Councillors and committees

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Woking Borough Council Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking GU21 6YL

Contact: Nicola Thornton-Bryar, Partnership Committee Officer 

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No. Item

16/17

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

    To elect the Chairman

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Committee elected Councillor David Bittleston as Chair – nominated by Councillor Colin Kemp and seconded by Councillor Graham Chrystie.   .

17/17

APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIRMAN

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    To appoint a Vice-Chairman

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Committee elected County Councillor Liz Bowes as Vice Chair – nominated by Councillor David Bittleston and seconded by Councillor Colin Kemp.   .

18/17

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

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    To receive any apologies for absence.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Will Forster, Liz Bowes, John Bond and Beryl Hunwicks.  Councillor Richard Wilson was late to join the meeting.

19/17

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING pdf icon PDF 169 KB

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    To approve the minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record and agree that the Chairman signs the minutes.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record and were signed by the Chair.

20/17

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 bound by the Code of Conduct of the authority which appointed them to the Woking Joint Committee.

    ·         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.

    ·         SCC Members must notify SCC’s Monitoring Officer of any interests disclosed at the meeting which are not already recorded in the Register of Members’ Interests. WBC Members must notify WBC’s Monitoring Officer of any interests disclosed at the meeting which are not already recorded in the Register of Members’ Interests.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    There were none.

21/17

PETITIONS

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    To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 14.1.  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 or Woking Borough Council’s e-petitions website as long as the minimum number of signatures (30) has been reached 14 days before the meeting.

     

    Petitions received:

     

    a)    We the undersigned petition Woking Borough Council to take action to bring back overnight street lighting.

     

    b)    Given the planned extensive work to increase access to the Hoe Valley, We the undersigned petition Surrey County Council to urgently implement a 20mph speed limit and HGV restriction on the most dangerous section of White Rose Lane and commit to completing a footpath along its entire route as soon as practicable.

     

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Two petitions were received and discussed:

     

    a)    We the undersigned petition Woking Borough Council to take action to bring back overnight street lighting.

     

    Mr Hugh Wicks spoke in support of the petition and raised the following points:

    Residents want the streetlights back on and 462 signatures have been gathered.  The consultation undertaken was short and there was little publicity on the issue.  The last 6 months has seen an increase in burgulary and car crime, with some occurring between midnight and 5am when the lights are switched off.  Residents feel they have a midnight curfew and that their quality of life has been reduced.  We wrote to the Chief Executive and have now presented a petition as we want lights back on in Byfleet.

     

    It was noted that this petition was tabled for the joint committee to discuss, however, since then, Surrey County Council will allow Borough and District Councils to switch their lights back on across their areas – if they meet the cost of this.  This petition will therefore be referred to the Borough Council for decision, but the Borough would like the views of Joint Committee members.

     

    Joint Committee members raised the following points:

    The County Council switch off policy is not blanket across the whole of the Borough and lights stay on at major roads or well used areas.  Surrey County Council can review individual areas and switching on of lights will be considered when referred by the Surrey Police for crime or safety reasons.  If the Borough Council did want to go ahead and pay for lighting after midnight, this would need to be across the whole Borough for a 5 year period.  Some residents prefer the switch off as it is better for the planet and reduces light pollution, however, some residents that worked nights / shifts had genuine concerns over safety.  The Police Officer present confirmed that Byfleet burgularies have increased during the daytime, but not after midnight. 

     

    It was noted that Joint Committee members were not asked to vote on this issue, but gave views that a local approach and review was much better than a borough wide switch on at an enormous cost commitment.

     

    b)    Given the planned extensive work to increase access to the Hoe Valley, We the undersigned petition Surrey County Council to urgently implement a 20mph speed limit and HGV restriction on the most dangerous section of White Rose Lane and commit to completing a footpath along its entire route as soon as practicable.

     

    Mr Mike Kelly spoke in support of the petition and raised the following points:.

    White Rose Lane is used to access 2 schools and an area of land for a wetland amenity park.  The lane has blind bends and cars have to swerve around pedestrians.  Pedestrians are hemmed n with no refuges.  Until we have a footpath, we need a speed reduction to 20mph which will only involve a few signs as we already have speed bumps and islands.

