Councillors and committees

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Waverley Borough Council Chamber, The Burys, Godalming GU7 1HR

Contact: Yvette Ortel, Partnership Committee Officer  Waverley Borough Council offices, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR

Link: Click here for the webcast

Items
No. Item

OPEN FORUM - INFORMAL PUBLIC QUESTIONS pdf icon PDF 213 KB

28/19

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

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    To receive any apologies for absence.

    Minutes:

    Apologies were received from Mrs Penny Rivers and Cllr Steve Cosser.

29/19

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING pdf icon PDF 138 KB

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    To approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 28th June 2019 as a correct record.

    Minutes:

    Minutes of the Waverley Local Committee on 28 June 2019 were agreed and approved as an accurate record.

30/19

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:

    There were no declarations of interest.

31/19

CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

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    To receive any Chairman’s announcements.

     

    Agenda item only

     

    Minutes:

    The Chairman reminded Members that Cllr Colin Kemp, Deputy Leader for Surrey County Council, was asked through the Committee, whether the County were prepared to undertake a feasibility study into the Guildford Society’s proposals for a new road link between Dunsfold and the A3 at Milford. 

     

    Councillor Kemp provided an update on his investigations into this matter, which the Chairman read out, and asked for it to be minuted:

     

    “In response to the question on a possible by-pass from the A281 to the A3:

    I have read a lot of paperwork and had many conversations on this matter to get a true understanding of the issue.

    On the main point of the question which was a relief road, I believe the environmental and local impact would be too great and don’t believe this could be delivered and should not be pursued any further.

    Having said that it has become clear to me that with all the planned developments around this area we need to look at the road network and identify pinch points through the route and see if there are any local improvement schemes that would ease congestion and then see if we can identify funding for these. I am sorry if this caused concern but I don’t believe in saying no just because somebody else did, if I am asked a question I will always consider evidence before giving a formal response.”

     

32/19

PETITIONS & PETITION RESPONSES pdf icon PDF 272 KB

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    To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 68.  Notice must be given in writing or by email to the Partnership 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.

     

    (i)            A petition has been received from Cllr David Beaman, Waverley Borough and Farnham Town Councillor, which contains 327 signatures and reads:

     

    We the undersigned petition Surrey County Council to erect a safe Pedestrian Crossing in the area of Longbridge, Farnham, from near Hawthorn Lodge (GU9 7GG) towards Gostrey Meadow.  This has been a difficult road to cross for some time, particularly for those less nimble on their feet or those with pushchairs or small children.  Since the erection of the Retirement Apartments at Hawthorn Lodge GU9 7GG considerably more people are at risk as many of the residents have mobility issues and a significant number of them use wheelchairs or walking aids.  Pushing these wheelchairs or walking aids across the roads in this area is extremely dangerous as there have already been a number of falls in the road whilst hurrying to avoid oncoming traffic and many other close escapes, making this not just an inconvenience but an urgent Health and Safety matter.”

     

    Petition response report attached.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None.

     

    Officer in attendance: Frank Apicella, Area Highway Manager (South West).

     

    Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: One petition.

     

    A petition was received from Cllr David Beaman, Waverley Borough and Farnham Town Councillor, which contained 327 signatures and read:

     

    We the undersigned petition Surrey County Council to erect a safe Pedestrian Crossing in the area of Longbridge, Farnham, from near Hawthorn Lodge (GU9 7GG) towards Gostrey Meadow.  This has been a difficult road to cross for some time, particularly for those less nimble on their feet or those with pushchairs or small children.  Since the erection of the Retirement Apartments at Hawthorn Lodge GU9 7GG considerably more people are at risk as many of the residents have mobility issues and a significant number of them use wheelchairs or walking aids.  Pushing these wheelchairs or walking aids across the roads in this area is extremely dangerous as there have already been a number of falls in the road whilst hurrying to avoid oncoming traffic and many other close escapes, making this not just an inconvenience but an urgent Health and Safety matter.”

     

    The petitioner spoke for the allotted three minutes.  The petition response report was presented by the Area Highway Manager.

     

    Member discussion key points:

    It was noted that the redevelopment of Farnham requires a masterplan in place.  Although there was sympathy for residents, Members felt that the case would need to be looked at in light of the whole area.  A Farnham wide approach was needed to ensure focus and best use of resources.

     

    The Local Committee resolved to AGREE:

     

    To note the response, which was originally provided as an answer to a Written Question at the 22 March 2019 Waverley Local Committee.

