Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 1 MBVenue: Epsom Town Hall
Contact: Nicola Morris, Community Partnership & Committee Officer Surrey County Council, Community Partnership Team, Epsom Town Hall (2nd floor), Epsom, KT18 5BY
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND SUBSTITUTIONS
To receive any apologies for absence and notices of substitutions from Borough members under Standing Order 39. Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Borough Councillor Jean Smith. Cllr Mike Teasdale substituted for her. |
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WRITTEN PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS
To answer any questions or receive a statement from any member of the public who lives, works or studies in the Surrey County Council area in accordance with Standing Order 69. Notice should be given in writing or by e-mail to the Community Partnership & Committee Officer at least by noon four working days before the meeting. Minutes: 15 questions were received, the questions and answers are set out in Annexe A. Questions relating to Abelea Green were discussed under item 8.
The following supplementary questions were asked:
Question 1: When will the issue be fixed? Officers replied that it would not be possible to make any changes to parking restrictions until the next parking review which is scheduled to begin in September 2014. It is hoped that the process will be speeded up to enable restrictions if agreed following consultation to be put in place within 6 months of this date.
Question 2: Are there additional resources available to speed up the process? Officers apologised for the delay and indicated that it was necessary to batch up a package of signs as it is more efficient to do the work in this way.
Question 3: Are lights on footpaths checked as part of the inspection regime? The Chairman agreed to put this question to the appropriate officer under Item 11.
Question 5: When the road is resurfaced how can the County Council ensure that when the lines are repainted they are the correct dimension? Officers indicated that a note of the existing lines is made before the road is resurfaced and they should be repainted to match. |
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ADJOURNMENT
For the Committee to consider adjourning for up to half an hour to receive questions from members of the public. Minutes: A number of members of the public attended. 1 informal question was received and an answer was provided. |
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ABELEA GREEN BRIEFING NOTE
There is a dispute between the residents of St Margaret’s Drive on the one hand, and on the other hand St Joseph’s Church and St Joseph’s School. The dispute centres on whether or not there is a right of access to St Joseph’s School over the private road connecting St Margaret’s Drive to the car park within the grounds of St Joseph’s Church.
Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Nick Healey, Area Highways Team Manager
Petitions, Public Questions, Statements:
There were 9 written public questions in relation to this item. The questions and responses are set out in Annex A to minute 56/13. The following supplementary questions were asked.
Question 6: Can Surrey County Council ask the school to make the revised school travel plan publicly available? The Area Highways Team Manager indicated that this is not within the remit of the Local Committee. The School has been asked to change its travel plan and how it is publicised is a matter for them.
Question 7: Can the Committee help in getting people to talk to each other? The Area Highways Team Manager indicated that this is not within the remit of the Local Committee.
Question 8: Is it an offence to leave a car unattended on a yellow line? A vehicle could b subject to civil enforcement if left unattended on the public highway for a sufficient period to indicate that it was not being used for loading or unloading.
Question 9: Can the school travel plan be published? The Area Highways Team Manager indicated that this is not within the remit of the Local Committee. The School has been asked to change its travel plan and how it is publicised is a matter for them.
Question 10: The piecemeal expansion of the School has avoided any requirement to consider traffic management. Can the appropriate policies be implemented in future? The Chairman indicated that the County Planning Committee had asked the Local Committee how traffic issues can be more effectively considered, when there are plans for school expansions. Further work will take place this with the aim of starting discussions between the relevant departments earlier in the process. However as this is a Diocesan school responsibility for planning falls to the Borough Council and current legislation does not allow the cumulative effects of small developments to be taken into account.
Question 11: How can the school be made to comply with the law? The Area Highways Team Manager indicated that he was not able to comment on the legal issues as legal advice is a matter for the parties involved to seek on an individual basis.
Question 12: The questioner indicated that the Diocesan website states that Cannon Law doesn’t over rule British Law.
Question 15: Community leaders need to be involved in order to influence the situation. How can the Committee help? The Area Highways Team Manager indicated that this is a legal matter and neither the County Council or the Local Committee are a party to the dispute. If a local councillor wishes to help they may do so as an individual.
There was no indication of any further public questions or statements. The Committee did not debate the issue and noted the report.
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PETITIONS
To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 68. Minutes: No petitions were received. |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record. Minutes: Confirmed as a correct record. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests from Members in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting.
Notes: · In line with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012, declarations may relate to the interest of the member, or the member’s spouse or civil partner, or a person with whom the member is living as husband or wife, or a person with whom the member is living as if they were civil partners and the member is aware they have the interest.
· Members need only disclose interests not currently listed on the Register of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.
· Members must notify the Monitoring Officer of any interests disclosed at the meeting so they may be added to the Register.
· Members are reminded that they must not participate in any item where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest.
Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
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MEMBER QUESTION TIME
To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47. Notice should be given in writing to the Community Partnership & Committee officer by 12.00 noon four working days before the meeting. Minutes: There were no Member questions. |
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EPSOM AND EWELL PARKING REVIEW - PHASE 7: CONSIDERATION OF FORMAL OBJECTIONS
To acknowledge the result of the formal consultation and consider any resultant objections, following the advertisement of the proposed scheme, and to decide how to proceed with the parking proposals in Epsom and Ewell.
Additional documents: Decision: That the Local Committee (Epsom & Ewell) agreed:
(i)
the recommendations detailed in Annex A of the report subject to the following amendments: (ii)
that the County Council makes amendments
to existing traffic regulation orders and introduces new traffic
regulation orders as necessary for the recommended parking controls
to be implemented. (iii) The recommended parking controls are implemented
Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Stephen Clavey, Senior Engineer (Parking)
Petitions, Public Questions Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
Noted that the restrictions agreed in Phase 6 for Ewell House Grove had not been implemented as the signs had been erected and then stolen and it had not been possible to complete the yellow line due to a parked car.
In relation to Bellfield Road a letter would be sent to all residents and a meeting held in 2014 with a view to putting forward further proposals in the next review.
In relation to East Street the Committee voted by 5 votes FOR to 2 AGAINST for retaining the existing single yellow line at the East Street/Dirdene Gardens junction and not increasing the restriction to a double yellow line.
Noted that the proposals for Ruxley Lane/ Cox Lane/ Gatley Avenue related to drawing 17 as well as drawing 19.
The following requests were made for consideration in the next parking review: 18-20 The Rise, Grove Road (Residents Parking Zone) and Green lanes (odd numbers).
The Committee thanked all those involved for their work in establishing the first verge parking ban area in Surrey.
Noted, that it was hoped that following the detailed design work, orders could be placed in January for the implementation of the agreed restrictions for implementation by end of March 2014.
Resolved that:
(i)
the recommendations detailed in Annex A of the report subject to
the following amendments: (ii)
that the County Council makes amendments
to existing traffic regulation orders and introduces new traffic
regulation orders as necessary for the recommended parking controls
to be implemented. (iii) The recommended parking controls are implemented
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LOCAL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS TO A PARKING TASK GROUP
To appoint Members to the on street parking task group and agree terms of reference.
Decision: That the Local Committee (Epsom & Ewell) agreed:
(i) That the following members, including names substitutes, be appointed to the on street parking task group:
County Councillors – Eber Kington, John Beckett substitute Stella Lallement Borough
Councillors – Jean Smith, Julie Morris substitute Michael
Arthur Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Stephen Clavey, Senior Engineer (Parking)
Petitions, Public Questions Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
Noted, that the first meeting for the task group should take place in January.
Resolved:
(i) That the following members, including named substitutes, be appointed to the on street parking task group:
County Councillors – Eber Kington, John Beckett substitute Stella Lallement Borough Councillors
– Jean Smith, Julie Morris substitute Michael Arthur |
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PROGRESS REPORT ON THE STREET LIGHTING CONTRACT IN EPSOM AND EWELL
The report provides an overview and progress update of the street lighting contract in Epsom and Ewell and across the County.
The report provides specific information relating to points raised by Committee Members regarding street lighting in the Borough. Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Paul Wheadon, Commercial and Performance Team Manager
Petitions, Public Questions Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
Noted, that the light which is above the railway bridge in Waterloo Road will be shortened.
A member queried the replacement of lights for which she had paid for recently to improve the lighting at a junction. The Commercial and Performance Team Manager replied that schemes had been designed to give a uniformity of lamp in a particular area and the team were not always aware of particular reasons for a particular layout. However he confirmed that the new design does meet the lighting standards for that type of road.
Noted that there are two lights on the corner of Waterloo Road which have not been lit since the Epsom Station redevelopment had been completed. It is understood that there is no power to these lights and it is Skanska’s responsibility to resolve the issue with the developer.
Commercial and Performance Team Manager agreed to investigate whether it would be possible for the Christmas lights in Epsom, Ewell and Stoneleigh to be switched on in each location with a single switch.
Noted that teams scouting for lighting faults should be walking down footpaths to check the lights and not just driving round the area.
Noted that the lower level lights in residential areas are dimmed by 50% from 11 pm and the high level lights on main roads are dimmed by 25%.
Noted the report. |
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PROPOSED NEW CYCLE ROUTE IN WATERLOO ROAD
Officers have completed the detailed design for a new cycle route in Waterloo Road, Epsom. In September 2013 Committee deferred its decision on whether to implement this new cycle route, to facilitate investigation of a number of concerns and whether any alternative scheme could be implemented instead.
This report draws on CCTV survey evidence to answer the concerns raised and explains the background to the proposed scheme.