     

    Joint Committee members raised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21/17

22/17

WRITTEN PUBLIC QUESTIONS

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    To answer any questions from residents or businesses within the Woking Borough area in accordance with Standing Order 14.2. Notice should be given in writing or email to the Partnership Committee Officer by 12 noon four working days before the meeting.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Three public questions were received and tabled.  A copy of the questions and answers are annexed to these minutes. 

23/17

WRITTEN MEMBER QUESTIONS

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    To receive any written questions from members under Standing Order 13.  The deadline for member questions is 12 noon four working days before the meeting.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    One member question was received and tabled.  A copy of the question and answer is annexed to these minutes. 

24/17

SURREY FIRE AND RESCUE ANNUAL REPORT (SERVICE MONITORING AND ISSUES OF LOCAL CONCERN) pdf icon PDF 104 KB

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    (Paula Hartwell, Borough Manager)

    [Approximate starting time: 7.00pm]

     

    To receive the annual report on the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service in Woking

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Paula Hartwell, Borough Commander for Woking presented the annual report for 2016-17 which outlined the initial results from a co-responding trial with the South East Coast Ambulance service.  The presentation also covered the successful Youth Engagement Scheme which made a big difference to young people, their families and those who interact with them. 

     

    The Grenfell tower fire was also discussed in terms of reassurance to those living locally in high rise buildings.  Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has written to every building over 6 floors and had commenced reassurance visits looking at appliance access, fixed installations and precautions and had provided advice to owners and occupiers.  Members gave special thanks to crews from Leatherhead who attended the incident.

     

    Woking Joint Committee recognised the achievements of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service teams both within Woking and across the County this year and supported their commitment to further identifying and improving initiatives to reduce risk and make Woking Borough safer especially for those more vulnerable within the Community.

25/17

HIGHWAYS UPDATE (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) pdf icon PDF 324 KB

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    (Andrew Milne, Area Highways Manager)

    [Approximate starting time: 7.20pm

     

    To update the committee on highway schemes within the borough and to request approval to remove a redundant disabled parking bay in West Byfleet

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    Woking Joint Committee agreed to:

     

    (i)    Note the progress with ITS highways and developer funded schemes and revenue funded works for the 2016/17 financial year.

    (ii)   Note the budgetary position.

    (iii)  Approve the advertising and removal of a redundant disabled parking bay in Cheniston Close, West Byfleet as set out in plan 20050 rev E.

    (iv)Note that a further Highways Update will be brought to the next meeting of this Committee.

    Reasons:

    The above recommendations are made to enable progression of all highway related schemes and works.

     

    Minutes:

    The Area Highways Manager introduced the report which updated the Committee on highways schemes within the borough.  The report detailed the funding position for 2017/18, with a capital budget of £36,363 for the year, plus any parking surplus and a revenue budget of £40,909.  It was noted that potholes would continue to be dealt with by Kier under the safety defects contract and that Project Horizon, which covered major road resurfacing schemes, would continue.

     

    RESOLVED

     

    Woking Joint Committee agreed to:

     

    (i)    Note the progress with ITS highways and developer funded schemes and revenue funded works for the 2016/17 financial year.

    (ii)   Note the budgetary position.

    (iii)  Approve the advertising and removal of a redundant disabled parking bay in Cheniston Close, West Byfleet as set out in plan 20050 rev E.

    (iv)Note that a further Highways Update will be brought to the next meeting of this Committee.

     

26/17

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDERS FOR THE WOKING TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) pdf icon PDF 141 KB

    (Louisa Calam, Project Manager Town Centre Development)

    [Approximate starting time:7.40pm]

     

    To request approval for advertising a speed limit change on Victoria Way and to provide an update on the Woking Transport Infrastructure Package

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    Woking Joint Committee agreed to:

     

    (i)    Note the results of the advertising of the TRO’s and the update from the previous March 2017 report.

    (ii)   Authorise the advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order for the creation of a 30mph speed limit along Victoria Way between the junction with Church Street West (the start of the existing southbound 30mph speed limit) to Chertsey Road, to include revoking of the existing speed limit of 40mph (NB – Step 6 of the SCC Speed Limit Policy states that if the Committee disagree with with recommendations presented to them by the Highways Manager and wish to proceed with an alternative option, then the issue must be submitted for decision by the Cabinet Member responsible for road safety).

