Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 1 MBVenue: Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames. TW18 1XB. View directions
Contact: Susan Briant/Yvette Ortel, Community Partnership & Committee Officer Room 357, Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines, TW18 1XB
Note: Formal meeting in public at 7pm. Informal Public Question Time: 6.30pm - 7pm
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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: At the start of the meeting, Mrs Denise Saliagopoulos requested that the meeting end at 9.30pm, rather than 11pm as per the previous Local Committee meeting. The Chairman agreed to aim to achieve this.
No apologies were received. One member was absent (Daniel Jenkins). |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record. Additional documents: Minutes: Minutes from the Local Committee held on 30 September 2013 were agreed and approved as an accurate record and were signed by the Chairman.
Mrs Carol Coleman asked when there will be a Local Committee members’ workshop to consider possible future cycling schemes. This will be discussed outside of this meeting.
There was a request for a ‘matters arising’ item with the minutes. This will be considered for future meetings. |
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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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CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
To receive any Chairman’s announcements. Minutes: There were two announcements:
1. As an action for the Chairman from the Local Committee on 30th September, Chairman Richard Walsh sent a letter to Surrey Fire & Rescue Service and Surrey County Council, to detail the Local Committee’s opposition to proposals to close the Sunbury & Staines Fire Stations.
2. The Chairman would like to introduce an information item to the Local Committee from Spelthorne Borough Council, on a regular basis. On the agenda for this meeting there is an item on the Community Infrastructure Levy, which is being presented by an officer from the Borough Council.
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PETITIONS & LETTERS OF REPRESENTATION
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 providing the minimum number of signatures (30) has been reached 14 days before the meeting.
One petition received, with 30 signatories:
Petitioner: SaberaWahab “We the undersigned petition Surrey County Council to include a bus service route through from Sunbury Cross Roundabout, Staines Road East towards Hampton and Kingston.”
The petition's details read: “There are no bus services from Sunbury Cross Roundabout towards Staines Road East and all the buses 235, 90, 216 from Sunbury Cross goes through Lower Sunbury, leaving residence who lives in Sunbury Road East, French St, Bowater Gardens and the surrounding streets leaving stranded. Residents have to walk about 15 minutes to go to Lower Sunbury and get on the bus which is around the same place as the train station. I have set up this petition because I have a small baby and when the weather is poorly, it is so difficult to ride a car and commuting by bus with a toddler is a safer option then taking the car out. Everyone rely on public transport and even going to the train station is so time consuming. The trains also come every 40 minutes which goes through Waterloo on top of the 15 minutes’ walk. This causes problems in winter and rainy season when roads can get slippery and icy in the winter and especially when the days are much shorter. There is still a bus stop by Staines Road East which means there was a service which used to operate through this road but since I moved to this area two and a half years ago there was no service.” Minutes: One petition was received, with 30 signatories:
Petitioner: SaberaWahab “We the undersigned petition Surrey County Council to include a bus service route through from Sunbury Cross Roundabout, Staines Road East towards Hampton and Kingston.”
The petition's details read: “There are no bus services from Sunbury Cross Roundabout towards Staines Road East and all the buses 235, 90, 216 from Sunbury Cross goes through Lower Sunbury, leaving residence who lives in Sunbury Road East, French St, Bowater Gardens and the surrounding streets leaving stranded. Residents have to walk about 15 minutes to go to Lower Sunbury and get on the bus which is around the same place as the train station. I have set up this petition because I have a small baby and when the weather is poorly, it is so difficult to ride a car and commuting by bus with a toddler is a safer option then taking the car out. Everyone rely on public transport and even going to the train station is so time consuming. The trains also come every 40 minutes which goes through Waterloo on top of the 15 minutes’ walk. This causes problems in winter and rainy season when roads can get slippery and icy in the winter and especially when the days are much shorter. There is still a bus stop by Staines Road East which means there was a service which used to operate through this road but since I moved to this area two and a half years ago there was no service.”
