Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 383 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Pippbrook, Reigate Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SJ
Contact: Jess Edmundson, Partnership Committee Officer Pippbrook, Reigate Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SJ
Link: View the webcast
Media
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A note of the questions asked at the public forum is annexed to the minutes. Additional documents: |
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND SUBSTITUTIONS
To receive any apologies for absence and notices of substitutions from District members under Standing Order 39. Additional documents: Minutes: There were no apologies for absence. |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record. Additional documents: Minutes: The chairman noted he had been advised of a correction required to the draft minutes – any reference to Bookham Residents’ Association should read ‘Bookhams’ as a plural. With this amend, the minutes from 5 September 2018 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 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 Additional documents: Minutes: None declared. |
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To receive any questions from Surrey County Council electors within the area in accordance with Standing Order 66.
All written public questions received before the deadline are included in the supplementary agenda, along with the officer response. Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of interest: None
Officers present: Zena Curry, Area Highways Manager, Duncan Knox, Road Safety and Active Travel Team Manager.
The chairman noted that responses to the written questions received were published in the supplementary papers.
Question – Mrs Caroline Salmon – Safer route to school for the Weald School, A24 Beare Green
· Mrs Salmon was not in attendance. · The divisional member for Dorking Rural noted that she had previously asked if the carriageway could be reduced to a single carriageway with a feeder lane, as has been done on the north side. This would provide a feeder lane in and out of Newdigate Road. Could this be looked at? · The Area Highway Manager agreed this suggestion could be put forward. The number of accidents at that site is currently low compared to other sites across the county. It would likely therefore be a low priority for design work, but it may be possible to work with the county councillor and with the parish council to see if funding can be identified. The Road Safety and Active Travel Team Manager agreed this was certainly worth looking at.
Question – Mr John Favell – Leatherhead Bypass A245
· Mr Favell was not in attendance. · Members asked for more clarification over the reference to mean speeds –if more than half of people are exceeding the speed limit, how can the response state that there is good compliance? The Road Safety and Active Travel Team Manager acknowledged there is some speeding on that road. However this road has been looked at in some depth and measured with Surrey Police, but it does not meet the criteria for the Police to prioritise, in comparison with other sites. The Chairman noted that the speed figures are variable depending on the time of day as there is heavy congestion at certain times, and therefore not a consistent pattern.
Question from Mrs Louise Buckland – Partnership working and children’s centres
· Mrs Buckland was not in attendance.
Question from Mrs Helen Sutherland – use of volunteers in children’s centres
· Mrs Sutherland was in attendance. She stated that children’s centres do use volunteers, but that this is often for the benefit of the volunteer, to build their confidence and employment skills. Volunteers cannot replace staff members. She stated that many organisations are struggling to keep and retain volunteers. While volunteers have a role, she does not agree that recruiting a volunteer workforce will deliver the services residents expect. Will the committee ask Cabinet to remove the plan to use volunteers? · Members noted that Mole Valley has historically had proportionately higher levels of funding than other parts of the county. The county council faces dire financial issues. Members urged the public to give their views through the consultation, and to use the ‘free text’ boxes in the questionnaire to reflect their views fully. · The divisional member for Ashtead noted that there is a petition on the county council’s website regarding the proposal to close Leatherhead’s children’s centre. Leatherhead has areas of ... view the full minutes text for item 38/18a |
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To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47.
All written member questions received before the deadline are included in the supplementary agenda, along with the officer response.
Additional documents: Minutes:
Declarations of interest: None
Officers present: Zena Curry, Area Highways Manager, Duncan Knox, Road Safety and Active Travel Team Manager.
Written questions and responses are published in the supplementary papers for the meeting.
Councillor Kennedy - verbal question – Ash Dieback · Councillor Kennedy asked a question informally at the meeting - what action is the county council taking to protect users of Mole Valley’s highways from accidents as a result of falling trees/branches affected by Ash Dieback? · The Area Highway Manager provided a response on behalf of the Highways Arboriculture Team. It stated that this is an issue the team are very much aware of, and arboriculture specialists inspect all trees on main roads every three years, and on minor roads every five years. Wherever a tree is found that presents a significant risk of harm to road users, arrangements are made for the tree to be removed. If it is on private land, then they inform the landowner who then needs to take responsibility for the tree. In some higher risk locations, trees have been proactively removed, such as high speed dual carriageways. From January 2019, trees will be inspected as part of the annual cycle of highway safety inspections. This is a new initiative, and one that is hoped to help identify trees that have deteriorated rapidly in between inspections from specialists. Residents are encouraged to report large trees that are clearly dead, diseased or dying, where they are close to a road. For a number of reasons, such as the extent of underground utility pipes and cables, it is not always possible to replace a tree that has to be cut down.
