Councillors and committees

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: VIRTUAL

Contact: Nikkie Thornton-Bryar  Surrey County Council Surrey Heath Borough Council, Surrey Heath House, Knoll Road, Camberley, GU15 3HD

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Items
No. Item

1/20

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

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    To receive any apologies for absence.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Apologies were received from Cllrs Rebecca Jennings-Evans and David Mansfield.

2/20

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING pdf icon PDF 294 KB

3/20

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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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:

    There were no initial declarations of interest made, although Cllr Wheeler later declared an interest under the Chobham items on the agenda as she lives in that area.

4/20

WRITTEN PUBLIC QUESTIONS pdf icon PDF 111 KB

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    To answer any written questions from residents or businesses within the area in accordance with Standing Order 69.  Notice should be given in writing or by email to the Community Partnership and Committee Officer by 12 noon, four working days before the meeting.

     

    One written question has been received regarding speed limits and noise on the A322 at Lightwater.  The question and the response given is attached.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    A 45 minute public forum was held prior to the meeting and the notes are attached to these minutes as Annex A.  There were 28 people in attendance for this item.

     

    There were 19 attendees for the formal meeting.

     

    Declarations of Interest:      None

    Officers attending:   Andrew Milne, Area Highways Manager, SCC

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements:  One public written question

     

    There was one written question received and the question and response was included in the agenda papers.

     

    Zoe Baddredine attended the meeting and talked about the noise impact from the A322.  Improvements in this area were currently 24th in the list of Surrey Heath priorities and Zoe asked how this scheme could be raised up that list.  The AHM confirmed that the scheme list rightly put accidents and health and safety above noise and environmental impacts and that the installation of a noise reducing road surface or barriers would always be expensive and were unlikely to be installed.  It was noted that air quality was monitored by the Borough Council, but air pollution would not necessarily impact the priority list.

     

    Members were very sympathetic about the issues raised and also discussed the speed limit in this area and anti social driving, but it was noted that the highways authority had to balance the needs of community with the needs of the traffic network.

     

    It was agreed that the AHM would link with the questioner regarding the last speed monitoring held on the A322 and the data collected.

5/20

WRITTEN MEMBERS QUESTIONS pdf icon PDF 430 KB

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    To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47.  Notice must be given in writing to the Community Partnership & Committee Officer by 12 noon 4 working days before the meeting.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest:      None

    Officers attending:   Andrew Milne, Area Highways Manager, SCC

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements:  One written member question

     

    A written member question was submitted by Cllr Mike Goodman.  The question and the response given were included in the papers for the meeting.

     

    No additional question was asked on this, although it was noted that there was a current petition for a speed reduction on the A30 which would come to the June meeting of this committee.   It was noted that some other authorities had introduced 30mph limits on A roads, but Officers had to follow the SCC speed limit policy, which set parameters for limits and how many changes could be introduced in one stretch.  The AHM also noted that congestion on the A30 was an issue, which slowed traffic.  The introduction of a 30mph limit would require the removal of 40mph repeater signs, which would impact on driver behaviour.

6/20

PETITION RESPONSES - CHOBHAM AREA pdf icon PDF 371 KB

    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 as long as the minimum number of signatures (30) has been reached 14 days before the meeting.

     

    Two petitions have been received for the Chobham area and the petition details and responses are attached.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest:      None

    Officers attending:   Andrew Milne, Area Highways Manager, SCC

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements:  Two petitions received

     

    PETITION 1 - The first petition was in regard to pedestrian crossings in Chobham, particularly giving access to St Lawrence Primary School and the Recreation Ground.  A very comprehensive petitioner pack, including detail and photographs was circulated to Members ahead of the meeting.

     

    The Chair invited the petitioner to speak and also noted that several members of the public had asked to join the meeting to support.  Due to not wanting to overwhelm the virtual meeting, they would be participating by watching the live webcast.  The Chair listed the supporters (first names only) as Abigail, Gleb, Nicola, James, Christella, Alison, Anna, Claire, and Kate (the Head of the local primary school).  The supporters were thanked for their interest and support.

     

    Naomi Gurdol outlined the need for the current (very small) pedestrian refuge to be replaced with a more visible crossing and additional signage to alert drivers to school children. 

