Councillors and committees

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Pippbrook, Reigate Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SJ

Contact: Jess Edmundson, Partnership Committee Officer  Pippbrook, Reigate Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SJ

Items
No. Item

OPEN FORUM SESSION pdf icon PDF 56 KB

The questions and responses from the open forum session are included as annex A to these minutes.

1/19

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND SUBSTITUTIONS

    • Share this item

    To receive any apologies for absence and notices of substitutions from District members under Standing Order 39.

    Minutes:

    Apologies were received from Mr Chris Townsend, Mrs Clare Curran, Cllr Rosemary Dickson (Cllr Tim Ashton attended as a substitute) and Cllr Claire Malcomson (Cllr Caroline Salmon attended as a substitute).

2/19

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING pdf icon PDF 117 KB

    • Share this item

    To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The minutes of the previous meeting on 12 June 2019 were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

3/19

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    • Share this item

    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:

               Members are reminded that they must not participate in any item where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest

               As well as an interest of the Member, this includes any interest, of which the Member is aware, that relates to the Member’s spouse or civil partner (or any person with whom the Member is living as a spouse or civil partner)

               Members with a significant personal interest may participate in the discussion and vote on that matter unless that interest could be reasonably regarded as prejudicial

    Minutes:

    There were no declarations of interest.

4/19a

PUBLIC QUESTIONS pdf icon PDF 331 KB

    • Share this item

    To receive any questions from Surrey County Council electors within the area in accordance with Standing Order 66.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Zena Curry, Area Highways Manager (AHM), SCC

     

    Petitions, Public Statements, Questions: The questions and officer responses were provided within the supplementary agenda.

     

    [14.19 Mrs Helyn Clack arrived]

     

    Question 1 was submitted by Cllr Caroline Salmon who attended the meeting and asked the following supplementary question:

     

    I acknowledge there isn’t the money for an average speed camera on this stretch of the A24 but my question asked for an officer opinion on a ‘paint job’ to help improve safety. The figures quoted from crashmap.co.uk are somewhat skewed as for a period of time during the quoted period there were roadworks on the A24 which reduced the road down to one lane, and slowed the traffic. I understand that a cycle route has been commissioned through Beare Green. My question is why has this been done and has the work started on this yet? If not, I would ask the committee to consider reallocating the funds towards some hatching work at this location as the proposed spend on the cycle path seems a lot for something that won’t be used.

     

    The AHM acknowledged that Cllr Salmon’s proposal did have merit but funding couldn’t just be transferred from one scheme to another in such a way as suggested. She added that the local committee could ask that the proposed scheme be added to the Integrated Transport Schemes (ITS) list to see if any future funding could be identified. She added that whilst adding the scheme to the list was the first step, it could still take a long time to progress and be implemented.

     

    The divisional member noted there had always been many concerns over the safety at the Beare Green roundabout and whilst there seemed to be lots of ideas about what could be done, there had never been much discussion.

     

    The Chairman therefore suggested that a site visit was arranged to discuss the possible options. Invitees were to include; Divisional Member, Ward Member, Road Safety Officers, Parish Council Clerk, Representative from the Cycle Forum and an Officer from the SE Area Highways Team.

     

    Question 2 was submitted by Mr Andrew Matthews who attended the meeting and asked the following supplementary question:

     

    Since submitting my question I have this week witnessed two cars jumping the red lights at this junction. Is someone able to monitor the situation and enforce if necessary so we can build up a case to get the junction improved?

     

    The AHM stated that enforcement was a matter for the Police and that adding cameras to monitor was not something the highways team were able to do in Surrey.

     

    Question 3 was submitted by Mr Tim Waller. A revised response from officers had been provided and was tabled at the meeting. This revised response is attached as Annex B to these minutes.

