& Walton Residents’ Association Spring Newsletter 2017 www.tadworthwaltonra.co.uk

WALTON SCHOOL MURAL By Timothy Samuel, Walton Headteacher alton on the Hill Primary School was thrilled to be approached by Walton on the Hill Decorative and Fine Arts Society with the offer of some funding for a whole school arts project. We had wanted to complete Wsuch a collaborative artwork for some time and the timing was absolutely perfect as a fabulous professional artist, Steve Porter, had also recently been in touch to share how he works with school. Following a series of emails and a meeting with Steve, it was agreed that he would come in and work with all the children across the school to design and create an art work linked to our local area. Through an assembly and discussion with the children, Steve started to plan a Village ‘Streetscape’ to reflect the local area where the children live. We were thrilled with the results that every child in the school had a hand in creating.

Gun Corner By George Curry Chinthurst Partnership Some good news emanating from Chinthurst School as it enters a new partnership with Grammar School and Reigate St Mary’s Prep School. The new Head Teacher, Miss Catherine Trundle, was Deputy Head at Reigate Grammar and confirms that the school intends to continue to provide a range of destination senior schools including; Reigate Grammar, , St John’s The first stage of Walton Forum’s ‘Gun Corner’ community project, Leatherhead and Caterham Schools. They will give early offer entrance under the chairmanship of George Curry, and tireless efforts of local arrangements to Reigate Grammar during Year 5. residents Lin Ferg and Jean Bye, has now been completed with new Catherine Trundle comments, “From the beginning of their journey landscaping, a new bench, bulbs and bushes. Tony Hart of Hills here, Chinthurst children enjoy a stimulating and exciting learning Garden Maintenance helped with the heavy lifting and plant supplies. environment ensuring they leave as confident learners and happy, well The council will shortly swop the old yellow Surrey CC bin for a new rounded individuals.” As well as their academic studies Chinthurst will Heritage one and the Forum are well advanced with their plans to also focus on drama, music, sport and other activities intended to stretch replace the BT 1980’s telephone kiosk with an original red box to the children. “We seek to educate the whole child and set them on the incorporate a community defibrillator. Funds have come from Reigate & path to fulfilled lives and a happy adulthood,” concludes Miss Trundle. Community Improvement Fund, Pfizer and other local In the meantime TWRA understands that the planning application businesses and residents. More detail to come in our next Newsletter. previously submitted by the school will not now be pursued.

Breech Lane Community Centre Lanes Kindergarten, Pre-School Nursery, Monday-Friday Michelle Williamson - 01737 8142017 - www.laneskindergarten.co.uk Hall is also available to hire for children’s parties, meetings and community get-togethers. To make all this work, we need to be able to consult our membership as fully as possible as and when required. While we now Chairman’s Report have an effective email service and an up to date website, we have Clive Elcome welcomes you. to bear in mind those of you who do not use a computer. Since ‘on demand’ hand deliveries to the door by our Road Stewards would he stated aim of your Association is the preservation of the be impractical, we’d have to arrange and pay for alternative delivery quality of all aspects of our environment. The pressures on us systems which tend to be expensive in this day and age. Thus, we to achieve this seem to have increased enormously over the do urge you to look at local notice boards and to keep an eye on the last few years. We are of course, victims of our own success: ‘Surrey Mirror’ and the ‘Tadworth and Walton Tribune’ which carries TTadworth and Walton are highly desirable places in which to live, for contributions from us. all the reasons with which we are very familiar! As a consequence Our constitution has, for many years remained unchanged. for example, demand by developers for building land is higher than However, acquired responsibility for the Jubilee Woodland has meant ever, while our local Council has its own housing targets to achieve. that it needed updating. The new version will be available at the AGM Increased levels of housing put greater demands on our infrastructure and has been posted on our website as well as on local noticeboards. presenting further challenges. IMPORTANT: We are still short of several road stewards. Please Another example is prevention of incursion into the Green Belt. let us know if you are able to help: otherwise, we may be unable to Balancing this equation without being overtly NIMBY is not easy and cover the whole of the Tadworth and Walton area. so, importantly, we’d like to know how well or otherwise you think Finally, a word of thanks for their contributions to our Committee we’re doing. Your opportunity to tell us will be at our AGM to be held meetings, to our Councillors Victor Broad and Rachel Turner of on Tuesday 23rd May at Chinthurst School beginning at 7.30pm (doors R&BBC, and to Mike Gosling of SCC. Mike is relinquishing his post in open at 7.00pm). If you’re not already a member, you’ll be able to join May and we wish him well with whatever he chooses to do next. A at the door. full tribute to him is included within this Newsletter. Woodland Trust Centenary Wood Update By Jill Bockmeulen