Question – Mr Tim Hall – drainage · Mr Hall noted that he will undertake a site visit with local highways officers, because there remains a blockage.
Question – Councillor Claire Malcomson – Children’s Centres · Councillor Malcomson expressed disappointment with the response. She asked the council to take back these proposed cuts and make the brave decision to support parents and carers. She hopes that this committee can make the case to Cabinet. Officers do not appear to be listening to the experts, who are the staff running the centres. The questionnaire is confusing, and it feels that the decision has already been made. · Members noted that the proposals are supposed to be helping improve family resilience, given that Surrey’s children’s services are being overseen by the commissioner having been judged inadequate. However there are elements of outstanding practice, such as children’s centres. Members urged residents to have their say through the consultation.
Question – Councillor Rosemary Dickson – flooding on Leatherhead Road Ashtead · Councillor Dickson asked when the investigation will be done as this flood can be very deep and causes congestion. · The divisional member for Ashtead noted that as the county councillor he had been dealing with this issue for some time. He had recently been in touch with the headteacher and an inspection of the soakaway undertaken. This revealed a possible blockage going ... view the full minutes text for item 38/18b |
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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.
One petition received before the deadline:
a) Petition for the return of free parking to Leatherhead High Street at 3.30pm, with the Pedestrian Zone finishing an hour earlier than the current end time of 4.30pm.
The full petition is available to view on request. A summary, along with the officer response is included within the supplementary agenda. Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of interest: None
Officers present: Zena Curry, Area Highways Manager
The petition response and report was published with the supplementary papers.
One petition had been received, from Mrs Susan Leveritt, with regards to Leatherhead High Street. The petition was sponsored by the Leatherhead Residents Association and the Leatherhead & District Chamber of Commerce. It is a request for the return of free parking to Leatherhead High Street at 3.30pm, with the Pedestrian Zone finishing an hour earlier than the current end time of 4.30pm.
This petition follows on from the discussion the local committee had in September 2018 when Mrs Leveritt also presented a similar petition on this matter. At that meeting, members asked officers to reconsider their response, and so officers have provided an update report to the local committee as Item 13.
To facilitate the discussion, the chairman decided to consider the petition and the report at Item 13, together. The minutes for the petition are therefore contained within Item 13.
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This report provides an update on the petition heard by the local committee on 5 September 2018, following the agreement by the Local Committee (Mole Valley) to ask officers to reconsider the proposal, and in discussion with the Chairman and the petitioners, what the way forward might be, in light of the strong views expressed by the committee, to introduce a trial period.
Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to:
(i) Note the joint statement from Surrey County Council (SCC) Local Committee Chairman Mr Tim Hall and Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) Cabinet Member for Prosperity Councillor Simon Edge, as an update on the Petition (Annex 1). In particular to note the actions going forward.
(ii) Note that a safety review, which considers all High Street users, to assess the risk of conflict between vehicles and pedestrians, particularly for children, is to be carried out by SCC and is scheduled to be completed by March 2019.
(iii) Note that SCC has commissioned a repair of the walling to the ramps at the foot of the High Street, to improve the visual impact of this feature. This will be the removal of the damaged tiles and replacing this tiling with new rendering. This will be funded 50:50 by SCC and MVDC, with MVDC applying public realm planning contributions, and is scheduled to be carried out in February 2019, subject to normal construction delays, weather conditions and reducing inconvenience to traders and High Street users. The timing of the works was the result of consultation with the market operator, Leatherhead and District Chamber of Commerce.
(iv) Note that a further petition about Leatherhead High Street has been submitted to the 12 December 2018 Local Committee (Mole Valley) for consideration.
(v) Agree that, following a review of the signs in Leatherhead, that SCC and MVDC will work together to put forward proposals for a new car park signing scheme, and existing direction signs in the town centre. Also, that MVDC and SCC will review existing Leatherhead gateway signs, identify approaches where no existing signs are, and to agree appropriate type, location and wording for any possible new signs. The Task Group and Committee will be updated following discussions between MVDC and SCC regarding the detailed proposals, funding streams and timings.
