Agenda, decisions and draft minutes
PDF 1 MBVenue: Council Chamber, Pippbrook, Reigate Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SJ
Contact: Victoria Jeffrey, Community Partnership & Committee Officer Pippbrook, Reigate Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SJ
Media
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OPEN FORUM An open forum was held at the start of the meeting, topics discussed included Flanchford Bridge and road resurfacing. Additional documents: |
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND SUBSTITUTIONS
To receive any apologies for absence and notices of substitutions from District members under Standing Order 39. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Cllrs Valerie Homewood, Raj Haque and Charles Yarwood. Cllr Margaret Cooksey substituted for Cllr Valerie Homewood. |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record. Additional documents: Minutes: Confirmed as a correct record. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests from Members in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting.
Notes: · In line with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012, declarations may relate to the interest of the member, or the member’s spouse or civil partner, or a person with whom the member is living as husband or wife, or a person with whom the member is living as if they were civil partners and the member is aware they have the interest.
· Members need only disclose interests not currently listed on the Register of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.
· Members must notify the Monitoring Officer of any interests disclosed at the meeting so they may be added to the Register.
· Members are reminded that they must not participate in any item where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest.
Additional documents: Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
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PUBLIC QUESTIONS
To receive any questions from Surrey County Council electors within the area in accordance with Standing Order 66. Additional documents: Minutes: Six questions were received, the questions and answers are set out in Annexe A.
The following supplementary questions were asked:
Question from Cllr Potter: Where and when has work been carried out and when will any additional funding be available? In response it was stated that the work of the Brockham Flood Forum is outside of the remit of the Local Committee. Helyn Clack who chairs the forum undertook to answer any further questions in more detail if Cllr Potter submits these to the Forum.
Question from Roger Troughton: When will officers meet with Tesco? The Senior Engineer stated that they have now been able to establish a contact with Tesco and a meeting will take place as soon as possible.
Question from Sandra Baxter: Can signs be provided to warn of concealed drives on the straight part of the road? The Senior Engineer replied that there is no prescribed highway sign for this and as such it would not be possible to provide them.
Question from Michael Agius: Peter Seward represented the questioner who was unable to be present and asked whether the road could be put on the list for future speeding checks. Officers agreed to meet with the resident to consider what could be done to address the issue.
Question from Peter Seaward: Businesses in Manor house Lane are reporting problems as a result of the road closure and have requested that diversion signs be put in place. Officers agreed to look at this. |
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Additional documents: |
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MEMBER QUESTIONS
To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47. Additional documents: Minutes: Questions were received from four members, the questions and answers are set out in Annexe B.
The following supplementary questions were asked:
Question 5 from Hazel Watson: She asked why no further action is being taken in relation to Ashley Road and Bailey Road. The Projects and Contracts Group Manager replied that there had been some issues with the surface treatment programme and a team of officers had been looking at the issues. A report is expected shortly with recommendations on a way forward. He agreed to discuss the matter further outside of the meeting.
Question from Philippa Shimmin: She expressed her appreciation for the attendance of highway officers at the Mole Valley Access Group meetings and requested that footways be made a higher priority.
Question 1 from Stephen Cooksey: He asked whether as the funding for the work is in this year’s budget, it will be completed this year and if not will the funding be carried over. It was agreed that the Maintenance Engineer would supply this information.
Question 2 from Stephen Cooksey: He expressed disappointment that the drainage contractor had left the site before completing the work and asked whether funding would be carried over to the next financial year. Officers replied that the money is ring fenced and that the contractor should return in about 4 weeks.
Question 4 From Stephen Cooksey: It was agreed that the Streetlighting Contract Manager would be asked to contact Mr Cooksey to discuss the issues.
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Additional documents: |
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PETITIONS
To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 65 or letters of representation in accordance with the Local Protocol. An officer response will be provided to each petition / letter of representation.
i. No petitions have been received for this committee. Additional documents: Minutes: No petitions were received. |
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RECOMMENDATIONS TRACKER
To update the committee on progress against previous recommendations. Additional documents: Minutes: In relation to the pilot for 20mph speed limits outside schools that the lights in Park Lane are not working. The school had indicated that they were prepared to carry out the repair, but were not sure if this was permitted. The Senior Engineer agreed to respond to the divisional member outside of the meeting.
In relation to Woodfield Lane, Ashtead it was reported that meetings had been held with the tree officer and discussions will take place in to respect common land and it was hoped that an update could be brought to the Committee soon. |
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To consult the Committee on the Road Safety policy, including Road Safety outside schools. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee [Mole Valley] agreed:
To endorse the draft road safety policies prior to their submission to Cabinet subject to the following comment:
In the Setting Local Speed Limits Policy, Step 6, the Local Committee feel that they should be able to agree an alternative option not recommended by the Area Highways Manager and the decision should not be referred to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Highways and Environment.
Reason for Decision: Local Committees are responsible for most highway and transport matters in their areas, including speed limits and road safety measures outside schools and were therefore invited to submit comments on these new policies prior to submission to the Cabinet.
Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Duncan Knox, Road Safety Team Manager, Rebecca Harrison, Sustainability Community Engagement Team Leader
Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
Members indicated that if the pilots to introduce 20mph zones outside schools are successful, they would like to extend this.
Members asked whether it would be possible for them to use their members’ allocation to help to fund school crossing patrols. It was agreed that clarification on whether this was possible would be sought. It was noted, that the annual cost of a school crossing patrol officer is in the region of £3,000 so if funding were provided by a member, consideration would have to be given to providing sustainable funding in future years. It was reported that it is often difficult to fill these posts.
