Approved by the full council – 23 January 2014
Worplesdon Parish Council
Minutes of the monthly meeting held on 28 November 2013 in the small hall, Worplesdon Memorial Hall – 7.30pm
504-13 – Present
There were present Chairman Dr P Cragg, Mr T Cater, Mr M Dillon, Cllr D Elms, Mr D Howard-Jones (arrived late due to work commitments), Mrs J Messinger, Mrs S Morgan, Mrs E Nagle, Mr V Searle, Mr D Slaymaker, Mr R Welch and Mr C Venables.
Dr Cragg advised that Mrs M Wilson had tendered her resignation on 28 October which he had regretfully accepted.
The Borough Council had been informed and the requisite notice had been erected on the notice boards and on the Parish Council’s website. Those present expressed their appreciation to Mrs Wilson for all her hard work over the last 25 years. The Council wished Mrs Wilson a very happy retirement!
If ten electors request an election it would be necessary to hold an election, if not the vacancy will be filled by co- option. At the time of holding the meeting the Borough Council had not advised whether or not an election would be required or whether the Parish Council is free to co-opt.
505-13 - To accept apologies and reason for Absence in accordance with the LGA 1972, Sch12 para 40
Apologies and reason for absence were received from: Cllr R McShee and Mr R Watson. Apologies accepted.
Mr R Clark was absent (apologies received after the meeting).
Apologies were also received from Cllr Roche, Cllr K Witham and PC S McMurtry.
506-13 - Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPIs) by Councillors on any of the agenda items below in accordance with The Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012. (SI 2012 No. 1464)
Cllr D Elms declared a DPI interest in the potential development of up to 773 homes beside Fairlands as his home is just 80m from the edge of the potential development. Cllr Elms will be unable to participate in any future discussions about the Local Plan.
507-13 - To receive and consider written requests for new DPI dispensations
No requests were received.
508-13 - Declaration of non-pecuniary interests in accordance with the Parish Council’s Code of Conduct
Parish precept 2014/15:
Declarations were made by the following members:
Mr R Welch – Parish representative to the Worplesdon Memorial Trustees Mr T Cater - Parish representative to the Worplesdon Memorial Trustees Mrs E Nagle – Parish representative to Stoke Hospital Mrs S Morgan – Parish representative to the FLGCA
509-13 - Amendments to the Register of Interests 200
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Mr C Venables had completed a new Register of Interests – Mrs L Venables being a temporary part time Admin Assistant to the Parish Council.
510-13 - Declaration of Gifts or hospitality over £25
No declarations were made.
511-13 - Police matters in Worplesdon
PCSO Yeomans gave the following report: Worplesdon Stats 25/07/13 – 12/09/13
Worplesdon Wood Street Jacobs Well Fairlands Crimes Assaults 2 2 1 Burglary Criminal Damage 2 2 Drugs 1 2 Robbery Sexual Offences Theft from motor vehicle 1 Theft of motor vehicle Theft – other 2 2 Other offences (including Fraud, 1 3 Harassment, Public Order offences etc.)
Total crimes 6 7 6 2 Non -Crimes Child protection reports Communication offences 1 2 Domestic reports 1 2 Vulnerable adult reports 1 3 Others (including drink drive and 4 drunkenness offences)
Total non -crimes 3 8 0 3
Total (Crimes and Non -crimes) 9 15 6 5
Dr Cragg thanked PCSO Yeomans for her report. PCSO Yeomans left the meeting at 7.46pm
512-13 - Borough Councillor’s report
Cllr Elms gave the following report:
1. Two licences have recently been rescinded by the Borough Council’s Licensing Committee – The Guildford Charcoal Grill and the Apple Tree public house in Park Barn.
Dr Cragg thanked Cllr Elms for his report.
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513 -13 - County Councillor’s report
Cllr Witham had provided the following written report:
As your elected representative at Surrey County Council (SCC) I thought you would like to see a roundup of the main issues currently being dealt with by the County Council. I am always happy to receive feedback or comments regarding these or any other services run by SCC.
1. WINTER AND EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS
The extreme weather a couple of weekends ago was a timely reminder that good advance planning is essential to minimise the effects of extreme weather and to enable quick responses. Over that weekend SCC had key staff from Highways and Social Services located in the emergency services control rooms to direct enquiries regarding trees blocking roads and highways problems, and to ensure quick responses to any vulnerable people in emergency situations.