    (iii)  Authorise the Surrey County Council Area Highways Manager, in consultation with the Woking Town Centre Project Manager and the Chairman and Vice Chairman, to advertise the appropriate legal notices in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to implement the proposed changes and revoke any existing traffic orders, as necessary;

    (iv) Agree that the Surrey County Council Area Highways Manager, in consultation with the Woking Town Centre Project Manager and the Chairman and Vice Chairman, resolve any objections received in connection with the proposals, and implement subject to no irresolvable objections.

     

    Reasons:

     

    The amendments to the TRO are sought as part of the package of improved transport and access facilities to the town centre as well as the provision of a high quality urban environment as part of the major public realm improvements to Woking Town Centre.

     

     

    Minutes:

    The Town Centre Project Manager presented a report on the various traffic regulation orders (TRO’s) needed to support improved transport access to Woking town centre as part of the ongoing improvements.  This included a change of speed limit on Victoria Way from 40mph to 30mph.  Members heard from the Area Highways Manager who raised concerns that the proposal did not fit within the County Council Speed Reduction Policy.

     

    Members raised the following points:

    There are 6 sets of traffic lights on the stretch of road being considered for a 30mph limit, so it is likely that 40mph can only be achieved at very quiet times of the day.  There are other areas i.e. the A320 past Hoe Valley School which are 40mph, so this would suggest inconsistency within the town.  The was part of an investment of £23.5 million to include pedestrians and cyclists with new access to stores and facilities across Victoria Way, hence the speed reduction to reshape and create a slower environment. 

     

    RESOLVED

     

    Woking Joint Committee agreed to:

     

          i.        Note the results of the advertising of the TRO’s and the update from the previous March 2017 report.

         ii.        Authorise the advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order for the creation of a 30mph speed limit along Victoria Way between the junction with Church Street West (the start of the existing southbound 30mph speed limit) to Chertsey Road, to include revoking of the existing speed limit of 40mph;  40mph (NB – Step 6 of the SCC Speed Limit Policy states that if the Committee disagree with with recommendations presented to them by the Highways Manager and wish to proceed with an alternative option, then the issue must be submitted for decision by the Cabinet Member responsible for road safety).

        iii.        Authorise the Surrey County Council Area Highways Manager, in consultation with the Woking Town Centre Project Manager and the Chairman and Vice Chairman, to advertise the appropriate legal notices in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to implement the proposed changes and revoke any existing traffic orders, as necessary;

       iv.        Agree that the Surrey County Council Area Highways Manager, in consultation with the Woking Town Centre Project Manager and the Chairman and Vice Chairman, resolve any objections received in connection with the proposals, and implement subject to no irresolvable objections.

     

27/17

SURREY POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER (FOR INFORMATION)

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    (Mr David Munro, Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner)

    [Approximate starting time: 8.00pm]

     

    To receive an update from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey on key priorities

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Joint Committee received a presentation from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, which outlined his plans and priorities for the forthcoming year. 

28/17

COMMUNITY SAFETY ANNUAL REPORT (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) pdf icon PDF 303 KB

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    (Camilla Edmiston - Community Safety Manager, Insp Andy Crane – Surrey Police)

    [Approximate starting time – 8.45pm]

     

    To receive the annual community safety report and agree delegation of the community safety budget

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    The Woking Joint Committee agreed to:

     

    (i)    Note the contents of the report and the progress made in 2016/17.

    (ii)   Note the budget spend during 2016/17 (Annex 2)

    (iii)  Note the 2017/20 Safer Woking Partnership Plan (Annex 3)

    (iv)Agree to delegate responsibility for signing off the 2018/21 Safer Woking Partnership Plan to the Woking Borough Council Strategic Director (Sue Barham) in consultation with the Community Safety Task Group.

    (v)  The Community Safety Task Group considers the allocation of the £3,000 delegated Community Safety budget for 2017/18 on behalf of the Joint Committee.

    (vi)Authority is delegated to the SCC Community Partnership Manager, in consultation with the Chairman of the Community Safety Task Group to authorise the expenditure in line with the recommendations of the Community Safety Task Group.

    (vii)The Committee receives information on the projects awarded the local community safety funding and the outcomes and impact they have achieved as part of the regular quarterly updates.

     

    Reasons:

     

    The report was provided for information and comment. 

     

     

    Minutes:

    The Committee received a report which provided an update on the activity and impact of the Safer Woking Partnership in the year 2016/17 and a report on budget spend.  The Joint Committee also has a delegated budget of £3,000 for community safety projects, and the report recommended that the Community Safety Task Group considers the use of this budget.