Reasons for Decision
To propose measures to work with representatives of the Leatherhead Residents’ Association and the Leatherhead and District Chamber of Commerce, in advance and alongside the Transform Leatherhead project. Minutes: Declarations of interest: None
Officers present: Zena Curry, Area Highways Manager
The report was published with the supplementary papers. It was accompanied by a petition and response. To facilitate the discussion, the petition and Item 13 were heard together, after Item 4b and with Item 5.
A petition had been received from Mrs Susan Leveritt, with regards to Leatherhead High Street. The petition was sponsored by the Leatherhead Residents Association and the Leatherhead & District Chamber of Commerce. It is a request for the return of free parking to Leatherhead High Street at 3.30pm, with the Pedestrian Zone finishing an hour earlier than the current end time of 4.30pm. This petition follows on from the discussion the local committee had in September 2018 when Mrs Leveritt also presented a petition on this matter. At that meeting, members asked for officers to reconsider their response, and so officers have provided this update report to the local committee.
Mrs Leveritt spoke on the petition and her statement included the following points:
Mr John Howarth, on behalf of Leatherhead and District Chamber of Commerce also spoke on the petition, and his statement included the following points: |
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A25 GUILDFORD ROAD, WOTTON - SPEED LIMIT ASSESSMENT
The A25 route between Guildford and Dorking has suffered a number of collisions including a number resulting in death or serious injury. It is proposed that the existing 50 mph speed limit on the A25 between Abinger Hammer and Wotton is reduced to 40 mph in order to reduce the risk and severity of collisions on this stretch of the road.
Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to:
(i) Note the results of the speed limit assessment undertaken;
(ii) Agree that, based upon the evidence, the speed limit be reduced from 50mph to 40mph in the section of Guildford Road between the existing 40mph speed limit terminal signs at a point 34m west from the centreline with Wotton Drive and a point 50m east of the centreline with Raikes Lane, in accordance with the current policy;
(iii) Authorise the advertisement of a notice in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to implement the proposed speed limit change, revoke any existing traffic orders necessary to implement the change, and, subject to no objections being upheld, that the order be made;
(iv) Authorise delegation of authority to the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman of the Local Committee and the local divisional member to resolve any objections received in connection with the proposal.
Reasons for decision
A reduced speed limit would reduce traffic speeds and reduced risk and severity of collisions on this road where there has been a history of collisions including death and serious injury. Minutes: Declarations of interest: None
Officers present: Duncan Knox, Road Safety & Active Travel Team Manager
The Road Safety and Active Travel Team Manager introduced the report. He noted there was a history of collisions in this area that officers wish to address. The proposals have the support of Surrey Police, and are in line with the county council’s Setting Local Speed Limits policy.
Member discussion – key points:
· The divisional member for Dorking Hills welcomed the proposal to help make the road safer. Some of the junctions have poor sight lines, and it will be more consistent with the speed limits either side. She would also like to see the speed limit on Abinger Lane through Abinger Common reduced. It is currently national speed limit but goes through a small village and urgently needs a reduced speed limit.
Resolution:
The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to:
(i) Note the results of the speed limit assessment undertaken;
(ii) Agree that, based upon the evidence, the speed limit be reduced from 50mph to 40mph in the section of Guildford Road between the existing 40mph speed limit terminal signs at a point 34m west from the centreline with Wotton Drive and a point 50m east of the centreline with Raikes Lane, in accordance with the current policy;
(iii) Authorise the advertisement of a notice in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to implement the proposed speed limit change, revoke any existing traffic orders necessary to implement the change, and, subject to no objections being upheld, that the order be made;
(iv) Authorise delegation of authority to the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman of the Local Committee and the local divisional member to resolve any objections received in connection with the proposal.
Reasons for decision
A reduced speed limit would reduce traffic speeds and reduced risk and severity of collisions on this road where there has been a history of collisions including death and serious injury. |
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HIGHWAYS SCHEMES UPDATE [EXECUTIVE FUNCTION]
To inform the local committee on the progress of the 2018/19 Integrated Transport Programme, highways maintenance programmes, the Dorking sustainable transport package, the Dorking Transport Study and other highways and transport projects being carried out in Mole Valley. Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of interest: None
Officers present: Zena Curry, Area Highways Manager
Member discussion – key points:
· Members asked for clarification on the timing for Fetcham Village Infant School and Oakfield Junior School, Fetcham, where developer funding has been allocated to complete the design and carry out safety audits for the traffic calming scheme to support a permanent 20mph speed limit outside Fetcham Village Infant School and Oakfield Junior Schools. The Area Highway Manager confirmed it was scheduled for design next year, and would then be programmed for construction.
