Tadworth and Walton Residents Association Minutes of the Meeting held 19th April, 2016 1. Present: Attendance: Chairman Clive Elcome Vice Chairman Treasurer Secretary Gillian Hein Robin Parr Davies Gillian Bockmeulen In Attendance: Committee Alanna Coombes, Patricia Brookwick Geoff Hewitt, Grant Webster Councillors Observer Michael Gosling, Vic Broad Mike Fox Apologies: Cllr. Rachel Turner, Ann Liddle, Karen Russell 2. Councillors Reports: Cllr. Michael Gosling: Cllr.Gosling reported reduced funding continues to be an issue for Surrey County Council. He confirmed that changes are to be sought for improved access to the B.M.W. garage at Burgh Heath to allow transporters to off load cars. When completed the garage will be asked not to continue to unload minis at the former Citygate Site in The Avenue. Complaints have been made to the Manager by the Residents Association about this activity. He reported that T bars will be painted across the entrances to residence in The Avenue to deter inconsiderate parking. The High Street/Tower Road is to be re surfaced. This was postponed before Christmas following requests from shopkeepers. Geoff Hewitt complained that flooding occurs on the bridge at Station Approach and Michael has noted this for further action. He explained that tree work to remove fallen trees will be undertaken on the A217 roundabout to allow the grass to be mown. There has also been a change in parking regulations at Shelvers Way to help the shopkeepers. Concerns were raised about the road surface at the
cross road at Tadworth traffic lights. Cllr. Gosling is dealing with this and explained that it requires an anti skid surface. Mike Fox asked if the council had an opinion about the government s recent announcement that it intends to ban vehicle parking on the pavement. He replied that S.C.C is yet to consider this but in some cases i.e. on the Preston Estate it may be necessary to allow it. Bollards are to be placed to prevent parking on the verge in Shelvers Way. He is dealing with the problem of flooding on the A217/A270 which may be connected with the water works that were carried out on the A217. Robin Parr Davies asked for clarification on why Surrey County Council s Highway department had objected to the planning application for No. 40 Tadworth Street but had not objected to the Frith Park development. Michael explained it is the Transport Development Control (TDC) department that deals with such matters and he would investigate. He agreed to supply the Committee with the latest instructions concerning highway matters. A programme to resurface pavements and paths is to be undertaken. He requested residents contact him where they have concerns. Finally, he explained that there is a County Fund (formerly known as the Leader s Fund) which makes grants for larger projects, up to 50,000 thousand pounds. Information about this scheme will also be passed to Martin Stringfellow and Geoff Hewitt will consult with the scouts about a possible refurbishment of the scout hut which might be a suitable project. Councillor Broad: Vic confirmed that the floating island for Mere Pond is currently being constructed. He had received communications from Walton Golf Club concerned about the delay arising from the management plan agreed at the public enquiry. Vic has following this up as a matter of urgency. The Residents Association has already sent comments on the two Environmental Management Plans to the Council. Reigate and Banstead Council are finalists in the M.J. Local Government Achievement Awards. Of the six finalists, the RBCC is the only borough council to be included. Winners will be announced in June. He had attended a conference to discuss devolution explaining if implemented the Treasury would give funding to councils who would have an elected mayor. A proposal to group East and West Sussex and Surrey together with an elected mayor was considered. There were issues which caused concern including no provision to remove the mayor and also that M.P.s
had not been consulted. Gillian asked how funding from central government was allocated. Cllr. Gosling said that criteria had changed but it was not per capita. Robin Parr Davies thanked Vic for his commitment to work closely with the Residents Association in his election campaign literature. 3. Planning: Walton Alanna Coombes 16/00154/F Wishing Well Lodge, Heath Drive Demolition of existing dwelling house and construction of a replacement house The Committee considered the planning application plans and noted a neighbour has raised a concern about the height of the proposed garage roof, however it was felt that the design was acceptable and the conservation office has raised no objection. No Objection Update: Starboard Lights Refused Frith Park Listed Building Lavingtons Being demolished 4. Planning: Tadworth Gillian Hein 14/01494/ Frith Park Development Gillian confirmed that full planning permission had been granted subject to conditions. This includes a management plan which provides five passing places in Sturts Lane; during construction traffic will approach via Dorking Road, a man will control traffic on the bridge, a five mile an hour speed limit applies, wheels of construction vehicles will be cleaned, SCC will cut back hedges and RBBC will be responsible for cleaning the road. Local residents will be consulted and there is also an 18 month phasing plan in place. Acoustic fences and details of landscaping, contamination, archeology and early phasing of the mansion conversion were not included in the conditions and Gillian will write about these omissions.