Surrey County Council are again ready for winter with more than £2.5 million being spent on a programme that includes using more than 40 specialist vehicles, hi-tech monitoring equipment, weather stations and 16,000 tonnes of grit.
SCC have also resurfaced or repaired more than 200 miles of road in the year to April, as well as repairing more than 20 miles of footpaths and pavements and updating two miles of drainage.
£5 million extra has also been put aside to repair the 200 roads in most need of fixing after cold weather damage. During last year’s snow, SCC’s fleet of gritters treated 10,000 miles of road in just 4 days.
Highlights of the SCC Winter Service Plan include:
• Providing 39 gritters, all fitted with location trackers and salt-spreading monitors; • Preparing more than 1,800 roadside salt bins across Surrey by October; • Installing 6 weather stations providing real-time updates on air and road temperature, rainfall and salt and ice levels; • Extending the trial of alternative vehicles (such as quad bikes) in the winter clear-up; • Having a standby team of 51 farmers to give extra support in less accessible areas.
SCC prepared well last year and has repeated that preparation this year. We are spending £100 million on relaying more than 300 miles of road in the next three years. The new surfaces will have a 10-year guarantee – or the contractor pays to do them again.
For pothole reporting and all highways issues see: www.surreycc.gov.uk
2. SURREY SUPERFAST BROADBAND
The first phase of Surrey County Council and BT’s project to ensure every community gets a broadband boost and to help firms do business online has been completed - on time.
This means that 15,000 homes and businesses now have access to high-speed internet as part of a scheme to make Surrey the UK’s best connected county in superfast time.
The programme will now aim to give another 15,000 premises high-quality access by the end of December as part of the drive to ensure virtually everyone in the county is covered by the end of 2014, compared with the national superfast broadband aim of 95% by 2017.
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Once completed, the Superfast Surrey project will ensure the council provides high-speed fibre broadband access to more than 80,000 premises not covered commercially.
This is great news and means we remain firmly on course to make Surrey the UK’s best connected county. Now we’ll press ahead with the next stage of this programme to ensure almost 100% high-speed internet access by next year. Already 63% of everyone aged 65 or over in Surrey has internet connection- the highest proportion in the UK.
3. HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 16-19
The number of young people in Surrey who are "NEET" - "Not in Education, Employment or Training" has more than halved in just over four years thanks to a series of initiatives spearheaded by Surrey County Council.
Latest figures show there were 449 NEETs aged 16 to 19 last month compared to 1,080 in April 2009. That means around 1.5% of 16 to 19-year-olds in Surrey are classed as NEET. According to the latest annual figures from the Department for Education, the figure is closer to 6% nationally.
The dramatic drop follows a series of county council initiatives designed to boost the job prospects of the County’s young people. These include incentivising businesses to hire more than 760 apprentices by next April, a new chain of county-wide centres to equip young people with basic skills, plus extra support in youth centres for those at risk of becoming NEET.
SCC has also saved £4.5 million transforming young people’s services by working more closely with voluntary and community groups.
It’s fantastic news that the number of NEETs has halved in four years, while we’ve also saved local taxpayers £4.5m by doing things differently and better. Apprenticeships provide young people with skills they need for a successful career, give businesses the workforce they require to thrive and help the economy grow. That is why we’re aiming to create another 500 by next April. I am grateful to the Worplesdon, Normandy and Pirbright Parish Councils for circulating information to local businesses about the support available.
Last year, the County Council incentivised businesses to hire more than 260 apprentices and is aiming to achieve a further 500 by April 2014.
4. SCHOOL PLACE
Surrey’s school children returned from their summer holiday to schools with extra classroom space for 2,800 children - the equivalent of 7 new large primary schools.
Plans have also been unveiled by Surrey County Council to create more than 3,000 new school places in the next year, as part of the biggest investment programme in Surrey’s history. It will see 16,000 extra places provided by 2018 to meet an increase in demand fuelled by a 20% rise in birth rates.
We’ve experienced a huge rise in demand for places at our high-quality schools and this surge is continuing, which is why we embarked on the biggest school expansion programme Surrey’s ever seen with more than £350 million being invested in creating the 16,000 places we need to find. By next September, almost 6,000 of those places will have been provided and we’ll continue to work on plans for the rest so that we ensure every child gets the best possible start in life.