     

    Mr Waller attend the meeting and made the following comment:

     

    This is a long standing issue where so far no credible action has taken place. This is a real hazard that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4/19a

4/19b

MEMBER QUESTIONS pdf icon PDF 86 KB

    • Share this item

    To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Zena Curry, Area Highways Manager (AHM), SCC

     

    Petitions, Public Statements, Questions: The questions and officer responses were provided within the supplementary agenda.

     

    Cllr Raj Haque submitted three questions and asked the following supplementary questions for question 1 and 2 respectfully.

     

    1.    Having not prioritised this scheme for works to be done is there anything that can be done in the meantime before things get worse?

     

    The AHM noted that members had recently received a presentation from the Asset Management Team that had included information about prioritisation of schemes but acknowledged that Cllr Haque had been unable to attend the meeting. She added the divisional member had a small amount of money to fund local schemes but noted it was unlikely to be allocated for this work and unfortunately hadn’t been prioritised as part of the severe weather programme.

     

    2.    Is there an alternative method for safer crossing by the chemist, such as signage  that could be used in order to warn drivers to slow down?

     

    The AHM said that the informal crossing that had been installed had undergone a safety audit and that drivers did need to drive with caution when in an area where pedestrians could be present and crossing the road. She suggested that one option would be to remove all the parking outside the shops but this wouldn’t be popular with the shop owners and would therefore not be a likely solution.

     

    Cllr Claire Malcomson submitted two questions and Cllr Caroline Salmon, as Cllr Malcomson’s substitute asked the following supplementary question:

     

    I’m pleased to see a map is being drawn up. When is the current contractors contract up? Can we see if a new contractor will pick up this other part of the contract?

     

    With regards to the orchids the stick in Beare Green is in the wrong place. Who has been consulted on this?

     

    There was no officer present to answer the supplementary questions. A written response would therefore be provided after the meeting.

     

    Cllr Nancy Goodacre submitted three questions. She noted she had no supplementary question to ask but that it was good to see a date in relation to the Bookham Youth Centre.

     

     

     

5/19

PETITIONS

    • Share this item

    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.

    Minutes:

    Two petitions were received before the deadline.

5/19a

PETITION TO: MAKE IT SAFER FOR OUR CHILDREN TO CROSS THE GUILDFORD ROAD IN BOOKHAM BETWEEN GROVESIDE AND HAWKWOOD RISE pdf icon PDF 68 KB

    • Share this item

    The full wording of this petition along with the officer comment will be provided within the supplementary agenda.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Zena Curry, Area Highways Manager (AHM), SCC

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: The full wording of the petition and officer response was provided within the supplementary agenda.

     

    The lead petitioner, Mrs Kate Harper was unable to attend the meeting.

     

    Key points from discussion:

     

    ·         Members suggested that the officer response wasn’t actually in relation to what the lead petitioner had requested. The response was in relation to installing a new crossing on the road whereas the petition had referenced making the road safer to cross.

    ·         Members queried about a safe cycle route for pupils to use, which was noted by the AHM who added this was to be taken in to consideration. She added that cost did also need to be considered for such things.

     

    Resolution:

     

    The Local Committee noted:

    i.    The petition for a pedestrian crossing to be provided on the A246 Guildford Road between the junctions of Groveside and Hawkwood Rise.

    ii.   That Initial design work to establish the feasibility of a proposed crossing on the A246 Guildford Road, between the junction of Groveside and Hawkwood Rise had been added to the Integrated Transport Schemes List for consideration for future funding.

    iii.  That officers could work with the divisional Member and Bookhams Residents Association to explore whether the Residents Association were in support of this request. If supported, then the Residents Association could support any work to assess the feasibility of this request, for example funding a feasibility study or identifying match funding.

     

    Reason for decisions:

     

    The above decisions were made in order to enable further investigative work to take place and for the Residents’ Association to offer to help fund said works if they were supportive of the request.

5/19b

PETITION TO: INTRODUCE A 20MPH SPEED LIMIT ON ALL RESIDENTIAL STREETS IN ASHTEAD WITH THE EXCLUSION OF THE A24 pdf icon PDF 76 KB

    • Share this item

    The full wording of this petition along with the officer comment will be provided within the supplementary agenda.

