Mole Valley Rural Community Strategy 2017- 2027

1 Mole Valley is criss-crossed with footpaths including the Greensand Way and the the North Downs Trail

Councillor Corinna Osborne-Patterson FOREWORD Capel, Leigh and Newdigate Executive Member for Communities, The countryside makes up over 90% of the District’s 258km2 Having a rural community strategy will not be a ‘silver bullet’ Services and Housing area, with over 26% of Mole Valley residents living in areas to solve all these issues, many of which are not the direct classified as rural. As a District Councillor for Capel, Leigh responsibility of the District Council. However, as a District and Newdigate, championing rural issues has always been Council we have influence with our partners such as the Parish at the core of my work. When I joined the Council’s Councils, County Council, the Health and Education authorities Executive, it gave me an opportunity to raise the profile of and Emergency Services, where we can, as elected Members, our rural areas. make a compelling case for our rural communities. It is From a business perspective there are nearly 9,000 essential that the rural voice is heard and for rural needs to businesses based in rural Surrey, with their number growing be reflected in all future policy, delivery and funding decisions. by 12% since 2010. The Coast to Capital Local Enterprise In order to deliver our vision for rural Mole Valley, collaboration Partnership has recently estimated that the rural economy and partnership working with stakeholders, local partnerships accounts for 27% of the region’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and rural communities will be essential. We need to build on and has 22% of the region’s businesses based within it. opportunities and address the challenges. Only by working These statistics hide a number of issues: lack of affordable together can we ensure wellbeing, economic prosperity, a rural housing, loss of rural services both public and private, healthy environment and vibrant rural communities. such as bus services, access to health and education and the closure of village pubs and shops. The lack of investment This Mole Valley Rural Community Strategy is the first step in in rural infrastructure such as superfast broadband is an recognising the issues and challenges facing those who live, increasingly important issue, as is our ageing population work and visit our rural areas, identifying possible solutions whose rural location can lead to isolation and health issues. and prioritising them for future action. Figure One: Schematic of the Mole Valley district with key facts MOLE VALLEY AREA 258Km2 100% COAST TO 10% AREA URBAN CAPITAL ASHTEAD RURAL 90% ECONOMY 90% AREA RURAL 27% FETCHAM LEATHERHEAD OF REGION’S GVA BOOKHAM HEADLEY 80%

MICKLEHAM

BOX HILL 70% Bee Orchid, one of the 50 or so species of orchid found in Britain, nearly half have WESTHUMBLE been recorded in Mole Valley BUCKLAND 22% OF REGION’S BUSINESSES BETCHWORTH 60% ARE BASED IN WESTCOTT BROCKHAM I should like to thank Cllr Sarah Seed for helping and DORKING RURAL AREAS STROOD assisting me to drive the development of this Mole Valley WOTTON GREEN Source: ABINGER , together with Matthews NORTH LEIGH 50% Rural Community Strategy Coast to Capital LEP, HAMMER HOLMWOOD Associates who have been fundamental in guiding the Rural Statement 2016 ABINGER MID process. I should also like to thank all the rural partners and COMMON HOLMWOOD stakeholders who took part in the consultation process and SOUTH COLDHARBOUR HOLMWOOD 40% helped to shape the strategic priorities and actions and for the MVDC officers for their support and commitment in this BEARE important area of work. GREEN HOOKWOOD 30% NEWDIGATE CHARLWOOD

July 2017 FOREST GREEN CAPEL 26% RURAL OCKLEY 20% POPULATION WALLISWOOD

OKEWOOD HILL 10%

0%

3 CONTENTS

Mole Valley is crossed by the North Downs Way and the Greensand Way

Foreword

1 Overview...... p5

2 Introduction...... p8

3 Rural Mole Valley “SWOT Analysis”...... p12

4 Issues and Challenges Facing Rural Mole Valley...... p14

5 Mole Valley Rural Community Strategic Vision and Aims...... p22

6 Strategic Priorities and Actions ...... p24

7 Annual Rural Community Summit ...... p32

A Appendix A – Profile of Rural Mole Valley...... p34

Please Note that the document contains abbreviations and a glossary explaining what these mean is available on page 31 4 OVERVIEW 1

Children at Polesden Lacey

Foreword In developing the Mole Valley Rural Community Strategy for Mole Valley (‘the MVRCS’) Mole Valley District Council aims to unite organisations and individuals with rural interests around a common vision:

1 ...... Overview p5 “to support thriving, inclusive and sustainable rural areas which enhance the prospects for Mole Valley’s rural communities and businesses and preserve the value of the District’s natural assets for future generations” 2 Introduction...... p8 The MVRCS recognises and takes account of The MVRCS has been structured around the following strategic aims: 3 Rural Mole Valley “SWOT Analysis”...... p12 the following: • The statutory role of Mole Valley District RURAL ECONOMY To grow a prosperous, sustainable and viable rural economy, whether for land-based sectors, 4 Issues and Challenges Facing Rural Mole Valley...... p14 Council (MVDC) businesses that are located within rural Mole Valley or those that trade with rural Mole Valley, • Mole Valley District Council’s corporate recognising the goods and services they provide to residents, visitors and other business and 5 Mole Valley Rural Community Strategic Vision and Aims...... p22 priorities; namely environment, prosperity their place in the wider economic supply chain. and community wellbeing 6 Strategic Priorities and Actions ...... p24 RURAL COMMUNITIES • The ongoing work being done to support To maintain and strengthen thriving, inclusive, sustainable and resilient rural communities, residents and businesses in rural Mole Valley especially in terms of access to local public and commercial services, local transport provision, 7 ...... Annual Rural Community Summit p32 • A need to ‘join-up-the-dots’ between the affordable housing, wellbeing and community safety, broadband and mobile connectivity. existing policies, strategies and activities in rural Mole Valley RURAL ENVIRONMENT To safeguard, protect and enhance Mole Valley’s rural environment, yet have appropriate and A Appendix A – Profile of Rural Mole Valley...... p34 • The need for ‘rural proofing’ – to ensure robust policies in place to allow sustainable economic prosperity. To allow residents and the rural voice is heard in all strategic businesses in rural areas to thrive and prosper and for visitors to enjoy the countryside and decision making villages while recognising the importance of the area’s protected rural landscape. • The importance of involving all rural stakeholders (both locally and regionally) The MVRCS contains a series of strategic priorities and actions to deliver the strategy’s vision and aims. An Annual Rural Community Summit (ARCS) will be held to review what has been done and plan for the following year. 5 Figure Two: Mole Valley WHAT DOES RURAL MOLE VALLEY1 LOOK LIKE? Landscape

It is estimated that there were 22,000 people living in rural Mole Valley in 2011: 26% of the district's population 90% countryside 608 Age Group 90+ 85-89 582 80-84 75-79 Older Children 70-74 people 18% 65-69 60-64 21% 55-59 50-54 45-49 36% 40-44 Surrey 35-39 Working age Births Deaths Hills Area 30-34 61% of Outstanding 25-29 Natural Beauty 20-24 15-19 50% 50% 10-14 5-9 0-4 1200 800 400 0 400 800 1200 In most years, more people die than are born. In the 3 years, 2011-2013 this decreased the population by 26 9% Site of Special Households in Scientific rural Mole Valley Interest are more likely to have 2 cars, and less likely to have no cars 49% 12% 57% 7% 30% Woodland All Mole Valley Rural Mole Valley

1 Defined by the 2011 Rural Urban classification of output areas, except for the enterprise data and births and deaths data which are based on the MSOA classification

Source: Office for National Statistics 6 All Mole Valley Rural Mole Valley Rural Mole Valley All Mole Valley There are 11 schools in rural Mole Valley Who is Who is Economically Economically Active? 16,000 Inactive? Independent: 4 72% Working Age 28% Residents 1 secondary 54% Employed 50% 59% Retired 57% Full Time 1 preparatory 1 preparatory/secondary 1 special

72% of the Looking after 19% Employed 19% 15% 16% State-funded = 11 working age population Home or Part Time Family Primary: 7 in rural Mole Valley is 20% Self Employed 29% 13% Students 14% 2 4 infant Full Time Economically Active 7% Long Term Sick 8% 3% Student 3% or Disabled 3 all through 3% Unemployed 3% 6% Other 5% primary

34% 64% 9% 4% 1% 1% 21% of adults hold work at a qualification How rural Mole Valley residents travel to work3 or from at Level 4 or home above4

2% Stat 6 e-f un d Rural Mole Valley e 17% d residents are more There are 29% of 1,465 p r

i

than twice as likely 2,051 Pupils m

Mole Valley +10% a

to be employed as 3 in Mole Valleys r

businesses are 8 y a manager, director 7% % in rural areas The number of rural schools or senior official than active enterprises In in an elementary d grew by 10% between ep occupation Managing Directors Elementary en & Senior Officials Occupations 2010 and 2015 dents

2 People aged 16-74 who were working or looking for work in the week before Census 3 Includes passengers 4 Includes Degree, Higher Degree, NVQ Level 4-5, HNC, HND and Professional Qualifications

Sources: Office for National Statistics and Department for Education 7 2

The slopes of Box Hill © John Miller INTRODUCTION

2.1 Who is the Mole Valley Rural Community of the many agencies and organisations involved. Strategy aimed at? The overall aim is to make strategic choices and identify This strategy is aimed at anyone interested in the priorities from an informed, sound and evolving wellbeing of rural Mole Valley. This includes decision evidence base to solve as many of the concerns as is makers of national organisations from the public, private practically possible and realistically achievable. This or voluntary sectors, policy makers within national and strategy (and current and subsequent actions plans) local government, businesses including farmers and will assist in that process. Most of all, it is important landowners, community groups, wider stakeholders or to ensure that the rural community, economy and individuals. The strategy is intended to be a flexible environment are at the top of the agenda of all of the resource that enables people and groups to get involved. key decision makers that affect our district from 2.2 What is the purpose of the Mole Valley Rural whatever organisation. Bringing people and resources Community Strategy? together to solve problems and co-ordinate actions The purpose is to highlight both the strength of our rural makes sense and this strategy is the start of an communities and the concerns raised by those living ongoing process. This strategy will ensure that the and working in those communities so as to help co- development of MVDC’s policies and programmes ordinate and focus, even more effectively, the energy are “rural proofed”1.

