C M Newsletter 47 April 2017

TDC Leader Proposes New Garden Village

Land to the west of Chaldon In recent press releases, Cllr Martin Fisher, expressing our anger and frustration at his - has areas of Great Landscape Value (AGLV); Leader of Council (TDC), failure to clearly inform us of the inclusion - has Landscape Character Areas 2015; put forward a proposal of a ‘garden village’ of the land at Chaldon as a possible location - is designated as Green Belt and the TDC as the solution to meeting the housing need. for a large development that would be so LP Green Belt Assessment confirmed that The Sites Consultation that took place at the damaging to Chaldon. it serves the purpose as defined under the end of 2016 identified two possible sites for NPPF; this garden village or extended settlement The inclusion of this land, which was not - is adjacent to the important at South Godstone and Blindley Heath. part of the ‘Sites Consultation’, completely Way National Trail; However, the recent inclusion of new undermines the Local Plan process. It raises - surrounds the Chaldon Conservation Area; sites in the updated Housing & Economic considerable fears in the local community - links two sites of Special Scientific Interest; Land Availability Assessments (HELAA), and will offer false hope to developers. - has a number of highly important grade II including land to the west of Chaldon, has Therefore, the land needs to be properly ancient buildings; raised the possibility that other locations assessed as soon as possible and either ruled - surrounds the ancient St Peter and St will be considered. out of consideration for inclusion in the Paul’s Church with its 12th century wall Local Plan or, if still viable, arrangements painting that is unique in England. Chaldon Village Council closely questioned made for a public consultation before any Cllr Fisher on the Local Plan and other further decisions are made. It is important to stress that, at this stage, issues during his attendance at our February there is no suggestion that any of these new meeting. He was specifically asked about the As far as we are aware, the land has sites will be selected, but we must not be land to the west of Chaldon and whether this not previously been put forward for complacent. The lack of candour from Cllr large site would be considered as a location consideration and this is hardly surprising Fisher is a warning that we cannot rely on for the ‘garden village’. However, at the given its high significance with regard to TDC for information or have confidence meeting Cllr Fisher was very circumspect landscape value, green belt, local history that they will consider the interests of and chose not to be candid with the Council. and biodiversity. Chaldon when making district-wide Instead we learnt of the inclusion of this planning decisions. For this reason CVC land through press releases a few days later. The land: will be submitting its own assessment of the - has designated areas of outstanding sites and will robustly defend our important We have now written to Cllr Fisher (the Natural Beauty (AONB); Green Belt and green spaces. letter can be found on the Council website) - includes tracts of ancient woodland with Inside this issue... great historical significance; Cllr Bob Milton

NEW GARDEN VILLAGE PROPOSAL GREAT BRITISH SPRING CLEAN ANNUAL VILLAGE MEETING SPRING WALKS CHANGES ON THE COUNCIL BROADBAND UPDATE Communication Welcome to the first Chaldon Matters Chaldon are undoubtedly major contributors Finally, CVC is asking for your help in of 2017 and my first as Editor. I’d like to to the character of the village, and the walks identifying Chaldon wildlife. In this edition, start by thanking Jacqui Mitchell, former are a great opportunity to celebrate them and you’ll find a flyer depicting more unusual Councillor, who has worked so hard to ensure their ongoing right of way. species that can be found in the village. develop this newsletter over the past few years. I am very pleased to be taking on such We’ve reached an important stage in the Please get in touch with Cllr Brand on the a worthwhile job. Also, a huge thank you to Neighbourhood Plan process, with TDC email address on the flyer if you spot any all our distributors in the village, who, come reviewing the policies. Cllr Milton has of them. rain or shine, will make sure everyone gets worked tirelessly on behalf of the village their copy. We couldn’t do it without you! to reach this point and we are enormously I hope you find this issue of Chaldon grateful to him. Matters informative, and I would welcome It’s great to see the days lengthening and your feedback and/or input to inform future spring arriving in Chaldon. We’re looking For anyone who would like to receive an content. forward to seeing Chaldon residents come electronic version of Chaldon Matters, and out in record numbers for the Spring walks also minutes from CVC’s meetings, you can Cllr Rebecca Gower in May, particularly for me, the children’s sign up on the Council’s website at http:// walk, which I’ll be leading. The footpaths in chaldonvillagecouncil.org.uk/

