Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 244 KBVenue: The Council Chamber, Woking Borough Council Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking GU21 6YL
Contact: Nikkie Thornton-Bryar, Partnership Committee Officer
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive any apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: There were no apologies received. |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record. Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
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 no declarations of interest made. |
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PETITIONS
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.
Additional documents: |
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Petition for St Johns Hill Road
A petition containing 56 signatures has been received stating the following:
“We ask the Joint Committee to commission a review of this road due to our concerns over;
A petition response is attached. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee noted that:
(i) Previous speed surveys undertaken along St John’s Hill Road have indicated a generally good level of compliance with the existing 30mph speed limit. As such, it has not been identified as a priority site on the Woking Speed Management Plan and there are no existing proposals to introduce speed enforcement / reducing measures. However, further surveys will be undertaken to gather up to date speed data. (ii) The road will continue to receive regular safety inspections, with remedial work undertaken as necessary but that there are currently no plans to resurface the entire road.Officers assess whether St John’s Hill Road should be included in the Horizon road resurfacing programme. (iii) The limited extent of adopted highway land precludes the construction of additional lengths of footway. (iv) Officers will liaise with Surrey Police about the proposed Community Speed Watch and allegations of anti-social driving. (v) Officers will add St John’s Hill Road to the previously identified Woking Integrated Transport Scheme list.
Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None Officers attending: Kevin Patching, Highways Officer, SCC and Zena Curry, Engagement Manager, Highways Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: One petition as detailed The petitioner, Paul Smith, attended and presented the petition. He noted that the figures available on the “crash map” website (7 incidents in 5 years, with 4 serious) were different from those in the report. He asked for more work to be done to look at the issues, including the collision rates and the problem of sight lines. Members were very supportive of the petition and the following points were noted:- The divisional member (Cllr Azad) offered a site visit with the petitioner and Highways officer and highlighted that she could use some of her funds for additional surveys if required. The Engagement Manager highlighted that this would fit very well with the new approach which was more direct and collaborative with residents and Divisional Members. Cllr Rob Leach (who was in attendance as a member of the public) gave support to the petition but also called for a pedestrian crossing to replace the current island. He felt that this would allow for continuous pavement for elderly residents from the top to the bottom and would also act as a traffic calming measure. He noted that the island was too small for buggies and mobility scooters to use properly. It was agreed that this would be included for consideration at the site visit. Two amendments to the recommendations were suggested by Cllr Forster, seconded by Cllr Azad and carried by the Committee. The Local Committee noted that:
(i) Previous speed surveys undertaken along St John’s Hill Road have indicated a generally good level of compliance with the existing 30mph speed limit. As such, it has not been identified as a priority site on the Woking Speed Management Plan and there are no existing proposals to introduce speed enforcement / reducing measures. However, further surveys will be undertaken to gather up to date speed data. (ii) The road will continue to receive regular safety inspections, with remedial work undertaken as necessary but that there are currently no plans to resurface the entire road.Officers assess whether St John’s Hill Road should be included in the Horizon road resurfacing programme. (iii) The limited extent of adopted highway land precludes the construction of additional lengths of footway. (iv) Officers will liaise with Surrey Police about the proposed Community Speed Watch and allegations of anti-social driving. (v) Officers will add St John’s Hill Road to the previously identified Woking Integrated Transport Scheme list.
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Petition re a safe route connecting Brookwood, Pirbright, Pirbright Camp and Sheets Heath
A petition entitled “Safe Route Pirbright Brookwood” seeks to make the pedestrian route connecting Brookwood, Pirbright, Pirbright Camp and Sheets Heath safer.
This includes the junction joining Dawney Hill, Gole Road, Billesden Road and Connaught Road - sometimes called Pirbright Arch – which forms part of a popular route used by school children, residents, parents of babies and toddlers, families and people exploring the local countryside.
A petition update briefing will be prepared.
Additional documents: Minutes: The petition was regarding the Guildford local area, but had been signed by many Woking residents and was of considerable interest as it fell right on the boundary. The petition had been created on change.org and had not been heard at the Guildford Joint Committee but had been referred to with the suggestion of a cross boundary project and shared costs. The project was on the Guildford work programme but had not been prioritised for 22/23.
It was felt the best approach would be a site meeting with both Divisional Councillors, who could then promote this as their priority project going forward. Cllr Azad agreed that she would be happy to meet with Cllr Witham from Guildford to look at a joint solution. |
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WRITTEN PUBLIC QUESTIONS
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 Community Partnership and Committee Officer by 12 noon four working days before the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: There were no written public questions received.
There were five members of the public in attendance, two of whom wished to ask questions so the Chair agreed a short public forum.
Question 1 – Robert Shatwell, Hoe Valley Neighbourhood Forum re the state of the public footpath from Fishers Farm to the River Wey. He stated that the footpath was unsafe and that SCC had in place a diversion route that took people towards Old Woking and Gresham Mill, which was a much longer route. He urged SCC to repair the pathway and create a footbridge.