1 Rural proofing is the process by which all major policies and strategies are assessed to determine whether they have a differential impact on rural areas and, where appropriate, adjustments are made to take account of particular rural circumstances. The Government has formally adopted a process of “rural proofing”. It has been recommended that Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) consider adopting similar ‘rural proofing’ core principles in all of its plan and policy making: • Identifying the rural impacts of MVDC’s policy responsibilities • Gathering and utilising evidence on rural opportunities and need in MVDC’s policy-making • Engaging with rural communities, businesses and other interests in MVDC’s policy-making and • Ensuring that rural needs and interests were fully reflected in MVDC’s policies and programmes 8 2.3 Why is the Mole Valley Rural Community Figure Three: Schematic showing Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Strategy so important? and Green Belt in the Mole Valley district 2 Mole Valley is predominantly a rural district with countryside accounting for around 90% of its 258Km2. Area of Outstanding Natural The ongoing success and preservation of Mole Valley’s Beauty (AONB) ASHTEAD rural communities, economy and landscape is of Green Belt paramount importance to the people and businesses that call it home, to the visitors that spend time enjoying Urban Areas the area, and to the various organisations, which seek FETCHAM LEATHERHEAD to protect and enhance Mole Valley’s rural assets. Larger Rural Villages BOOKHAM HEADLEY Mole Valley’s natural environment is an enormously Countryside beyond the important asset. The District boasts sites of national and MICKLEHAM Green Belt international significance in terms of biodiversity, culture, heritage and landscape. 36% of the District lies within WESTHUMBLE BOX HILL the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty BUCKLAND (AONB). Mole Valley’s natural assets are also held in high regard by leisure visitors (predominantly day visitors) who BETCHWORTH are attracted by the countryside and opportunities for WESTCOTT BROCKHAM leisure pursuits such as walking and cycling. DORKING STROOD WOTTON Economic activity in rural Mole Valley is diverse and GREEN ABINGER NORTH LEIGH dynamic, ranging from traditional rural industries and HAMMER HOLMWOOD a growing visitor economy through to manufacturing, ABINGER MID technology, the service sector, creative and knowledge COMMON HOLMWOOD based businesses. As in other rural areas in the UK, SOUTH COLDHARBOUR HOLMWOOD there is a growing level of homeworking and home based businesses, often involving higher skilled, higher BEARE wage roles. GREEN HOOKWOOD Mole Valley’s rural towns and villages provide good NEWDIGATE CHARLWOOD housing options, access to quality state and private schooling options, excellent quality of life, and good FOREST GREEN access to the wider South East and internationally CAPEL OCKLEY (Gatwick and Heathrow airports being within easy WALLISWOOD reach). For this reason, rural Mole Valley is attractive to people moving into the area from neighbouring towns and from London. OKEWOOD HILL Like many rural areas, Mole Valley is experiencing significant challenges associated with population growth, an ageing population, the need for more (and 9 affordable) housing, pressures on transport and other businesses), these will inform and shape the policies of key infrastructure. Furthermore, a changing economic the new Local Plan and help to ensure that it responds 2 environment, changes to the rural way of life and to the needs of Mole Valley’s rural communities. traditional industries, and pressures on funding to For the purpose of establishing the wider context for the support public and community facilities and services all MVRCS, a number of county, regional and national policies serve to create both challenges and opportunities. and strategies have also been examined. These include: There is a difficult balance to be struck between supporting rural growth and cherishing and conserving • A Rural Statement for Surrey: Collaboration for the key assets of the natural environment and heritage rural communities, economy and environment of Mole Valley. There is also a fundamental need to (The Surrey Countryside and Rural Enterprise ensure that, as far as possible, everyone benefits from Forum (SCREF), 2016) the success of Mole Valley’s rural areas. • Coast to Capital Rural Statement (The Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), 2016) More details about the Mole Valley rural area is contained in Appendix A (starting on page 34). • Naturally Richer: A natural capital investment for Surrey (Surrey Nature Partnership, 2015) 2.4 Mole Valley’s rural policy context • Towards a one nation economy: A 10-point plan for Mole Valley’s Rural Community Strategy (MVRCS) boosting productivity in rural areas (DEFRA, 2015) cannot be taken in isolation. The MVRCS has been • The Rural Challenge (Rural Coalition, 2015) developed with reference to the wider context of local, regional and national policy and delivery frameworks. • Reimagining the rural: What’s missing in UK rural Specific reference has been made to priorities identified policy? (Centre for Rural Economy, 2014) within the Mole Valley Corporate Strategy 2015-19 and 2.5 What does the Mole Valley Rural Community to existing planning policies in The Core Strategy: 2009 Strategy consist of? and the Saved Policies Mole Valley Local Plan 2000. During the period 2016-2018, Mole Valley District The MVRCS consists of a suite of three documents: Council is preparing a new Local Plan (Future Mole • The main strategy document, which sets out the Valley) which will establish the spatial strategy for Mole vision, priorities and issues to be addressed and Valley to show where new development should be provides the overall strategic framework located and how much should be provided. It will set • The Action Plan(s)2 out proposals for development which balances residents’ needs with the protection of the Green Belt. • A one page summary document showing how the MVRCS fits into the Council’s overall corporate The new Local Plan will be informed by, and contribute towards the delivery of the priorities of the Council’s priorities. This approach has been taken so that the documents are easy to digest and readers can 36% of the District Corporate Strategy which were informed by the wishes of Mole Valley’s residents and communities. These choose to read as little or as much as they like; the lies within the specifically include working with rural communities and most critical documents being the main strategy Surrey Hills Area of businesses to help them address their challenges and document and action plans White Downs Outstanding Natural thrive. The MVRCS is part of that process. Where the

Beauty (AONB). MVRCS identifies issues relating to the way land is used 2 A new Action Plan will be produced each year for the term of the strategy, and developed (for example for housing or by rural starting in 2017/18 10 2

“ Most of all, it is important to ensure that the rural community, economy and environment are at the top of the agenda of all of the key decision makers that affect our district from whatever organisation.”

11 3 RURAL MOLE VALLEY “SWOT ANALYSIS” The evidence gathering and consultation process identified the following strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT).

Rural Strengths Rural Weaknesses • Comparatively prosperous rural community • Limited supply of affordable housing • High quality natural (yet managed) rural environment • Landscape designations restrict housing and commercial development • Protected landscape designations within the District (AONB, AGLV, Green Belt) • Poor rural availability of superfast broadband (>30Mbps) • High quality rural settlements • Poor mobile phone coverage for 2G voice and 3G and 4G data • High demand for rural housing and rural living • Lack of sufficient maintenance budget for rural road network • Close to key urban centres (Guildford, Horsham, Crawley) • Resilience of rural infrastructure to adverse weather conditions • Good access to the strategic road network, rail services and airports • Long-term viability of rural commercial services (pubs, shops, garages) • Adjacent to Greater London conurbation • Pressure on public service budgets delivering services to rural areas • Overall good access to commercial services (shops, pubs, petrol stations) • Reduction in public transport services to rural areas • Overall good access to public services (schools, doctors, council services) • Additional resources needed for emergency services to service rural areas

Rural Opportunities Rural Threats

• Review of rural housing provision within new Local Plan process • Depopulation by younger people unable to afford to live in rural areas • Review of alternative housing options such as community land trusts • Inability for older people to “downsize” within their own community • Affordable rural housing provision for local people in perpetuity • Loss of daytime social cohesion through absent commuter residents • Farm diversification schemes support rural enterprise and employment • House price inflation through lack of supply and continuing high demand • Maximum take-up of EU rural grant schemes before UK leaves EU • Rural isolation of older people without their own transport • Rural public buildings maximise their potential as community hubs • Pressure to convert viable commercial premises for residential use • Rural commercial services diversify to maximise their long-term viability • Uncertainty over loss of EU farming subsidy • Surrey’s wooded county status affords wood-based commercial opportunities • Inability of land based businesses to remain viable • Controlled and sustainable use of rural area for leisure and tourism • Local and national public services are not sufficiently ‘rural proofed’ • Increase in home-based working addresses daytime rural depopulation • Erosion of rural area through dilution of rural designation protection • Improved digital connectivity affords huge benefits to rural communities • Expansion of Gatwick Airport and flight paths over rural area

121 3

“ Depopulation by younger people unable to afford to live in rural areas is a possible threat for the future”

13 4 ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FACING RURAL MOLE VALLEY Rural Mole Valley is a highly desirable district in which people want to live, work, do business and spend their leisure time. While this presents numerous opportunities, it also presents significant challenges for its economy, people and environment. The following tables summarise the key issues identified through desk-based research and the most significant challenges as identified through the MVRCS consultation process. The challenges have been organised around the three strategic aims: Rural Economy, Rural Communities and the Rural Environment as well as three cross-cutting challenges: Rural Connectivity, Rural Transport and Rural Housing:

Strategic issues and challenges Cross-cutting issues and challenges

Rural Rural Rural Rural Rural Rural Economy Communities Environment Connectivity Transport Housing

The Running Horses, Mickleham © SCC

4.1 Strategic issues and challenges: Rural Economy

Issues Identified Through Desk Research Challenges Identified Through Consultation

Skills and labour supply Skills and labour supply • Access to skilled labour is often challenging (due to transport issues, • Skills shortages are an identified issue, although more work is required to housing supply and costs, rural-urban “wage gap”) understand the nature of the skills shortages • Reduction in working age population (due to ageing population) • Limited access to training support and no grant funding to help cover costs of • Rural industry skills may not be applicable and transferable to other mandatory training which can put a big strain upon smaller businesses business sectors • Business awareness of suitable skills initiatives (such as apprenticeships) is often low • Competition from higher-paid jobs in nearby urban areas

14 Issues Identified Through Desk Research Challenges Identified Through Consultation Business premises and sites for business Business premises and sites for business 4 • Lack of suitable ‘grow-on’ space • There is a perception that MVDC and many residents are ‘anti-business’ therefore • Restrictions on business use and business expansion (real and perceived) restricting businesses from growing • Residents have political representation, whereas businesses do not • Difficulty in identifying and earmarking land or buildings for business and employment uses (as opposed to housing) • Permitted Development Rights (PDR) can erode stock of business space • Possibility of conflicts between landowners and tenants • Most businesses are accessed by car, increasing the pressure on roads • Rural business crime, isolated locations, sometimes slow police response

