Agenda, decisions and minutes

Tandridge Local Committee - Friday, 8 December 2017 10.15 am

Venue: Council Chamber, Tandridge District Council Offices, Station Road East, Oxted, RH8 0BT

Contact: Sarah Woodworth, Partnership Committee Officer  Tandridge District Council Offices, Station Road East, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0BT

Items
No. Item

138/17

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

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    To receive any apologies.

    Minutes:

    Apologies were received from Cllr Nick Childs.  Cllr Martin Fisher advised he would be late for the meeting.

139/17

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING pdf icon PDF 206 KB

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

    Minutes:

    The minutes from the previous meeting on the 22 September 2017 were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

     

    In reference to 135/17 the Chairman wished for an update on the work for the flood alleviation scheme.  Mr Chris Botten advised that he had a productive meeting with the Officer and is looking forward to seeing a response.  Work is still to be done with balancing the cost and benefit.  Mr David Hodge added that there is a concern where Local Authorities will find the money to fund the work that needs to be carried out.  As Leader he will continue to press the Government for funding.

    Cllr Pat Cannon, added that he is aware that the military have advised that they are willing to work in the community should they be required.  Mr Chris Botten confirmed he would be happy to take this forward with Officers.

     

140/17

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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    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:

    None received.

141/17

PETITIONS

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    To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 68. Notice should be given in writing or by email 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.

    Minutes:

    No petitions had been received.

     

    Mrs Rose Thorn, advised that a petition in her division for a crossing on the A22 at Blindley Heath, would be due to come to the March meeting. 

142/17

FORMAL PUBLIC QUESTIONS pdf icon PDF 68 KB

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    To answer any questions from residents or businesses within the Tandridge District 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.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Four formal public questions had been received and one informal question.  The responses were provided in the supplementary papers.

     

    1)    Traffic speeds on Church Lane, Oxted, from Mr Geoff Knowles.

     

    Mr Knowles thanked the Committee for the response however expressed disappointment with the outcome.  He raised concerns that he felt the data was not collected in accordance with the policy and therefore not correct.

     

    Member discussion – Key points

     

    ·         The Divisional Member, Cameron McIntosh stated he understood the residents’ concerns with regards to this road and speed, as it is used as a ‘rat run’ at peak times.

     

    The Area Highways Manager, understood that the response was not as they would have hoped, however the position of the strips is in consultation with the Police and with the policy.  The Local Committee could ask for this to go on the reserve list, however there are other schemes in the District which are of higher priority at present with the limited funding available.  The Officer advised that as this road is included in Oxted regeneration project, she has contacted the Project Officer at TDC and has asked that Church Lane be included in the considerations. 

     

    Resolution

     

    The Local Committee NOTED the response.

     

     

    2)    Traffic Speeds on Hollow Lane, Dormansland, from Dr Everton Robinson.

     

    Dr Robinson, did not attend the meeting.

     

    Members discussion – Key points

     

    ·         Councillor Maureen Young, spoke as Ward councillor for Dormansland.  She felt that speeding does happen but only in parts as there are parked cars and a narrow bend, which tend to slow traffic down.  As Chairman of the Parish Council she is not aware of any complaints regarding this road and speeding. 

    ·         Divisional Member Mrs Lesley Steeds, advised that she is aware that Dr Robinson is trying bring a petition to a future Local Committee meeting on this matter.

     

    Resolution

     

    The Local Committee NOTED the response

     

    3)    Road Safety at Upper Warlingham Station, from Whyteleafe Village Council.

    (Upper Warlingham Station is in the Division of Caterham Valley, not Warlingham)

     

    A representative from Whyteleafe Village Council did not attend the meeting, but wished to pass on their acknowledgement and appreciation for the reply to the Committee and Officers

     

    Members discussion- Key points

     

    ·         Divisional Member Mr David Lee, thanked Highways for their response and appreciated the clarification that Govia ThamesLink are responsibility for this request not Highways.  He was surprised to learn there had been no accidents, and requested that SCC ask Govia ThamesLink to add a ‘Give Way’ line and signage.