Let’s Celebrate Chaldon! Village Meeting to be held on 27th April. support from village residents through the Please try to come and get involved in a Chaldon Working Group. For the past months, we seem to be involved project that is of vital importance to the in a perpetual battle to protect our village village and will be very enjoyable and Cllr Bob Milton from unsustainable development. First, we rewarding to be a part of. We cannot do it had National Golf Course and Roffes without you! Lane as possible sites and now we have the All Change on the Council huge tract of land that covers Tollsworth, Alderstead Heath and Chaldon Court Farm. Your Council continues to challenge these Goodbye to Jacqui... new sites and, through high quality site assessments, has been able to demonstrate their unsuitability for development. We will continue to do so through the Local Plan and the Neighbourhood Plan. The recent activity by the Chaldon Working Group to identify and assess sites for possible Local Green Space designation is an example of how we can be highly proactive and take the initiative away from TDC planners.

Your Council wants to continue with this proactivity by producing a Village Design Statement (VDS) that will celebrate all that is good about Chaldon and provide a very clear guide to TDC and developers It is after 4 thoroughly enjoyable years that as to the type, location and character of all I look forward to seeing you there, but if you the Council has to bid farewell to Jacqui future development in Chaldon. We have an have any questions in the meantime please Mitchell. Jacqui has been an exceptional opportunity to do this now, with possible contact me. asset to the Council for the whole time she funding through the Neighbourhood Plan has been a member. It would be impossible for specialist guidance. But we need the help Cllr Bob Milton to enumerate all of Jacqui’s successes on the of Chaldon to produce the VDS. Village Council within this short article. The Chaldon Working Group demonstrated Neighbourhood Plan Update However, in this copy of Chaldon Matters what can be achieved if we come together it would be remiss of me not to draw as a village and I am once again calling on The Neighbourhood Plan has reached everyone’s attention to the fact that without all Chaldon residents to consider giving a crucial stage with the TDC Planning Jacqui Chaldon Matters would not exist as up some spare time to help us produce department reviewing all policies. As I the quality, informative newsletter that it the best VDS we can. We want to tap into write this article, the CR3 Forum is engaged is today. Jacqui has for many years had the your skills and knowledge and this doesn’t in discussions with TDC to agree the final thankless task of chasing Councillors for mean necessarily attending long meetings. wording of the policies. articles, collating and “tweaking” articles to We will produce the VDS through a series ensure brevity where so many of us prefer of events that will help us identify and A key component of the Neighbourhood to be verbose. She has designed what has celebrate everything that is good about Plan is the defining of character areas and become a publication that the Council can Chaldon; its people, its history, its buildings the development of design statements. This be proud of. This baton has been passed and its environment. The VDS will also help is one reason why CVC wishes to continue to Rebecca Gower who, I have no doubt, us to understand what we need to improve with its plan to write a Village Design will continue to maintain and improve the the village and help us to develop a clear Statement for Chaldon. We are currently quality of Chaldon Matters as well as the plan to protect and enhance quality of life in working with the CR3 Forum to identify rest of the communications brief. our beautiful village. possible funding for expert advice. The production of a Village Design Statement The VDS will be launched at the Annual is a major undertaking and CVC will need Welcome to Keith knowing her I am optimistic that she will – for example, the vast majority of Street continue to be active within the community Lights are currently dimmed by up to 50% and remain a great asset to the residents of power from 2200 – 0530 hours each night. Chaldon.