Work on the Centenary Wood in Langley Vale continues and on Saturday, 25th February the Woodland Trust held a tree planting day for this project. Approximately 320 volunteers planted just over 7000 trees in two fields on the day and the trees will be clearly seen from The Gallops as they grow. The next planting day will be in the Winter of 2017/2018 as trees (whips) have to be planted when dormant. 2016 TWRA Full Financial Review By Robin Parr-Davies, TWRA Treasurer The full year 2016 Financial Accounts will be sterling work on collecting subscriptions, as Beechams Field. The Surplus in 2016 therefore presented at the AGM on May 23rd. These well as delivering the Newsletters. With the goes some way towards repairing our finances will show an improved financial situation for proportion coming from Standing Orders only following the Public Enquiry and subsequent the TWRA slightly above last year at 36%, it would Appeal related to this case. Whilst Total Income was only slightly above greatly relieve the pressure on our Road We are once again grateful to Pfizer for their the previous year at £11,333 (£11,213 in Stewards if more of our Members could pay by continued financial support which, taken 2015), Total Expenditure was significantly Standing Order and Forms can be readily together with donations from Surrey County down at £8,405 (£16,128 in 2015) thus obtained from any member of the Committee. Council and our own funds were used giving us a Surplus for the year at £2,928 The main difference on Expenditure primarily to support the Tadworth Tree compared to a Loss in 2015 of £4,915. however was that in 2016 there were no large Replacement Programme together with Income from Subscriptions (£6,590) and legal bills incurred. Members will recall that in projects in Walton which are channeled Other Sources such as Donations, (£6,642) 2015 we incurred the last of the legal costs through the Walton Forum such as the were both at similar levels to 2015. Once again associated with Walton Heath Golf Club’s improvement to Gun Corner. We propose to our thanks to all our Road Stewards for their ultimately successful bid to de-regulate continue with these plans and others in 2017.

MICHAEL EVERETT & CO. Estate Agents • New Homes & Land Property Lettings & Management 61, Walton Street, Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey, KT20 7RZ Tel: 01737 814877 Fax: 01737 814860 email: [email protected] www.michael-everett.co.uk

