Here are some updates on Borough matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consultations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Boundary Commission \u2013 <\/strong>The Commissioners\u2019 draft recommendations have been published.\u00a0 These are for a reduction in the number of Councillors from 38 to 35 and the creation of one new (additional) ward.\u00a0 To achieve these changes, several of the Wards will have their representation reduced from 3 to 2 Councillors and some roads will be moved to different wards.\u00a0 On the current recommendations, Woodcote Ward may lose Dalmeny Way, but otherwise remains as now. Ward names are designed to reflect the identity of the area and the consultation gives the opportunity to request changes. Since \u2018Woodcote and Langley Vale\u2019 more accurately describes this Ward, I\u2019ve asked for this proposal to be included in the Borough\u2019s response. \u00a0The consultation on the Commission\u2019s draft recommendations is open until 13th<\/sup> December and you can see the full details of the recommendations and respond at https:\/\/consultation.lgbce.org.uk\/node\/27356<\/a>. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gatwick Airport \u2013 <\/strong>Gatwick is consulting over their plans for greater use of their Northern Runway, improvements to the terminal building and roads, plus additional parking and hotels. The consultation is open until 1st<\/sup> December and is at https:\/\/www.gatwickairport.com\/business-community\/future-plans\/?utm_source=newgate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nrw21<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Heathrow <\/strong>is \u2018modernising\u2019 it\u2019s airspace. They say that they are working with air traffic control and other UK airports to modernise UK flight paths and make them more efficient. This should enable flights to reduce their carbon emissions. There is more information about the plans at heathrow.com\/airspacemodernisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Local list of buildings and landscapes<\/strong> The borough\u2019s ‘local list ‘ of buildings and landscapes that are of historic and architectural interest is being revised.\u00a0 Having them listed as borough assets that have heritage value will mean that their status will be taken into account if there are planning applications that would affect them.\u00a0 If you are aware of local buildings etc. that you consider to be a rarity, of architectural or artistic value, historic association, landmark status, or archaeological value, and you feel that they should be included, you have until 5pm on 16th<\/sup> November to nominate them.\u00a0 Details can be found at https:\/\/www.surreycc.gov.uk\/land-planning-and-development\/historical-planning\/listproject#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20Local%20Heritage%20List%20Project%3F%20As,22%20areas%20to%20develop%20local%20heritage%20asset%20lists<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Car thefts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I am aware of several thefts of cars from driveways at night, including those with keyless access. The police are working to catch those responsible and thank residents who have provided important information. They remind residents to ensure that they lock vehicles properly when they leave them, and if you have keyless access, keep the keys well away from doors and windows and store them in a metal or foil lined container. This stops the signal from reaching the vehicle when not in use. Please be vigilant \u2013 if you see something suspicious and think a crime is being, or about to be, committed, call the police on 999. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Planning matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Guild Living \u2013 <\/strong>The appeal by the applicants against the Council\u2019s refusal of their planning applications to redevelop part of the Epsom Hospital site was heard by the Planning Inspector at a public enquiry in August.\u00a0 Unfortunately, despite excellent and reasoned objections from Epsom Civic Society and W(E)RS \u2013 together with a huge number of residents \u2013 and speaking at the Appeal, the decision of the Council to refuse the second, slightly smaller development was overturned, and permission granted.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Inspector did uphold the refusal for the initial larger development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Appeals are currently in progress <\/strong>against the refusal of planning permission for the developments at 22-24 Dorking Road, 64 South Street and Langley Bottom Farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Green Flag awards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We are very pleased that four of the borough\u2019s parks and open spaces have again achieved Green Flag status.\u00a0 <\/strong>These are Rosebery Park, Epsom Common, Alexandra Rec and Ewell Court Park.\u00a0 Our thanks to all those involved in achieving these awards and enhancing our borough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n South and south East in Bloom<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier this year the Epsom & Ewell did excellently on their first entry into the \u2018South and South East in Bloom\u2019 awards and are planning to enter for 2022.\u00a0 As part of this, the Council are giving spring bulbs to local residents or groups.\u00a0 The bulbs are for planting alongside street name signs, where they can be seen and enjoyed by the local community.\u00a0 It is appreciated that some streets \u2013 including many in Woodcote \u2013 don\u2019t have street signs in grass verges. If you would like to take part, but your street signs are not suitable, and you can suggest a suitable alternative that will enhance the street scene, the council would be happy to consider them.\u00a0 The bulbs will be available on a \u2018first come, first served\u2019 basis on Sunday 7th<\/sup> November at three venues, including in the market place between 10 and 12. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Temporary road closures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We have been notified by Surrey County Council of the following temporary road closures.\u00a0 The timing is not confirmed yet.\u00a0 Warning notices will be displayed, and details can be found on https:\/\/one.network\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chalk Lane<\/strong> \u2013 temporary prohibition of traffic between Woodcote End and the junction with Worple Road.\u00a0 This is for work associated with a fire hydrant exchange and maintenance work.\u00a0 The start of the traffic order is 15th<\/sup> November, so the work will be some time after that.\u00a0 Access for residents, pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, businesses and emergency services will be retained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Langley Vale Road \u2013<\/strong> temporary prohibition of traffic between Headley Road and Farm View.\u00a0 This is for kerbing work \/ drainage \/ surfacing and should be carried out between 8am and 4pm.\u00a0 The traffic order comes into force on 18th<\/sup> November.\u00a0 Access for pedestrians, equestrians and unmounted cyclists will be retained, but other vehicle will have to use the diversion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Councillor surgeries \u2013 <\/strong>our next Councillor surgery is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday 23rd<\/sup> November.\u00a0 It will be virtual and details of how to book an appointment will be on the W(E)RS website (www.woodcoteepsomresidentssociety<\/a>) nearer the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n November 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Here are some updates on Borough matters. Consultations Boundary Commission \u2013 The Commissioners\u2019 draft recommendations have been published.\u00a0 These are for a reduction in the number of Councillors from 38 to 35 and the creation of one new (additional) ward.\u00a0 … Continue reading