The news comes after a recent Ofsted report which confirmed that many more Surrey schools are now classified as "Good" or " Outstanding".
5. GUILDFORD BOROUGH PLAN
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Finally, although not a County Council matter, there is a great deal of concern being expressed locally about the implications for further housing development, with areas of land being considered for classification as suitable for housing and a loss of green belt. There is information at www.guildfordlocalplan.info The GBC consultation is open until 29th November. Please check out the details and make your views known.
6. PEGASUS BUS
I have received the following information from SCC’ Passenger Transport Group in response to my request for the Pegasus School Bus to be reinstated.
“The Pegasus transport service to primary schools was attractively priced in terms of fares, well-patronised and well- liked and provided a number of benefits such as relieving parking around the vicinity of the schools served, including Fairlands. However, it cost Surrey CC about £960,000 per annum to operate the 20 routes, which ultimately proved unsustainable. A saving of this amount was identified as part of a package of bus support savings put to Cabinet as part of our earlier Bus Review. Cabinet decided that the scheme should cease from July 2010 without replacement, except for those students who were statutorily entitled to free transport. In the current financial climate, with a need to achieve significant corporate revenue funding savings, the likelihood of the scheme being re-activated is slim.”
514-13 - Minutes of the previous meetings
It was proposed Mr D Slaymaker, seconded Mr C Venables and resolved that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held 24 October 2013 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
It was proposed Mrs E Nagle, seconded Mr D Slaymaker and resolved that the minutes of the full council meeting held 24 October 2013 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
It was proposed Mr R Welch, seconded Mrs E Nagle and resolved that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held 14 November 2013 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
It was proposed Mr R Welch, seconded Mrs E Nagle and resolved that the minutes of the General Purposes and Finance Committee meeting held 14 November 2013 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record subject to the following amendment:
Page 191 – Minute number 478-13 – Amend “Curate” to “Associate Priest”.
It was proposed Mr R Welch, seconded Mrs E Nagle and resolved that the minutes of the Health and Safety Committee meeting held 14 November 2013 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
It was proposed Mr D Slaymaker, seconded Mr T Cater and resolved that the minutes of the Extra-Ordinary meeting held 14 November 2013 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
515-13 - Finance
a) Bank reconciliation – October 2013 bank
The RFO had prepared the bank reconciliation for October 2013 in accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2011 a copy of which was issued to all members. The Chairman duly signed the bank reconciliation and bank statement.
Appendix 1.
b) Monthly budget report – October 2013 204
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The RFO had prepared the monthly budget report for October 2013 a copy of which was issued to all members. The Chairman duly signed the monthly budget report.
Appendix 2.
c) Revised draft precept – 2014/2015
A copy of the revised draft precept had been issued to members for their consideration.
The revised precept was tabled for consideration.
Mrs Messinger enquired whether the grant to the Worplesdon Memorial Trustees would still be required if the hedge is being removed. Mr Cater advised that only part of the hedge is being removed to enable the car park extension to take place.
Mrs Morgan suggested that if necessary the Parish Council could consider reducing or removing the two school grants for 2015/2016.
Following discussion it was proposed Mrs S Morgan, seconded Mr D Slaymaker that the Parish Council set the precept for 2014/2015 at £128,800 representing a 9.2% increase (at this point in time it was not known whether a Local Council Tax Support Scheme Grant would be given for the next financial year).
A vote took place: 11 for – Mr R Welch abstained.
It was agreed that if the Borough Council issued a LCTSS grant the General Purposes and Finance Committee should undertake a further review of the precept.
Appendix 3.
d) Damaged knee rail fencing – Holly Lane crossing near Merrist Wood
Quotation received from T J Hunt Ltd – Total cost of repairs £250 & VAT. It was proposed Mr D Howard-Jones, seconded Cllr D Elms and resolved that the quotation be accepted.
Power to spend: Power of Competence
516-13 - Invoices for payment
It was proposed Mrs S Morgan, seconded Mr M Dillon and resolved that payments to the value of £12,055.73 be approved and signed.