2 Local Matters in Walton & Tadworth By Gillian Hein irst the good news, following Alanna Coombe’s move from the area, we now have a new volunteer to monitor the planning applications for Walton. Thank you Jayne Nallen for coming Fforward; Jayne can be contacted via [email protected]. RECENT WALTON PLANNING DECISIONS Bramley School As is widely known, Bramley School is to close in July. This is both a shock and a loss to the local community. It appears unlikely that the site will remain in educational use. In addition to the site of the school itself, there is a strip of land at the rear that is in the Green Belt and currently used for sports activities linked to the school. If developed, despite its Green Belt designation, this strip could affect the amenities of dwellings ‘Kitlands’ in Chequers Lane that back on to it. RECENT TADWORTH PLANNING DECISIONS ‘Kitlands’ Compared with Walton, there have been comparatively few significant The other large site that will come up for development is ‘Kitlands’, at applications in Tadworth over the last few months. We objected to an the junction of Hurst Drive and Chequers Lane. This is a large site that is application for a new dwelling at 1, Epsom Lane North. This was refused located in the ‘Residential Area of Special Character’ where the policy but another application has recently been submitted, also unsatisfactory emphasis is on generous spacing between buildings with generous tree in our opinion. A second application has also been submitted for a new cover and spacious gardens, (although in recent years, this policy has dwelling between Pinewood and Millford, on the Dorking Road, not always been strictly adhered to). Unfortunately a number of trees following an earlier refusal. This has also recently been refused. and hedging on the site have been felled or badly pruned and Council officers are currently examining whether any had tree preservation order 22, Downs Way protection and the implications of the damage. Certainly the site The saga of 22, Downs Way, where a dwelling has been constructed currently looks very unsightly both from Hurst Drive and Chequers Lane. which is much larger than shown on the approved plans, continues. The Council has put a stop notice on the site so no further work can be To date, we do not know how the two sites will be developed but carried out at present. Revised plans have recently been submitted, certainly there will be an increase in the number of cars on the local road showing a reduction in roof height. Your Committee has not yet had an network. If appropriate, and when more information is available, we will opportunity to consider the revisions. consult our membership or organise a public meeting. Station Buildings ‘Frith Park’ Planning permission has been given to internal alterations to Station We have been informed by the builders, Reside Construction Ltd, that Buildings, involving also a mezzanine floor, following an application to construction on the new dwellings, which was due to start on March change the use of the property to restaurant. It would appear that 27th, is programmed to last 70 weeks. Although it is stated that builders are now once again on site. We welcome the active use of the everything will be done to minimise disruption, if there are any problems building but are aware of concerns about the impact on street parking the Director, Stuart Burne, can be contacted on 01794 369160. The provision in the area. email address is - [email protected] Shelvers Green Residents have complained about the amount of demolition that has There have been requests for a seat on the Shelvers Green section of taken place to the locally-listed Mansion which we originally understood Shelvers Way and complaints about the mess where cars are parking on was to be retained and converted into flats. We are aware now that the the verge, creating a muddy trench. The TWRA together with Councillor side and rear external walls were built more recently. The brick walls and Gosling will be providing a seat and reinstating the verge with bollards rusting integral metal work were deemed unsafe, and have now been to stop cars parking on the grass. In the autumn we also hope to plant removed. Only a portion of the front elevation will be preserved. some trees next to the highway with daffodils on the Green.

Other Applications Preston We objected to an application for a new garage block at ‘Lavington’, Although Preston is the adjoining ward to ours, what happens there Heath Drive, which has been refused and also to an application for two affects residents in Tadworth and Walton because of pressures on the dwellings at ‘Thickets’, on the Dorking Road, and a dwelling next to infrastructure. We have recently expressed concern at the increase in the ‘Rose Cottage’, Chequers Lane which have also been refused by the number of dwellings now proposed on the former Surrey County Council. As yet, there are no appeals. Council owned De Burgh playing fields. Planning permission was originally given for 180 dwellings. This was then increased by six to take We objected to a rebuilding application of 2 Hernbrook, Chequers in some of the land that contributed to the setting of Marbles Pond and Lane, involving revised plans; this has yet to be determined. more recently an application has been submitted for 229 dwellings.

3 Apart from resulting in a more cramped layout, the development would increase pressures on the local road network and medical facilities, particularly as 130 dwellings are already under construction on land near the leisure centre.

Appeals Normally the Council is successful when developers appeal against the refusal of planning applications in Tadworth and Walton. As your Committee has usually objected to the applications the Council refuses, the TWRA gives support at the appeal stage. Unfortunately planning permission has been granted on appeal for new dwellings to the rear 1-7 Shelvers Way, and two new dwellings at ‘Green Corner’, Dorking Road (having previously dismissed an appeal for three dwellings on the site).

There has been a more welcome decision on a barn on land adjacent to Hurst Farm, Hurst Lane where permission was refused to convert it into a dwelling under the permitted development regulations.

** If there is an planning application near you which causes concern, County Council to remove the dead trees and remaining stumps and are please let us know and we will arrange a visit. ** pleased that some have recently disappeared.