33/19

WRITTEN PUBLIC QUESTIONS pdf icon PDF 195 KB

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    To answer any questions from residents or businesses within the Waverley Borough area in accordance with Standing Order 69.  Notice should be given in writing or by email to the Partnership Committee Officer by 12 noon four working days before the meeting.

     

    Minutes:

    Five Written Public Questions were received from Waverley Borough and Farnham Town Councillor David Beaman; Witley Parish Council; Mr Peter Goodman; & Ward Councillors Follows and Rosoman who asked 2 questions.

     

    The questions and answers were published on the SCC Waverley Local Committee web pages before the 27 September Local Committee and were available at the meeting.  The following supplementary questions were asked:

     

    Question 4 – Supplementary Question

    Who will pay for the alterations needed in order for the rising bollards to work properly?

     

    Response to supplementary question:

    The Area Highway Manager replied that further conversations with Waverley Borough Council would be needed regarding removing the blocks and setts, but that the signals team would be able to pay for the bollard upgrade.

     

    Question 5

    No supplementary question was asked, however concerns were raised over the cuts to services and Members asked that Mary Lewis, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, be invited to speak to Waverley Borough Council.

     

     

     

34/19

WRITTEN MEMBER QUESTIONS pdf icon PDF 88 KB

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    To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47.  The deadline for members’ questions is 12 noon four working days before the meeting.  Notice should be given by email to the Partnership Committee Officer.

     

    Minutes:

    Two Written Member Questions were received from Cllr Peter Clark and Cllr Jerry Hyman.

     

    The questions and answers were published on the SCC Waverley Local Committee web pages before the 27 September Local Committee and were available at the meeting.

     

    Question 2 – Supplementary Question

    Cllr Hyman asked: “Why can’t we see the paramics model that Crest Nicholson has used?”

     

    It was noted that the model itself is not publicly available as it is a computer programme using specialist transport planning software.  It is a mathematical model.  A ‘graphical user interface’ can allow the modeller to view the results of the mathematical algorithms.  It is that information, together with the analysis of the maths sitting behind it, that the modeller uses to interpret the results.

     

    From this, the modeller produces a written report and it is this report that is publicly available.  The reason the model itself is not publicly available is because it runs on specialist software (that can cost thousands of pounds) and requires training on how to run it.  The report is therefore the best way of disseminating the results.

35/19

HEALTH AND WELLBEING STRATEGY (SERVICE MONITORING AND ISSUES OF LOCAL CONCERN - FOR DISCUSSION) (AGENDA ITEM ONLY) pdf icon PDF 544 KB

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    Health and Wellbeing Strategy presentation from Cllr Alison Griffiths, Deputy Cabinet Member for Health, Surrey County Council.

     

    Agenda item only

    Minutes:

    This item was deferred.

36/19

HINDHEAD TUNNEL UPDATE (FOR INFORMATION) pdf icon PDF 147 KB

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    To receive an update report from Highways England on Hindhead Tunnel and its effect on the local area.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None.

     

    Officer in attendance: Matthew Salt, Team Leader - Service Manager Maintenance, Highways England.

     

    Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: None.

     

    Member discussion key points:

     

    Highways England gave an excellent update on the Tunnel closures – both planned and unplanned and the detail was welcomed by Councillors.

     

    A325 Wrecclesham Road bridge

    Data showed that there was no direct correlation with the tunnel closures and the bridge at Wrecclesham being hit (this was the subject of a written question earlier in the meeting).

     

    The officer confirmed that he had carried out a full comparison of the bridge strike data and the Hindhead Tunnel Incident Register.

     

    The dates of the known 39 strikes were reviewed to see whether they coincided with a date that the diversion route was implemented due to either planned or unplanned work.  Below is a summary:

     

    ·         There were 3 full bore closures on dates that matched, the average duration of theses closures were 7 minutes.  Traffic would have been held at the entry to the tunnel, the diversion route was not used as it is only considered for incidents that last 30 minutes or more.

    ·         There were 14 incident plans active on dates that match; on 10 dates there was lane closures in place, on 1 date the tunnel was running at 40 mph.  For 1 date, closure details could not be confirmed.

    ·         22 Bridge Strikes do not match dates on the register.

    Therefore, from this analysis the officer concluded that there is no link between bridge strikes occurring as a result of the diversion route being active, following either a planned or unplanned incident at the tunnel.

     

    Future Technology Schemes

    The officer gave an overview of future schemes that Highways England are delivering at the tunnel:

     

    ·         Uninterrupted Power Supply - manages the power supply to the tunnel and its batteries acts as a backup should there be a power fault.

    ·         Obsolete Beldin Switch Solution – replacement of switches.

    ·         Obsolete Kenton Modem Solution - replacement of switches.