Issues Identified Through Desk Research Challenges Identified Through Consultation Sector-based and market-based issues Sector-based and market-based challenges • Decline in traditional rural industries and sectors • Loss of traditional rural skills • Potential impact of Brexit on farm and rural subsidies • Visitor economy offer underdeveloped – a ‘hidden gem’ (lack of marketing, lack of • Visitor economy identity not as strong as it might be tourism strategy for Mole Valley) • Implications for rural industries of changes to the wider UK economy • Resistance to growth in the visitor economy (e.g. resident concerns over Mole and markets (restrictions in terms of access to advice and finance as Valley as a cycling destination – road safety, parking, litter, road closures, well as planning restrictions) congestion, lack of direct value added feeding back into the local economy) • Dorking’s perceived lack of retail offer and traffic congestion issues • Lack of overnight visitor (and business) tourism options (particularly affordable result in rural areas using centres outside the district as perceived to options e.g. campsites and mid-range accommodation) have a better offer and easier access • Business initiatives and programmes exist but applications process for support and funding often quite onerous for many businesses (and little help available) • Landowners are important custodians of the landscape. Pressures on land-based businesses in particular (e.g. loss of subsidies post 2020) will undoubtedly create pressure to diversify. The key is driving forward the right kind of diversification to preserve landscape value • Dorking needs to re-establish itself as the district’s primary service town of choice for rural residents and businesses 15 4 ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FACING RURAL MOLE VALLEY CONTINUED 4.2 Strategic issues and challenges: Rural Communities

Issues Identified Through Desk Research Challenges Identified Through Consultation

Demographics Demographics • Ageing population • Hidden deprivation and isolation • Loss of young people driven out due to high cost and lack of suitable • Increasing pressure on services for older people opportunities and provision of affordable housing • Loss of community cohesion • Resistance to change

Issues Identified Through Desk Research Challenges Identified Through Consultation

Community assets and cohesion Community assets and cohesion • Potential for isolation (i.e. through distance from hub towns, emergency • Tension between local authority requirement to dispose of assets versus services, lack of transport options, the loss of local community facilities importance of assets to the local community and lack of access to skills to use new technology) • Reduction in Neighbourhood Teams (policing) due to funding cuts has left some • Some rural community assets are under threat through lack of funding communities feeling vulnerable and unsure of where to find help (rural policing and lack of use (e.g. village shops, libraries and halls, community requires specialist skill sets) centres, pubs and post offices) • The ‘Country Watch’ initiative can be very slow and the 101 call centre not as • Village schools are important and of great value to the fabric of rural responsive at it might be communities • Evidence that changes to the school funding formula means that village schools in • Rural communities and businesses may feel vulnerable to crime, rural Mole Valley might lose out (also face issues around recruitment of teaching particularly in light of funding cuts staff) • Rural public services should be maintained, including health centres • Loss of village pubs and shops to residential use (no incentive for owners to market them as ongoing business concerns) • Help develop enhanced and additional community cohesion in rural Mole Valley • Encourage more volunteering from groups not currently involved

16 4 4.3 Strategic issues and challenges: Rural Environment

Issues Identified Through Desk Research Challenges Identified Through Consultation Competition for use Competition for use • Pressure on land use (pollution, congestion, impact on the natural • Challenges faced by rural communities in managing day visitors environment) • Future pressures need to be considered (e.g. Peak Oil) and potential impact on • Balancing economic growth with impact on ecology and biodiversity communities and the environment. Concerns over ‘fracking’ (e.g. airport expansion, population growth/ housing need, transport • Lack of co-ordinated approach to green energy solutions infrastructure) • Issues around fly-tipping and illegal rubbish disposal • Exploitation of natural assets – oil and gas extraction • Sustainable development versus rural protection argument • Recognition of ‘Natural Capital’ as a proven concept

Issues Identified Through Desk Research Challenges Identified Through Consultation Climate change and alternative energy Climate change and alternative energy • Flooding • Resistance to solar farms or wind farms (impact on landscape) • Water scarcity • Concerns over Mole Valley’s oil and gas reserves being exploited • Impact on rural industries and sectors (e.g. farming, woodland, visitor • Mitigating impacts of increased flooding and longer drought periods economy) • Oppose large-scale extraction of non-renewable fossil fuels such as oil and gas • Uncertainty – the need to plan and adapt to change from rural Mole Valley • Minimising Mole Valley’s ecological footprint • Recognising Mole Valley’s place with Surrey’s status as the most wooded county in England • Supporting sustainable appropriate scale alternative energy initiatives such as wood fuel, biomass, ground and water sourced heating, small scale solar

Recognising Mole Valley’s place with Surrey’s status as the most wooded country in England. 22.6% of the country is woodland, 7.1% of which is ancient woodland.

Source: A revision of the Ancient Woodland Inventory for Surrey – Report and Inventory Maps, Surrey County Council, June 2011 17 4 ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FACING RURAL MOLE VALLEY CONTINUED 4.4 Cross-cutting issues and challenges

Issues Identified Through Desk Research Challenges Identified Through Consultation Digital Connectivity Digital Connectivity • For rural businesses, the distance from local town ‘hubs’ (i.e. supply • Mobile signals and broadband connectivity in parts of rural Mole Valley is very poor chains, business advice, networking opportunities) (e.g. Leith Hill, Mickleham, Westhumble, Newdigate, Ockley) and adversely impacts • Unreliable/inadequate broadband speed under 30Mbps on businesses and residents in those areas • Some areas received under 2Mbps universal service obligation • Most solutions for rural areas tend to be complex and costly (i.e. fibre to cabinet, fibre to premises, additional mobile phone masts – planning issues). Broadband • Unreliable/inadequate mobile coverage 2G voice, 3G/4G data and mobile providers have little financial incentive in invest in infrastructure • Rural landowners now get less money for hosting masts and are more reluctant to put them on their land. Broadband providers have little financial incentive to put broadband in rural areas and satellite technology can have latency and data cost issues • Impact on rural infrastructure of poor quality installation and remedial works of broadband fibre installation e.g. drainage ditches and road surfaces

The Shop at Strood Green staff and volunteers © The Shop At Strood Green Combine Harvester © Rod Shaw Farrier at work © Rod Shaw 18 4

Issues Identified Through Desk Research Challenges Identified Through Consultation Transport Infrastructure Transport Infrastructure • High levels of car use • Many rural residents do not use public transport where available which creates • State of rural roads (congestion, state of repair) issues for long term sustainability • Safety concerns on rural roads (e.g. speeding and competing uses • Poor state of rural roads (potholes, overhanging vegetation, drainage) – e.g. cyclists, motorists, pedestrians, horse riding) • Poor state of rural footpaths and bridleways – important in rural areas both for • Fewer and less frequent public transport routes and increasing cost access between rural villages and for the rural economy (e.g. leisure visitors) of public transport (particular issues faced by rural residents without • Rural rail services (increase stopping services to stations such as Westhumble) access to cars) • Disconnect between rail and bus services leading to increased car use by commuters • Lack of parking in rural areas (for commuters and leisure visitors) • Infrastructure problems (e.g. weak bridge in Westhumble – concerns over access • Skeletal cycle network for emergency vehicles) • Challenges posed by proximity to Gatwick Airport • Particular parking problems in Beare Green and Ockley (commuter parking) and in cycling ‘hotspots’ (leisure visitors) • Impact of passenger growth at Gatwick Airport (increased traffic and congestion) • Investment in East-West North Downs Line to improve service frequency and reliability • A24 to Horsham road capacity improvements • Provision of commuter parking at key rural railway stations • Availability, frequency and cost of public transport, specifically at times for key workers • Maintaining access to Mole Valley’s rural businesses during adverse weather, specifically snow clearance or flooding • Availability, frequency and cost of public transport both, bus and rail “ Mole Valley is a highly desirable district in which people want to live, work, do business • Social isolation of rural residents without access to private car and spend their leisure time” • Uncontrolled commuter parking at key rural stations

Cyclists at Denbies Wine Estate © Royston Williams • Resilience of transport network in adverse weather conditions such as snow and flooding 19 4 ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FACING RURAL MOLE VALLEY CONTINUED

Issues Identified Through Desk Research Challenges Identified Through Consultation Housing Housing • Limited supply and availability of affordable housing (impacts upon rural • Many young people are unable to afford to live in rural Mole Valley residents, particularly those on low incomes; also impacts upon • Rural businesses facing difficulties in recruitment and retention of staff because of businesses in rural areas that struggle to recruit or retain staff) housing costs and availability • Affordable housing not being safeguarded (i.e. affordable designation • Lack of farm worker dwellings being approved through the planning system needs to be ‘affordable in perpetuity’) – issues about where adult children can live near to the family business • Implications for the social cohesion of rural Mole Valley (young people • Blockages in the supply of housing (e.g. one-person households unable to down- and dispersal of rural families) size due to lack of suitable alternatives in same village/location) • Planning restrictions on the building of new homes • Growing families unable to find or afford properties to meet their needs • Ensuring development, wherever possible, within rural Mole Valley is sustainable • Development, wherever possible follows established SMART growth principles • Local planning policies, recognise the natural assets, heritage and rural quality of life • Recognise the ‘Natural Capital’ asset and benefits of Mole Valley’s rural countryside Ranmore Common © Squiggle

Sparking wine bottling at Denbies © Rod Shaw Kingfisher watercress beds, Abinger Hammer © Rod Shaw 20 4

21 5

Panoramic view from Leith Hill © Denise Furlonger/Surrey Hills AONB MOLE VALLEY RURAL COMMUNITY STRATEGIC VISION AND AIMS

Following a series of consultations including a facilitated workshop with rural stakeholders and MVDC Executive members, the following vision was developed; “ To support thriving, inclusive and sustainable rural areas which enhance the prospects for Mole Valley’s rural communities and businesses and preserve the value of the district’s natural assets for future generations.”