Additional documents: Decision: That the Local Committee (Epsom & Ewell) agreed that:
A decision on whether to proceed with the proposed new cycle route in Waterloo Road be deferred and a Task Group established with the following membership to consider options:
Julie Morris, Michael Arthur, Neil Dallen, Tina Mountain, the Chairman or Vice-Chairman, if necessary, and other interested parties including the cycle forum and bus operators. Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Nick Healey, Area Highways Team Manager
Petitions, Public Questions Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
Noted, that there had been 3 slight casualties in the vicinity of the planned scheme, but that the scheme was not being proposed on this reason.
The Committee remained concerned that the proposal would increase congestion in Waterloo Road, but accepted that this was largely caused by the operation of the lights at the Spread Eagle junction. If the major scheme associated with Plan E goes ahead the junction will be narrowed which will allow pedestrians to cross more quickly and therefore allow more vehicles to cross the junction. In the meantime it was suggested that changes to the phasing should be considered.
Noted that Transport for London who commission the 418 service for Epsom Coaches had been consulted on the proposals.
It was reported that the Section 106 funding for the scheme did not need to be used until 2018 and so it would be possible to take more time to consider the options.
Resolved that:
A decision on whether to proceed with the proposed new cycle route in Waterloo Road be deferred and a Task Group established with the following membership to consider options:
Julie Morris, Michael Arthur, Neil Dallen, Tina Mountain, the Chairman or Vice-Chairman, if necessary, and other interested parties including the cycle forum and bus operators. |
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This report summarises progress with the Local Committee’s programme of Highways works for the Financial Year 2013-14.
Recommendations are made for next Financial Year’s Integrated Transport Schemes (ITS) programme.
Members are asked to work with the Area Team Manager to identify their Divisional Programmes for 2014-15.
Additional documents: Decision: That the Local Committee (Epsom & Ewell) agreed:
(i)
To reallocate £35,000 from this Financial year’s pooled Capital Allocation to
capital maintenance of footways, and to authorise the Area Team
Manager to decide which footway repair schemes to take forwards in
consultation with the Chairman, vice-Chairman and relevant
Divisional Members. That
Epsom Town Centre footways be added to the list of possible schemes
for consideration; (ii)
The 2014-15 programme of Integrated Transport Schemes as set out in
paragraph 2.17 of the report, with the Tattenham Corner Road flooding scheme and the
schemes relating to the Ewell Village AQMA as being the highest
priorities; (iii)
To authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, to decide Divisional Programmes for next
Financial Year, in the event that individual Divisional Members
have not indicated their priorities by 15 January 2014; (iv) To authorise the Area Team manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and relevant Divisional Members(s) to undertake all necessary procedures to deliver the agreed programmes.
Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Nick Healey, Area Highways Team Manager
Petitions, Public Questions Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
Noted that not all the possible schemes listed for Ewell Village would be implemented, but a package of appropriate schemes would be drawn up.
Resolved:
(i)
To reallocate £35,000 from this Financial year’s pooled Capital Allocation to
capital maintenance of footways, and to authorise the Area Team
Manager to decide which footway repair schemes to take forwards in
consultation with the Chairman, vice-Chairman and relevant
Divisional Members. That Epsom Town
Centre footways be added to the list of possible schemes for
consideration; (ii)
The 2014-15 programme of Integrated Transport Schemes as set out in
paragraph 2.17 of the report, with the Tattenham Corner Road flooding scheme and the
schemes relating to the Ewell Village AQMA as being the highest
priorities; (iii)
To authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, to decide Divisional Programmes for next
Financial Year, in the event that individual Divisional Members
have not indicated their priorities by 15 January 2014; (iv) To authorise the Area Team manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and relevant Divisional Members(s) to undertake all necessary procedures to deliver the agreed programmes.
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UPDATE ON WINTER MAINTENANCE ARRANGEMENTS
The Council has carried out an annual review of the service operation during the 2012/13 winter season and the affect of the operational improvements, together with organisational changes and partnership working arrangements.
This report summarises arrangements for preventative salting, clearing footways, the provision of grit bins and snow clearance. The Council also encourages self-help and supports residents and businesses taking appropriate action in their own neighbourhoods.
Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officer attending: Nick Healey, Area Highways Team Manager
Petitions, Public Questions Statements: There was no public participation during this item.
Member discussion – key points
Noted that if after the four year initial funding period for a grit bin purchased by a councillor or local community group, there is no further funding agreed it will be removed.
The Borough Council was thanked for its help with gritting pavements in the area.
Noted the report. |
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DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
The next meeting will be on Monday 10 March 2014 at 7.00pm at Bourne Hall
The following dates have been agreed for 2014/15 Monday 23 June 2014 at 7.00pm at Ewell Court House tbc Monday 15 September 2014 at 7.00pm at Bourne Hall Monday 8 December 2014 at 2.30pm at Epsom Town Hall Monday 9 March 2015 at 7.00pm at Bourne Hall
Minutes: Noted. |