Tree Planting in Tadworth & Walton We are very grateful to those residents who have already contributed Thirty more street trees were planted in Tadworth plus two at Gun to the tree fund. The more money we get in, the more trees we can Corner in Walton in December 2016. All are doing well and are currently plant. So, if you would like to help, please write a cheque made out to coming out in leaf and blossom. Unfortunately a number of older trees the Tadworth and Walton Residents Association and hand to any came down in storm ‘Doris’. member of your Committee indicating that it is for the tree fund. Please also let us know if you have a specific location in mind. Again we are very grateful to both Surrey County Councillor, Michael Gosling, and Pfizer for providing the majority of the necessary finance. Development Management Plan (DMP) Our thanks also to Tim George of Tim George Tree Services Ltd whose We had been anticipating that following the initial consultation in the firm sourced and planted the trees and to all the residents who have autumn of 2016, there would be the formal consultation on the DMP in agreed to water them weekly in dry periods. Pfizer, because it has been early 2017. However, possibly because of the additional work required, impressed with what the Walton Forum and the Residents Association arising out of recent legislation and the Government White Paper ‘Fixing have been doing with its community grants, has given each organisation our broken housing market’ (which is currently out for consultation and to an extra £2,000. So there will definitely be more planting in the autumn. which the TWRA will be responding), the Regulation 19 consultation will We hope to include some trees on more minor roads so please let us now not take place until January – February 2018 with an Examination in know if you would like a tree near you. One or two are already Public by September 2018 and adoption by November 2018. promised to residents who missed out on the earlier plantings. The Council has to vet the locations and tree types and the only requirement The DMP is an important document that will update the policies in from us is that you undertake to water the tree weekly during dry spells the 2005 Local Plan and allocate sites for development. Any delay is to during the spring and summer months. We continue to press the be regreted as some of the current policies are outdated.

Jessica Sayers 1946-2017 By Ann Liddle A memorial service was held for Jessica Sayers personally and as a scout group. She never on Monday 20th March at St. Peter’s Church, ever gave up and continued having a huge role Walton-on-the-Hill. in the group right up until December. Nothing Ann Liddle remembers: When I was asked was ever too much trouble for her and she to write a little tribute for Jessica or Bagheera would go out of her way to help you with as many of the village children know her, I anything if she could. knew instantly that I wanted to share this I’ve had messages from the parents of picture. I was helping Jess sort through some children in the scout group and they all old paperwork and she said this was one of her describe her as a lovely lady who was very favourite pictures. I’m not surprised as she dedicated and generous with her time to do a worked tirelessly and selflessly to keep the fantastic job of running the scout group. She is Scout group running, wanting only what is sorely missed already and we appreciate best for the young people of the village, everything she has done for scouting in despite the many hardships she has faced Walton-on-the-Hill.

4 Useful Contact Details

TWRA COMMITTEE: Clive Elcome - Chairman [email protected] 01737 813110 Gillian Hein - Vice-Chairman & Tadworth Planning [email protected] 01737 355206 Robin Parr-Davies - Treasurer [email protected] Gillian Bockmeulen - Secretary [email protected] 01737 814989 Ann Liddle - Walton Area Steward Michael Gosling 01737 819959 By Gillian Hein Jayne Nallen - Walton Planning [email protected] ichael Gosling, is standing down as our Surrey County 01737 814090 Councillor in May, after representing Tadworth, LOCAL COUNCILLORS: Walton, Kingswood and for 12 years. Rachel Turner, Borough Councillor Apart from holding several key positions in the [email protected] MCabinet, Michael has always been a first rate local Councillor, taking a Vic Broad, Borough Councillor keen interest in local affairs. He has attended and arranged public [email protected] meetings, spoken with key Surrey officers and councillors on our Crispin Blunt, M.P. behalf and attended our monthly TWRA committee meetings as and Westminster Office: 0207 219 2254 when requested. [email protected] As far as our ward is concerned, he has helped with efforts to solve Constituency Office: 01737 222756 the intractable parking and congestion problems. He has listened to Skinner House, 38-40 Bell Street, Reigate RH2 7BA our suggestions on new Traffic Regulation Orders, and has tried to help overcome the congestion problems in Walton and around REPORTING POTHOLES: You can report potholes and damaged pavements at: Tadworth Primary School. www.surreycc.gov.uk/highways In the last couple of years we have been most grateful for his efforts in getting the county highways officers to agree that we could JOINT ENFORCEMENT TEAM: plant trees in the grass verges, without using the expensive Surrey To report abandoned vehicles, anti-social behaviour, fly contractor and also for his financial support, through his Member tipping, graffiti, litter, dog fouling etc. please contact Allocation Grant. Without this money, we would have far fewer new the Joint Enforcement Team (JET) on line at trees. Our Committee will miss Michael’s help, advice and support. www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/report or telephone We would like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU 01737 276300. for everything he has done for the local community and wish him and his family well for the future.