This dovetails with MVDC’s overarching vision for the whole district –

“ Create a place where people want to live, work, do business and spend their leisure time.” 3

Taking this vision forward, the MVRCS has been structured around the following strategic aims:

1. To grow a prosperous, sustainable and viable rural economy

2. To maintain and strengthen thriving, inclusive, sustainable and resilient rural communities

3. To safeguard, protect and enhance the rural environment

3 Source: MVDC Corporate Strategy 2015 22 5

Debbie’s Homemade Preserves, Newdigate, © Andrew Shaylor/Foodfloat Paul Cleaver, Bee Keeper Abinger Hammer © Andrew Shaylor/Foodfloat Etherley Farm, Ockley © Andrew Shaylor/Foodfloat

These headline aims have been expanded into the following to give a wider context:

RURAL ECONOMY To grow a prosperous, sustainable and viable rural economy, whether for land-based sectors, businesses that are located within rural Mole Valley or those that trade with rural Mole Valley, whilst recognising the goods and services they provide to residents, visitors and other business and their place in the wider economic supply chain.

RURAL COMMUNITIES To maintain and strengthen thriving, inclusive and resilient rural communities, especially in terms of access to local public and commercial services, local transport provision, affordable housing, wellbeing and community safety, broadband and mobile connectivity.

RURAL ENVIRONMENT To safeguard, protect and enhance Mole Valley’s rural environment, yet have appropriate and robust policies in place to allow sustainable economic prosperity. To allow residents and businesses in rural areas to thrive and prosper and for visitors to enjoy the countryside and rural villages while recognising the importance of the area’s protected rural landscape.

CROSS-CUTTING A number of issues and challenges within the above are cross-cutting i.e. they impact on more than one area. For example digital connectivity impacts on businesses and the rural community alike, as does transport infrastructure and housing.

23 6

Field of rapeseed with Ranmore Common in the background © Rod Shaw

6. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND ACTIONS

6.1 The research scoping and consultation process has identified a number of key priorities and suggested actions across the three strategic priority issues:

Rural Economy Rural Communities Rural Environment

Priority Issues (not necessarily in priority order) Rural Economy Rural Community Rural Environment 1 Digital Connectivity: Broadband and Mobile (DC) 3 3 2 Rural Housing (RH) 3 3 3 Community Safety (CS) 3 3 4 Visitor Economy (VE) 3 3 3 5 Community Assets (CA) 3 3 3 6 Rural Based Businesses (RBB) 3 3

24 6.2 The issues and challenges that require immediate attention are included in the proposed Action Plan 2018/19. Other actions requiring attention will be reviewed annually through an Annual Rural Community Summit (ARCS) – see Section 7 6

1 Digital Connectivity: Broadband and Mobile (DC)

Priority issues • Superfast Broadband 30Mbps is available for all of rural Mole Valley • Take-up of superfast broadband (when available) is promoted to all rural communities and businesses • Deliver digital awareness training for older, vulnerable, hard to reach groups and businesses • Push for district-wide coverage of mobile voice (2G) and data (3G and 4G) • Eliminate mobile operator ‘not-spots’ throughout district • Promote Broadband Delivey UK (BDUK) and Surrey County Council (SCC) schemes for helping rural premises achieving below 2Mbps performance • All rural business parks, estates and commercial premises to enjoy access to Superfast Broadband (30Mbps) and above • Specific business related issues with coverage of mobile voice (2G) and data (3G and 4G) are tackled • Ensure broadband installation contractors undertake infrastructure works to required MVDCs standards

Reference Key Actions Primary Responsibility/Responsibilities Timeframe DC1 Working with Surrey County Council (SCC), Mole Valley’s MVDC Economic Development Service to collect data and 2017/18 Economic Development Team to identify which rural Mole Valley lobby SCC Superfast Surrey on local delivery and BT areas do not have superfast lobby direct with Superfast Surrey, commercially. Working with LEP on initiatives to fund superfast plus work with Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership broadband into specific rural business areas (LEP) on possible initiatives for funding installation of superfast broadband DC2 Promote BDUK schemes to help premises with <2Mbps to MVDC Communications Team, MVDC Members, Parish Councils. 2017/18 access satellite or wireless alternatives Include in agenda for Annual Rural Community Summit DC3 MVDC Economic Development Service to feed back to existing SCREF, County lobbying, C2C Rural Action Group, Regional 2017/18 rural forums specific mobile coverage issues in the district to lobbying. Support National Farmers Union (NFU) and allow them to lobby for better mobile coverage Countryside Landowners Association (CLA) digital initiatives DC4 Encourage business and resident feedback on ‘not spot’ issues MVDC Communications Team encourage Mole Valley residents Short- in rural Mole Valley report the relevant operator to Ofcom to sign-up to mobile coverage tracking apps that report coverage medium term to Ofcom DC5 Encourage local reporting of poor quality infrastructure delivery MVDC Communications Team, MVDC Members, Parish Short- to SCC and any other appropriate responsible body Councils medium term DC6 Once superfast broadband is available ensure maximum SCC Superfast Surrey, BT Openreach, National ‘get online’ Medium- adoption and take-up by rural communities campaign, HMG Digital inclusion strategy, Doteveryone.org.uk long term DC7 Ensuring older, vulnerable groups and hard to reach people are SCC Superfast Surrey, BT Openreach, National ‘get online’ Medium- not left behind avoiding the possibility of a ‘digital divide’ campaign, HMG Digital inclusion strategy, Doteveryone.org.uk long term

25 6 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND ACTIONS CONTINUED

2 Rural Housing (RH)

Priority issues • Address lack of affordable rural housing, including for rural workers • Safeguard affordable rural housing, encourage more affordable housing in perpetuity • Address lack of ‘down-size’ housing in villages for ‘empty nesters’ • Address reluctance of some communities to allow or support new housing • Identify best practice for tackling rural housing issues

Reference Key Actions Primary Responsibility/Responsibilities Timeframe RH1 MVDC to meet with rural housing enablers such as AiRS, Surrey MVDC Economic Development Service, MVDC Planning Policy 2017/18 CA, HARAH, National CLT network to review best practice for Team, MVDC Housing Officers rural housing

RH2 Disseminate Department for Communities and Local MVDC Communications Team, MVDC Economic Development 2017/18 Government (DCLG) White Paper and LEP policy and Service, MVDC Planning Policy Team guidance on rural housing issues to key local influencers and representatives

RH3 New MVDC Local Plan “Future Mole Valley” to address need MVDC Local Plan development process 2017/18 for affordable housing in rural areas, including suitable provision for rural workers

RH4 MDVC Local Plan and Housing Policies reflect the need for MVDC Local Plan and Housing Policy Short- residents to downsize medium term

RH5 MVDC housing policies to maximise safeguards to maintain MVDC Local Plan and Housing Policy Short- affordable status for local people medium term

RH6 MVDC to promote the socio-economic benefits of controlled, MVDC and through new Local Plan and Housing Policies Short- sustainable housing growth medium term

26 6

3 Community Safety (CS)

Priority issues • Ongoing support for rural crime initiatives such as ‘Country Watch’ and ‘Community Speed Watch’ • To explore possibilities to provide sufficient police (and other emergency services) resources to effectively cover rural Mole Valley • To explore possibilities to provide and retain specialist rural officer resource by Surrey Police: rural knowledge to be disseminated to other district officers • Mole Valley Rural Crime Panel to be supported with secretariat capacity • Strengthen road safety measuring specifically to reduce rural speeding and maintain rural road network • Address the causes and effects of more complex rural isolation issues for older and vulnerable people • Ensure that rural business crime is recognised as an issue and take action to ensure that it is prioritised accordingly • Put in place effective procedures to combat and deal with rural fly tipping

Reference Key Actions Primary Responsibility/Responsibilities Timeframe CS1 Rural business crime to be raised as an issue with the police and MVDC Community Safety and Wellbeing Team, Surrey Police 2017/18 other relevant agencies and other emergency services

CS2 Cross-agency action initiated to tackle rural fly-tipping through Surrey Police, MVDC Crime Partnership, MV Environmental 2017/18 proactive enforcement and prosecution Services Team, SCC Highways

CS3 Continue support for Mole Valley Rural Crime Panel, current MVDC Community Safety and Wellbeing Team, Surrey Police 2017/18 and future rural community safety initiatives such as Country and other emergency services Watch and Rural Speed Watch

CS4 Effective coverage of rural Mole Valley by emergency services, MVDC Partnerships, Surrey Police and other emergency Short- with specific reference to rural crime issues services medium term

CS5 Ensure that the Mole Valley rural road network is made safer Surrey Police, SCC Highways, Mole Valley Crime Partnership Short- through the provision of sufficient maintenance and effective medium term enforcement of speed limits

CS6 Provide additional rural community safety provision for the Mole Valley Community Safety, SCC, external agencies, NHS, Short- elderly and vulnerable and for this to be recognised and Social Services medium term appropriate action initiated by the relevant authorities

27 6 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND ACTIONS CONTINUED

4 Visitor Economy (VE)

Priority issues • Increase the value (not necessarily volume) of the visitor economy within Mole Valley • Effectively manage the interrelationship between visitors to Mole Valley and the needs of the residents, specifically related to cycling and horse riding • Promote Mole Valley as a high quality, yet sustainable visitor destination • Work in partnership with key Mole Valley attractions, accommodation providers and support businesses relevant to the wider visitor economy • Ensure the new Local Plan recognises the need for, and the benefits of, sustainable rural tourism

Reference Key Actions Primary Responsibility/Responsibilities Timeframe VE1 MVDC to review the need for tourist information provision in the MVDC Member Tourist Information Panel, MVDC Economic 2017/18 district Development Service

VE2 MVDC to work with local stakeholders and partners to MVDC Strategic Leadership Team and MVDC Economic 2017/18 maximise value, yet minimise harmful impact of cycling (both on Development Service and off road), horse riding and walking on residential amenity and environmental quality

VE3 MVDC to work with East Surrey colleagues to develop an East MVDC Strategic Leadership Team and MVDC Economic 2017/18 Surrey public and private sector ‘destination management Development Service partnership’ (DMP)

VE4 Continue to promote and develop Mole Valley tourism assets MVDC Economic Development Service, MVDC 2017/18 such as the Deepdene Trail and Hope Springs Eternal project Communications Team, MVDC Community Safety and Wellbeing Team and MVDC Parks Team

VE5 MVDC to include the value and economic potential of the rural MVDC Economic Development Service and Visit Surrey, 2017/18 visitor economy within the new Mole Valley Economic Destination Management Plan Prosperity Strategy