The petitioner was not present at the meeting. The Chairman thanked the people who signed the petition and said a formal response to the petition will be presented by officers at the next Local Committee on 17 March 2014.
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To provide Members with an Officer response to a petition previously submitted to the Local Committee.
A petition was received from Councillor Spencer Taylor on 30th September 2013 which contained 384 signatories and read:
“We the undersigned protest against any further restrictions on this borough’s fire and rescue services. Given the close proximity of Heathrow, the M25 and M3, our stations would appear essential for the safety of our borough. We cannot rely on other boroughs if they too are seeking to restrict their services; Hounslow and Feltham already tend to Heathrow which puts any plans on seeking their assistance at risk. With only two remaining 24 hour stations, which would now seem to be under threat, we must ask that these remain as they are and other means are found to reduce costs.”
Response attached Minutes: A formal response to the petition received from Councillor Spencer Taylor regarding the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service proposals for Spelthorne was received as Item 5a. Eddie Roberts, SFRS Area Manager, presented the petition response report.
Mr Roberts said that SFRS is trying to achieve a balance of responsibility and provision of service across all of Surrey. The proposed changes in the borough of Spelthorne are to create a new single fire engine fire station, to replace the two existing single fire engine fire stations at Sunbury and Staines. Members questioned whether Spelthorne’s needs had been addressed. Mr Roberts stated that public consultation had taken place. Members reiterated their concerns, for example any future new build including the Eco Park. They also requested more financial information regarding the possible closures.
It was suggested that SCC Cabinet members should be lobbied before the January 2014 Cabinet meeting, when the matter will be discussed. Anyone can attend the Cabinet meeting as an observer and papers will be made available.
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MEMBER QUESTION TIME
To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47. Minutes: Two member questions were received, from Cllr Robert Watts and Mrs Denise Saliagopoulos. The questions and answers are set out in Annexe 1 to these minutes.
Cllr Watts asked a supplementary question: “Please confirm why there is not an integrated project management scheme between Highways contractor Skanska and Highways engineers?” Highways Area Manager Nick Healey replied that this was being reviewed at directorate level and he will come back to Cllr Watts with a written explanation, as requested by Cllr Watts. |
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PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
To receive any questions from Surrey County Council electors within the area in accordance with Standing Order 66. Minutes: The Local Committee received written questions from four members of the public in advance of the meeting: one from Mr McLuskey, one from Mr Carruthers, one from Mr Rushbrook and one from Mr Seaman. The questions and answers are set out in Annexe 1 to these minutes.
Supplementary: Mr McLuskey would like an answer to his question, but the Chairman stated that this committee was not the appropriate place to provide it and suggested that he approach his MP. The Chairman instructed officers not to take this question again at any future Local Committee.
Mr Carruthers felt his question wasn’t fully answered. The Chairman suggested that Mr Carruthers write directly to the SCC education officer, with detailed examples and cc the Chairman. However, Mr Carruthers felt he had taken it as far as he could and he would not be pursuing the matter.
Mr Rushbrook felt his question had not been answered. Some of the committee members live in that area and empathized with Mr Rushbrook. It was suggested that Spelthorne Borough Council has some pumps that could be loaned to SCC to aid clearing water from the pedestrian tunnels. Highways Area Manager Nick Healey said that that is no SCC plan for Sunbury Cross at present. If the Local Committee wants to prioritize the area and carry out a feasibility study, the committee would need to find the budget for this.
Mr Seaman felt that the last paragraph of his question had not been answered. The Chairman requested that officers follow this up and provide an answer for Mr Seaman before the next Local Committee. |
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INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY IN SPELTHORNE
To update the Committee on the Borough’s progress in introducing a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) in Spelthorne. Minutes: The Chairman welcomed John Brooks, Deputy Head of Planning and Housing Strategy, Spelthorne Borough Council, who presented the report. Mr Brooks confirmed that there is a transparent process and charging system for CIL. It is not a planning policy, but simply a method of collecting the money. Collection starts when building starts, so probably not during the first year. The Infrastructure delivery plan is on the SBC website. Spelthorne is approximately in the middle of Surrey’s districts and boroughs regarding the CIL implementation timetable. SBC has a working group for CIL and the timetable was considered and planned.