Update: Egmont Park Road Refused Green Corner Informal hearing appeal dismissed 40, Tadworth Street Refused 16/00413/HHOLD 22, Downsway Retrospective planning permission for minor amendments to the approved scheme Gillian explained the background to this application. The initial application had been withdrawn followed by another for dwelling extensions and the applicant had then applied to put an extension in the roof which was given a certificate of lawfulness. Residents are objecting as the building is higher and deeper than originally planned. The Committee agreed to write to the Council to investigate. 16/00558/RET Taste restaurant, Tadworth Erection of timber decked front veranda with timber posts and balustrading The applicant has submitted a retrospective planning application for the construction outside the premises. The Committee is objecting as it does not include a ramp for disabled access to the restaurant. OBJECTION 1 7 Shelvers Way Refused 6, Downsview Gillian to visit neighbours as proposed extension work may overlook them. 5. Minutes and Matters Arising: Proposed: Geoff Hewitt Seconded: Patricia Brookwick
6. Spring Newsletter: Jill Bockmeulen The Spring Newsletter has already been forwarded to Ann Liddle for distribution. It is anticipated that the Tadworth newsletters will be sent out the week beginning 24th April. Clive will contact Tony Andrews requesting him to forward an electronic copy to Mike Fox to be sent out by e mail. 7. A.G.M. Gillian Hein Gillian Hein outlined the Agenda and speakers for the A.G.M. Tim Murphy (CPRE) and Ian Muir (Recycling) were allocated 15 minutes and Mike Fox (TWOAT) 10 15 minutes. A.O.B. will be 10 minutes and only one question per member will be allowed. It was agreed that James Clarke be not given a slot in view of the time constraints. Gillian and Jill will provide the text for the notices which Patricia will produce. 8. LEPS and Devolution: Gillian Hein Gillian provided the Committee with information from the CPRE and its concerns about L.E.P.s and devolution and the impact they could have on the planning system. She explained that they are undemocratic and unaccountable and in some areas taking over planning powers which were having a detrimental effect on the Green Belt. Vic had suggested that residents should contact their M.P.s with concerns. 9. Banstead Heath Consultative Committee:Gillian Hein Gillian had attended a recent meeting. These meetings are held about four times a year, chaired by Vic Broad to consider issues of interest for people who use the heath, i.e. should professional dog walkers by charged to use the heath. It was reported that the coal tax posts on the heath need to be repainted and the conservators will gradually restore them. Elsewhere volunteers are needed. Geoff Hewitt asked if there was a Council hotline which residents could use if they suspected work, such as York stone removal, was being done illegally.
10. Treasurer s Report: Robin Parr Davies Robin reported that there is 17,100 pounds in the TWRA saving account and 9,900 pounds in the current account of which 2,500 is funding for Walton Forum. It is proposed to plant more trees in the Autumn with funding from Cllr.Gosling (3,800) and 2,500 from Pfizer. Martin Stringfellow to be consulted on possible trees for Walton. Money will also be used for a seat in Shelvers Way. He confirmed that 5,000 has been received from Pfizer for which we are most grateful. Pfizer money is used for community projects and is split equally between Tadworth and Walton. 11. Police: Mike Fox The current police messaging service will be switched off at the end of May. Residents will be able to sign up for the new service in due course. He reported incidences of car crime, especially theft from vehicles. 12. Tadworth Business Initiative: Clive Elcome Clive explained that a Steering Committee meeting has been postponed and it is hoped to arrange a new date in May. The TWRA are backing this initiative and will facilitate a meeting after the election. 13. A.O.B. Gillian, Robin and Clive visited the replacement land and were pleased to see the Golf Club had mown the meadow and installed a table and benches. It was felt that the area should now be promoted although access might be difficult for baby buggies as the paths are uneven. Geoff Hewitt reported that he had seen resident with three dogs in the Jubilee Woodland despite the notice prohibiting dogs. The Council is arranging for an additional notice banning dogs to be installed on the railings outside the woodland. Karen Russell has requested a volunteer from the Committee to act as an impartial observer for the Board of Governors at Chinthurst School. Grant Webster volunteered and Jill will liaise with Karen. Date of Next Meeting: 17th May, 2016