VE6 New Mole Valley Local Plan reflects the need and benefits for MVDC Economic Development Service and MVDC Planning 2017/18 sustainable rural tourism Policy Teams consult with wider tourism sector over development of new Local Plan VE7 Use European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) MVDC and Tandridge District Council 2017/18 funding to deliver the Wheels, Feet and Hooves initiative

28 6

5 Community Assets (CA)

Priority issues • Support the retention of key rural community assets such as rural pubs, village halls, rural post-offices, rural shops and filling stations • Support the retention of key rural leisure assets such as parks, play areas and allotments

Reference Key Actions Primary Responsibility/Responsibilities Timeframe CA1 Support local rural communities, identify and promote the MVDC Economic Development Service; reference to external 2017/18 Register of Assets of Community Value organisations such as, Plunkett, Pub is the Hub, Surrey Countryside and Rural Enterprise Forum (SCREF), SCA CA2 Mole Valley Revenues ensure maximum take-up and adoption MVDC Revenues Team and MVDC Economic Development 2017/18 of National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) rural reliefs through Service proactive promotion of scheme

CA3 New Mole Valley Local Plan development process to consider MVDC Economic Development Service and MVDC Planning 2017/18 policy approach to protecting community assets Policy Teams consult with local stakeholders over development of the new Local Plan CA4 To support local private sector rural business ‘assets’ to remain MVDC Economic Development Service to help identify any support Short- viable and prosperous packages (grants, training, development) that might be available medium term

CA5 To encourage rural residents and rural business to support MVDC Members, Parish Councils, rural community Short- local community and community assets organisations and groups, asset owners and managers medium term

Hearn Farm Supplies © Simon Matthews Village Hall Beare Green © Simon Matthews Holmwood Station © Simon Matthews 29 6 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND ACTIONS CONTINUED

6. Rural Based Businesses (RBB)

Priority issues • Support and promote initiatives that help rural sector and rural based businesses remain viable, thrive and prosper • Ensure MVDC policies, plans and actions recognise and acknowledge the importance of the rural business community • Advocate the need for educational awareness in schools, and higher education (HE) for rural sector skills; links to rural colleges in Surrey and Sussex

Reference Key Actions Primary Responsibility/Responsibilities Timeframe RBB1 MVDC Economic Development Team to organise, with MVDC Economic Development Service, MVDC Communications 2017/18 partners, a ‘rural road show’ to assist rural business with grants, Team, MVDC Revenues Team, other identified partners support information, rate relief information RBB2 MVDC to help promote rural funding opportunities such as Rural MVDC Economic Development Service and MVDC 2017/18 Surrey LEADER, Coast to Capital (C2C) Growth Grants, EAFRD Communications Team with other partners such as NFU, CLA, etc (see RBB1 above) SCREF, SCC, C2C RBB3 MVDC to support and promote initiatives such as C2C ‘growth MVDC Economic Development Service and MVDC 2017/18 navigators’ to help rural based businesses (see RBB1 above) Communications Teams, C2C Growth Navigator Team RBB4 MVDC to keep engaged with rural focussed organisations such MVDC Economic Development Service, MVDC Strategic 2017/18 as, Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), Surrey Leadership Team Community Action (Surrey CA), Farming and Rural Issues Group for the South East (FRIGSE), SCREF RBB5 MVDC to recognise the importance of rural businesses in MVDC Planning Policy and MVDC Economic Development 2017/18 preparing the new Local Plan Services RBB6 Where possible through Mole Valleys role as an influencer, MVDC Economic Development Service and MVDC Members Short- advocate the need for rural sector skills development medium term RBB7 Support the promotion of Dorking as Mole Valley’s principal Dorking BID, Dorking Chamber of Commerce supported by Short- rural service town MVDC Economic Development Service medium term RBB8 Ensure that tackling rural business crime is given Surrey Police and Police Commissioner Short- sufficient resources and prioritisation by the police medium term (linked to Community Safety) RBB9 Develop a database of businesses within rural Mole Valley MVDC Economic Development Service Short- medium term

30 GLOSSARY 6 of abbreviations used in the Rural Community Strategy and Action Plan documents AiRS – Action in Rural Sussex, the Sussex Rural Community Council AONB – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty aims to conserve, enhance and protect the landscape BID – Business Improvement District; a local specified business area funded by a business rate levy BDUK – Broadband Delivery UK; part of a government department responsible for public funded broadband C2C – Coast to Capital; the Local Enterprise Partnership covering an area broadly from Croydon to Brighton CLA – Country Landowners and Business Association; a sector representative group EAFRD – European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development; a rural EU fund administered by Coast to Capital Green Belt – The Metropolitan Green Belt policy aims to prevent urban sprawl through openness and permanance GVA – Gross Value Added; the value generated by any unit engaged in the production of goods and services HARAH – Hampshire Alliance for Rural Affordable Housing; a rural housing enabler PDR – Permitted Development Rights; enabling certain changes to be made to a building without planning permission Plunkett – The Plunkett Foundation; a charitable social and rural pressure group NFU – National Farmers Union; a sector representative organisation ©National Trust Images/A Wright RSN – Rural Services Network; an umbrella organisation championing rural issues SCREF – Surrey Countryside and Rural Enterprise Forum; “ To support thriving, inclusive and sustainable rural Surrey’s rural partnership supported by Surrey County Council areas which enhance the prospects for Mole Growth Principles – a planning concept directed at Valley’s rural communities and businesses and developing sustainable communities preserve the value of the district’s natural assets Surrey CA – Surrey Community Action; the Surrey Rural for future generations.” Community Council 31 River Mole at Betchworth ©John Miller Cows grazing near Betchworth © John Miller Cows grazing near Betchworth The ARCS will acknowledge the distinction between the between distinction the The ARCS acknowledge will and communities the from raised challenges and issues providers” “solution the and demand-side) (the stakeholders MVDC, Parish include These might supply-side). (the businesses, (LEP), Partnership Enterprise Local the Councils, the transport operators, providers, infrastructure landowners, others. many services and Rescue and Fire Police, Surrey produced, MVRCS, be the of will year Plan Each an Action ARCS. the by The actions the informed ARCS recommend will or projects the of one least at Typically, year. following the for strategic the of each against allocated be will programme Rural and Communities Rural Economy, (Rural priorities sides supply and demand the both By having Environment). an opportunity to provide ARCS the at will this represented whom and by done, be to needs on what consensus build the by allocated can be resources appropriate so that when, intended is it way, This organisation. side supply appropriate rural the and ARCS the that institution becomes an annual MVDC’swithin only not prioritised are challenges and issues sustain partners to external of that also but formulation policy of forefront the at voice rural the keep and dialogue rural the taken. actions timely appropriate and affairs

(ARCS) is convened. This will bring together key key together bring will This convened. is (ARCS) ANNUAL RURAL COMMUNITY SUMMIT COMMUNITY RURAL ANNUAL a broad MVRCS the of uncovered has The preparation necessary be make to will It challenges. and issues of range them. address to actions prioritse and choices strategic for timetable the about made be to need also will Decisions who and resourced be should they how carryingoutactions, them. for responsibility take should rural the by faced challenges and issues the Addressing all from participation and buy-in require will communities It itself. MVDC parties. by everything do cannot relevant bring help to however, play, to role a leadership does have opportunities identify and parties together key the of all influencing sometimes require will This progress. make to to organisations and people right the or persuading become involved. Community Rural an Annual that proposed therefore is It Summit delivery community crucial and rural the of members parties various the enable will It organisations. and agencies and year previous the in achieved been has what assess to priority identifythe help will It necessary. where finetune knowledge the upon based year subsequent the for actions issues. emerging consider also and gained been has that 7 32 7

ANNUAL RURAL COMMUNITY SUMMIT

33 A

Sunken lane near Leith Hill showing exposed greensand © John Miller/Surrey Hills AONB APPENDIX A – PROFILE OF RURAL MOLE VALLEY Before drafting the MVRCS, contextual desk-based research was undertaken in order to form a picture of rural Mole Valley’s economy, people and environment, with a view to highlighting known challenges and opportunities.

1.1. Overview outside the District such as Guildford, Horsham, Mole Valley lies at the heart of Surrey, mid-way between Crawley, Reigate and Redhill – which are, in many London and the Sussex coast. It is a predominantly cases, more accessible than Dorking. Dorking has rural district with countryside accounting for more established a Business Improvement District (BID) to than 90% of its 258Km2. help develop, promote and market itself. Under DEFRA’s 2011 Rural-Urban Classification of Local 1.2 The rural Mole Valley economy Authority Districts, Mole Valley is classified as ‘Urban Mole Valley is an economically prosperous district with Significant Rural’. The hub towns of Dorking and benefiting from its location close to the nation’s Leatherhead serve as centres of business and service economic growth ‘engine’ of London, proximity to two provision for the surrounding rural areas. Under DEFRA’s international airports (Gatwick and Heathrow), and classification, Dorking is considered to be a rural service access to the national motorway network via the M25 town and is therefore eligible for certain rural funding at Leatherhead. streams such as LEADER1 and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). There are around 5,350 enterprises (from Micro 0-9 employees, through to large, over 250 employees) in Mole Dorking, although strategically placed at the centre of Valley employing around 43,000 people (Source: NOMIS the District, is for many rural communities in direct Local Area Profile, 2016). Analysis in the Coast to Capital competition with higher-order shopping areas just Rural Statement (2016) shows that 29% of all Mole Valley

1 LEADER is an EU funded rural grant programme designed to support local businesses. It has been running across England for more than 10 years. (Liaison Entre Actions de Development de l’Economie Rurale) 34 Appendix Figure One: Schematic showing geographical location of key towns and villages A