Chaldon by night

Following a consultation last year, the Council has announced that that some street The Council has been fortunate enough lights in Surrey will be turned off for part to have a second new Councillor recently, of the night. Turning off 44,000 street lights Keith Robbins. Keith has been active in residential areas would save the Council in Chaldon for a number of years and is approximately £210,000 annually and currently Chairman of the Six Brother’s reduce its carbon footprint. Field Committee. This injection of fresh blood and enthusiasm will only serve to A number of roads in Chaldon already are reinvigorate the Council for the task ahead, unlit, but from March 2017, most of the and both Rebecca and Keith will no doubt Christine (left) and Helen (right) village will see lights turned off between be invaluable assets to the Council. midnight and 5am. Rook Lane and Chaldon Welcome to Helen Broughton Road will remain lit to keep traffic flowing. Cllr James Richardson If anyone feels a particular road doesn’t meet as Clerk the criteria for having the lights switched off, they can contact Surrey CC – contact Goodbye and thank you to Helen will work with Christine to ensure an details on Chaldon Village Council website. effective handover, before taking on the full the Clerk role as Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer Cllr Rebecca Gower on 1 April. There will be a profile of Helen As those who regularly attend Chaldon in the next issue of Chaldon Matters. Village Council meetings will be able to Walk the testify, the role of Clerk is not an easy one. Christine said “I wish Helen every success. It is the Clerk’s job to facilitate the business Helen will bring her extensive experience of from the comfort of your and projects of the Council whilst also being a Clerk, and I’m sure will enjoy the armchair ensuring that the Council stays firmly inside involvement with the Chaldon community the law. What even the regular attendees of as much as I have. On a personal note, I The North Downs Way is the first of 15 the Council’s meeting may not realise is the would like to thank the many people in national trails to be made available on amount of hard work by the Clerk outside and beyond Chaldon who have helped and Google Street View. The inspirational 156 the meetings to ensure the Council can worked with me and contributed their own mile route, running from Farnham to Dover, function. Christine Lawless has been the time and energy to the Chaldon project. I’ll can now be viewed in its entirety online. Clerk to Chaldon Village Council for the last still be out there litter-picking and, no doubt, 5 years, having previously worked as Clerk reporting potholes!” for Whyteleafe Village Council. Whether it be meeting with contractors to ensure Cllr James Richardson localism works have been undertaken or facilitating the Village Picnic, Christine has been the invisible hand which has allowed Surrey, a leading light in the Councillors to undertake so much good work. saving energy

Christine has now decided that it is time to Surrey County Council’s street lights give up her role as Clerk and take retirement. consume nearly 25 million kilowatt hours I would like to take this opportunity to thank of electricity and generate around 12,500 Christine for all her hard work on behalf tonnes of CO2 each year, which currently of Chaldon. The Clerk is particularly vital costs the Council £3 million per annum. View to the south from the North Downs to the Chairman and I would like to thank Way in Chaldon Christine for making my year as Chairman Increasing energy costs and the significant so manageable, it has been a pleasure to environmental impact of street lighting Trail rangers and volunteers have covered work with her. places a responsibility on the Council to every mile of the North Down’s Way with ensure it is using its infrastructure efficiently the futuristic Google Trekker camera, an off- Christine’s will certainly be big shoes to fill and cost effectively. This includes ensuring road version of the Street View equipment. and her presence sorely missed. However, the lights are on full power when needed, Mapping is a slow process, because the but that lighting is adapted as appropriate Google Trekker camera can be used only Missing…not! dodging downpours, but undeterred and in dry weather and bright daylight, but the fired up with the challenge, we hunted for team will eventually map the entire 2,500 more. miles of the 15 national trails of England and Wales.

Visit http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/north- downs-way/google-trekker to view the trail.

Cllr Rebecca Gower

Caterham Rotary “shock” announcement!

Last seen lurking in hedges and beside roads and footpaths

After seeing an article on Facebook about the Great British Spring Clean weekend, I thought I would see if I could clean up our beautiful Chaldon. Firstly, asking for help on the Facebook page Chaldon Community Group and getting some great responses. Cleaning up the village

Messages that helpers had completed areas increased our desire to leave no hedge unplucked and so we trudged on, filling bags and walking our poor worn out dog. Thanks to a great team of helpers it was evident we had conquered the eyesore of litter and started the spring off in shipshape fashion.

We have some wonderful litter wardens who each diligently clear up and keep their patches of Chaldon tidy year round. Rotary Club, with support from I am very thankful to them and everyone The Community Fund for Surrey, has who helped this weekend. Chaldon was funded the purchase and installation of an thoroughly spring-cleaned Automated Exterior Defibrillators (AED). In case you’ve not spotted it, it is housed Mandy Clayton in a yellow cabinet on the external wall of Chaldon Village Hall.