     

    Decision:

    The Local Committee noted:

     

    1)    That the petition to introduce  a 20mph speed limit on all of the requested roads in Ashtead and response.

    2)    To continue to support the introduction of self-enforcing 20mph speed limits outside schools in Ashtead.

     

     

    The Local Committee agreed:

     

    i)    That officers could should work with the divisional member, the petitioner and Ashtead Residents’ Association to explore whether the Residents’ Association are in support of this request. If supported then the Residents’ Association could support any work to assess the feasibility of this request, for example funding a feasibility study or identifying match funding.

     

    Reason for decision:

     

    The above decision was made to enable the exploration of introducing a 20 mph speed limit in Ashtead if this was in agreement with what the Residents’ Association and divisional member wanted.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Zena Curry, Area Highways Manager (AHM), SCC

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: The full wording of the petition and officer response was provided within the supplementary agenda.

     

    The lead petitioner, Dr Rita Antonelli attended the meeting and addressed the committee with her concerns. She stated she was concerned about the speeds that vehicles were travelling around Ashtead. She showed concern for the safety of the children, especially as there were many schools in the area. She argued that the SCC speed policy was outdated as it was written in 2014.

     

    Key points from the discussion:

     

    ·         It was noted that the divisional member, who was not present at the meeting, had been keen to pursue the introduction of 20 mph speed limits outside schools. There were a number of schools in the district that had already had 20 mph speed limits piloted outside them.

    ·         It was acknowledged that the idea was a good one but it was noted that on some of the roads in Ashtead it would not be possible to reach 30mph anyway. Members therefore may not be supportive of the 20mph introduction across the whole of Ashtead.

     

    ·         The cost for such changes needed to be considered. It wasn’t as simple as erected some signs. In certain areas, where speed was excessive, additional measures would be required that could be unpopular with residents and lead to traffic seeking an alternative route.

     

    ·         It was queried when the Cabinet ‘Setting Speed Limit Policy’ was last reviewed. The AHM confirmed the last review was about 6 months ago and therefore it was unlikely it would be reviewed again so soon.

     

    ·         Members noted that other areas, such as Kingston, which was outside surrey, had 20 mph speed limits in residential areas. They queried what the difference was here and whether anything like that had been done within Surrey. They asked whether they needed to do more work or ask the Cabinet Member to look at what could be possible, for example a zoned area rather than individual roads to help with costs.

     

    ·         The AHM confirmed it wouldn’t be possible to have blanket zoned area as the roads with the 20 mph limit needed to be connected. As the A24 ran through the middle, all roads being considered would need to be looked at separately. She added that London Boroughs received more funding for such things but officers could look at the locations that would make the biggest difference. This was outside schools.

     

    ·         Members noted that there appeared to be strong support in Ashtead for the 20 mph speed limit. They acknowledged however that if an area such as Ashtead had this implemented there would likely be pressure from other areas such as Dorking to do the same.

     

    ·         The recommendations in the report mentioned involvement from Ashtead Residents’ Association. Whilst the Residents’ Association might have had funding available they had yet to be party to any conversations on the matter.

     

    ·         Mrs Helyn Clack seconded by Mr Tim Hall proposed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5/19b

6/19

HEALTH AND WELLBEING UPDATE [AGENDA ITEM ONLY] pdf icon PDF 1 MB

    • Share this item

    Across Surrey we have developed a new Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which is the product of unprecedented collaboration between the NHS, Surrey County Council, district and borough councils and our wider partners, including the voluntary and community sector and the police. The strategy will support the delivery of the ‘Community Vision for Surrey in 2030’ as well as the delivery of local health and care plans, how partners respond to the recently published NHS Long-Term Plan and individual organisational strategies and plans.

     

    The new Health and Wellbeing Strategy can be found on Healthy Surrey and signals an important shift to a more preventative approach, addressing the root causes of poor health and wellbeing such as poor housing and the surrounding environment.

