Agenda item

To answer any questions from residents or businesses within the Tandridge District 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.

Two public questions had been received. The responses were tabled at the meeting and a copy is annexed to the minutes.

1) HGV traffic for Chalkpit Quarry, from Mr Nick Skellett.

Mr Skellett did not attend the meeting.

Member discussion – key points:

·         Members discussed the serious concerns that local residents have about the volume of HGVs travelling around these rural, narrow, residential streets if activity at the quarry is to build up again, after a hiatus of a number of years.

·         Members expressed their astonishment and frustration that the Environment Agency has increased the permitted infilling tonnage to 200,000 tonnes per annum, from 100,000 tonnes, without consulting the county council. 

·         Where there are more than 30-40 HGV movements per day, the HGVs then cannot avoid having to pass each other as one heads to the quarry and one leaves. The road is too narrow for this, resulting in one lorry having to mount the verge. There has been an accident in the past as a result, back in 2008, when the volume of HGVs was high. Work at the quarry typically seems to be compressed into a few months, which exacerbates the HGV issues. There is no bridleway along this route, and no footpath, and yet many horseriders and school children use this route. Mr David Hodge, Leader of the County Council and member for Warlingham, reminded the Local Committee that county councillors have a duty as Corporate Parents to stand up for children’s safety.

·         Mr Martin Fisher, Ward Councillor for Oxted North and Tandridge, asked the Local Committee to ensure the County Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee are aware of the Local Committee’s concerns about the proposed increase in HGV movements as a result of the increase to the infilling tonnage approved by the Environment Agency.

Resolution:

The Local Committee agreed to note the response.

The Local Committee also agreed the following actions, as proposed by Mr Hodge and seconded by Mr McIntosh, and supported by all members present:

1) Write to the Environment Agency and demand that a Minister comes to see the site.

2) Request the emergency services to undertake a risk assessment.

3) Write to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport to reflect the local concerns about the proposed increase in HGV volumes and ask for a cap to be implemented.

2) Cuts to Highways Localism Funding, Mr Bob Milton, Chaldon Village Council

Mr Milton attended the meeting.

Mr Milton expressed his disappointment and frustration that the Localism Funding, previously available for Parish Councils, has been cut this year. Parish Councils need to be more involved, and communication from SCC needs to be better. Parishes need more funds and decision making devolved to them, as they are well placed to deliver locally. Mr Milton asked the county council not to abandon localism.

Member discussion – key points:

·         Mr Cannon, Ward Councillor for Chaldon, supported Mr Milton, and added his disappointment that the funding would be withdrawn, with the late notice leaving the Village Council in a difficult position.

·         Mr David Hodge offered his apologies on behalf of the county council. Local Committees had expected that the funding for this would continue, but the reality of the council’s financial challenges, meant that it had had to be looked at again, and there could be no guarantee of any funding for future years, at this stage. Mr Hodge confirmed he will be meeting Surrey’s MPs in July, and will be clear that the county needs more funding.

The Area Highway Manager confirmed that a letter had gone out to parishes who usually bid for this funding, but it had not been possible to confirm budgets to parishes any earlier, as set out in the response. Some parishes may be able to look at using Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) for local works, and the central grass cutting contract remains in place, as well as the Lingfield Hub. There is still some revenue funding for a community gang, and each county member can prioritise these locally.

Resolution:

The Local Committee agreed to note the response, and to note Mr Cannon’s disappointment with it.