     

    Area Highways Manager advised that Govia Thames Link had been approached, and at this time they are unable to erect signs and add ‘Give Way’ lines.  Highways will continue to have the conversations with Govia Thames Link.

     

    Divisional Member David Lee asked for the details for a contact at Govia Thames Link, so he could make contact.

     

    Resolution

     

    The Local Committee NOTED the response

     

    4)    Flood mitigation for Whyteleafe, from Whyteleafe Village Council.

     

    A representative from Whyteleafe Village Council did not attend the meeting, but  ...  view the full minutes text for item 142/17

143/17

MEMBERS QUESTIONS pdf icon PDF 63 KB

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    To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47.  Notice should be given in writing to the Community Partnership and Committee Officer of formal questions by 12.00 noon four working days before the meeting.

    Minutes:

    One Member question was formally submitted and included in the supplementary papers. One Member question was asked informally at the meeting.

     

    1)    Cllr Pat Cannon, District Council for Chaldon raised a question regarding the condition of Rook Lane in Chaldon.  He thanked Officers for their response.  The Area Highways Manager advised that this had since been referred to the Road Safety Team and an inspection would be carried out in January.  Mr Chris Botten, as Divisional Member supported the request from Cllr Cannon and asked if the policy took into consideration other factors such as noise. 

     

    Members asked if the Highways Team could check the material used to ensure that it meets the correct standard.  If it fails, then the utility company would be asked to rectify.

     

    The Area Highways Manager confirmed that a number of factors are taken into consideration and the team would continue to monitor.  She will take forward the request to have the material tested and action would be taken if necessary.

     

    Resolution

     

    (i)            The Local Committee NOTED the response.

     

    (ii)          The Local Committee requested the material used to repair the road by the utility company be tested to ensure it meets the correct standard, and if necessary, action be taken. 

     

     

     

    2)     Mr Cameron McIntosh, Oxted Divisional Member asked for an update on the road markings for Titsey Road. 

     

    The Area Highways Manager advised that two attempts have been made to have the road markings installed, however due to the weather conditions the work could not be carried out.  As the works require a temporary road closure permit, the job had to be delayed until this was obtained.  The Highways Team will apply for a permit which will be valid for a longer period of time so the work can be carried out when the weather conditions allow.

     

     

     

     

144/17

DECISION TRACKER (FOR INFORMATION) pdf icon PDF 233 KB

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    This document provides an update on progress on issues arising from public questions and petitions.

     

     

    (Report attached).

    Minutes:

    Declarations of interest: None

     

    Officer attending: Sarah Woodworth, Partnership Committee Officer

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None

     

    The Chairman introduced the item explaining that this would be a public document that would monitor progress against the decisions that the Local Committee has made.  

     

    Members Discussion – Key points

     

    Chalkpit Quarry

     

    1.    Mr Cameron McIntosh provided an update to the volume of HGV’s at Chalkpit Quarry in Oxted.  He advised that this matter is due to go the Planning and Regulatory Committee in late spring and has had assurances from the MP Sam Gyimah that he will attend the meeting.

    2.    Cllr Martin Fisher expressed frustration on the number of HGV’s and would like Surrey to introduce a cap.  He asked if the safety aspect could be looked into as HGV’s cannot pass on the road leading to the quarry.

    3.    It was suggested the Chairman writes to the Secretary of State for the Environment to express the Committee’s frustration on this matter and request a visit.  Members requested a further discussion with Officers outside of the meeting and should it be required, a letter sent to the Chairman of the Planning and Regulatory Committee.

     

    Le Personne

     

    4.    In reference to the release of the section 106 money for the crossing, it was asked if the Leader of the District Council could assist in moving this forward. 

     

    Resolution

     

    (i)            The Local Committee (Tandridge) NOTED the contents of the report.

     

    (ii)          The Local Committee (Tandridge) AGREED the Chairman writes to the Secretary for the Environment to express frustration with regards to the number of HGVs travelling to Chalk pit Quarry. Following further discussion, a letter to the Chairman of the Planning and Regulatory Committee, if required.