The defibrillator is for use by the public Chaldon Village Picnic on victims of sudden cardiac arrest Youngster helping Chaldon looks its best (heart attacks). Sudden cardiac arrest is a Liz Bonsall helpfully suggested getting leading cause of premature death, but with our litter wardens involved and so with immediate treatment many lives can be Christine’s help, we had a little army of saved. pickers, bags, and a central point to take the collected bags. The equipment is easy to use, compact, portable and very effective. It is designed to I started on Friday around St Peter and St be used by lay people; the machine guides Paul school accompanied by an excited 6 the operator through the process by verbal year old. We cleared the paths and footpaths instructions and visual prompts. They are and began to build a pile of rubbish, even safe and will not allow a shock to be given dragging an old abandoned dining chair into unless the heart’s rhythm requires it. You it. can’t hurt anyone and you might save a life. The Picnic this year will take place on Sunday 25th June at Six Brothers’ Field. The recent mini hurricane and newly In the event of an emergency requiring an Cllr. Keith Robbins is planning the event trimmed hedges revealed some hidden and he will be in contact with all the relevant AED, a person making a 999 call will be treasure. Resident Jon Paine kindly offered directed to the nearest AED site. groups over the next month. We want the to pick up and transport bags to our drop off Picnic to be a fun day with lots of delicious point of the Village Car Park, and over the food, good music and games. We are For more information, Contact: Richard weekend and in between showers the litter York, Caterham Rotary, 01883 342001 considering having a theme for the day so disappeared and our pile grew. any suggestions are most welcome. Please contact Cllr Robbins with any ideas (contact Sunday afternoon proved to be a game of details below and on CVC website) Chaldon village cricket interested in its aims are welcome to attend meetings and visits. If you fancy a fun game of cricket on a Sunday afternoon this summer then Chaldon CMO Cricket Club has the answer.

The Club has been playing cricket at Six Brothers Field off Hilltop Lane since the 1920’s, and plays friendly fixtures on Sundays from May to early September against local teams such as Outwood and Sanderstead. Our talks have covered a variety of Studying the outside of Glebe House topics: pre-historic times, 1366 and all Chaldon CMO offers a warm welcome to That, Chaldon Church and the American anyone aged 18 or over (there is no upper Connection, Picture Postcard Chaldon, age limit) who would like a game. Please Chaldon Mead, Fryern and the Golf Course email John Reeve, the Club’s Honorary lands, and Martin Harman, Lord of Lundy. Secretary for further details: johnrreeve@ yahoo.co.uk

Chaldon’s spring walks

Would you like to learn more about In the garden of Cold Blow Chaldon’s history or wildlife, or enjoy a For more information and/or to be added family-themed walk where children can to the email list please contact Liz on take part in a fun scavenger hunt? [email protected] or 01883 340508 or Madeline on Madeline.hutchins@icloud. com or 01883 345011 Chaldon History Group: sharing the story of our village: www.chaldonhistory.org.uk

