Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 442 KBVenue: Lord Pirbright's Hall, Pirbright GU24 0JE
Contact: Carolyn Anderson Surrey County Council, Old Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, GU2 4BB
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CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
To receive any Chairman’s announcements. |
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive any apologies for absence and notices of substitutions from Borough members under Standing Order 39. Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from County Councillor Mr Graham Ellwood and Borough Councillors March Chapman, Bob McShee, Tony Rooth and David Wright.
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 December 2013 as a true record. Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2013 were confirmed as a true 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.
Minutes: No declarations of interest were received. |
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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) Graham Mansfield, resident of Wisley Village
This petition requests that Surrey County Council reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph or even 20mph along the entirety of Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey. The current speed limit implies that the road is safe to drive at 40mph and as a consequence the road is extremely dangerous for vehicles, cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians.
(ii) Shalford Parish Council
The residents of Peasmarsh would like Surrey County Council’s Highways department to reduce the speed of vehicles on the A248 in the proximity of Oakdene Road whether by reducing the speed limit or by adding vehicle activated or other working signs and to reinstate access for emergency vehicles from the A3100 to Oakdene Road close to the Astolat roundabout. Minutes: (i) Graham Mansfield, resident of Wisley Village This petition requested that Surrey County Council reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph or even 20mph along the entirety of Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey. Mrs Engells spoke to the petition.
The meeting heard that members had agreed to allocate funding from the 2014/15 Local Committee Highways budget at the last meeting to look at this matter. The Area Highways Manager said a schedule was not in place at the current time, but that residents would be informed once a schedule was in place.
(ii) Shalford Parish Council The residents of Peasmarsh would like Surrey County Council’s Highways department to reduce the speed of vehicles on the A248 in the proximity of Oakdene Road whether by reducing the speed limit or by adding vehicle activated or other working signs and to reinstate access for emergency vehicles from the A3100 to Oakdene Road close to the Astolat roundabout. Parish Councillor Bill Burkett spoke to the petition.
Local members were in support of the petition.
The meeting heard that Shalford Parish Council was in favour of installing a Vehicle Activated Sign on the A248. The Area Highways Manager (AHM) proposed that existing signage could be made more conspicuous if it were yellow-backed. The AHM agreed to visit the site to review and also to look at the stopping up order for the A3100 access to Oakdene Road and would liaise with local members and the Parish Council.
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PETITION RESPONSE: ONSLOW 20mph ZONE
To provide Members with an Officer response to a petition previously submitted to the Local Committee.
Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed to:
(i) Nominate the Transportation Task Group to review this request along with any others that may be received for consideration in future programmes of capital highway works funded by this committee. Reason To enable the Local Committee (Guildford) to engage with residents on a matter of local concern. Minutes: The Area Highways Manager (AHM) presented the report.
The petition request had been to implement a 20mph zone on specified roads in Onslow Village. The meeting heard that the Transportation Task Group would consider the matter of 20mph zones at the next scheduled meeting and consequently an officer report would be submitted to the next meeting in June.
The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed to:
(i) Nominate the Transportation Task Group to review this request along with any others that may be received for consideration in future programmes of capital highway works funded by this committee. Reason To enable the Local Committee (Guildford) to engage with residents on a matter of local concern.
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PETITION RESPONSE: THROUGH-TRAFFIC IN MERROW WOODS
To provide Members with an Officer response to a petition previously submitted to the Local Committee.
Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Guildford) noted the committee report.
Minutes: The report was presented by the Area Highways Manager (AHM).
The original petition request was to slow down through traffic at Merrow Woods. The members were content that the concerns and requests in the petition had been addressed.
The Local Committee (Guildford) noted the committee report.
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PUBLIC WRITTEN QUESTIONS
To receive any questions from Surrey County Council electors within the area in accordance with Standing Order 66 via a tabled report. Minutes: Three questions were received from the public. The written responses to these questions can be found at the annexe to these minutes.