     

     

     

145/17

PUBLIC FOOTPATH No.381, LINGFIELD - PROPOSED DIVERSION (OTHER COUNTY COUNCIL FUNCTIONS) pdf icon PDF 178 KB

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    A second application from Network Rail to divert Public Footpath No. 381 at Lingfield Station away from the level crossing on safety grounds. This second application seeks to divert onto a new footbridge under section 119a of the Highways Act 1980. This report seeks a decision on whether to make a legal order to divert the footpath.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: Mrs Lesley Steads advised that she had attended meetings on this matter, but came to the meeting with an open mind, prepared to hear all relevant considerations.

     

    Officer attending: Claire Saunders, Senior Countryside Access Officer.

     

    Public Speakers: No one spoke in favour or objection to the application at the meeting and the applicant did not attend the meeting.

     

    The Officer presented the report advising that Network Rail had closed the crossing and made the application to divert to a footbridge on the grounds of safety.  The Officer recommendation is to refuse the application as it is not acceptable to have a stepped crossing for disabled users and those with buggies and young children.

     

    Member discussion – Key points:

     

    1.    Members understood the safety concerns of Network Rail but confirmed there does need to be disabled access.

    2.    Members questioned if alternative options had been properly considered such as a barrier system on the track or the ramp.  The Officer advised that Network Rail had informed that this would cost approximately in excess of £500,000 and advised that Network Rail said it would not be possible due to concerns of people being trapped in between the two gates on the track.  With regards to the ramped crossing, this would be a large intrusive structure and the Parish Council and the residents objected to it.

     

     

    Members voted the officer recommendation:

     

    Votes in favour of recommendation (i): 11

     

    Votes against recommendation (i): 0

     

    Abstentions: 0.

     

     

    Resolution:

     

    The Local Committee (Tandridge) resolved to AGREE the application from Network Rail dated 18 September 2017 to divert Public Footpath No 381, Lingfield onto a new footbridge, shown A – C – D – B on drg. No. 3/1/29/H62 is refused.

     

     

    Reasons for decision:

     

    The application seeks to divert at the level crossing onto a new stepped footbridge. The footbridge is not accessible for those with mobility difficulties and those with young children in pushchairs and also involves a 133 metre detour if travelling in a west to east direction or vice versa.

146/17

HIGHWAYS FORWARD PROGRAMME FOR 2018/19- 2019/20 (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) pdf icon PDF 146 KB

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    This report seeks approval of a programme of highway works for Tandridge funded from the Local Committee’s delegated revenue budget.

     

     

    (Report and annex attached).

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    The Local Committee (Tandridge) :

     

    General

    (i)    NOTED that the Local Committee’s devolved highways budget for capital works within the Medium Term Financial Plan 2017-20 is £36,363 in 2018/19 and 2019/20 and it has been assumed  that the revenue budget for 2018/19 remains the same as for 2017/18 at £40,910;

    (ii)   AUTHORISED delegation of authority to the Area Highway Manager, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman to agree a revised programme of highway works for 2018/19 if there is a change in the Local Committee’s devolved budget.

    (iii)  NOTED that should there be any changes to the programme of highway works as set out in this report, a report will be taken to a future meeting of Tandridge Local Committee to inform members of the changes.

     

    Capital Improvement Schemes (ITS)

    (iv)AGREED that the capital improvement schemes allocation for Tandridge be used to progress the Integrated Transport Schemes programme set out in Annex 1;

    (v)  AUTHORISED that the Area Highway Manager, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman, be able to vire money between the schemes agreed in Annex 1, if required;

    (vi)AGREED that the Local Committee Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Area Team Manager, together with the loca divisional Member are able to progress any scheme from the Integrated Transport Schemes programme, including consultation and statutory advertisement that may be required under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, for completion of those schemes.  Where it is agreed that a scheme will not be progressed, this will be reported back to the next formal meeting of the Local Committee for approval.