Members welcomed the revised speed limit policy, but were concerned that in Step 6 of the policy that if the Local Committee did not agree with the recommendations the matter would be referred to the Cabinet Member as they felt that the Committee was best placed to make these decisions. On a vote by 6 votes FOR to 4 AGAINST it was:
Resolved: that the
draft road safety policies be endorsed prior to their submission to Cabinet subject to the following comment:
In the Setting Local Speed Limits Policy, Step 6, the Local Committee feel that they should be able to agree an alternative option not recommended by the Area Highways Manager and the decision should not be referred to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Highways and Environment.
Reason for Decision: Local Committees are responsible for most highway and transport matters in their areas, including speed limits and road safety measures outside schools and were therefore invited to submit comments on these new policies prior to submission to the Cabinet.
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PROJECT HORIZON UPDATE 2013/14
To update the Committee on the work of Project Horizon for 2013/14 and how the programme will progress for 2014/15. Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Mark Borland, Projects and Contracts Group Manager
Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
Members raised the issue of utility companies digging up recently resurfaced roads. It was reported that utilities should not be able to work on new roads for 5 years after completion except in an emergency and they are being asked to survey the roads in the programme in advance to check there are no existing problems. The new permit scheme has helped to prevent some issues and the number of inspectors has doubled. However, it is not possible for them to examine all utility work. There is a 2 year guarantee on all reinstatements made by utilities and members were asked to make the streetworks team aware of any issues in their area so they can be followed up if necessary.
It was confirmed that it is intended to resurface the whole of Middle Street in Betchworth.
It was requested that Dene Road be moved ahead of Oakfield Road and South Street be put into the programme instead of West Street. Officers reported that when the programme is clearer it will be discussed with local highways officers to ensure it fits with the local programme of patching work.
Members requested that residents be informed in good time where work is to be carried out.
The Committee noted the success of the countywide 5 year programme in year one and thanked officers for the work done so far which has been well received by residents. It also noted the progress of Operation Horizon roads, Surface Treatment roads and changes in the year one programme in Mole Valley and the proposed programme for year two (2014/15) and the remaining years of the programme (2015-2018) |
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HIGHWAYS UPDATE 2103/14 - END OF YEAR REPORT
To update the committee on the Highways schemes for the year 2013/14. Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Anita Guy, Senior Highways Engineer
Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
Noted the report and that options are being drawn up for the Hollow Lane traffic calming scheme and also for Garlands Lane, Leatherhead, which will be shared with members.
Noted that the scheme for Ottways Lane will begin in the next financial year.
The Committee thanked the local highways team for their excellent work and sent their best wishes to John Lawlor.
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ACCESS TO VINCENT ROAD, DORKING
For the Committee to discuss the access issues for Vincent Road, Dorking. Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Anita Guy, Senior Highways Engineer
Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
The Divisional member indicated that the access only order for Vincent Road is not being observed. He suggested that yellow signs should be placed on the street lamps along the road saying access to encourage people not to return to this route. It was also suggested that an island should be installed at the exit from Lidl to prevent people from making an illegal turn. The Senior Engineer replied that it would not be possible to install an island within the current layout of the junction as this would prevent HGVs from turning into the site to make deliveries. Members suggested other possible solutions such as putting up a temporary sign saying road closed except for access or considering a stopping up order.
It was agreed that the Senior Highways Engineer, the Divisonal Member and a representative of the residents would meet on site to look at a way forward. |
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SPOOK HILL BUS CLEARWAY
To ask the Committee to approve a bus clearway for Spook Hill, North Holmwood. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Mole Valley) agreed:
That a clearway is introduced at the existing southbound bus stop in Spook Hill, south of the junction with Holmesdale Road (opposite the shops), the restriction to be 7am until 7pm daily.
Reasons for decision: To prevent obstruction of the bus stop by inconsiderate parking and allow penalty charge notices to be issues to offending vehicles. Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Anita Guy, Senior Highways Engineer
Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
None.
Resolved:
That a clearway is introduced at the existing southbound bus stop in Spook Hill, south of the junction with Holmesdale Road (opposite the shops), the restriction to be 7am until 7pm daily.
Reasons for decision: To prevent obstruction of the bus stop by inconsiderate parking and allow penalty charge notices to be issues to offending vehicles. |
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WEST STREET, DORKING
To ask the Committee to approve the widening scheme on West Street, Dorking. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Mole Valley) agreed to:
(i) approve the proposal to widen the footways in West Street, Dorking, as shown in Annexes 1 and 2, for public consultation; and (ii) authorise delegation of authority to the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Local Committee and the local Divisional Members to consider the results of the consultation and make a decision on whether or not to implement the proposal, subject to funding from developer contributions.
Reasons for decision: To progress the proposed footway improvements for West Street, Dorking and facilitate implementation before the 2014 Christmas embargo on highway works. Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Anita Guy, Senior Highways Engineer
Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
Members welcomed the scheme although it was suggested that a physical measure to stop people turning left out of North Street would be beneficial. The Senior Engineer agree to take this suggestion back to the design team.
Resolved to:
(i) approve the proposal to widen the footways in West Street, Dorking, as shown in Annexes 1 and 2, for public consultation; and (ii) authorise delegation of authority to the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Local Committee and the local Divisional Members to consider the results of the consultation and make a decision on whether or not to implement the proposal, subject to funding from developer contributions.
Reasons for decision: To progress the proposed footway improvements for West Street, Dorking and facilitate implementation before the 2014 Christmas embargo on highway works. |
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MEMBER ALLOCATIONS UPDATE
To update the Committee on the Members Allocation expenditure. Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: None
Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
The Committee noted the amounts spent from the Members’ Allocation and Local Committee capital budgets, as set out in Annex 1 of the report and thanked the Local Support Assistant for her support in ensuring that the money is paid out efficiently. |