     

    RESOLVED

     

    The Woking Joint Committee agreed to:

     

    (i)    Note the contents of the report and the progress made in 2016/17.

    (ii)   Note the budget spend during 2016/17 (Annex 2)

    (iii)  Note the 2017/20 Safer Woking Partnership Plan (Annex 3)

    (iv)Agree to delegate responsibility for signing off the 2018/21 Safer Woking Partnership Plan to the Woking Borough Council Strategic Director (Sue Barham) in consultation with the Community Safety Task Group.

    (v)  The Community Safety Task Group considers the allocation of the £3,000 delegated Community Safety budget for 2017/18 on behalf of the Joint Committee.

    (vi)Authority is delegated to the SCC Community Partnership Manager, in consultation with the Chairman of the Community Safety Task Group to authorise the expenditure in line with the recommendations of the Community Safety Task Group.

    (vii)The Committee receives information on the projects awarded the local community safety funding and the outcomes and impact they have achieved as part of the regular quarterly updates.

     

29/17

JOINT COMMITTEE TASK GROUPS (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) pdf icon PDF 183 KB

    (Nicola Thornton-Bryar, Partnership Committee Officer)

    [Approximate starting time: 9.05pm]

     

    To agree the terms of reference and appointments to the Joint Committee Task Group

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    Woking Joint Committee agreed to:

     

    (i)                The terms of reference for the following (as set out in Annex 1):

    a.    Health and Wellbeing Task Group

    b.    Community Safety Task Group

    c.    Parking Task Group

    d.    Infrastructure Working Group

     

    (ii)   The County Councillor and Borough Councillor appointments to the following:

    a.    Health and Wellbeing Task Group:

                                              i.    Beryl Hunwicks

                                             ii.    Graham Chrystie

                                            iii.    Deborah Hughes

                                           iv.    Melanie Whitehand

                                            v.    Ben Carasco

     

    b.    Community Safety Task Group:

                                              i.    Beryl Hunwicks

                                             ii.    Graham Chrystie

                                            iii.    Deborah Hughes

     

    c.    Parking Task Group:

                                              i.    Colin Kemp

                                             ii.    Richard Wilson

                                            iii.    SajHussain

                                           iv.    Will Forster

                                            v.    John Bond

     

    d.    Infrastructure Working Group:

                                              i.    David Bittleston

                                             ii.    Will Forster

     

    e.    Early Help Advisory Group:

                                              i.    Ayesha Azad

                                             ii.    Deborah Hughes

                                            iii.    Colin Kemp

     

    Reasons:

     

    The Task Groups will enable the Joint Committee to carry out its functions in an efficient and expedient manner. 

    Minutes:

    The Joint Committee received a report outlining the proposed Task Groups for the forthcoming year.  The Task Groups will enable the Joint Committee to carry out its functions in an efficient and expedient manner. 

     

    RESOLVED

     

    Woking Joint Committee agreed to:

     

    (i)                The terms of reference for the following (as set out in Annex 1):

    a.    Health and Wellbeing Task Group

    b.    Community Safety Task Group

    c.    Parking Task Group

    d.    Infrastructure Working Group

     

    (ii)   The County Councillor and Borough Councillor appointments to the following:

    a.    Health and Wellbeing Task Group ( up to 2 County and 2 Borough)

     

    b.    Community Safety Task Group (up to 2 County and 2 Borough)

     

    c.    Parking Task Group (up to 2 County and 2 Borough plus Chairman and Vice Chairman)

     

    d.    Infrastructure Working Group (One County, One Borough)

     

    e.    Early Help Advisory Group (2 councillors)

     

30/17

FORWARD PROGRAMME (FOR INFORMATION) pdf icon PDF 43 KB

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    (Nicola Thornton-Bryar, Partnership Committee Officer/Sue Barham, Strategic Director)

    [Approximate starting time – 9.15pm

     

    To note the forward programme of Woking Joint Committee

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Joint Committee received a report on forthcoming meetings and items scheduled.  The report was produced so that members can review the forward programme, and the reports that are currently anticipated to be received at future meetings.

     

    RESOLVED

    . 

    Woking Joint Committee noted the forward programme.

31/17

DECISION TRACKER (FOR INFORMATION) pdf icon PDF 147 KB

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    To set out an update on implementation of decisions made at Woking Joint Committee

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Joint Committee noted the Decision Tracker.