With regard to the question about section 106 developer contributions relating to proposed road crossings in Ash Manor Road, it was confirmed the proposals had been discussed with the headteacher of Ash Manor School in terms of feasibility and that there would be consultation with local residents. |
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MEMBER WRITTEN QUESTIONS
To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47 via a tabled report. Minutes: No member written questions were received. |
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JOINT WORKING THROUGH GUILDFORD LOCAL COMMITTEE (LOCAL COMMITTEE PLUS)
The Guildford Local Committee reviews issues and makes decisions on aspects of Surrey County Council’s activities that might affect Guildford Borough. It comprises the ten County Councillors in the Borough of Guildford and an equal number of Guildford Borough Councillors.Members of both authorities would like to strengthen and extend the remit of the existing Local Committee arrangements between Surrey County Council (SCC) and Guildford Borough Council (GBC) toward the creation of an enhanced Local Committee. For the purposes of this report described as Local Committee Plus.
Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed to:
(i) the proposals contained within the report to enhance the joint working arrangements between the Councils from the next municipal year.
(ii) Endorse the development of an updated terms of reference for the Committee Plus.
(iii) the proposed divisions and boundaries for the Cluster Group Meetings across the Borough.
(iv)Note that following the required approval of Surrey County Council Cabinet and Council, a further report will be brought to committee in June 2014 to agree the terms of reference of the Task Groups and the financial arrangements for the cluster budget.
Reason Working jointly and in partnership can provide added value in terms of cost and time savings and produce more effective, coordinated responses to service delivery. These recommendations seek to increase and develop joined up working between the two authorities to produce better value and coordinated services for residents Minutes: The report was presented by the Surrey County Council Community Partnerships Team Manager.
Members of the local committee had considered and proposed a number of new ways to work together in partnership and to increase local engagement which had been outlined in the report.
The members of the committee endorsed the report and agreed that it was the expectation of residents that the two Councils should make every effort to work together more closely and effectively. The contribution of Guildford Borough Council to the Members Local Allocation budget and the improvements to local engagement through webcasting and the local ‘cluster’ meetings were welcomed.
It was noted that the agreement of the Surrey County Council Cabinet would be sought and a further report detailing the governance of the new proposals would be bought to the June meeting of the committee.
The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed to:
(i) the proposals contained within the report to enhance the joint working arrangements between the Councils from the next municipal year.
(ii) Endorse the development of an updated terms of reference for the Committee Plus.
(iii) the proposed divisions and boundaries for the Cluster Group Meetings across the Borough.
(iv)Note that following the required approval of Surrey County Council Cabinet and Council, a further report will be brought to committee in June 2014 to agree the terms of reference of the Task Groups and the financial arrangements for the cluster budget.
Reason Working jointly and in partnership can provide added value in terms of cost and time savings and produce more effective, coordinated responses to service delivery. These recommendations seek to increase and develop joined up working between the two authorities to produce better value and coordinated services for residents |
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ALLEGED PUBLIC FOOTPATH BETWEEN BOXGROVE ROAD AND EPSOM ROAD, GUILDFORD
An application has been received for a Map Modification Order (MMO) to add a footpath between Boxgrove Road and Epsom Road, Merrow, Guildford to the Surrey County Council Definitive Map and Statement (DMS).
Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed:
(i) No public footpath rights are recognised over A – B – C – D on Drg. No. 3/1/75/H48 and that this application for a MMO under sections 53 and 57 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to modify the Definitive Map and Statement by the addition of a footpath is not approved.
(ii) In the event of the County Council being directed to make a MMO by the Secretary of State following an appeal by the claimant, the County Council as surveying authority will adopt a neutral stance at any Public Inquiry, making all evidence available to help the inspector to determine the case.
Reason The County Council has a duty under Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA 1981) to modify the Definitive Map and Statement (DMS) if it discovers evidence which on balance supports a modification. In this instance the evidence does not support the making of an MMO.
Minutes: The Senior Countryside Access Officer spoke to the report.
An application has been received for a Map Modification Order (MMO) to add a footpath between Boxgrove Road and Epsom Road, Merrow, Guildford.
Mr Phil Bell spoke on behalf of the Greenmeads Residents Association and in opposition to the MMO.