ASHTEAD

FETCHAM LEATHERHEAD BOOKHAM HEADLEY

MICKLEHAM

M25 WESTHUMBLE BOX HILL

BUCKLAND

BETCHWORTH

WESTCOTT BROCKHAM Appendix Table One: DORKING STROOD The Mole Valley Local Development Framework Settlement ABINGER WOTTON GREEN (2008) identifies the following classifications HAMMER Hierarchy NORTH LEIGH across the district’s settlements: HOLMWOOD ABINGER MID Classification Settlement Name COMMON HOLMWOOD SOUTH Principal Towns Dorking (including North COLDHARBOUR HOLMWOOD Holmwood) and Leatherhead Villages Ashtead, Bookham and Fetcham BEARE GREEN Larger Rural Villages Beare Green, Brockham, Capel, HOOKWOOD Charlwood, Hookwood and NEWDIGATE Westcott Small Rural Villages Betchworth, Box Hill, Leigh, FOREST GREEN CHARLWOOD Mickleham, Newdigate, Ockley, CAPEL OCKLEY South Holmwood, Strood Green, and Westhumble WALLISWOOD Other Rural Abinger Hammer, Abinger Towns Communities Common, Buckland, Villages OKEWOOD HILL (hamlets and ribbon Coldharbour, Forest Green, Larger Rural Villages developments) Headley, Mid Holmwood, Smaller Rural Villages Oakwoodhill, Walliswood and Wotton. Other Rural Communities 35 A APPENDIX A – PROFILE OF RURAL MOLE VALLEY CONTINUED businesses are located in rural areas. Rural Mole Valley is internationally recognised destination for on and off home to a range of businesses from traditional land-based road cycling3. However, despite Mole Valley’s rural businesses through to tourism, manufacturing, service tourism assets, the sector remains under exploited with sector, creative and knowledge based businesses. a recognised shortage in overnight accommodation and relatively low levels of promotion and ‘brand’ awareness. Land-based businesses, such as farming, remain an important part of the rural Mole Valley economy. According Rural Mole Valley is also home to non land based to ONS data (2015), there are 145 businesses which fall businesses that contribute to the overall success of the under the Lantra classification of land-based businesses2. economy. Micro enterprises (i.e. 0-9 employees) make Of these, 125 are micro businesses employing 0-9 people, up 90% of all businesses in Mole Valley and this is likely the remainder are small businesses (10-49 employees). As to be reflected in rural Mole Valley. Home based in other parts of the country, the traditional land-based businesses are also an important feature of the rural rural sectors in Mole Valley continue to face external economy. It is generally accepted that around 20% of economic, skills and funding pressures - challenges that businesses in the South East are home based (Source: include: the need for diversification; the implementation of Home Business Report, Enterprise Nation, October 2014) new technology; dealing with regulation; mitigating and and that this figure is likely to be higher still in rural areas. adapting to climate change, particularly flooding; and the While businesses in rural areas have similar needs to need to increase profitability and productivity. These those in urban areas, costs and challenges can be challenges, in turn, present threats to the livelihood and more onerous (e.g. restricted access to centralised quality of life of the wider rural population as well as having services and supply chains, fewer public transport important implications for the visual appearance and options, higher cost of housing, lack of suitable richness of the landscape and natural environment. In business space, poor quality broadband and inferior terms of rural growth sectors, the wood fuel sector in Mole telecommunications services). As unemployment rates Valley has been identified as offering potential.The Surrey in Mole Valley are historically amongst the lowest Hills Management Plan (2014-2019) recognises a regionally and nationally and house prices are high, 2 Land Based Sector SIC Codes - 011 : particular opportunity in the Surrey Hills AONB area to rural businesses in the District may also find it hard to Growing of non-perennial crops 012 : develop wood fuel projects. Growing of perennial crops 013 : Plant recruit employees, especially into lower paid jobs. propagation 014 : Animal production 015 : Mixed farming 016 : Support activities to The Coast to Capital Rural Statement (2016) states that agriculture and post-harvest crop rural Mole Valley is home to 115 tourism and recreation 1.3 Mole Valley’s rural population activities 017 : Hunting, trapping and related service activities 021 : Silviculture enterprises (with a further 235 such businesses located The 2011 Census provides a total population figure for and other forestry activities 022 : Logging in urban Mole Valley). The District’s countryside, with its Mole Valley of 85,400 people residing in 35,800 023 : Gathering of wild growing non-wood products 024 : Support services to high quality landscape, proximity to London, Gatwick households. Mole Valley is the third most rural local forestry 031 : Fishing 032 : Aquaculture Airport and regionally significant visitor attractions, authority in Surrey after Tandridge and Waverley with 26% 161 : Sawmilling and planning of wood 283 : Manufacture of agricultural and makes it a popular destination for visitors from nearby of its population living in areas classified as rural. Mole forestry machinery 462 : Wholesale of urban areas and beyond. Events such as the 2012 Valley has the highest percentage of residents living in agricultural raw materials and live animals 750 : Veterinary activities Olympic Cycle race have further raised the profile of isolated rural communities within Surrey, with 10% of its 3 www.strava.com heatmapping Mole Valley, and the Surrey Hills AONB is now an population living in rural hamlets and isolated dwellings. 36 A

Appendix Table Two: Age distribution throughout Mole Valley district % 25

20 21% Age under 18

58% Age 18 to 64 15 21% Age 65 or more 10

5

0 Age under 10 10 to 14 15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 29 30 to 44 45 to 59 60 to 64 65 to 74 75 to 84 85 to 89 90 and over

Total % Urban % Rural% Source: Census (2011)

1.4 Age profile An ageing population presents some particular and The 2011 Census shows that 58% of the rural Mole Valley specific challenges. In economic terms, there are resident population is aged 18-64 with a further 21% implications for the growth of businesses and the aged 65 or more and, at the other end of the spectrum, availability of labour. In housing terms, given that 21% aged under 18. Comparing rural Mole Valley with Mole Valley has the highest percentage of one person households aged 65+ in Surrey, there are likely to the urban areas, it can be seen (see Appendix Table be pressures on housing supply, particularly when Two) that there is a higher proportion of rural residents in the age groups from 45-74 than in the urban areas and considering the likely challenges facing people wishing for Mole Valley as a whole. Throughout the district, Mole to down size within their existing village or town. Valley has the highest percentage of people aged 65+ An ageing population also presents pressures on health of all local authorities in Surrey. Mole Valley also has the services and the care sector. Mole Valley has the highest level of economic inactivity (due to retirement) highest percentage of its population providing unpaid in Surrey. According to Office for National Statistics care in the whole of Surrey (10.4% of all people in Mole (ONS) Subnational Population Projections, the Mole Valley are providing unpaid care, Census 2011). It also Valley population aged 65+ is projected to increase from presents specific issues for those older rural residents Francis, Westcott Bakery 21,000 in 2016 to 32,000 by 2037. who find it difficult to access services. Public transport ©Andrew Shaylor/Foodfloat 37 A APPENDIX A – PROFILE OF RURAL MOLE VALLEY CONTINUED needs are likely to be greater for an ageing population, Over half (51.7%) of rural Mole Valley residents in but rural areas have fewer public transport options and employment (aged 16-74) are in managerial and (or) local facilities and services within the rural communities professional occupations7 (Source: Census, 2011) (see are being lost. All of which creates the potential for Appendix Table Three). This compares to 53.7% of disadvantage and isolation among rural populations. urban Mole Valley residents. There are more managers, directors and senior officials (17.2%) in rural Mole Valley Rural Mole Valley continues to experience population than in the urban areas (14.4%) and more skilled trades growth, in large part due to the in-migration of people occupations (Rural: 12.9% versus Urban: 9.8%). from surrounding urban areas (including London) attracted by the many benefits of living and (or) working In terms of employment sector, 1.6% of the rural Mole in the countryside and everything that rural Mole Valley Valley resident population (aged 16-74) are employed in has to offer in terms of quality of life, housing and the agriculture, forestry and fishing(see Appendix Table schools. The latest population projections indicate the Four). The biggest employment sector in rural Mole District’s total population could increase from c88,000 Valley is Wholesale and Retail (12.9%) followed by in 2016 to 100,000 by 2037 (Source: ONS: 2012-based Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (11.3%). Subnational Population Projections for Local Authorities Home based working is a significant part of the rural in England). This has implications for the provision of economy and the trend for home based working is on housing, healthcare, transport, infrastructure, the increase, driven by advances in technology, high employment and other core services. property costs and a growing resistance to stressful and time consuming commuting. According to a 2005 1.5 Economic activity report by the Live Work Network and Commission for 72.7% of the Mole Valley’s resident population aged Rural Communities (Source: Under the Radar: Tracking 16-74 are economically active (compared to 73.6% for and Supporting Rural Home Based Businesses), 11.6% 4 the whole of Surrey) . 14.7% of the resident population of economically active people work mainly from home in 5 are self-employed. The claimant count for Mole Valley rural districts. In Mole Valley, the 2011 Census data (August 2016) is just 0.5% (compared to 0.6% for Surrey shows that 15.6% of economically active people work as a whole) (Source: ONS). from home. There are particularly significant 34.5% of rural Mole Valley residents hold qualifications implications therefore for those parts of rural Mole Valley at level 46 or above (compared to 39.2% of urban which struggle to secure reliable and fast broadband residents) and 17.7% of the rural Mole Valley residents connections or mobile signals. hold no qualifications at all (compared to 15.4% of urban residents) (Souce: Census, 2011).