Members discussed the issue, including the fact that the Right of Way went over a privately owned bridge and that SCC was in discussion with the owner on this longstanding issue. Further discussions and information would be sought.
Question 2 – Phillip Gent re Shaw Road. He stated that he was concerned about the speeding on Shaw Road which had a 50mph limit from Kettlewell Hill to the six crossing roundabout and Horsell Common, which residents wanted reduced to 40mph.
The Highways Officer stated that 3 speed surveys had been undertaken (funded by Cllr Khan) and these showed good compliance which meant that a 40mph limit could be implemented. There was provision in this years work programme for further studies and a possible speed reduction and they would be working with Cllr Khan on this.
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WRITTEN MEMBER QUESTIONS
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: There were 7 written member questions received. The full questions raised and answers given were published in a supplementary agenda.
1. Will Forster re road safety in Sutton Green 2. Will Forster re footpath between Egley Road and Hoe Stream 3. Ellen Nicholson re streetlight opposite Quadrant Court 4. Ann-Marie Barker re Electric Vehicles 5. Ann-Marie Barker re Parking notices handed out 6. Simon Ashall re Smarts Heath Road speeding 7. Simon Ashall re Egley road 30mph signage
The following points and supplementary questions were raised.
Egley Road – Cllr Forster noted the response and would look for potential funding opportunities
Quadrant Court Streetlight – response to be chased up.
Electric Vehicles - Home charging in communal areas remained an issue. The Borough and County were working closely together on all aspects and bids had been made for car park chargers, with a potential second round of funding available from the Carbon Trust. Cllrs asked for further briefings on how this was progressing to go onto the forward plan.
PCNs – Enforcement of the disabled bays at Goldsworth park recreation ground was raised as an issue and would be passed to the team to follow up.
Smarts Heath Road – It was agreed that that further work was needed with a potential on site visit with officers and residents to look at what was needed.
Egley Road – Cllrs asked if more could be done to highlight the new speed limit in force. It was noted that “new speed limit” signs were a temporary measure that should only be used for 3 months under the Road traffic Act. VAS signs could be used to raise awareness.
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SURREY HALF MARATHON
The Surrey Half Marathon has successfully taken place in the Woking/Guildford area since 2014. The event organisers, AAT events, are seeking approval for the next three years following the completion of the final previously approved date in 2022, (2023, 2024, and 2025) to hold the Surrey Half Marathon event, 5km race and kid’s race annually in March each year in Woking.
Additional documents: Decision: The Joint Committee agreed that:
i. The Surrey Half Marathon, 5km race and kids race can start and finish at Woking Leisure Centre on Sunday 12 March 2023, Sunday 17 March 2024 and Sunday 16 March 2025.
ii. That unless there are any major operational issues of concern or significant requests by the Event Organisers to modify the event following the 2023 event, that subject to a full event debrief, the Woking Safety Advisory Group give approval for future events to take place in 2024 and 2025.
Reasons for decisions:
There are significant benefits to the event organiser if approval can be provided for events in 2023, 2024 and 2025, increasing entry numbers and allowing forward planning
Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None Officers attending: Lynsey Brown and Craig Thornton, Race Organisers, Steve May, Woking Borough Council Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None The race organisers outlined the successes of previous years and the lengths that they went to to ensure that road access could be maintained for those that needed it, including carers and event venues. Members welcomed the report and highlighted the inclusion of children who might struggle with the entrance fees. The race organisers were happy to look into this and explore options with local schools.
A local resident enquired whether alternative routes could be considered, to both spread the event and the impact, but also to allow a wider selection of residents to observe the runners passing by. This had been discussed and would continue to be investigated.
The Joint Committee agreed that:
i. The Surrey Half Marathon, 5km race and kids race can start and finish at Woking Leisure Centre on Sunday 12 March 2023, Sunday 17 March 2024 and Sunday 16 March 2025.
ii. That unless there are any major operational issues of concern or significant requests by the Event Organisers to modify the event following the 2023 event, that subject to a full event debrief, the Woking Safety Advisory Group give approval for future events to take place in 2024 and 2025.
Reasons for decisions:
There are significant benefits to the event organiser if approval can be provided for events in 2023, 2024 and 2025, increasing entry numbers and allowing forward planning
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DRAFT HIGHWAYS FORWARD PROGRAMME 2022/2023
This report seeks approval of a programme of highway works for Woking funded from the Local Committee’s delegated capital and revenue budgets.
Additional documents: Decision: SCC changed their delegation of Highway decisions from 1 April. However, as this Committee moved its date from 9 March to 4 April, they have taken the decisions below, bringing them in line with the other Local and Joint Committees across the County.
The Joint Committee (Woking) agreed to:
General
(i) Note that the Joint Committee’s devolved highways budget for capital works in 2022/23 is £609,873.
(ii) Agree that the devolved capital budget for highway works be used to progress both capital improvement schemes and member capital allocation as detailed in section 1.