The local member confirmed there was no evidence to support the proposed MMO and historically the route had always been private.
The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed:
(i) No public footpath rights are recognised over A – B – C – D on Drg. No. 3/1/75/H48 and that this application for a MMO under sections 53 and 57 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to modify the Definitive Map and Statement by the addition of a footpath is not approved.
(ii) In the event of the County Council being directed to make a MMO by the Secretary of State following an appeal by the claimant, the County Council as surveying authority will adopt a neutral stance at any Public Inquiry, making all evidence available to help the inspector to determine the case.
Reason The County Council has a duty under Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA 1981) to modify the Definitive Map and Statement (DMS) if it discovers evidence which on balance supports a modification. In this instance the evidence does not support the making of an MMO.
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The report presents the representations received as a result of the formal advertisement of proposals in Onslow Village and a number of other locations already within the Guildford town centre controlled parking zone. This report makes recommendations to implement the proposals with minor amendments Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee(Guildford)agreed:
(i) that in respect to the proposals for Onslow Village, the traffic regulation order is made to introduce the changes to the parking restrictions set out in Annexe 1 of the committee report, but with minor amendments which lessen the proposed level of control. The minor amendments are detailed in paragraphs 2.20 & 2.21 and shown in Annexe 6 of the committee report; (ii) that in respect to the proposals for Guildford Park Road and Pewley Way, and the various other locations for which no representations were received, the traffic regulation order is made to introduce the changes to parking restrictions set out in Annexe 7 of the committee report, so that the controls can be implemented Reason To assist with safety, access, traffic movements, increase the availability of space and its prioritisation for various user-groups in various localities, and to and make local improvements.
Minutes: The Guildford Borough Council Parking Services Manager presented the report.
The report provided the responses received as a result of the formal advertisement of proposals in Onslow Village and also for a number of other locations already within the Guildford town centre controlled parking zone (CPZ).
Public speaking under Chairman’s discretion Under his discretion the Chairman invited four members of the public in attendance to speak to the item in advance of the member debate. Three members of the public objected to the Onslow Village recommendations of the officer report which they considered did not accurately represent the majority of the resident’s views. They were concerned that implementation of restrictions could shunt local parking issues to new areas. They asked for a greater number of spaces to remain unrestricted and queried the motives for making the proposed changes. One resident spoke in favour of the officer recommendations.
Member debate Local members representing Onslow noted that the current officer recommendations arose from one formal consultation, two informal consultations and one exhibition. It was felt that best efforts had been made to engage residents on the matter and, although it was regrettable that resident response rates to consultations had remained low, it was the right point in time to make a decision. The local members were in support of the officer recommendations. The meeting heard that the agreed restrictions could be reviewed again in the future if necessary. It was noted that this was the first occasion that unrestricted bays had been included in the package of recommendations and this was as a direct result of resident feedback.
The Local Committee(Guildford)agreed:
(i) that in respect to the proposals for Onslow Village, the traffic regulation order is made to introduce the changes to the parking restrictions set out in Annexe 1 of the committee report, but with minor amendments which lessen the proposed level of control. The minor amendments are detailed in paragraphs 2.20 & 2.21 and shown in Annexe 6 of the committee report; (ii) that in respect to the proposals for Guildford Park Road and Pewley Way, and the various other locations for which no representations were received, the traffic regulation order is made to introduce the changes to parking restrictions set out in Annexe 7 of the committee report, so that the controls can be implemented Reason To assist with safety, access, traffic movements, increase the availability of space and its prioritisation for various user-groups in various localities, and to and make local improvements.
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LOCAL SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT FUND UPDATE AND 2014/15 PROGRAMME
Surrey County Council was successful in securing an award of £14.3 million in grant funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF). This was in addition to the award of £3.9 million LSTF Key Component. Both grants are for the period up to 31 March 2015 and jointly form the Surrey TravelSMART programme. As part of this programme a total of £10.789 million has been allocated for sustainable travel improvements in Guildford.This report updates the Local Committee with progress made with the programme to date and seeks approval for the indicative 2014/15 programme.
Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed:
(i) the indicative 2014/15 programme; (ii) to delegate amendments to the LSTF Programme to the Chair of the LSTF Delivery Group in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and the appropriate county and borough officers and members. Reason The Department for Transport advise that all LSTF grant money should be spent by 31 March 2015 and there is no ability to carry forward LSTF grant beyond this date. The indicative 2014/15 LSTF TravelSMART programme for Guildford has been developed to meet this financial requirement, while meeting all the LSTF objectives.
Minutes: The Transport Projects Team Manager presented the report.
The report provided an update to the Local Committee on progress made with the programme to date and sought approval for the indicative 2014/15 programme.
There was a verbal update for the Westborough Community Fund and it was noted that a written report would be circulated after the meeting. It was further noted that there would be shortly be a meeting held between Surrey County Council officers and the Highways Agency to discuss the Egerton Road traffic lights and A3 signage for the new Park & Ride service.
Members requested a link between inconsiderate parking at bus stops and the implementation of clearways via the LSTF. It was noted that was a need for a bus clearway at Briarfield Road.
Members requested that overseas models of cycle route management be considered in the proposed local cycle plan. It was noted that cyclists may cycle both ways up a one-way street in Copenhagen.
The real time bus information was working well on Park and Ride services, but not on other mainstream services. This was because the bus companies did not yet have the real time system in place and that the data from the bus company’s was currently not accurate enough. Work would continue to achieve a solution.
The Department for Transport had been unable to provide any additional time for the LTSF programme roll-out despite the impact on operations caused by the severe winter weather. The deadline for expenditure of the budget remained March 2015.
The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed:
(i) the indicative 2014/15 programme; (ii) to delegate amendments to the LSTF Programme to the Chair of the LSTF Delivery Group in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and the appropriate county and borough officers and members. Reason The Department for Transport advise that all LSTF grant money should be spent by 31 March 2015 and there is no ability to carry forward LSTF grant beyond this date. The indicative 2014/15 LSTF TravelSMART programme for Guildford has been developed to meet this financial requirement, while meeting all the LSTF objectives.
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OPERATION HORIZON 5 YEAR CARRIAGEWAY MAINTENANCE PLAN
This report records the progress made in the first year of the 5-year carriageway investment maintenance programme, any changes to the year one programme and the success of the countywide Operation Horizon project to date. Progress of the supporting surface treatment programme of roads in Guildford that have been carried out this financial year is also reported. It sets out the proposed Operation Horizon roads within Guildford for the year two programme (financial year 2014/15), along with the remaining approved roads to be completed in years three to five (2015 – 2018).
Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Guildford) noted the committee report. Minutes: The Area Highways Manager (AHM) presented the report.
An update on the progress of road surfacing under the programme was provided by County Council division.
It was acknowledged that a period of extraordinary weather from December 2013 had compounded and exacerbated the usual level of damage to the road surface that could be expected during springtime. It was further noted that the extreme weather had delayed the progress of the programme resulting in a backlog. As a result the County Council was planning a programme of local resurfacing during April and May along with the regular programme of surface dressing during summer. A Cabinet budget meeting would be held to agree funding for the additional programme.
The members of the committee noted Queen Street (Gomshall), Wood Hill (Send), Stoughton Road, Western Road (Westborough) and Frog Grove Lane (Wood Street) were local priorities for the Horizon programme.
The Local Committee (Guildford) noted the committee report. |
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INTRODUCTION OF BUS STOP CLEARWAYS IN GUILDFORD
To seek the Local Committee’s approval to introduce clearways to various bus stops in Guildford.
Decision: The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed:
(i) Clearways are introduced in Byrefield Road at the existing bus stops adjacent to properties 1 to 3 and adjacent to property 2, the restriction to be ‘at any time’ (the bus service operates between 06:00 and midnight). (ii) A clearway is introduced in Bushy Hill Drive at the bus stop opposite Wykeham Road, the restriction to be ‘at any time’ (the bus service operates between 06:00 and midnight). (iii) A clearway is introduced at the bus stop in Ash Street Ash adjacent to property 65, the restriction to be ‘at any time’ (the bus service operates between 06:30 and 23:00) Reason Buses require parallel alignment with the kerb to deploy ramping and kneeling equipment to allow access for wheelchair users and those with mobility problems. Parked vehicles within bus stops prevent this access. Bus stop clearways enable Borough enforcement officers to issue penalty charge notices on offending vehicles thereby discouraging inconsiderate parking. Minutes: The Area Highways Manager presented the report.