4 Data is taken from the Mole Valley Area profile (downloaded from www.surreyi.gov.uk) which uses 2011 Census data 5 % of resident population aged 16-64 claiming out of work benefits (August 2016) 6 Level 4 qualifications include: certificate of higher education, higher apprenticeship, higher national certificate (HNC) and level 4 NVQ. Level 5 includes diploma of higher education, higher national diploma (HND) and level 5 NVQ. Level 6 (degree level and equivalent). Level 7 (masters degree and equivalent). Level 8 (PhD) 7 Combined occupations categories 1, 2 and 3 (Source: Census, 2011) 38 Appendix Table Three: Employment composition by occupation in Mole Valley

Occupation Mole Valley Total Urban Total Rural Total A number % number % number % All categories (total) 42,422 100.0 31,382 100.0 11,040 100.0 1 Managers, directors and senior officials 6,422 15.1 4,523 14.4 1,899 17.2 2 Professional occupations 9,518 22.4 7,379 23.5 2,139 19.4 3 Associate professional and technical occupations 6,613 15.6 4,945 15.8 1,668 15.1 4 Administrative and secretarial occupations 5,045 11.9 3,796 12.1 1,249 11.3 5 Skilled trades occupations 4,505 10.6 3,081 9.8 1,424 12.9 6 Caring, leisure and other service occupations 3,678 8.7 2,730 8.7 948 8.6 7 Sales and customer service occupations 2,326 5.5 1,787 5.7 539 4.9 8 Process plant and machine operatives 1,495 3.5 1,072 3.4 423 3.8 9 Elementary occupations 2,820 6.6 2,069 6.6 751 6.8 Source: Census, 2011

Appendix Table Four: Employment composition by sector in Mole Valley Industry Mole Valley Total Urban Total Rural Total number % number % number % All categories (total) 42,422 100.0 31,382 100.0 11,040 100.0 A Agriculture, forestry and fishing 322 0.8 141 0.4 181 1.6 B Mining and quarrying 177 0.4 147 0.5 30 0.3 C Manufacturing 2,102 5.0 1,495 4.8 607 5.5 D Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply 134 0.3 108 0.3 26 0.2 E Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities 204 0.5 152 0.5 52 0.5 F Construction 3,493 8.2 2,444 7.8 1,049 9.5 G Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles 5,379 12.7 3,960 12.6 1,419 12.9 H Transport and storage 1,611 3.8 1,091 3.5 520 4.7 I Accommodation and food service activities 1,806 4.3 1,285 4.1 521 4.7 J Information and communication 2,565 6.0 2,025 6.5 540 4.9 K Financial and insurance activities 2,801 6.6 2,141 6.8 660 6.0 L Real estate activities 909 2.1 645 2.1 264 2.4 M Professional, scientific and technical activities 4,935 11.6 3,686 11.7 1,249 11.3 N Administrative and support service activities 2,497 5.9 1,758 5.6 739 6.7 O Public administration and defence; compulsory social security 2,049 4.8 1,551 4.9 498 4.5 P Education 4,463 10.5 3,475 11.1 988 8.9 Source: Q Human health and social work activities 4,380 10.3 3,381 10.8 999 9.0 Census, 2011 39 A APPENDIX A – PROFILE OF RURAL MOLE VALLEY CONTINUED 1.6 Wellbeing 1.7 Landscape, heritage and environment Mole Valley is an affluent district. The 2013 Indices of The landscape of Mole Valley is dominated by the Multiple Deprivation indicate that Mole Valley is the east-west chalk escarpment of the North Downs and 305th least deprived local authority area in the UK out the wooded Greensand Ridge to the south. The District of a total of 326 local authorities and the 4th least is home to numerous sites of significance and value in deprived of the 11 districts and boroughs in Surrey terms of biodiversity, culture, heritage and landscape. (Source: DCLG, 2015). Nevertheless, there are likely to 36% of the District lies within the Surrey Hills Area of be pockets of hidden deprivation as highlighted in the Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). report by Helen Bowcock (2009). Hidden Surrey Within the District, there are considerable areas of major Isolation, particularly among older people (e.g. through ecological importance including the Mole Gap to Reigate lack of access to transport or local community facilities) Escarpment Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and 12 is likely to be felt more keenly in rural areas and there Sites of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI’s) wholly or are likely to be families in fuel poverty given that many partly within Mole Valley and which cover almost 9% of rural communities will be off the grid and reliant upon the district’s area. There are 52 sites, covering 855 expensive alternatives such as oil for heating. Rural hectares, which are designated as Sites of Nature families will also experience higher costs of travel Conservation Importance (SNCI’s) and a number of (whether by public transport or using their own vehicles Regionally Important Geological / Geomorphological Sites to access core services, employment and schools). (RIGGS). Approximately 30% of Mole Valley is woodland. According to Public Health Profile for Mole Valley ( Mole Valley’s built heritage is also extensive with 28 Health England, 2015 , the health of people in Mole ) Conservation Areas wholly or partly within the District, Valley is generally better than the England average. Life some 1,000 Listed Buildings, 27 Scheduled Ancient expectancy for both men and women is higher than the Monuments and five gardens on the register of Parks England average and rates of early death from cancer and Gardens of Special Historic Interest compiled by and from heart disease and stroke are lower than the English Heritage. The National Trust is one of the largest national average. The Surrey Countryside & Rural landowners in the district. Enterprise Forum states that a healthy rural population, where residents are able to live in their local community, There are growing demands being placed on Mole helps to sustain vibrant and thriving communities. The Valley’s countryside. There is pressure for development health and wellbeing of rural communities relies on to take place in the rural area largely because this is an access to a healthy diet, physical activity, social attractive location in which to live and work. The networks and green open space as well as access to pressures for change and development in the health and social care services. However, for some countryside also stem from economic changes affecting people in rural Mole Valley (e.g. older people with agriculture, the search for alternative uses of buildings complex health and social care needs), access can be and land and the accommodation of a wide range of challenging due to the centralisation of health services. activities, particularly those related to recreation. For

40 A example, the District’s role in the 2012 Olympic cycle race has created significant interest from a growing base of cycling enthusiasts keen to ‘follow in the tyre tracks’ of their heroes – bringing both opportunities and threats to the countryside and rural villages. The rural areas of Mole Valley are also faced with threats associated with climate change. Flood risk is a particular issue that is being addressed in a number of rural communities including Betchworth and Brockham. There are some concerns that local oil and gas deposits could lead to future pressures to permit extraction when the oil and gas price reaches sufficient viability levels (e.g. at Leith Hill).

1.8 Housing, development and planning Rural Mole Valley faces growing pressures for development due to its position within the wider South East, a growing population and (as we have seen) because it is an attractive location in which to live, work

and spend leisure time. The need for change and Rural Landscape form Mole Valley across the Weald © Rod Shaw development within the countryside also stems from economic pressures affecting traditional rural sectors and the search for alternative uses for rural buildings and land. Almost 80% of the Mole Valley’s countryside is part of the Metropolitan Green Belt, which encircles London. The Green Belt has been the main instrument behind the strict control of new development in rural Mole Valley for many years and has helped to protect the character of the District. The main built-up areas of the District (i.e. Dorking, Leatherhead, Ashtead, Fetcham and Bookham) are excluded from the Green Belt and are where most new development is directed. The larger rural villages of Brockham, Beare Green, Capel, Charlwood, Hookwood and Westcott are also excluded from the Green Belt and

41 A APPENDIX A – PROFILE OF RURAL MOLE VALLEY CONTINUED small scale developments are allowed, in principle, needs in the District’s housing market. For many rural within their village boundaries. The smaller rural communities in Mole Valley, it is no longer possible for villages of Betchworth, Box Hill, Leigh, Mickleham, the people who have been brought up in the district to Newdigate, Ockley, South Holmwood, Strood Green, afford to live there. This is particularly true of workers in and Westhumble are all covered by the Green Belt traditional (but often low paid) rural sectors. This, in turn, but may still be allowed limited infill development has implications for the diversity of rural communities within the village boundaries. Anything else in the and the viability of some rural services. District is treated as open countryside for planning The Mole Valley Housing Needs Study (2007) policy purposes. forecasted a net annual shortfall of 1,070 affordable As Mole Valley has traditionally been an area of high homes to 2017 and identified the need to increase the market demand, so it is subject to pressure for housing provision of affordable housing. Since 2007/08, 438 development. Over the period between 2006 and new affordable homes have been completed in Mole 2026, the Council is tasked with making provision for at Valley, including exceptionally small scale housing least 3,760 new dwellings in Mole Valley. Priority is schemes on the edge of some villages. The Mole Valley given to locating new residential development within Affordable Rural Housing Position Strategy (February, the defined built-up areas of Mole Valley with infilling 2016) has also raised the important issue of homes and some limited residential development in the rural being affordable in perpetuity – a need which is often villages. This level of new housing provision will be most pronounced in rural areas where house prices reviewed as part of the preparation of the new Local tend to be higher and opportunities for new Plan (Future Mole Valley). development more limited. Mole Valley is among the least affordable places to live The Government’s consultation on changes to the in the UK. Pressure from London and an overall definition of affordable housing contained in the shortage of housing has led to high house prices, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) brings a especially in rural Mole Valley. The average house price degree of uncertainty. Among a number of proposed in Mole Valley in 2016 was £516,110, which is higher changes to the NPPF is the proposal to widen the than the South East (£338,444) and Surrey average definition of affordable housing to include innovative (£484,735). To be successful in securing an 80% affordable home ownership products that do not have mortgage in Mole Valley, an income of £118,000 per ‘in perpetuity’ and ‘recycling’ of sales receipts annum is needed (Source: Home Truths 2016/17, restrictions. Going forward, Community Land Trusts National Housing Federation). The same research (CLTs) could become a tool in making sure that any new shows that open market rents are also expensive in homes are genuinely affordable. Mole Valley (on average, £1,346 per month). There are many households in Mole Valley who, because of the present relationship between house prices and incomes, are unable to meet their housing

42 A 1.9 Transport infrastructure people and younger people), gaining access to facilities Mole Valley has the fourth highest level of car ownership such as health, education, employment and leisure in Surrey and almost half (48.7%) of Mole Valley’s opportunities present great difficulties and may lead to households have access to two or more cars compared isolation. This is particularly the case in rural areas with to the national average of 32.1%. In rural Mole Valley, fewer and less frequent public transport routes. the level of car ownership is even higher with 57.5% of Unsurprisingly, employees who live in rural areas are households having access to two or more cars and (or) more likely to face longer commutes than those who live vans (Source: Census, 2011). in urban settings. Coast to Capital’s Rural Statement Given the reliance on car based travel, particularly in (2016) finds that 34% of urban living employees commute rural Mole Valley, issues include the state of rural roads, 5km or less whilst only 18% commute 5km or less in rural speeding on rural roads and the challenges faced by areas. For Mole Valley as a whole, the average vulnerable users such as the young, old, walkers, commuting distance is 15.4km (Source: Census, 2011). cyclists and horse riders. Census data (2011) shows that around 44,000 people For the 7.4% of rural Mole Valley households that do not travel into and out of Mole Valley to work every day. have access to a car (e.g. those on lower incomes, older Approximately 24,000 people commute into Mole Valley

