Peter Shimadry (Senior Traffic Engineer)
Petition 1 Grove Way
A tabled response to the petition is attached (website version only) as Annex A to the minutes.
The lead petitioner Roger Higgins spoke in support of the petition with 351 signatures that he was presenting.
He explained that due to the state of the roads and pavements in: Grove Way, Cranbrook Drive, Parkwood Avenue, The Drive and Cranleigh Rd the action group was formed. Many people were keen to sign the petition due to their experiences. Some had suffered sprained ankles, broken teeth etc. The group had also carried out a traffic survey over a 3 day period from 6:30 am to 7 pm which recorded that on average 1200 cars per day used Grove Way. The speed of the traffic was monitored and it had been noted that a large number of council vehicles were using it as a shortcut. It was felt that the surface of the road was a safety issue with cyclists needing to swerve to avoid pot holes.
Mr Higgins cited responses made by officers and councillors when the issues had been discussed with them.
The Area Highway Manager explained that all the roads except Parkwood Ave had a concrete underlying structure with an asphalt overlay which had worn off. The appearance for these roads was bad and the ride quality was not good, but the concrete structure was in tact with no safety defects. A safety defect was one which was deeper than 40mm. Therefore these roads were not on any programme for resurfacing. However Parkwood Avenue was of asphalt construction with deeper defects and was on the project horizon programme for 2017/18.
As regards the footways the Area Highway Manager explained they were a difficult challenge. Many were surfaced with red tiles which many residents really liked and consider a heritage feature. The tiles were no longer manufactured and therefore if any footways with red tiles were repaired then the tiles would have to be replaced by asphalt, which many residents would not like. However he did consider the footways a higher priority. In response to the petition highways officers had carried out an ad hoc inspection of the carriageway and footway in the subject roads and 24 safety defects were found in the footways and 2 in the carriageways.
The response was for information only.
Petition 2 Meadowside Trees
A tabled response to this petition is attached (website version only) as Annex B to these minutes.
The lead petitioner, Mr Andrew Vautier, spoke in support of the petition with 54 signatures which he was presenting. He explained that Meadowside had been a very pretty road until recently when as the trees had deteriorated they had been removed. The trees had been planted in the 1930s and the removal of them had had a major impact changing the character of the area. All but one resident of Meadowside had ... view the full minutes text for item 55/16 |
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PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
To answer any questions from residents or businesses within the Elmbridge Borough area in accordance with Standing Order 69. Notice should be given in writing or by email to the Community Partnership and Committee Officer by 12 noon four working days before the meeting.
Minutes: Two public written questions were received. The questions and responses are attached (website version only) as Annex E.
Question 1 from Ken Huddart (Claygate Parish Council):
The on street parking review covering Claygate is underway. Preliminary consultation was completed in October. Can the Local Committee outline the next steps in the process and whether key stakeholders such as Claygate Parish Council will be further consulted prior to formal recommendations being put to the Local Committee? Mr Huddart asked a supplementary question about how the parking review will proceed.
The Area Highway Manager explained the divisional Member will see the proposals and then further engagement will take place if required.
Question 2 from Mr Mike Beaty-Pownall
In July 2014 the residents of Fir Close, W-o-T, made an application for parking control measures to counter an irrefutable threat to safety. This application was subsequently rejected by the Parking Task Group at a meeting the date of which is unknown as are the reasons for such rejection. We regularly have to deal with obstructive parking which forces us to drive over our neighbours' driveways (the police have confirmed that this is unacceptable) and with obstructive parking which prevents us from being able to get out of our road. If the residents cannot get in or out of the road then neither can emergency vehicles. In addition, we have to deal with threats of physical violence and verbal abuse (the police are aware that this happens).
Can you please explain why the Parking Task Group rejected this application and give assurance that this will have the highest priority in the forthcoming review for Walton.
As a supplementary question Mr Mike Beaty Pownall asked whether in light of 2.5 years of issues, would their request get priority?
Member discussion: The road wasn’t built to the current standard width, something needed to happen and Elmbridge BC needed to be informed if the refuse lorries were unable to gain access to the road. Concern was also expressed about the severity of threats towards the residents from drivers parking in the road.
The Chairman confirmed that the residents’ request would have priority in the upcoming parking review. |
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MEMBER QUESTION TIME
To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47.
Minutes: Four Member questions had been received from Councillor Roy Green. The questions and responses are attached (website version only) as Annex F.
Question 1: Pedestrian Crossing – Molesey Rd, Hersham (centre of village)
Could the officers please look into the safety aspects of this pedestrian crossing? I have received many complaints that pedestrians (on the left hand side facing north) had not been seen due to parked cars on a slight bend and the new street lights are not as bright as previously, therefore the crossing is not as well-lit at night as it should or could be. Local councillors have been told via planning that Lidl are providing a new pelican crossing in the centre of Hersham, could this please be confirmed and local people kept in the picture as to when and how this will affect the current crossing.
Members discussion: RG said that the junction was particularly bad at night and questioned whether lights should be installed on the crossing. The Area Highway Manager said the junction would be looked at as part of the review.
As regards the Lidl development, the Senior Traffic Engineer advised that it was still in consultation and the final designs were not yet confirmed, but it would be monitored.
RG asked to be kept informed.
Question 2. Hersham Library Could the officers please enlighten me as to what progress is being made to extending Hersham Library as mentioned by the Chairman of this committee in a recent publication? Question 3. Flooding: Burwood Park Rd, Hersham Can the officers please look into the drainage problems in Burwood Park Road/Mayfield Road and Woodside Avenue, Hersham as follows: A resident reports that all the gulleys for both sides of the Burwood Park Road stretch are full of debris up to the gratings and do not appear to have been cleaned for two years.