     

    This presentation; delivered by Dr Russell Hills will be an opportunity to explore key local challenges to improving poor health outcomes and ways in which system partners across Surrey can work together to deliver the strategy.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Dr Russell Hills, Surrey Downs CCG

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: The PowerPoint presentation given at the meeting is attached as annex C to these minutes.

     

    [16.05 Cllr Ashton left the meeting]

     

    Key points from the discussion:

     

    ·         Members thanked Dr Hills for the presentation, noting that it seemed like there was a lot of high level work going on. They welcomed this disseminating down to a local level and front line delivery.

    ·         A concern was raised over the recent closures of some Children’s Centres and the work they had been doing to help mothers in isolation.  It was acknowledged that although some Children’s Centres had closed, Early Help had just relaunched itself with a new model.

    ·         Members queried whether there was the possibility for the health services to work more closely with schools to encourage healthy eating and tackle obesity. Dr Hills confirmed that Public Health attends the CCG Partnerships Board and there had been partnership work going on to tackle such problems.

    ·         It was acknowledged that there was sometimes difficulties in working in partnership, noting that in the preparation of the Mole Valley Local Plan, questions might need to be asked about whether proper provision for healthcare had been discussed. Dr Hills couldn’t comment on the local plan but noted he knew the Molebridge Practice had been of concern locally and confirmed that a new contractor would be taking over the practice from October 2019. 

     

     

     

     

7/19

HIGHWAYS UPDATE REPORT [EXECUTIVE FUNCTION] pdf icon PDF 105 KB

8/19

VERBAL UPDATE FROM MATT FURNISS, CABINET MEMBER FOR HIGHWAYS [AGENDA ITEM ONLY]

    • Share this item

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Zena Curry, Area Highways Manager (AHM), SCC

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: none

     

    The SCC Cabinet Member The County Council Cabinet member for Highways, Matt Furniss introduced himself to members and outlined his role in overseeing infrastructure delivery.

    ·         He reported that there had been an investment of £20 million in the last 2 years as part of the Severe Weather Recovery Programme.

    ·         In July the Cabinet approved the Town Centre Agreement Policy which would allow Districts and Boroughs to be more involved in managing highway assets in town centres.

    ·         The roll out of LED street lights would begin in September/October and would follow the usual maintenance cycle to avoid additional costs. This would involve the replacement of bulbs only. It would save money on electricity and reduce carbon emissions.

    ·         Highways focus for next year would be on pavement maintenance to encourage their use and to boost sustainable travel options.

    ·         The Surrey Infrastructure Academy had been launched with courses beginning in September 2019. The Academy would be working with local higher education colleges to promote highways related degrees to address a skills shortage.

    ·         A paper would be coming to Cabinet in the next few months to revise the Parking Policy. Districts and Boroughs would be encouraged to charge for on-street car parking.

     

    Key points from the discussion:

    ·         Members raised concerns over the introduction of on-street car parking charges, stating that it would put people off. The Cabinet Member confirmed that the charges in other locations had encouraged the turnover of parking and had increased the footfall for the businesses.

9/19

RECOMMENDATIONS TRACKER [FOR INFORMATION] pdf icon PDF 75 KB

    • Share this item

    The tracker monitors the progress of the decisions and recommendations that the Local  Committee has agreed.

    The Local Committee is asked to note the progress made and agree to remove from the tracker any items marked ‘complete highlighted in grey.

     

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Jess Edmundson, Partnership Committee Officer, SCC

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: none

     

     

    The local committee noted the decision tracker.

10/19

FORWARD PLAN [FOR INFORMATION] pdf icon PDF 51 KB

    • Share this item

    The Local Committee (Mole Valley) will note the contents of the forward plan of items expected to be received for the remainder of the year.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Jess Edmundson, Partnership Committee Officer, SCC

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: none

     

    The local committee noted the forward plan.