     

    The AHM thanked the petitioners and were engaging with them on this issue.  The Highways team very impressed with the thorough and excellent work that had been undertaken.  Work was now being undertaken with the Road Safety outside school team (Date to be confirmed, due to Covid backlog) to look at what could be achieved and also with petitioners to look at the priority of immediate signage works that could be undertaken within budget.  This would be followed up outside the meeting.  Members were keen this be looked at asap and the workload of officers would be looked at outside the meeting.

     

    Members raised that road safety outside school was paramount and Cllr Alleway mentioned the Beldon Bridge petition in West End which raised similar issues (this would come to the next meeting).

     

    It was agreed that this would be an item on the next agenda to review the progress with the school, the road safety team and signage.

    PETITION 2 – A second petition had also been received from Mr Fisher, looking at various Highways issues in and around Chobham.  Although the petition had only received 13 signatures, the Highways team had prepared a petition response and this was included in the agenda papers.  Mr Fisher was not present at the meeting, so the petition and response were noted.

     

7/20

RAVENSCOTE CROSSING - INFORMATION ITEM pdf icon PDF 257 KB

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    A petition was presented to the Surrey Heath Local Committee at its meeting held on 1 October 2018 by parents of pupils at Ravenscote Junior School requesting the introduction of either a pelican crossing or a zebra crossing in Upper Chobham Road. 

     

    This information item gives an update on actions taken and future proposed assessments.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest:      None

    Officers attending:   Andrew Milne, Area Highways Manager, SCC

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements:  A petition for a crossing at Upper Chobham Road to serve Ravenscote school came to the Committee in October 2018.

     

    The AHM outlined the action to date and the further monitoring planned.

     

    Members were keen to explore Community Infrastructure Levy funding and the AHM confirmed the approximate costs as follows:-

     

    Zebra crossing - £50,000

    Pelican crossing - £120,000

     

    This would depend on location and power supply.  However the issue was whether this was appropriate for the location (as explained previously).  There were clear processes to follow in assessing what was required and Officers would always give their professional advice to the Committee for them to decide.  It was noted that the Committee had already decided on this and had put in measures, so it was Officers intention to re-assess this and make further recommendations.

     

    Members discussed the amount of Highways works outstanding, the cost of works and the current contracts.  A recommendation was put forward to write to SCC and to “Ask for funding for highways works” put forward by Cllr Wheeler and seconded by Cllr Alleway with 5 members supporting this.

     

    The AHM noted that this was an issue that had been recognised and that additional funds had been allocated to each area as highlighted in the Highways Report on the agenda.  This meeting alone had discussed works in the region of £2.5million and Members had to prioritise.  It was therefore agreed that this had already been covered.    

     

    The information report was noted.  This would be included on the action / decision tracker of the Committee for review after the re-assessment of traffic and speeds.

     

     

     

8/20

HIGHWAYS BUDGET UPDATE 2021/2022 pdf icon PDF 246 KB

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    To report progress made with the delivery of proposed highways and developer funded schemes, and revenue funded works for the 2020/21 financial year.

     

    To provide an update on the latest budgetary position for highway schemes and revenue maintenance.

     

    To agree authority is delegated to the Area Highways Manager to agree the capital works programme for 2021/22 in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

     

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    The Local Committee (Surrey Heath) agreed to:

    i)              Note the progress with schemes and revenue funded works for the 2020/21 financial year.

    ii)             Note the budgetary position.

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

    iv)           Agree that authority is delegated to the Area Highways Manager to agree the ITS capital works programme for 2021/22, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman and the full Committee.

     

    v)            Agree that authority is delegated to the Area Highways Manager to agree the capital maintenance programme for 2021/22, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

     

    vi)           Authorise the Area Highways Manager to undertake all necessary actions to deliver the capital works programme, consulting with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Divisional Members where necessary.

     

    Reason for decision

     

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

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest:      None

    Officers attending:   Andrew Milne, Area Highways Manager, SCC

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements:  none

     

    The AHM outlined the report and the funding available.  The funding had been increased so Members would be meeting on 2 March 2021 to look at the priority list and the works that could be completed.  The recommendation was amended to show that the expenditure and priorities would be looked at in full consultation with all members.

     

    The Local Committee (Surrey Heath) agreed to:

    i)              Note the progress with schemes and revenue funded works for the 2020/21 financial year.

    ii)             Note the budgetary position.

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

    iv)           Agree that authority is delegated to the Area Highways Manager to agree the ITS capital works programme for 2021/22, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman and the full Committee.

     

    v)            Agree that authority is delegated to the Area Highways Manager to agree the capital maintenance programme for 2021/22, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

     

    vi)           Authorise the Area Highways Manager to undertake all necessary actions to deliver the capital works programme, consulting with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Divisional Members where necessary.