Chq No: Payee: Description: £:
500160 WPCC Grant towards the upkeep of St Mary's Churchyard 2,000.00 500161 Surrey County Playing Fields Ass Membership 10.00 500162 SLCC Membership 231.00 500163 CPRE Subscription 29.00 500164 T & S Tree Surgeons Tree surgery oak tree Perry Hill Green 168.00 500165 Nigel Fagg Tree inspections 660.00 500166 The Surrey Pension Fund Pension conts Ee's & Er's 722.20 205
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500167 The Stilwell Partnership Project Management - 3rd payment 3,105.84 500168 Zurich Management Services LCAS training event - 25 September 2013 144.00 500169 Knaphill Print Ltd 3,500 newsletters 420.00 500170 Blue Sky H&S Insp 825.24 Online Salary/exps Online Salary/exps Online Staff costs Salary/exps 3715.50 Online PAYE/NIC Online Spanglefish Subscription - WPC website advert free 24.95
Total 12,055.73
517-13 - Planning Applications for consideration
Planning Application No: 13/P/01909 – 21 Kiln Meadows, Fairlands, Guildford, GU3 3JN – Single storey side extension following demolition of existing detached garage.
No comment.
Planning Application No: 13/P/01927 – 33 Tangley Lane, Guildford, GU3 3JU – Two storey side extension following demolition of garage and site addition.
Leave to planners.
Planning Application No: 13/P/01964 – The Ives, Clay Lane, Jacobs Well, Guildford, GU4 7NZ – Proposed single storey pitched roof rear extension to existing kitchen.
No comment.
Planning Application No: 13/P/02003 – 5 Rydes Hill Crescent, Guildford, GU2 9UH – Single storey front extension.
No comment.
Mr D Howard-Jones arrived 8.25pm
Planning Application No: 13/P/02015 – Blanket Mill Farm, Goose Rye Road, Worplesdon Guildford, GU3 3RQ – Consultation from Woking Borough Council relating to a Lawful Development Certificate for continued use as agricultural residential occupancy.
Leave to planners.
Planning Application 13/P/02023 – 10 St Mary’s Way, Guildford, GU2 8JY – Revision of planning consent 13/P/00822 (two storey side extension approved 16.7.13, amending the roof line to show a hipped roof.
No comment.
Planning Application No: 13/P/01975 – Stapleton Tyre Services, 13 Slyfield Industrial Estate, Moorfield Road, Guildford, GU1 1RU – Proposed erection of a temporary single storey building at the rear of the site for a period of seven years.
No comment.
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Planning Application No: 13/P/01976 – 25-27 Slyfield Industrial Estate, Moorfield Road, Guildford GU1 1RY – Proposed front and site extension following demolition of existing side and rear extensions; erection of 8 space cycle shelter; resurfacing work across the site, change to site access and dropped kerb.
No comment.
Planning Application No: 13/P/01453 – SANG site for Frog Grove Lane – The Parish Council withdrew its comments of support on 10 November 2013.
518-13 - Clerk’s Report
a) Flood Forum February 2014
Date of next meeting – Friday 7 February 2013 – 10.30am at Fairlands Community Centre, Fairlands. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
b) S106 funds – Provision of playground equipment
Email received from Guildford Borough Council (GBC) advising that S106 Agreements relating to planning application 07/P/02626 and planning application 06/P/02215 needs to be spent ASAP. The Clerk had advised GBC that the Parish Council’s S38 application for a play area on the triangular section of Wood Street Village Green had been withdrawn and the Parish Council was unlikely to be able to spend the S106 monies on play equipment in Wood Street Village in the immediate future. The Clerk enquired whether the S106 monies could be used to upgrade the play area in Baird Drive instead.
c) Surrey Association of Local Councils (SALC)/National Association of Local Councils (NALC) proposed subscriptions for 2014/2015
The proposed subscription for 2014/2015 for SALC is £1,440.15 – NALC subscription £368.28
d) Proposed Works on Common Land, 124 Oak Hill
Letter received from the Planning Inspectorate advising that consent for a new vehicle crossover has been granted. Works to begin no later than 3 years from 22 November 2013.
e) Wildflower Meadow – Oak Hill, Wood Street Village (Minute number 217-13 refers)
After further consideration it was agreed with Surrey Wildlife Trust that the wildflower meadow area (76 – 12 Oak Hill) will be added back onto their annual mowing programme so the meadow will be “cut and collected” annually from mid-late September as of 2014.
f) Parish Newsletter – Winter 2013
The newsletter had been printed and was due to be distributed end November/beginning of December.
g) Cllr David Elms – Mayoral year 2014/15
Cllr Elms advised that Rev Hugh Grear has agreed to be his Chaplain during his Mayoral year.