Question 4. Cycle Path, Queens Rd, Hersham A local resident writing for the Hersham Residents Association has asked me to enquire what action is being taken to provide a cycle path on Queens Road and various other routes through Hersham following their letter to Mr Sharpington on the 27th June, 2016.
Cllr Andrew Davis left the meeting. |
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HIGHWAYS UPDATE (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION)
This report seeks the approval of the Local Committee for a number of highway issues including the programme of schemes for the investment of the Parking Agency Agreement income and the Long Ditton Trust. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee resolved to:
(i) Approve the projects detailed in paragraph 2.9 to invest the permanent endowment arising out of the Long Ditton Trust (paragraphs 2.6 to 2.10 refer); (ii) Approve the programme of projects detailed in paragraph 2.17 to invest £100,000 income from the Parking Agency Agreement that was previously allocated by the Local Committee to develop Committee’s Cycling Strategy (paragraphs 2.14 to 2.22 refer); (iii) Approve the programmes of projects detailed in paragraphs 2.19, 2.20 and 2.21 to invest £270,000 income from the Parking Agency Agreement that was previously allocated by the Local Committee to develop Integrated Transport Schemes (ITS) (paragraphs 2.14 to 2.22 refer); (iv) Delegate authority to the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman to finalise the list of schemes for inclusion in the Horizon Roads Major Maintenance (HRMM) programme by 31st January 2017 (paragraphs 2.26 to 2.28 refer); (v) Establish a new Steering Group to oversee the development and delivery of the Brooklands Transport Study (paragraphs 2.35 to 2.37 refer) with Cllr Peter Harman, Mr Ramon Gray and Mrs Margaret Hicks as Members. (vi) Authorise the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman to decide Divisional Programmes for next Financial Year 2017-18, in the event that individual Divisional Members have not confirmed their priorities by 31st December 2016 (paragraphs 2.38 and 2.39 refer); (vii)Approve the introduction of three new bus stop clearways in Sugden Road, Long Ditton, at three existing bus stops detailed in Annex F (paragraph 2.40 refers); (viii) Authorise the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and relevant Divisional Member(s) to undertake all necessary procedures to deliver the agreed programmes.
Reason for decision: to enable the 2017-18 Highways programmes funded by the Local Committee to be decided in good time to facilitate timely delivery of those programmes, to facilitate investment of income from the Parking Agency Agreement in various schemes in Elmbridge and for a group of Members to oversee the development and delivery of the Brooklands Transport Study.. Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None Officers attending: Nick Healey (Area Highway Manager NE) Peter Shimadry (Senior Traffic Engineer)
The Area Highway Manager (AHM) introduced the report stating that the divisional programme work for 2016/17 was progressing well, much was complete or would be imminently.
As regards the Long Ditton Trust Fund, the charity commission had confirmed it could be used for either revenue or capital work.
Cllr Andrew Davis rejoined the meeting.
The AHM said he would note the request of the divisional Member for the Moleseys for dropped kerbs in Fleetside and Hurst Park.
The AHM brought the Committee’s attention to the recommended schemes in paragraphs 2.18 to 2.22 for feasibilities to be funded from the £270,000 income from the Parking Agency Agreement. Once the feasibilities were complete the service could apply for Community Infrastructure Levy funding from Elmbridge Borough Council.
Member discussion: Members asked for more information on the Bridge Street improvements and the Milbourne Lane scheme. There was a suggestion that a feasibility may have already been carried out at Hersham station as part of the Weylands planning application.
The AHM said he would check whether a recent feasibility study for Hersham station existed and added that a further meeting would take place in January to discuss the 20% of project horizon roads to be put forward for inclusion in the programme. The scoring previously requested would be circulated prior to the meeting.
Members of the new Brooklands Transport Study Group were nominated and seconded.
The Local Committee resolved to:
(i) Approve the projects detailed in paragraph 2.9 to invest the permanent endowment arising out of the Long Ditton Trust (paragraphs 2.6 to 2.10 refer); (ii) Approve the programme of projects detailed in paragraph 2.17 to invest £100,000 income from the Parking Agency Agreement that was previously allocated by the Local Committee to develop Committee’s Cycling Strategy (paragraphs 2.14 to 2.22 refer); (iii) Approve the programmes of projects detailed in paragraphs 2.19, 2.20 and 2.21 to invest £270,000 income from the Parking Agency Agreement that was previously allocated by the Local Committee to develop Integrated Transport Schemes (ITS) (paragraphs 2.14 to 2.22 refer); (iv) Delegate authority to the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman to finalise the list of schemes for inclusion in the Horizon Roads Major Maintenance (HRMM) programme by 31st January 2017 (paragraphs 2.26 to 2.28 refer); (v) Establish a new Steering Group to oversee the development and delivery of the Brooklands Transport Study (paragraphs 2.35 to 2.37 refer) with Cllr Peter Harman, Mr Ramon Gray and Mrs Margaret Hicks as Members. (vi) Authorise the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman to decide Divisional Programmes for next Financial Year 2017-18, in the event that individual Divisional Members have not confirmed their priorities by 31st December 2016 (paragraphs 2.38 and 2.39 refer); (vii)Approve the introduction of three new bus stop clearways in Sugden Road, Long Ditton, at three existing bus stops ... view the full minutes text for item 58/16 |
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DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will take place at 4pm on Monday 27 February 2017. Minutes: The date was noted. |