    ·         Hindhead Diversion Route Signs – Installing Variable Message Signs to replace the fixed text signage on the A3.  This will give more flexibility over the messages that can displayed to the public.

    ·         Wig-Wag Replacement – replace the barrier on tunnel approaches.  Unlikely to happen before March 2020, due to procurement.

    ·         Repeater Signs – replacement of speed signs within the tunnel bores.

     

    The Local Committee (Waverley) resolved to AGREE that:

     

    (i)     Highways England continued commitment to ensuring operational improvements are made at the tunnel through maintenance and renewal schemes.

    (ii)     Highways England and its Service Provider, Kier, have robust measures in place to manage planned bore closures and full closures of the tunnel.

    (iii)    Highways England will continue to work with its stakeholders to ensure they have correct and up to date information relating to Hindhead Tunnel.

37/19

HIGHWAYS UPDATE (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) pdf icon PDF 313 KB

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    To receive an update from the Area Highway Manager (South West).

     

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None.

     

    Officer in attendance: Frank Apicella, Area Highway Manager (South West).

     

    Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: None.

     

    Member discussion key points:

     

    On the Section 106 list, it was noted that Upper Hale did not include the £50,000 allocation from Folly Hill for a traffic island on Upper Hale Road and this would be investigated.  The £1.1million from Bordon also needed to be included.

     

    The S106 funds for Cranleigh were welcomed and parish councillors were looking forward to working with the Borough on investments in the High Street.  £40,000 had been agreed for Crest Nicholson to undertake a feasibility study and councillors reiterated the need for work to be in keeping with the Conservation area status of Cranleigh High Street.  The need to link the Downs Link path with any cycle routes was also stressed.

     

    It was noted that Highways would be developing a strategy for planting trees and hedges but needed to be mindful of vehicle sightlines.  Local knowledge was key and joint work with the Borough would be needed.

     

    The Local Committee (Waverley) resolved to AGREE:

     

    (i)    To note the committee approved allocations and works being progressed during 2019/20.

     

38/19

REPRESENTATION ON OUTSIDE BODIES (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) pdf icon PDF 31 KB

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    To appoint a Surrey County Council Member as the Local Committee representative to the 40 Degreez Centre for Young People, Farnham, during the current municipal year.

     

    Decision:

    The Local Committee (Waverley) resolved to AGREE:

     

    (i)    One Surrey County Council Member (Cllr Andy MacLeod) be appointed to the 40 Degreez Centre for Young People, Farnham, as detailed in the report, section 2.2.

     

    (ii)  The Member be allowed to bring update reports from the 40 Degreez Centre, when relevant.

     

    Reason: to enable the Waverley Local Committee to be represented at the 40 Degreez Centre for Young People in Farnham and for the nominated member to be able to report back to the Local Committee when relevant.

     

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None.

     

    Officer in attendance: None

     

    Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: None.

     

    The Local Committee (Waverley) resolved to AGREE:

     

    (i)    One Surrey County Council Member (Andy MacLeod) be appointed to the 40 Degreez Centre for Young People, Farnham, as detailed in the report, section 2.2.

     

    (ii)  The Member be allowed to bring update reports from the 40 Degreez Centre, when relevant.

     

39/19

LOCAL COMMITTEE DECISION TRACKER (FOR INFORMATION) pdf icon PDF 160 KB

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    To review any outstanding Local Committee decisions.

     

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officer in attendance: Nikkie Thornton-Bryar, Partnership Committee Officer

     

    Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: None.

     

    The Local Committee (Waverley) resolved to AGREE that:

     

    Decision tracker items shall remain ‘open’.

     

40/19

LOCAL COMMITTEE FORWARD PROGRAMME 2019-20 pdf icon PDF 74 KB

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    To note the proposed forward programme and consider any additional items for future discussion.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officer in attendance: Nikkie Thornton-Bryar, Partnership Committee Officer

     

    Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: None.

     

    The forward programme was agreed, with the following additions:

     

    ·         20mph speed limits.

    ·         Health and Wellbeing Strategy to come to the next informal meeting on 8 Nov.

    ·         Highways England to be invited to an informal / formal regarding the A3.

     

41/19

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

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    To be held on Friday 13th December 2019 at 10am in Waverley Council Chamber, The Burys, Godalming GU7 1HR.

     

    (10am – 10.30am: Open Forum / Informal Public Question Time)

     

    Minutes:

    To be held on Friday 13th December 2019 at 10am in the Waverley Borough Council Chamber, The Burys, Godalming GU7 1HR.

     

    (10am – 10.30am: Open Public Questions Forum)