Liz Bonsall

Broadband update

Behind the scenes at Surrey History Centre Work continues in looking to improve both Archives, Woking Broadband speeds and Mobile Telephone signal in the village. Currently the Mobile companies are concentrating their We have had two recent visits to Caterham investments on spreading 4G infrastructure & District Local History Centre and one in densely populated areas, and do not behind the scenes at Surrey History Centre, appear interested in supporting rural or Woking. “problem” areas such as Chaldon. Most One of Chaldon’s many footpaths passes mobile phone companies now offer a WIFI through Willey Broom Wood Calling App, which provides phone signal over the internet where WIFI is available, Chaldon’s Spring Walks will take place and may, to a small extent, plug a gap. I on Sunday May 14th. Local historian Liz would encourage you to all investigate this Bonsall will lead a walk exploring the if you cannot get Mobile reception at home. fascinating history of the St Lawrence’s Burial Ground, while ecologist Cllr Brand I am currently looking at the feasibility of will be tracking wild mammals and birds in installing a broadband system directly, and Chaldon’s quieter corners. And Cllr Gower will, over the coming months be contacting will lead a children’s walk, giving younger parts of the village where speeds are adventurers the chance to explore (all particularly slow to see what interest there children must be accompanied by an adult). Artefacts from Chaldon (held at East would be in take up of this. This project is The walks are free and usually take about Surrey Museum) in its infancy, but I hope that, if it proves two hours. They will start and end at the viable, we may eventually be able to offer Our summer walks, to Glebe House in 2015 Village Hall. Meet there at 2:30 pm to join village wide WIFI access, through which and Cold Blow in 2016, have been based on us! one would be able to operate ones Mobile the 1975 “Chaldon Explored”, a European phone, thus killing two birds with one stone. Architectural Heritage book exploring features, inside and out, of important Superfast Surrey are in the final stages Chaldon History Group buildings in Chaldon. of implementing a program that should see high speed internet access across the Chaldon History Group was launched Summer events 2017 will include a visit to county. It would appear that the “Gainshare in August 2015 to develop and share the medieval underground stone quarries on Deployment” phase will benefit many knowledge and understanding of Chaldon’s the edge of Chaldon and a walk exploring parts of the village where speeds are history. There is no membership; all those the architectural heritage of Chaldon. currently very slow. For example, at least parts of Hilltop Lane are scheduled for social events including skittles evenings and Village boundary signs Phase 1, which should see deployment quiz nights. by the end of September 2018. Please see Approximately three years ago, the Council, http://superfastsurrey.org.uk/gainshare- when having to purchase a new village sign deployment/ for more information. to replace one that had been stolen, also agreed to tackle confusion over the Chaldon boundary with Caterham on the Hill by relocating the Rook Lane sign to the Green Lane junction and making some changes in If you are interested in joining us, please Stanstead Road. At the time we met up with contact the choir’s Hon. Secretary, Gill our Caterham on the Hill neighbours, who English (Email: [email protected]) or visit were also looking to mark their boundary www.escs.org.uk/ for more information. more accurately and were considering commissioning distinctive new signs. Locals Enhance Burial Another scheme which is currently available Ground is the Better Broadband Subsidy Scheme, which can offer subsidies of up to £350 The Old St Lawrence’s Burial Ground, off towards faster connection: Green Lane, is looking better and better; the rose bed has just received its Spring mulch About the scheme: (many thanks to Nick Dance for providing The UK government is committed to that) and over the winter some tree providing every home and business across maintenance was completed in line with our the country with access to a basic broadband arboriculturalist’s recommendations. A service. committed group of local volunteers led by If you can’t get a broadband speed of at Liz Bonsall continues to work hard to least 2Mb per second, you could qualify for improve and maintain this village council- These things are more complicated than a subsidised connection worth up to £350 to owned site, ably assisted by Sarah Clifford one might think. After much liaison with boost your internet speed. and her team of Downlands volunteers. Surrey Highways, the Chaldon signs were The scheme is delivered in partnership with relocated to our satisfaction and a redundant Local Broadband Projects across England, Caterham sign on Stanstead Road was Scotland and Northern Ireland removed completely- it was nowhere near any boundary and had visitors scratching Find out if you’re eligible: their heads as they went from Chaldon to Caterham and back to Chaldon within a - Visit www.basicbroadbandchecker.culture mile or two. Now, Caterham’s new signs gov.uk to find out if you are eligible for a are finally in place; you can see the signs subsidy each side of Green Lane, which marks the - Fill out a simple application form true boundary between the parishes. We just - If you qualify you will be emailed a unique need to see the removal by Surrey Highways code of the old sign on Rook Lane to the west of - Use the code with selected service providers Soon to be blooming – the newly mulched the Roffes Lane junction and we will have to get a subsidised broadband service rose bed reclaimed Chaldon’s territorial rights! Cllr Graeme Jones Former CVC Clerk Christine Lawless

Do you love to sing? Conservation work made possible by Surrey Hills Trust Fund grant