     

    Revenue Maintenance

    (vii)AUTHORISED the Area Maintenance Engineer, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman, Vice-Chairman and relevant local divisional Member, to use £40,910 of the revenue maintenance budget for 2018/19 as detailed in Table 2 of this report;

    (viii)               AGREED the Area Maintenance Engineer, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman, be able to vire the revenue maintenance budget between the identified work headings in Table 2;

     

     

    Reasons for decisions:

     

     

    To agree a forward programme of highways works in Tandridge for 2018/19 – 2019/20, funded from the Local Committee’s devolved budget.

     

     

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officer attending: Zena Curry, Area Highway Manager

     

    Petition, Public Questions, Statements: None  

     

    The Area Highway Manager apologised and advised that the incorrect year was printed in the paper for the title of table 1, annex 1 and recommendation (vii) the year should read 2018/19 and not 2017/18. 

     

    Member Discussion – Key Points

    1.    It was asked how the Highways Team carry out scoring for prioritising the schemes for spend in the next financial year.  The Officer advised that an assessment is carried out on each of the schemes on the list.  The scoring would take into consideration Congestion, Accidents, Safety, Environment and Economic factors. 

     

    The Chairman proposed the change of year in the recommendation and this was seconded by Mrs Rose Thorn.

     

     

    Resolution

     

    The Local Committee (Tandridge):

    General

    (i)    NOTED that the Local Committee’s devolved highways budget for capital works within the Medium Term Financial Plan 2017-20 is £36,363 in 2018/19 and 2019/20 and it has been assumed  that the revenue budget for 2018/19 remains the same as for 2017/18 at £40,910;

    (ii)   AUTHORISED delegation of authority to the Area Highway Manager, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman to agree a revised programme of highway works for 2018/19 if there is a change in the Local Committee’s devolved budget.

    (iii)  NOTED that should there be any changes to the programme of highway works as set out in this report, a report will be taken to a future meeting of Tandridge Local Committee to inform members of the changes.

     

    Capital Improvement Schemes (ITS)

    (iv)AGREED that the capital improvement schemes allocation for Tandridge be used to progress the Integrated Transport Schemes programme set out in Annex 1;

    (v)  AUTHORISED that the Area Highway Manager, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman, be able to vire money between the schemes agreed in Annex 1, if required;

    (vi)AGREED that the Local Committee Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Area Team Manager, together with the local divisional Member are able to progress any scheme from the Integrated Transport Schemes programme, including consultation and statutory advertisement that may be required under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, for completion of those schemes.  Where it is agreed that a scheme will not be progressed, this will be reported back to the next formal meeting of the Local Committee for approval.

     

     

     

    Revenue Maintenance

    (vii)AUTHORISED the Area Maintenance Engineer, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman, Vice-Chairman and relevant local divisional Member, to use £40,910 of the revenue maintenance budget for 2018/19 as detailed in Table 2 of this report;

    (viii)               AGREED the Area Maintenance Engineer, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman, be able to vire the revenue maintenance budget between the identified work headings in Table 2;

     

     

    Reasons for decisions:

     

    To agree a forward programme of highways works in Tandridge for 2018/19 – 2019/20, funded from the Local Committee’s devolved budget.

     

     

147/17

HIGHWAYS SCHEMES 2017/18 UPDATE (SERVICE MONITORING AND ISSUES OF LOCAL CONCERN) pdf icon PDF 123 KB

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    This report summarises progress with the Local Committee’s programme of Highways works for the current financial year 2017/18. It also provides information on the major scheme projects and centrally funded maintenance schemes.

     

     

    (Report and annex attached).

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officer attending: Zena Curry, Area Highways Manager

     

    Petition, Public Questions, Statements : None

     

    Resolution

     

    The Local Committee (Tandridge) NOTED the contents of the report.

     

    Reason for recommendation

     

    Programmes of work have been agreed in consultation with the Committee, and the Committee is asked to note the progress of the Integrated Transport Scheme programme and revenue maintenance expenditure. It is also asked to note the work that is being carried out on the centrally funded maintenance schemes.