The Chairman thanked Mr Brooks for the report and for his time in attending this Surrey County Council committee.
THE LOCAL COMMITTEE (SPELTHORNE) AGREED:
(i) To note the report for information. |
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PARKING IN BURGES WAY, STAINES
To provide members of the committee and stakeholders with a formal update on parking in Burges Way.
Minutes: THE LOCAL COMMITTEE (SPELTHORNE) AGREED:
(i) To note the report for information. |
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To receive an update from the Highways Area Team Manager (North East) Additional documents: Decision: THE LOCAL COMMITTEE (SPELTHORNE) AGREED:
(i) To authorise the Area Team Manager to allocate newly released monies for the Stanwell and Stanwell Moor and Staines South and Ashford West Divisions to Highways schemes on behalf of the respective Divisional Members, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman, in the event that the Divisional Members are unable to decide how to spend these monies by 31st December 2013 (paragraphs 2.5 to 2.7 refer). (ii) Not to allocate the entire 2014-15 Pooled Capital Allocation of £100,000 to the A308 junction with School Road Scheme. The updated costs makes this scheme unfeasible at the present time. (iii)That the 2014-15 pooled capital budget figure of £100,000, agreed by the Local Committee on 30 September 2013, is allocated to the Divisional Allocations. (iv) 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 31 January 2014 (paragraphs 2.20 to 2.22 refer). (v) To authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and relevant Divisional Member(s) to undertake all necessary procedures to deliver the agreed programmes.
Minutes: The Chairman welcomed Nick Healey, Highways Area Manager (North East), who presented the report. After a full discussion, the officer’s recommendations on the report were amended – see below.
An amendment to recommendation (ii) was proposed by Cllr Robert Watts and seconded by Mrs Denise Saliagopoulos. The vote: 10 for, 1 against, 2 abstentions. Therefore it was carried.
A new recommendation was proposed by Chairman Richard Walsh and seconded by Cllr Joanne Sexton. See recommendation (iii). The vote: 9 for, 4 against. Therefore it was carried.
An amendment to the date in [new] recommendation (iv) was proposed by Cllr Richard Smith-Ainsley and seconded by Mrs Denise Saliagopoulos. The vote: 13 for. Therefore it was carried.
THE LOCAL COMMITTEE (SPELTHORNE) AGREED:
(i) To authorise the Area Team Manager to allocate newly released monies for the Stanwell and Stanwell Moor and Staines South and Ashford West Divisions to Highways schemes on behalf of the respective Divisional Members, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman, in the event that the Divisional Members are unable to decide how to spend these monies by 31st December 2013 (paragraphs 2.5 to 2.7 refer). (ii) Not to allocate the entire 2014-15 Pooled Capital Allocation of £100,000 to the A308 junction with School Road Scheme. The updated costs makes this scheme unfeasible at the present time. (iii) That the 2014-15 pooled capital budget figure of £100,000, agreed by the Local Committee on 30 September 2013, is allocated to the Divisional Allocations. (iv) 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 31 January 2014 (paragraphs 2.20 to 2.22 refer). (v) To authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and relevant Divisional Member(s) to undertake all necessary procedures to deliver the agreed programmes. |
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FELTHAM ROAD WEIGHT RESTRICTION - PUBLIC CONSULTATION RESULTS
Additional documents: Decision: THE LOCAL COMMITTEE (SPELTHORNE) AGREED:
(i) That officers should consider a one-way weight restriction in consultation with Surrey Police and bring back to a future Local Committee for consideration. Minutes: Nick Healey, Highways Area Manager (North East), presented the report. After discussion, it was proposed by Mrs Carol Coleman and seconded by Cllr Chris Frazer that the officer’s recommendation be replaced by a new recommendation – see below. The vote: 12 for, 1 abstention. Therefore it was carried.