The New Year has got off to a great start East Surrey Choral Society (ESCS) is a local with important conservation work now friendly, amateur choir striving to achieve complete at Quarry Hangers, a Site of professional standards. We are supported Special Scientific interest (SSSI) in the east by a fantastic conductor and accompanist, of the Surrey Hills at Chaldon. and by soloists from the Guildhall School of A comfortable perch for our owl Extensive targeted scrub clearance was music and dance at our concerts, of which Unfortunately, the vandalised carved carried out to improve the landscape and there are three per year. wooden bench continues to deteriorate, restore the rare and precious chalk grassland, however, a new location has been found typical of the North Downs. No previous choral or musical experience is to “plant” our owl (see photo). Vandalism necessary and there is no audition to become and litter are increasing issues during the Common species that are typical of chalk an ESCS member. Our present membership warmer months, but the Council does grassland and can be spotted at Quarry numbers around 90, but we are keen to add monitor the site and discusses issues with Hangers SSSI include bird’s-foot trefoil, voices in all sections. New members are the local Police and the Golf club. If you common spotted orchid, wild marjoram, ALWAYS welcome! We meet on Tuesdays note any incidents, without putting yourself salad burnet and wild strawberry. Butterflies from 7:30 to 10:00 PM at Centenary Hall, at risk, do please report them. Sacred Heart Church, Caterham CR3 5PA, such as the common blue, orange tip and and there is also a lively programme of Former CVC Clerk Christine Lawless dingy skipper can also be seen here. Quarry Council Contact details

Clerk to the Council

Helen Broughton 65 Court Road Caterham CR3 5RH 01883 382151 [email protected]

Councillors

View of the much improved Quarry Hangers Adele Brand Lead Councillor for Environment Hangers SSSI also supports a good number the Community Foundation for Surrey 49 Rook Lane of bird species; listen out for the distinctive comments; “Through generous giving by CR3 5AQ song of the skylark. local people, we are able to support another 01883 349639 wonderful project that will help preserve [email protected] Active management is essential to and enhance the stunning landscape. We maintaining chalk grassland; Quarry are delighted to continue our work in Hangers SSSI is managed by the Downlands partnership with the Surrey Hills AONB to Rebecca Gower Partnership on behalf of the landowner, encourage local philanthropic giving and Lead Councillor for Communication through practical conservation work and help communities from across the county 56 Hilltop Lane grazing with goats. to access and enjoy the Surrey Hills for CR3 5BG generations to come.” 01737 646275 The targeted area cleared through the [email protected] grant funding is on a very steep gradient, unsuitable for working with volunteers, Graeme Jones and desperately needed intensive clearance Lead Councillor for Utilities to give the fragile beautiful landscape a 21 Rook Lane fighting chance. Specialist countryside CR3 5AN contractors South East Tree Surgeons 01883 342683 were commissioned by the Downlands [email protected] Partnership to carry out the work and the landscape has been successfully opened so Bob Milton the flora and fauna can thrive. Lead Councillor for Community & Strategic Planning Debbie Hescott, Surrey Countryside 6 Badgers Wood Partnerships Business Development Officer CR3 5PX comments “being able to further restore this 01883 371714 beautiful chalk grassland gem thanks to [email protected] this essential funding has been an excellent result.”. from left; Debbie Hescott, Surrey Julian Palmer Chairman of Tandridge District Council, Countryside Partnerships Business Lead Councillor for Highways Councillor Pat Cannon who visited the Development Officer, Caroline Price, Woodcote, 2 Doctors Lane site comments; “I’m delighted to see this Surrey Hills Marketing Communications CR3 5AE conservation work happen in Tandridge. Officer, Councillor Lindsay Dunbar, 01883 349690 Chaldon is within the Surrey Hills Area of Wendy Varcoe, Executive Director of the [email protected] Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Community Foundation for Surrey. it’s vital that we protect the very precious James Richardson chalk grassland at Quarry Hangers. It’s great To donate to the Surrey Hills Trust Fund, Chair & Lead Councillor for Finance and to support this valuable work”. apply for a grant or for further information Planning visit http://cfsurrey.org.uk/fund/surrey-hills- 3 Hilltop Lane All this has been made possible by a grant trust-fund/ CR3 5BJ from the Surrey Hills Trust Fund, a fund 01737 642608 within the Community Foundation for Surrey For more information about the Community [email protected] which helps to conserve and maintain the Foundation for Surrey visit www.cfsurrey. fragile environment of the Surrey Hills by org.uk, about the Surrey Hills Area of awarding grants to support a wide-range of Outstanding Natural Beauty visit www. Keith Robbins local projects from landscape conservation surreyhills.org, and the Downlands 11 Hilltop Lane to community enterprise schemes. A match Partnership at www.surreycc.gov.uk/ Chaldon funding contribution was also made by the surreycountrysidepartnerships. CR3 5BJ Downlands Trust, the registered charity 01737 644449 partner of the Downlands Partnership. Abridged article by Caroline Price, [email protected] Surrey Hills AONB Board Marketing Wendy Varcoe, Executive Director of Communications Officer Plans to transform Caterham and Oxted