     

148/17

ON-STREET PARKING ENFORCEMENT UPDATE (SERVICE MONITORING AND ISSUES OF LOCAL CONCERN) pdf icon PDF 164 KB

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    Local Committees are responsible for agreeing on-street parking restrictions as part of the parking review process.  Committees have a scrutiny role in the enforcement operation and a share of any surplus income generated.

     

    This report sets out the background for these arrangements and provides an update on the enforcement operation in Tandridge.

     

    (Report and 2 annexes attached).

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

    Officers attending: David Curl, SCC Parking Strategy & Implementation Team Manager. Jacquie Joseph, Reigate and Banstead Parking & Business Support Services Manager. Frank Etheridge, Parking and Environment Manager, Reigate and Banstead.

    Petition, Public Questions, Statements: None

    The SCC Parking Strategy and Implementation Team Manager introduced the report. He highlighted that following discussions with the local committee last year, a trial had started in March 2017 whereby 2 extra Civil Enforcement Officers had been taken on. This had roughly doubled the number of penalty charge notices being issued comparing similar periods in 2016 and 2017. It was hoped that this would continue.

    Members Discussion – Key points

    1. Members raised concerns that since parking charges have been introduced in Ellice Road car park in Oxted, some people are parking illegally to avoid paying parking charges which is affecting local residents accessing their driveways. It was asked if patrols could be increased around the Oxted area.

    2. Members questioned why Croydon Road in Caterham only had 447 tickets issued in the year, as it seemed a very low number. The Officer advised that patrols on Croydon road were carried out daily. From January there would be an increase on the in and out of town deployment.

    3. Members raised concerns that this service did not make a profit, despite the number of penalty charge notices increasing.

    4. Members agreed that the information provided was not adequate for an end of year report and refused to note the report. Members requested a new report at the next Local Committee meeting to address their concerns and include the key performance indicators, trends and account information. Members also wished to know the number of hours enforcement officers are patrolling in the area.

    5. Five Parish Councils in the north of the District have asked if it would be possible to contribute to have an enforcement officer carry out extra patrols in their areas. It was agreed that Officers would have a meeting with the Parish Councils to discuss.

    6. Concerns were raised that in Caterham town centre that taxis are not abiding by the rules with regards to the taxi rank. Although this would be addressed in the Caterham Master Plan, patrols need to be increase.

    Resolution

    (i) The Local Committee (Tandridge) REFUSED to note the report.

    (ii) The Local Committee ask that the report is rewritten and be presented at the next meeting to include the key performance indicators, accounts and the trends for the on street parking.

     

    Reason for recommendation

    The Local Committee (Tandridge) felt that the report did not address the concerns that the annual report should under the terms of the parking agreement. The Committee requested that the report be brought back to the next Local Committee meeting in March.

     

149/17

COMMUNITY SAFETY FUNDING UPDATE (SERVICE MONITORING AND ISSUES OF LOCAL CONCERN) pdf icon PDF 94 KB

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    The Local Committee has a delegated budget of £3,000 for community safety projects. This report provides an update on a project which took place in the summer of 2017 and information on the successful funding bids and how the money has been allocated for 2017/18.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Sarah Woodworth, Partnership Committee Officer. 

     

    Petition, Public Questions, Statements : None

     

    The Officer introduced the report, providing information on the three successful funding bids for the Community Safety delegated funding budget, and how it has been allocated for 2017/18.

     

    Members Discussion – Key points

    1.    Mr David Hodge asked for the outcomes statistical evidence for the ‘Safe Drive, Stay Alive’ productions to ensure that the production is as relevant today as it was several years ago.  A few Members who had recently attended a production felt that the production was relevant and very moving, which had an impact on the young people who attended. Mrs Rose Thorn advised that it is difficult to quantify how effective this production has been until it is no longer available.

     

    Resolution

     

    (i)            The Local Committee (Tandridge)  NOTED the report. 

     

    Reason for recommendation

     

    To ensure that the Local Committee are aware of the allocation of community safety funding to local Tandridge projects for 2017/18 and their expected outcomes.