     

    Reason for decision

     

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

9/20

SURREY HEATH PARKING REVIEW 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 365 KB

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    Officers of Surrey County Council’s parking team have carried out a review of on street parking restrictions within the borough of Surrey Heath and identified changes which would benefit road safety and reduce instances of obstruction and localised congestion. Committee approval is required in order to progress these changes to the stage of ‘formal advertisement’, where the proposed restrictions will be advertised for 28 days and open to comments, support or objections from members of the public.

     

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    The Local Committee (Surrey Heath) agreed:

     

    (i)            The proposed amendments to on-street parking restrictions in Surrey Heath as described in this report and shown in detail on drawings in annex A. This would also include additional double yellow lines in the vicinity of Maulthouse Farm, Benner Lane, West End - the restrictions to be drawn up in consultation with the divisional member and Cllr Alleway, prior to advertisement. 

     

    (ii)           That the local committee allocate the funding as detailed in paragraph 5.1 of this report to proceed with the introduction of the parking amendments.

     

    (iii)          That the county council make an order under the relevant parts of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to impose the waiting and on street parking restrictions in Surrey Heath as shown on the drawings in annex A to be advertised and that if no objections are maintained, the orders are made.

     

    (iv)          That if there are unresolved objections, they will be dealt with in accordance with the county council’s scheme of delegation by the parking strategy and implementation team manager, in consultation with the chairman/vice chairman of this committee and the appropriate county councillor. An additional member may be invited for comment.

     

    Reasons for decisions

     

    The waiting restrictions detailed in Annex A would make a positive impact towards:-

     

    ·         Road safety

    ·         Access for emergency vehicles

    ·         Access for refuse vehicles

    ·         Easing traffic congestion

    ·         Better regulated parking

    ·         Better enforcement

    ·         Better compliance

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest:      None

    Officers attending:   Jack Roberts, Parking Officer, SCC

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements:  none

     

    The PO outlined the parking report and the work that had been undertaken to formulate the proposed amendments that would be put out for consultation.  This would be advertised in local press and via street notices, online and letter drops. 

     

    The PO was thanked for his work and for the inclusion of areas of Bagshot as (per the public forum) parking issues had increased over the lockdown period with people accessing Swinley Forest.  It was noted that this was a national problem with of policies on planning application residential parking and with unprecedented visitor numbers wanting access to green spaces.  It was agreed that a wider letter drop would be included for the vicarage lane area of Bagshot and the PO would liaise with Cllr Valerie White on this.    

     

    One addition was noted and would be included for Benner Lane.

     

    The Local Committee (Surrey Heath) agreed:

     

    (i)            The proposed amendments to on-street parking restrictions in Surrey Heath as described in this report and shown in detail on drawings in annex A.  This would also include additional double yellow lines in the vicinity of Maulthouse Farm, Benner Lane, West End - the restrictions to be drawn up in consultation with the divisional member and Cllr Alleway, prior to advertisement. 

     

    (ii)           That the local committee allocate the funding as detailed in paragraph 5.1 of this report to proceed with the introduction of the parking amendments.

     

    (iii)          That the county council make an order under the relevant parts of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to impose the waiting and on street parking restrictions in Surrey Heath as shown on the drawings in annex A to be advertised and that if no objections are maintained, the orders are made.

     

    (iv)          That if there are unresolved objections, they will be dealt with in accordance with the county council’s scheme of delegation by the parking strategy and implementation team manager, in consultation with the chairman/vice chairman of this committee and the appropriate county councillor. An additional member may be invited for comment.

     

    Reasons for decisions

     

    The waiting restrictions detailed in Annex A would make a positive impact towards:-

     

    ·         Road safety

    ·         Access for emergency vehicles

    ·         Access for refuse vehicles

    ·         Easing traffic congestion

    ·         Better regulated parking

    ·         Better enforcement

    ·         Better compliance

10/20

ACTION TRACKER pdf icon PDF 333 KB

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    To note the action tracker

     

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The action tracker was discussed. 

     

    The two items listed were now closed and would be removed (although cycling and walking would potentially need to come to future committees).

11/20

FORWARD PLAN pdf icon PDF 10 KB

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    To note and comment on the Forward Plan.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The forward plan was noted.

     

    Cllrs Mike Goodman and Bill Chapman (who will not be standing at the next election) were thanked for all their hard work over the years on the Committee.