519-13 - Chairman’s Report
Dr Cragg gave the following report:
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Approved by the full council – 23 January 2014 a) Annual Armistice Day Service – 11 November 2013
We held our now annual ceremony at the war memorial located by the junction of Queenhythe and Clay Lane in Jacobs Well. Being a weekday and miserable weather expectations for a large turn-out were not high. These expectations were confounded by an even larger than previous attendance by residents. Despite the weather piper Kenneth Thompson again played both before and after the speaking was done by myself, as Chairman. Wreaths were laid by the Parish Council and the Jacobs Well Village Association. Various individuals laid their own crosses at will. It appears that this simple and respectful ceremony is becoming a much appreciated and regular event. b) Letter of appreciation received in respect of Mrs Mick Wilson`s long service on the Parish Council
We were all sorry to acknowledge Mick`s desire to retire from her post on the Council. Her letter of resignation was both kind and complimentary. As Chairman I have written a reply accepting her resignation and expressed our thanks for all she has contributed over the years.
c) Meeting with Merrist Wood - 21 November 2013
The Clerk, Terry Cater, Chris Venables, Lindsay Venables and myself met John Nutt for our regular liaison meeting. Much time was taken with the College explaining their future plans for expansion and the unexpected delays that have occurred. The college is positioning itself to cover a wider range of disciplines which will have relevance to the workplace. We explained our suggestions that within the Local Plan consultations the Parish Council would not object to affordable homes (for key workers) and student accommodation being built on site along with an expansion of teaching facilities.
The relationship between Council and College appears to be mutually beneficial. d) Little Crickets Meeting – 21 November 2013 (Mr C Venables)
Mr Venables gave the following report:
The land drains have now been installed in the car park. All are pleased with the result. John Gunner to be asked to spread more road planings across the car park surface.
The Cricket Club has made a start of clearing up the junk between the pavilion and the shipping container. The Club intends to add cladding to the shipping container before the next cricket season.
Remedial work has been carried out to the cladding on the apex of the pavilion. The cladding may need replacing before the end of next year, although the cladding is purely decorative.
The Parish Council’s Golden Jubilee bench needs to be re-located under the oak tree. The Parish Council will need to meet the costs, assumed to be £150. The Clerk to check the exact location before proceeding.
A commemorative bench had been installed near the practice nets, which is considered by the Club to be in a dangerous location. The Club to write to the Tester family advising that the bench needs to be re-located. The costs of which are either to be met by the family or the Cricket Club.
Road planings had been spread over the track which had helped to fill in the numerous pot holes.
Dr Cragg thanked Mr Venables for his report.
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520-13 - Health and Safety Inspection Report
Mr Trevena had undertaken the weekly and monthly inspections as a result of which the following report was given:
Monthly inspections
Fairlands:
Bus Shelters: No problems noted Benches: No problems noted Village Sign: No problems noted Notice board: No problems noted .
Jacobs Well:
Bus Shelters: No problems noted Benches: No problems noted Village Sign: No problems noted Village Ponds: No problems noted Recreation Ground: No problems noted Notice board – No comment made.
Perry Hill/Pitch Place
Bus Shelters: No problems noted Benches: No problems noted Village sign: No problems noted Perry Hill sign, Rickford: No problems noted Notice boards on both Greens: No problems noted Tennis Courts: No problems noted Trees on both Greens: No problems noted Perry/Pitch Place Greens: No problems noted.
Wood Street Village:
Bus Shelters: No problems noted Benches: No problems noted – Peter is still waiting to hear where the Golden Jubilee bench at the cricket ground is to be sited. May Pole: No problems noted Village Sign: No problems noted Village Pond: No problems noted Trees on the Green: No problems noted Interpretation Board: Roman Farm Road: No problems noted Notice boards – on Village Green and by Post Office: No problems noted.
Weekly inspections
Fairlands:
Sign/Gate/Fence: No problems noted Play surface: Cleared of leaves. Moss on surface Litter/Bin/glass etc: Cleared Play equipment: No problems noted 209
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Grass/Path/seats: No problems noted Bins @ Liddington Hall Drive and Near Rokers: Emptied
Jacobs Well:
Play surface: Leaves cleared. A lot of moss on surface Litter/Bin/Glass etc: Cleared Play equipment: No problems noted Bench/Picnic Table: No problems noted Grass: No problems noted Fence/Gates/Sign: No problems noted Goal posts: No problems noted War Memorial Plaque: No problems noted
Wood Street Village:
Community Car Park: No problems noted Husson Breeze: No problems noted.