Local Spotlight: The Flower Pot By Jill Bockmeulen uccessful businesses are an important Pot in 2000 after moving into the area and part of our local community and the continues to serve the community providing TWRA wanted to reflect this with a flowers and floral displays for weddings, new feature in the newsletter. It is funerals and special occasions, helped by part Salso hoped that a business initiative scheme in time florists, Toni and Kay. Flowers and plants Tadworth will start soon to support all our are imported from Holland where there is a local traders. wider choice and are delivered to the shop at The first business in the spotlight is The night to avoid the deliveries causing Flower Pot at 7, Station Approach, Tadworth congestion in the village. owned and run by Hazel Hewitt. She started The Flower Pot is open from 9.00-5.30 on working in floristry as a Saturday girl at the Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 9-4.30 on age of 12 and later gained experience as a Thursday and 9.00-1.00 on Wednesday and florist in the West End. Wishing to start her Saturday. Hazel can be contacted on 01737 own florist’s business she opened The Flower 813338 or [email protected].

5 TREE WARDENS NEEDED Are you interested in protecting and planting new trees in Tadworth or Walton?

If you would like information about joining a volunteer force of immense value to the environment, please contact: Tree Warden & Local Co-ordinator: [email protected] TREES MATTER

POLICE & NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH REPORT By Mike Fox In the last Newsletter we reported that Reigate & Banstead CC had recruited a Police Volunteer to distribute reports and alerts concerning local crimes to Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators and others who have signed up on the web to receive ‘InTheKnow’ bulletins. Unfortunately the volunteer has subsequently resigned. The Police are using other staff to send out the occasional alert but not as consistently as we had previously hoped. However, the greatest risk of crime currently arises as a result of attempted frauds and scams rather than burglaries. A paper giving warning details of various types of scam perpetrated on the doorstep or via telephone or email has been loaded onto the TWRA web site. If you do not have access to the internet but would like to have a copy of the paper please contact

Photo by Rachel Turner me on 01737 350452.

THE GREAT BRITISH CLEAN-UP Streetlife is a social network for local communities with the aim to help people make the most of where By Jill Bockmeulen they live by connecting with their neighbours and Tadworth and Walton participated in this year’s event which was held sharing practical information, advice and resources. throughout the country on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of March. Local People sign up with their postcode and email address schools, the Walton Forumand the TWRA all took part and we are and they are automatically connected to Streetlife grateful for assistance from Borough Council users in their local area. www.streetlife.com and especially Councillor Rachel Turner (pictured below) for co- ordinating and arranging for the collection of a substantial amount of rubbish. Thanks also go to those residents who gave up their UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS weekend to help make this clean-up operation a success. TADWORTH COURT EXHIBITION OF ARTS Friday 5 - Sunday 7 May The Children’s Trust School, Tadworth TADWORTH ART GROUP EXHIBITION Friday 12 - Saturday 14 May Peter Aubertin Hall, Elmore Rd, Chipstead For more information and opening times See http://tadworthartgroup.org.uk WALTON MAY PAGEANT Saturday 20 May 2017, 2.00pm TWRA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday 23 May 2017, 7.30pm Chinthurst School, Tadworth Street

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