(iii) Authorise that the Highway Engagement & Commissioning Manager in consultation with county members to be able to reallocate budget to reserve schemes should there be a need to change the programme.
(iv) Authorise that the Highways Engagement and Commissioning Manager in consultation with county members, be able to allocate any additional funding for schemes, in accordance with any guidance issued surrounding that funding.
Capital Improvement Schemes
(v) Agree that the capital improvement schemes allocation for Woking be used to progress the Major Integrated Transport Schemes (ITS) programme set out in Annex 1.
Member Capital Allocation
(viii) Note that £50,000 per divisional member is allocated, and up to £15,000 could be allocated to minor ITS, or all £50,000 on capital maintenance (recommended option). The schemes are to be agreed by county members in consultation with the Stakeholder Engagement Officer.
Revenue Maintenance
(ix) Note that the members will continue to receive a Member Local Highways Fund (revenue) allocation of £7,500 per county member to address highway issues in their division; and
(x) Agree that revenue works are to be managed by the Highway Maintenance team on behalf of and in consultation with county members.
Reasons for Decision:
To agree a programme of highways works in Woking for 2022/23, funded from budgets available to enable schemes and works to progress.
Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None Officers attending: Zena Curry, Engagement Manager and Kevin Patching, Highways Officer, SCC Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None Members welcomed the report and the projects and schemes that would be taken forward. Particular support was given for the Hermitage Road Crossing point. Members raised points about the process going forward and felt that one per area and financially limited schemes might restrict major projects. It was noted that the prioritisation process did highlight important schemes to members and would be subject to scrutiny and feasibility. Stakeholder engagement officers would be assisting members in identifying local need and local priorities. The Joint Committee (Woking) agreed to:
General
(i) Note that the Joint Committee’s devolved highways budget for capital works in 2022/23 is £609,873.
(ii) Agree that the devolved capital budget for highway works be used to progress both capital improvement schemes and member capital allocation as detailed in section 1.
(iii) Authorise that the Highway Engagement & Commissioning Manager in consultation with county members to be able to reallocate budget to reserve schemes should there be a need to change the programme.
(iv) Authorise that the Highways Engagement and Commissioning Manager in consultation with county members, be able to allocate any additional funding for schemes, in accordance with any guidance issued surrounding that funding.
Capital Improvement Schemes
(v) Agree that the capital improvement schemes allocation for Woking be used to progress the Major Integrated Transport Schemes (ITS) programme set out in Annex 1.
(vi) Authorise that the Highways Engagement and Commissioning Manager be able to vire money between the schemes agreed in Annex 1, if required.
Member Capital Allocation
(viii) Note that £50,000 per divisional member is allocated, and up to £15,000 could be allocated to minor ITS, or all £50,000 on capital maintenance (recommended option). The schemes are to be agreed by county members in consultation with the Stakeholder Engagement Officer.
Revenue Maintenance
(ix) Note that the members will continue to receive a Member Local Highways Fund (revenue) allocation of £7,500 per county member to address highway issues in their division; and
(x) Agree that revenue works are to be managed by the Highway Maintenance team on behalf of and in consultation with county members.
Reasons for Decision:
To agree a programme of highways works in Woking for 2022/23, funded from budgets available to enable schemes and works to progress.
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WOKING PARKING REVIEW - Including EV charging bay locations
Surrey County Council’s Parking Traffic and Enforcement Team have carried out a review of on street parking restrictions within the borough of Woking and identified changes which would benefit road safety and reduce instances of obstruction and localised congestion. Details of the proposed new restrictions shown in the report for information.
Additional documents: Decision: The Joint Committee (Woking) agreed to:
Reasons for decision:
The waiting restrictions as detailed in Annex A will make a positive impact towards:-
· Road safety · Access for emergency vehicles · Access for refuse vehicles · Easing traffic congestion · Better regulated parking · Better enforcement
Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None Officers attending: Peter Wells, Parking Officer, SCC Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None The parking officer introduced the report. The projects included had been raised by local residents and councillors and had been discussed with divisional members. All the schemes would be advertised end of May / beginning of June and subject to a 28 day consultation period. Members were pleased to see the EV charging points identified and listed separately. The Officer was commended for his work. Members asked about the enforcement of double yellow lines and were assured that Officers from WBC and SCC worked very closely together to ensure that new restrictions were communicated to the enforcement team, who were out and about regularly. The Joint Committee (Woking) agreed to:
Reasons for decision:
The waiting restrictions as detailed in Annex A will make a positive impact towards:-
· Road safety · Access for emergency vehicles · Access for refuse vehicles · Easing traffic congestion · Better regulated parking · Better enforcement
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DECISION AND ACTION TRACKER
To review the decision and action tracker. Additional documents: Minutes: The decision tracker was noted. |
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To review the forward plan. Additional documents: Minutes: The forward plan was noted.
Further topics were suggested as follows:-
Greener futures plan Review of Woking Integrated Transport Scheme – incorporating Victoria Arch Electric Vehicle Plans School Travel Plans School Admission numbers |