Worplesdon:
Sign/Gate/Fence: No problems noted Play surface: Leaves cleared Litter: Cleared Play Equipment: No problems noted. Peter tried to remove some graffiti from the ball court backboard with some success, but will need to find a cleaner for indelible ink. Benches – including picnic benches: No problems noted Grass: No problems noted.
The Clerk/RFO had obtained a quotation for treating the moss on the play surfaces. Total cost £456.70 & VAT. It was proposed Mrs S Morgan, seconded Mr C Venables and resolved that the quotation be accepted. Costs to be ratified at the next full council meeting.
521-13 - Guildford Residents Association
Cllr McShee had given the following written report:
The Local Plan was discussed and subsequently they issued to all members their suggested response to all 41 questions of the Issues and Options Questionnaire.
Cllr D Elms left the meeting at this point
522-13 - Local Plan – Strategy and Sites Issues and Options consultation
It was proposed Mr M Dillon, seconded Mrs Morgan and resolved that the Parish Council’s responses to Questions 21, 28 and 29 be amended to the following:
Q 21: Villages in the Green Belt - Do you support using the GBCS (Green Belt and Countryside Study) to help us decide whether we should identify new settlement boundaries for our villages?
A: In principle the Parish Council objects to the removal of any of its villages from the Green Belt. Paragraph 79 of the NPPF states that the Government attaches great importance to Green Belts. Nonetheless, the Parish Council is also mindful of paragraph 86 of the NPPF. If insetting is imposed on the Parish Council we would support the 210
Approved by the full council – 23 January 2014 proposed boundaries for Jacobs Well, Fairlands and Wood Street Village as per the maps provided in Volume IV Green Belt and Countryside Study Stage 3 maps “Assessing the suitability of each village for insetting within the Green Belt and defining new Green Belt boundaries maps” – PPG Ref: BNL.0287 – Feb 2013.
The proposed revised Green Belt boundaries for Fairlands (3E) includes a critical watercourse (run-off from the Hogs Back). The proposed revised Green Belt boundaries for Wood Street Village include common land (3D) and a critical watercourse (run-off from the Hogs Back) (3G). What affect, if any, would this have on the proposed new boundaries with regards to riparian ownership? Is it appropriate for common land to be included within a settlement boundary?
Q 28: Land surrounding Guildford urban area - Do you think that we should develop this land to help meet our future needs or are there other more suitable sites?
A: Sites 36, 37 and 38 are located within the Green Belt outside of existing settlement areas. No development should take place on any of these sites. These sites should remain within the Green Belt.”
Q 29: Land surrounding villages - Do you think that we should develop this land to help meet our future needs or are there other more suitable sites?
Land surrounding Fairlands should not be developed for the following reasons:
These parcels of land are located within the Green Belt and meet the following purposes of the Green Belt which are to: check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; to prevent the coalescence of Fairlands with the town; to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; to preserve the setting and special character of our historic town. Very special circumstances would be required to justify the loss of these sites given their proximity to Whitmoor Common SPA, SSSI, LNR. The proposed development of up to 773 new homes would more than double the existing size of this satellite suburb and would completely change the character of the Estate leading to the urbanisation and destruction of the village environment. The local road network is already at capacity. The A323 already experiences significant delays during the rush hour with a particular pinch point at Rydes Hill roundabout. These delays represent a significant loss of income in terms of the local economy. The cumulative impact of development in Aldershot, Farnborough, Ash, Tongham, Normandy and Pirbright will greatly exacerbate the existing problems. Any development at Fairlands would increase vehicle movements on the A322 which would have a detrimental impact on air quality which in turn would have a detrimental impact on Whitmoor Common, SPA, SSSI, LNR. C15, the road that runs through Wood Street Village, which is already used as a rat run to the Research Park, University, Hospital and Tesco is at capacity. Any development at Fairlands would have a knock-on impact on the traffic using the road through Wood Street Village. Both Wood Street Infant School and Worplesdon Primary School are already oversubscribed. Whilst primary school places are being increased at St Joseph’s School, Aldershot Road to take account of current demand, what action is being taken to increase the corresponding senior school places? Also what action is being taken to provide the requisite school places that will be required to cater for the proposed new housing within the Borough? There is only one way in and out of the Estate. There is a significant increase in the volume of traffic entering and leaving the Estate during school drop off and collection times. The road network within the Estate could not possibly cope with the increase in traffic that a new development would bring. The local Doctors’ Surgery is already at capacity. Properties within the Estate already suffer with extremely low water pressure. The existing sewerage system cannot cope – Major sewage leaks have been experienced on Broad Street Common (SNCI) twice in the last 12 months. On days when there is sudden, heavy rainfall raw sewage leaks into the gardens in St Michael’s Ave.