Tandridge District Council has released information about plans to transform Caterham and Oxted town centres.

The Caterham Masterplan, in which the Council has invested over £150,000, aims to significantly improve the town’s appearance and its retail and leisure offer, encouraging new businesses, boosting the economy and creating more local employment opportunities. Opportunities identified include:

- Redesign of the Church Walk Mall a programme of strategically important capacity which could provide in the region shopping centre. projects: of 40% more spaces. To help provide, - Improvement of the Waitrose and manage and enforce parking, the Council Quadrant House area. The Oxted Gasholder plans to introduce charges for car park use - Development of a complementary Following talks with the owners of the at a level appropriate to the area and taking strategy for Caterham Valley and site, Scotia Gas Networks and National into account comparable charges elsewhere. Caterham on the Hill so both benefit from Grid Property, the Council has reached new opportunities and jointly create a an agreement to bring the site forward for Business Hub strong heart to Caterham. development. St William has indicated Feedback from small and micro businesses - Diversification of the retail offer and they intend to submit a formal planning has highlighted the difficulties of finding encouraging a lively cafe culture and application later this year. affordable, flexible office space, forcing evening economy. businesses out of the area or restricting their - Improved public areas and street ability to grow. To address this, the Council environment. will look at opportunities for business start- - Enhanced Raglan Shopping Centre, up and office space in the town centre. This Townend Car Park and the High Street. will improve employment opportunities and help grow and retain businesses. Extensive assessments have been carried out including parking surveys, transport and property analysis and the new masterplan also builds on earlier public consultation work, including the Town Centre Design Statement and CR3 Neighbourhood Plan.

The masterplan team will work closely with the newly created Caterham Business Improvement District, which has already committed to deliver £500,000 of Station Road East and West Urban Redesign improvements over the next five years. Project Tandridge council is supporting the Oxted Full details of the Caterham Masterplan will Business Improvement District (BID) in be shared online shortly and at a series of an ambitious Urban Redesign Project. Last exhibition events. year the BID commissioned urban designers Greer Pritchard, to create conceptual The Council is also continuing to try to buy proposals for a market square, improved the derelict Rose & Young site through a town centre layout, better access, more Compulsory Purchase Order. On 25 April greenery, more seating and more attractive a government inspector will begin a public paving and surfacing. With LEP funding inquiry to decide if the Council can buy the secured, feasibility work will now begin. site. Additional parking Alongside the development of Caterham, The Oxted parking review identified a Tandridge District Council is planning lack of capacity at peak times and a need an ambitious multi-million pound project for better enforcement. The Council will to revitalise Oxted town centre through develop detailed options for additional What’s happening in and around Chaldon 11th April - Council Meeting, St Peter & 9th May - Annual Meeting of the Council, 3rd June - BIG Chaldon Village Brunch - St Paul School Hall. 7.30pm St Peter & St Paul School Hall. 7.30pm St Peter & St Paul School - 10 - 1 27th April -Annual village meeting, 14th May - Spring Walks. Meet at the 25th June - Chaldon Village Picnic. Six Chaldon Village Hall. 7.30pm Village Hall, 2.30pm Brothers Field 6th May - Nearly New Sale - St Peter & St 20th May - Spring Fete - 1-4pm - St Peter Paul School Hall - 11am - 1pm & St Paul