THE LOCAL COMMITTEE (SPELTHORNE) AGREED:
(i) That officers should consider a one-way weight restriction in consultation with Surrey Police and bring back to a future Local Committee for consideration.
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HALLIFORD VILLAGE WEIGHT RESTRICTION - PUBLIC CONSULTATION RESULTS
Decision: THE LOCAL COMMITTEE (SPELTHORNE) AGREED:
(i) To make the traffic regulation order and install the necessary signs. Minutes: Nick Healey, Highways Area Manager (North East), presented the report. It was felt by councillors that almost all the residents want this recommendation.
THE LOCAL COMMITTEE (SPELTHORNE) AGREED:
(i) To make the traffic regulation order and install the necessary signs.
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WINTER MAINTENANCE ARRANGEMENTS UPDATE
To update the Committee on the Winter Plan for 2013/14, which sets out provisions for keeping roads and footways accessible during winter weather. Minutes: Nick Healey, Highways Area Manager (North East), presented the report, to update the Committee on the Winter Plan for 2013/14, which sets out provisions for keeping roads and footways accessible during winter weather. A request was made that Local Committee borough councillors should receive winter gritting route maps when SCC councillors receive them.
THE LOCAL COMMITTEE (SPELTHORNE) AGREED:
(i) To note the report for information.
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LOCAL COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS' ALLOCATION FUNDING UPDATE
To receive a report on Local Committee and Members’ allocation funding – for information only.
Surrey County Council Councillors receive funding to spend on local projects that help to promote social, economic or environmental wellbeing in the neighbourhoods and communities of Surrey. This funding is known as Members’ Allocation. For the financial year 2013/14 the County Council has allocated £12,876 revenue funding to each County Councillor and £35,000 capital funding to each Local Committee. This report provides an update on the projects that have been funded since May 2013 to date. Additional documents: Minutes: This Item was for information only. Members noted the amounts spent from Members’ Allocation and Local Committee capital budgets. The Chairman made a request to SCC councillors that all monies are spent by the SCC deadline of end of February 2014. A request was made to officers that more publicity is undertaken so that more projects come forward with proposals.
THE LOCAL COMMITTEE (SPELTHORNE) AGREED:
(i) To note the amounts that have been spent from the Members’ Allocation and Local Committee capital budgets, as set out in Annexe 1 of this report.
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The Chairman suspended the Local Committee meeting from 9.20pm to 9.25pm to ask Mr John Hirsh to speak about a proposal regarding a pedestrian bridge at Sunbury. The SCC member for this area was asked to consider how the proposal could proceed.
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FORWARD PROGRAMME 2013-14
Additional documents: Decision: THE LOCAL COMMITTEE (SPELTHORNE) AGREED:
(i) The Forward Programme 2013/14 as outlined in Annexe 1, indicating any further preferences for inclusion.
(ii) To consider any further themes for Member briefings during 2013/14 and the next municipal year.
Minutes: The Chairman requested that the Local Committee receives a report on Adult Social Care – Mental Health.
An amendment was noted on Item 15 Annexe 1: delete BAA as it is now known as Heathrow.
THE LOCAL COMMITTEE (SPELTHORNE) AGREED:
(i) The Forward Programme 2013/14 as outlined in Annexe 1, indicating any further preferences for inclusion.
(ii)To consider any further themes for Member briefings during 2013/14 and the next municipal year. |
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DATE OF NEXT MEETING
To be held on Monday 17 March 2014 at 7pm in the Council Chamber, Spelthorne Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames TW18 1XB. (6.30pm – 7pm: Informal Public Question Time)
Minutes: To be held on Monday 17 March 2014 at 7pm in the Council Chamber, Spelthorne Borough Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines-Upon-Thames TW18 1XB
(6.30pm – 7pm: Informal Public Question Time)
The meeting which commenced at 7pm, ended at 9.30pm.
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