Appendix Table Five: Modes of travel to work data for Mole Valley

Method of Travel to Work Mole Valley Total Urban Total Rural Total number % number % number % All categories (total) 38,294 100.0% 28,611 100.0% 9,683 100.0% Driving a car or van 24,906 65.0% 17,79 4 62.2% 7,112 73.4% Train 5,486 14.3% 4,521 15.8% 965 10.0% On foot 4,121 10.8% 3,450 12.1% 671 6.9% Passenger in a car or van 1,472 3.8% 1,042 3.6% 430 4.4% Bicycle 796 2.1% 664 2.3% 132 1.4% Leith Hill Tower, highest point in the Bus, minibus or coach 614 1.6% 494 1.7% 120 1.2% South East © John Miller Motorcycle, scooter or moped 371 1.0% 258 0.9% 113 1.2% Other method of travel to work 276 0.7% 186 0.7% 90 0.9% Underground, metro, light rail, tram 153 0.4% 128 0.4% 25 0.3% Taxi 99 0.3% 74 0.3% 25 0.3%

Source: Census, 2011 43 A APPENDIX A – PROFILE OF RURAL MOLE VALLEY CONTINUED from other local authorities in the UK (predominantly The Surrey Rail Strategy (2013) has identified the North from Reigate and Banstead) and 20,000 commute out Downs Line (NDL) as a key priority. Electrification of the of the District to other local authorities in the UK or route would improve journey times and reliability of abroad (the highest number into Reigate and Banstead, services benefitting many rural Mole Valley followed by Westminster and the City of London which communities, although it is likely that car parking at reflects Mole Valley’s desirability among London stations will need to be increased to ensure there is commuters travelling by train). sufficient capacity and people who live some distance from a station are not deterred from using the train. Census data (2011) (see Appendix Table Five on page Lack of car parking at rural stations such as Beare 43), shows that more than half (65.0%) of Mole Valley Green and Ockley has been identified as a particular residents in employment drive themselves to work by concern with commuters parking on local streets car or van. This figure rises to 73.4% in rural Mole causing congestion and safety issues. Valley. If you add on those who travel to work as a passenger in a car or van, the total for rural Mole Valley While Mole Valley’s larger towns benefit from a range of is 77.8% (compared to 65.8% of urban residents). In bus services linking them to other major towns, the addition, to its own car based commuters, Mole Valley rural areas have been traditionally less well served. also has to accommodate the car based travel of those Only 1.2% of rural Mole Valley residents travel to work people passing through the district to other employment by bus, minibus or coach (Source: Census, 2011). The centres as well as major traffic generators such as Buses 4U service has been established for the rural Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. areas of Mole Valley providing a demand responsive service that has gone some way towards addressing 14.3% of Mole Valley residents travel to work by train the shortage of conventional services in rural Mole compared to 5.6% nationally (England), reflecting the Valley. These buses operate anywhere within Mole generally good access to London by train from Mole Valley and also travel to destinations including Epsom Valley. However, only 10% of rural Mole Valley residents Hospital, East Surrey Hospital, Horley, Reigate and compared to almost 15.8% of urban residents take the Redhill. Nevertheless, bus services tend to be poor train to work. There are two main rail routes in Mole Valley: in the evenings and there is often a disconnect • The London-Horsham railway line connecting with between the buses and the arrivals and departures of London in the north and Horsham and Worthing to rail services. the south (an important connection to London for There is a skeletal cycle network in Mole Valley but the rural residents living in in or near stations such as Mole Valley Cycle Forum aims to update this to provide Box Hill and Westhumble, Holmwood (Beare Green a strategic cycle network with routes between villages and Ockley). There is also the Bookham spur of the and towns, as well as link to towns beyond the district Guildford line. boundary. Only 1.4% of rural Mole Valley residents travel • The North Downs Line connecting Gatwick Airport to to work by bicycle (compared to 2.3% in urban areas) Guildford and Reading, stopping at stations including (Source: Census, 2011). Improved cycle ways and Betchworth and Dorking (West & Deepdene). public rights of way between villages would help to 44 A improve access to services and facilities and public transport connections for rural communities. This priority also links to local ‘Safe Routes to Schools’. Mole Valley’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan (2015) sets out what infrastructure is needed to support the development set out in the Core Strategy (2009). It includes a range of future potential infrastructure improvements including those relating to highways and transport. Within the IDP, projects that have a particular focus on rural Mole Valley include: • A24 Capel to Surrey boundary corridor improvements • A24 Horsham Road (Spook Hill to Beare Green) Cycle Route • Brockham to Betchworth cycle route • Public Bridleway 52 (a well used link, especially by school children between Brockham and Betchworth) • Other public footpath and bridleway schemes in Brockham, Betchworth, Headley, Ockley Aircraft noise and air pollution is a much reported issue within Mole Valley. Gatwick Airport lies next to Mole Valley’s south-eastern boundary. While it provides a source of employment for some Mole Valley residents, it also creates challenges associated with aircraft noise, ground noise, air quality and increased traffic on the rural road network, particularly in the south east of the district. Several villages are adversely affected by aircraft noise including in particular Capel, Beare Green and Newdigate from flights departing from Gatwick Airport. © Royston Williams The Heathrow ‘Ockham’ stack results in some flights from Heathrow having to keep below the stack which can also be a cause of aircraft noise in the Dorking, Westcott, Brockham, Betchworth and the Buckland area.

45 A APPENDIX A – PROFILE OF RURAL MOLE VALLEY CONTINUED 1.10 Community buildings, services and safety In rural Mole Valley, a number of public houses have been converted since 1998. These include: Rural community buildings and services • Abinger Hammer – the Abinger Arms (converted to Rural communities often benefit from multi-purpose a cookery school 2013) buildings that provide opportunities for community • Beare Green – The White Hart activities. These might include villages parish halls, (converted to residential 1998) village shops, cafes, pubs, post office or sports clubs and pavilions. Community uses of these villages can • Blackbrook – The Plough (conversion 2010) be many and varied, and might include: playgroups, • Charlwood – The Rising Sun (converted to Indian youth clubs, day centres for older people, space for restaurant, now residential 2014) meetings or training. They may even serve as a hub to deliver services such as post office services, • Ockley – The Old School House (permitted community libraries (e.g. Beare Green community residential conversion September 2016); The Kings library), information and advice. For many rural Arms (converted to residential 2016) residents, they offer a central and communal place in • Strood Green – Spotted Cow (redeveloped to which to meet other people. Community buildings and residential 2000) facilities promote cohesion in rural communities and • Westcott – The Cricketers (converted to Indian provide opportunities for social contact and restaurant 2007); The Crown (converted to recreational activities. restaurant/bar/deli 2011 and now principally in The Rural Services Network notes the marked decline residential use) in the number of rural community buildings such as In Capel, The Crown Inn has been added to the register village shops, post offices, public houses and petrol of Assets of Community Value. Nationally, a filling stations over recent years along with the services Community (‘More than a pub’) that are often provided through those buildings. Pub Business Support Programme was launched in March 2016 to help counteract this Throughout Mole Valley communities are also national trend. This two year programme has been experiencing the loss of services due to funding cuts, established to help support community ownership of the burdens of legislation, under use and the pubs in England. Its value is £3.62 million and is jointly centralisation of services in urban areas. Community funded by the Department for Communities and Local buildings such as village pubs and shops are also Government (DCLG) and Power to Change. The under threat from redevelopment. For many Plunkett Foundation is leading the programme and communities, the village pub is not just a place to drink; delivering it in collaboration with Co-operative & they are central to people’s sense of place and identity, Community Finance, the Campaign for Real Ale they provide an opportunity for people to meet and (CAMRA), Co-operative Mutual Solutions, Pub is the they foster community cohesion. Even the conversion Hub and Locality. of pubs to restaurants can undermine their role in terms of acting as a community hub.

46 A Village shops are also under threat from redevelopment part of the Surrey Hills AONB or land owned by the in many of Mole Valley’s rural villages. One such National Trust). However, it is important to ensure example was the village shop at Strood Green which accessibility to areas of open space for all parts of the was under threat following the closure of its sub-post rural community (e.g. those without access to a car or office in 2005. With help from thePlunkett Foundation, on low incomes). Surrey Community Action, local businesses and The MVDC Core Strategy (2009) includes the goal to volunteer helpers, the Strood Green Shop raised the safeguard and ensure provision of sufficient land and funding to enable the Strood Green Shop Association to facilities for open space, sport and recreation to meet start renovations to the dilapidated shop unit and, in current and future requirements. The centralisation of 2009, the Shop at Strood Green reopened for business. sports, leisure and cultural activities and facilities in the In 2012, the Strood Green Shop Association launched a larger towns makes it even more important that there community share offer to raise further funds to purchase should be a policy focus on local rural provision in order the building leasehold enabling more refurbishment to that rural communities are not disadvantaged. The SCC begin. As well as selling a range of locally source Community Improvements Fund for community products, the shop provides internet terminals for public improvement projects offers a potential source of use, photocopying/printing, free WiFi, a café and a funding for such projects and has been used to support library service. The shop has its own ‘Post Point’ – one of the Brockham skate park and Charlwood sports pavilion a tiny handful of shops in the country pioneering such a and community hub. service – and a Paypoint terminal. Rural schools also sit at the heart of many rural 1.11 Rural safety communities. Not only do schools provide education, On the whole, Mole Valley has a relatively low crime rate but the buildings offer the potential for shared use with but rural communities may feel more ‘at risk’ due to the the community. There are seven state funded primary lack of permanent police presence (reduced due to schools (including infant and junior schools) in rural funding cuts) and longer response times. Rural Mole Valley. communities often have concerns over the speed of The Surrey Countryside and Rural Enterprise Forum response of the Emergency Services (health, fire, (SCREF) notes in its Rural Statement for Surrey (2016) environmental or crime emergencies). Rural areas also that outdoor recreation and access can provide face some specific crime trends, including offences such significant benefits to health and wellbeing as well as as poaching, theft of fuel, machinery or farming valuable income for local businesses such as shops, equipment, fly tipping, speeding and youth crime cafes and accommodation. According to the Mole (Source: SCREF, 2016). Valley’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan (2015), there are several rural wards where there are no public parks or gardens although, in these areas, there is often good accessibility to other types of green infrastructure (e.g. natural and semi-natural greenspace – frequently as Abinger Hammer © Graham Ward

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Published by Front cover: Mole Valley District Council Economic Development Service, August 2017 © Norbury Blue Cheese Co. and © Rod Shaw