The members were content to approve the proposal for the implementation of three new bus clearways.
The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed:
(i) Clearways are introduced in Byrefield Road at the existing bus stops adjacent to properties 1 to 3 and adjacent to property 2, the restriction to be ‘at any time’ (the bus service operates between 06:00 and midnight). (ii) A clearway is introduced in Bushy Hill Drive at the bus stop opposite Wykeham Road, the restriction to be ‘at any time’ (the bus service operates between 06:00 and midnight). (iii) A clearway is introduced at the bus stop in Ash Street Ash adjacent to property 65, the restriction to be ‘at any time’ (the bus service operates between 06:30 and 23:00) Reason Buses require parallel alignment with the kerb to deploy ramping and kneeling equipment to allow access for wheelchair users and those with mobility problems. Parked vehicles within bus stops prevent this access. Bus stop clearways enable Borough enforcement officers to issue penalty charge notices on offending vehicles thereby discouraging inconsiderate parking. |
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This report provides an update on the 2013/14 programme of minor highway works funded by this committee as well as Section 106 (developer funded), Casualty Reduction Group (CRG) schemes and the Transportation Task Group meetings. The committee is also asked to authorise the introduction of clearways at bus stops and consider directing funding towards flood recovery in the borough in 2014/15.
Decision: The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed:
(i) Due to the effects of the recent extreme weather across Guildford and Surrey agree that £50,000 be allocated from the 2014/15 budget towards flood recovery works organised by the area team. (ii) Authorise the Area Highway Manager to introduce clearways at bus stops where there is habitual parking in consultation with the Group Manager for Travel and Transport and locally elected divisional and ward members. Reason To contribute to flood recovery in Guildford and introduce enforceable parking restrictions at bus stops blighted by parking
Minutes: The Area Highways Manager (AHM) presented the report.
The Highways Update provided information relating to the progress of Local Committee funded schemes and local highways issues.
The cost to Surrey County Council for the severe winter weather and flooding stood at £20 million and continued to rise. There had been a maximum draw on resources and capacity to cope with the emergency and then the recovery. In Guildford, some scheduled work had needed to be put on hold during the period. It was noted that there could be an impact on the 2014/15 local committee budget as schemes that it had not been possible to complete due to the weather were carried over. The Transportation Task Group would review the impact of the severe weather on the local programme and there would be a report to the June meeting.
On the whole residents had been pleased with the new Woodbridge Road scheme. The local member had received responses on behalf of residents provided by Mr Byrne.
Members were critical of the roll out of the Lengthsman scheme with parish councils. It was said to have been too bureaucratic in nature. However, it was noted that the scheme had been successful in Waverley. Consequently, there would be review engaging with previous applicants to understand and address the issues which had arisen for Guildford parish councils.
The estimate for the cost of re-laying the setts on Guildford High Street would be provided by consultant WPS. It was noted that careful project management would be required to ensure that the work did not clash with any local events involving the High Street. The members observed that utilities companies ought to be notified of the intentions of the County Council to undertake this work and the resulting restrictions clarified should they themselves have any High street maintenance to undertake.
The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed:
(i) Due to the effects of the recent extreme weather across Guildford and Surrey agree that £50,000 be allocated from the 2014/15 budget towards flood recovery works organised by the area team. (ii) Authorise the Area Highway Manager to introduce clearways at bus stops where there is habitual parking in consultation with the Group Manager for Travel and Transport and locally elected divisional and ward members. Reason To contribute to flood recovery in Guildford and introduce enforceable parking restrictions at bus stops blighted by parking
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To receive the committee’s Forward Programme.
Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Guildford) noted the committee report.
Minutes: The Local Committee (Guildford) noted the committee report.
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