Resolution:
The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to note the contents of this report.
Reasons for recommendations:
Programmes of work have been agreed in consultation with the Committee, and the Committee is asked to note the progress of the Integrated Transport Scheme programme and revenue maintenance expenditure. As well as work that is being carried out on the large scale, centrally funded maintenance and improvement schemes.
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HIGHWAYS FORWARD PROGRAMME [EXECUTIVE FUNCTION - FOR DECISION]
This report seeks approval of a programme of highway works for Mole Valley funded from the Local Committee’s delegated capital and revenue budgets.
Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to:
General (i) Note that the Local Committee’s devolved highways budget for capital works in 2019/20, and approved by full Council on 13 November 2018, is £181,818. It has been assumed that the Local Committee’s devolved highways budget for capital works as set out within the 2018-21 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2020-21 and will therefore be £36,363. The budget for 2019/20 approved by full Council on 13 November 2018 has removed the Local Committee’s revenue budget. However each divisional Member will receive £7,500 to address highways issues in their division.
(ii) Agree that the devolved capital budget for highway works be used to progress both capital improvement schemes and capital maintenance schemes.
(iii) Note that should there be any changes to the programme of highway works as set out in this report, a report will be taken to a future meeting of Mole Valley Local Committee to inform members of the changes. Capital Improvement Schemes (ITS)
(iv) Agree that the capital improvement schemes allocation for Mole Valley be used to progress the Integrated Transport Schemes programme set out in Annex 1;
(v) Authorise that the Area Highway Manager, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman, be able to vire money between the schemes agreed in Annex 1, if required;
(vi) Agree that the Local Committee Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Area Team Manager, together with the local divisional Member are able to progress any scheme from the Integrated Transport Schemes programme, including consultation and statutory advertisement that may be required under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, for completion of those schemes. Where it is agreed that a scheme will not be progressed, this will be reported back to the next formal meeting of the Local Committee for approval.
Capital Maintenance Schemes (LSR) (vii) Agree that the capital maintenance schemes allocation for Mole Valley (£96,000) be divided equitably between County Councillors to carry out Local Structural Repair, and that the schemes to be progressed be agreed by the Area Maintenance Engineer in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman, Vice-Chairman and local divisional Members;
Revenue Maintenance (viii) Note that the budget for 2019/20 approved by full Council on 13 November 2018 has removed the Local Committee’s revenue budget.
(ix) Note that members will continue to receive a Member Local Highways Fund allocation of £7,500 per county member to address highway issues in their division.
(x) Agree that the Member Local Highways Fund be managed by the Area Maintenance Engineer on behalf of members.
Reasons for decision
To agree a forward programme of highways works in Mole Valley for 2019/20 – 2020/21, funded from the Local Committee’s devolved budget.
Minutes: Declarations of interest: None
Officers present: Zena Curry, Area Highways Manager
Resolution:
The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to:
General (i) Note that the Local Committee’s devolved highways budget for capital works in 2019/20, and approved by full Council on 13 November 2018, is £181,818. It has been assumed that the Local Committee’s devolved highways budget for capital works as set out within the 2018-21 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2020-21 and will therefore be £36,363. The budget for 2019/20 approved by full Council on 13 November 2018 has removed the Local Committee’s revenue budget. However each divisional Member will receive £7,500 to address highways issues in their division.
(ii) Agree that the devolved capital budget for highway works be used to progress both capital improvement schemes and capital maintenance schemes.
(iii) Note that should there be any changes to the programme of highway works as set out in this report, a report will be taken to a future meeting of Mole Valley Local Committee to inform members of the changes. Capital Improvement Schemes (ITS)
(iv) Agree that the capital improvement schemes allocation for Mole Valley be used to progress the Integrated Transport Schemes programme set out in Annex 1;
(v) Authorise that the Area Highway Manager, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman, be able to vire money between the schemes agreed in Annex 1, if required;
(vi) Agree that the Local Committee Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Area Team Manager, together with the local divisional Member are able to progress any scheme from the Integrated Transport Schemes programme, including consultation and statutory advertisement that may be required under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, for completion of those schemes. Where it is agreed that a scheme will not be progressed, this will be reported back to the next formal meeting of the Local Committee for approval.