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The water table in this area is very high, whilst the land itself is low lying. Surface water flooding in Fairlands is an issue that is recognised within the Surrey Flood Risk Strategy and the Guildford Surface Water Management Plan. Any additional development would exacerbate the risk of household flooding.
Doctors’ Surgery – Major flooding event 2000 Gumbrells Close – Major flooding event 2000
The South East is an area of high water stress. Guildford Borough lies within several Water Resource Management Units including the River Wey and Hoe Stream (surface water). Any development within this area could affect provision of water to the residents of Guildford Borough. An increase in development will correspondingly increase the demand for water. It would therefore be inappropriate to develop these parcels of land due to the potential detrimental effect on the local water supply. Fairlands is located at the end of a particularly long power network. Due to overhead lines and the length of the network the Estate suffers from frequent power outages. We do not believe that the existing network could cope with the proposed number of houses. The proposed housing would have a detrimental impact on Littlefield Common SNCI, which provides habitat for a number of protected species including nightjars and bats. This particular land contributes to a vital wildlife corridor which links Whitmoor Common, Chitty’s Common, Rydes Hill, Common, Broad Street and Backside Commons to the Hogs Back. There are remnants of the cultural landscape associated with the medieval Royal Deer Park within the Rydes Hill/Fairlands rural-urban fringe. It is important that the separation of Fairlands from the historic settlement of Wood Street Village is maintained. Large scale development at this location would be wholly inappropriate. The appropriate infrastructure being in place is a prerequisite to the proposed increase in housing. If a new way into and out of the Estate were to be created it would increase the risk of crime on the Estate. There is an existing problem with the no right turn out of the Estate being abused. Any increase in the number of vehicles using the entrance would correspondingly increase the risk of a serious or even fatal accident occurring on the A323.
Cllr D Elms returned to the meeting.
523-13 - Wood Street Village Car Park
The Chairman gave the following report:
“The car park was opened at 10.00 hrs on Monday 28 th October in a simple ceremony officiated by myself and attended by the Clerk, Parish Councillors, representatives of the contractors, SCC, the Church and the School. The Surrey Advertiser sent a photographer and a significant article subsequently appeared in the newspaper.
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On the following day (29 th ) the school re-opened and I attended to assist and observe the use being made of the facility. Whilst I was there at school “dropping-off time” I saw only four vehicles parked on the road side whereas the car park was continuously in use and virtually full for most of this period.
Subsequently we have received many reports of the considerable use being made of the car park and comments praising this venture on the Parish Council`s part have been received from previously critical sources.
524-13 - Christmas Carols on Perry Hill Green and Wood Street Village Green
Mrs Messinger gave the following report:
Various offers of donations for mulled wine and mince pies have been received. I will arrange to collect the various donations on the day.
The carol singers from the Church will be able to attend. I have utilised last year’s banners to advertise the event.
The Christmas tree has not yet been erected. John Gunner to be chased.
Mrs Venables to be asked to assist on the evening.
As Mr Searle will be unable to attend is anyone else willing to dress up as an Elf?
A team of volunteers will be required to help set up and take down bunting, safety tape and barriers, H&S notices and car parking duties.
The Parish Council’s high-vis jackets will be required.
I will need to purchase sweets.
In the event of bad weather St Mary’s Church has offered to act as Plan B which is to hold the event in the Church.
It was proposed Mrs S Morgan, seconded Mrs E Nagle and resolved that Mrs Messinger be given permission to purchase sweets up to the value of £30 from a local cash and carry.
Dr Cragg thanked Mrs Messinger for her report.