Capital Maintenance Schemes (LSR) (vii) Agree that the capital maintenance schemes allocation for Mole Valley (£96,000) be divided equitably between County Councillors to carry out Local Structural Repair, and that the schemes to be progressed be agreed by the Area Maintenance Engineer in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman, Vice-Chairman and local divisional Members;
Revenue Maintenance (viii) Note that the budget for 2019/20 approved by full Council on 13 November 2018 has removed the Local Committee’s revenue budget.
(ix) Note that members will continue to receive a Member Local Highways Fund allocation of £7,500 per county member to address highway issues in their division.
(x) Agree that the Member Local Highways Fund be managed by the Area Maintenance Engineer on behalf of members.
Reasons for decision
To agree a forward programme of highways works in Mole Valley for 2019/20 – 2020/21, funded from the Local Committee’s devolved budget.
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This report provides an update on the status of each School Travel Plan for schools in Mole Valley, as well as the take up of activities offered to schools by the county council’s Safer Travel and Cycle Training Teams over the last academic year. It also highlights those schools that have expanded and are currently in breach of their planning obligations because they have not yet completed an accredited School Travel Plan.
Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of interest: None
Officers present: Duncan Knox, Road Safety & Active Travel Team Manager
Councillor Michael left the meeting during this item.
Member discussion – key points:
· It is striking that few of the Independent schools have anything to show. Is that because there is less funding for them for this? Is Howard of Effingham not on the list because it falls within Guildford? St Theresa’s is on the list. The chairman noted its boundary falls partly in Mole Valley and partly in Guildford. The Road Safety and Active Travel Team Manager responded that he does not know why the independent schools are not doing so much. This is possibly because the county council focuses more on its own schools. However the county council would be happy to assist them. · The divisional member for Ashtead was surprised that Greville Primary School is listed, as their Headteacher has told him they do have an up to date travel plan. They have spoken of difficulties with the IT system used to fill it in. The Road Safety and Active Travel Team Manager responded that it is a national website. The table included with the report shows its status at the last academic year. He will confirm that Greville has updated theirs. The benefit of the online system is that officers can monitor it and get updates on what action is being undertaken. · Is road safety education charged for? We need to encourage all schools to give road safety education. The Road Safety and Active Travel Team Manager responded that the council does charge for cycle training. The service is self-funding through grants and fees, and trains 18,000 young people each year through 4 officers and 50 bank cycling staff. The fees are charged to the schools. Many of the schools pass at least some of the costs on to the parents. Officers hope to introduce pedestrian training to schools in the coming year, for children from around eight years old. · Members asked to be kept up to date with that initiative so they can work with schools locally to encourage them to take this up.
Resolution:
The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to note:
(i) The county council’s Safer Travel Team will continue to encourage and support all Surrey’s expansion schools to complete and maintain their School Travel Plan using the online Modeshift STARS system.
(ii) From 2018/19, the Safer Travel Team will also encourage all Surrey’s schools to create a School Travel Plan using the online Modeshift STARS accreditation system. This will involve promotion and the offer of training and support to all schools
(iii) Members are invited to assist by encouraging schools to sign up to Modeshift STARS, and to take up the activities offered by the Safer Travel and Cycle Training Teams to improve road safety and encourage sustainable travel.
Reasons for recommendations:
Successful implementation of School Travel Plans will lead to improvements in road safety and more sustainable travel on school journeys. This will reduce congestion, ... view the full minutes text for item 44/18 |
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COMMUNITY SAFETY FUNDING UPDATE [EXECUTIVE FUNCTION - FOR INFORMATION]
The local committee has a delegated budget of £3000 for community safety projects. This report provides an update on the projects approved for 2018/19. This follows an update provided to the committee in June 2018 on the use of the funds during 2017/18.
Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of interest: None
Officers present: Vicki Eade, Partnership Lead (East)
Member discussion – key points:
· The chairman noted that they were going to look to try and do the project across the north of the district.
Resolution:
The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to note the contents of this report
Reasons for recommendations:
To ensure the local committee are aware of the allocation of community safety funding for Mole Valley projects during 2018/19. |
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RECOMMENDATIONS TRACKER [FOR INFORMATION]
To note the decision tracker. Additional documents: Minutes: The local committee noted the recommendations tracker, and asked for the final data on Member Community Allocation spend. |
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FORWARD PLAN [FOR INFORMATION]
The Local Committee (Mole Valley) will note the contents of the forward plan. Additional documents: Minutes: Members noted the forward plan. |