It was proposed Mr R Welch, seconded Mrs E Nagle and resolved that permission be granted for the carol singing event on Wood Street Village Green – To be held 14 December 2013.
525-13 - WW1 Working Party
Mr Slaymaker advised that he would be able to obtain 50 Poppy Day crosses from the Royal British Legion. A calligrapher would be required to scribe the names of the fallen onto the crosses and enquired whether anyone knows of a local calligrapher.
526-13 - Traffic Committee
This item was deferred until the next full council meeting.
527-13 - Worplesdon Tennis Club
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Approved by the full council – 23 January 2014
Mr Venables gave the following report:
The Clerk and I met with Mr P Elsing, Treasurer of the Worplesdon Tennis Club on 22 November 2013.
Mr Elsing had prepared financial information to be presented to the Parish Council. The Clerk had also provided financial information in relation to the Tennis Courts.
Mr Elsing stated that the Club would like to re-negotiate its current Agreement with the Parish Council.
He put forward the following three proposals:
1. The Club to pay a proportionate fee in relation to the time they have the courts. 2. Return to the previous Agreement whereby the Club paid a set fee for each member (different rates applied to adult, child and social members); or 3. WTC to lease the Parish Council’s courts
Mr Elsing was unaware that the Parish Council pays Mr Callanan an annual fee for overseeing the tennis courts, which covers ensuring that the courts are not-misused, handling bookings and taking payments. This would need to be factored in to the Tennis Club’s calculations.
Peter Elsing was going to discuss the various proposals with the Tennis Club at their meeting which was being held this evening.
The Club intended that the current “public” time would be retained.
Any new Agreement would need to be considered by the Parish Council’s solicitor.
The Clerk had liaised with Pirbright Parish Council, Normandy Parish Council and Ash Parish Council all of whom advised that the Tennis Club’s that use their courts do so by virtue of lease from the Parish Council. Within the terms of the lease it is the Tennis Club that is responsible for all maintenance of the courts including: cleaning, re- painting and re-surfacing.
Members felt that a lease arrangement would be mutually convenient to both parties.
This item will be on the agenda of the next full council meeting.
528-13 - Winter maintenance schedule Wood Street Village Community Car Park (Minute number 486-13 refers)
The General Purposes and Finance Committee had recommended not to purchase a grit bin and that in severe snowy/icy conditions the car park should be closed. The Clerk had been asked to find out the criteria for closure of the school.
The Clerk had duly contacted Mrs Green, Headteacher at Wood Street Village Infant School who had advised that during snowy conditions the local Headteachers liaise with each other and a collective decision is taken as to when the schools should be closed. There are no set rules as such.
Mrs Green specifically requested that the car park should remain open whilst the school is open.
The Clerk stated that it is possible that the ingress and egress may be slippery even though the school may remain open. The Clerk reiterated her suggestion that the Parish Council should obtain a grit bin and grit for use on the tarmac areas of the ingress and egress only. As the surface of the car park is predominantly Coxwell gravel and type 1 surfacing, it is far less likely to become slippery. If grit has been spread over the tarmac areas and an accident were to occur the Parish Council would have done all that was considered reasonable to prevent an accident, 214
Approved by the full council – 23 January 2014 thereby reducing the risk of a successful litigation claim. In the event of very severe weather the Parish Council could still take the decision to close the car park, in which case road cones would be better than a chain across the height barrier as they are less likely to cause any injury and are also reflective therefore more obvious to drivers especially at night.
Mrs Green had advised that the school caretaker would be prepared to spread grit across the two small areas of tarmac before school opens.
Members discussed the possibility of paying Mr Trevena to spread grit over the weekend if it were felt to be necessary.
Following a lengthy discussion it was proposed Mr R Welch, seconded Mrs S Morgan that for health and safety reasons the Parish Council should obtain a grit bin and grit and that a written Agreement between the school and the Parish Council should be drawn up.
A vote was duly taken. Ten for – 2 against. Motion carried.
529-13 - Worplesdon Memorial Trustees – Appointment of Parish Representative
Mr Welch advised that he was willing to re-stand for office. It was proposed Mr M Dillon, seconded Mr V Searle and resolved that Mr Welch be re-appointed as a Parish Representative to the Trustees for a further 3 year term of office.
530-13 - Date of next meeting – Thursday 23 January 2014
Meeting closed 9.45pm
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