Agenda, decisions and minutes

In the absence of the Vice-Chair, Councillor Steven McCormick and with the agreement of the Committee, Councillor Chris Frost was appointed Vice-Chair for the meeting.

To take any questions from members of the Public.

The Committee received one verbal question from a member of the public with regard to the on-going protection of Horton Country Park, and noted that the Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee would respond directly to the questioner.

The Committee received one verbal question from a member of the public with regard to the forthcoming Regulation 18 public consultation on the Local Plan and it was noted that the Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee would respond directly to the questioner.

Members are asked to declare the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in respect of any item of business to be considered at the meeting.

In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Chris Frost declared that he is a patron of the Horton Cemetery group.

In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Neil Dallen declared that he is a patron of the Horton Cemetery group.

In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Steve Bridger declared that he is a patron of the Horton Cemetery group.

The following declarations of interest were made in relation to Item 4 of the Agenda.

In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Chris Frost declared that he is a patron of the Friends of Horton Cemetery group.

In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Neil Dallen declared that he is a patron of the Friends of Horton Cemetery group.

In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Steve Bridger declared that he is a patron of the Friends of Horton Cemetery group.

The Committee is asked to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 15 July 2021 (attached) and to authorise the Chairman to sign them.

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee held on 15 July were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

This report recommends that the local listing of Horton Cemetery is confirmed, following the initial submission to Committee and subsequent consultation with interested parties.

Following consideration, it was resolved unanimously that the Committee:

(1)      Agreed to the Local Listing of Horton Cemetery, including the boundary railings and a war memorial built in 2004 outside the railings and facing onto Horton Lane.

The Committee received a report recommending that the local listing of Horton Cemetery is confirmed, following the initial submission to Committee and subsequent consultation with interested parties.

The Committee received a verbal introduction from the Planning Policy Manager.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            Maintenance by landowners: Members raised concerns regarding the current condition of Horton Cemetery. It was noted that as this is a privately owned site, the Council does not have any legal control over the land. The Officer noted that it is a possibility for the Council to write an informal letter to the landowner and ask about the intended maintenance and could consider serving a notice under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to require that it be tidied up.

b)            Local Listings Officer: Following a question from a Member, the Officer noted that a Local Listings Officer had recently been appointed by Surrey County Council, after retaining a sum of money from MHCLG. This Local Listings Officer had been employed to review the 72 Locally Listed buildings and structures in the Borough, and also to consider any new candidates for Local Listing as part of project covering much of Surrey.

Following consideration, it was resolved unanimously that the Committee:

(1)      Agreed to the Local Listing of Horton Cemetery, including the boundary railings and a war memorial built in 2004 outside the railings and facing onto Horton Lane.

South Western Railway (“SWR”) is consulting on plans to make changes to train service timetables across their network from December 2022, which will affect services running through Epsom and Ewell. Officers have drafted a response. The response objects in principle to the published plans. Officers intend to submit a final response having considered any new information or comments from the Committee.

Following consideration, it was resolved unanimously that the Committee:

(1)      Approve grounds of response to SWR consultation as set out in appendix 1.

(2)      Agreed to Delegate authority to the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, to submit a final consultation response.

South Western Railway (“SWR”) is consulting on plans to make changes to train service timetables across their network from December 2022, which will affect services running through Epsom and Ewell. Officers have drafted a response. The response objects in principle to the published plans. Officers intend to submit a final response having considered any new information or comments from the Committee.

The Committee received a verbal introduction from the Senior Planning Policy Officer.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            Page 31, Question 3: A Member suggested that the last paragraph be amended to better define the planned house growth in both South West and South East England. The Officer agreed to take these comments on board,

b)            Climate Change: In relation to page 33, sub-question 2, Members noted the potential for more detail to be added surrounding climate change. It was noted that the reduction of car usage and ownership is dependent on the improved services of public transport.

c)            Pressure on Smaller Stations: Members raised concerns regarding the possibility of Epsom Station being moved out of Zone 6. Due to the increased fares, commuters would be encouraged to drive out of their way to Stoneleigh and Ewell stations. This would put a considerable pressure on these smaller stations.

Following consideration, it was resolved unanimously that the Committee:

(1)      Approve grounds of response to SWR consultation as set out in appendix 1.

(2)      Agreed to Delegate authority to the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, to submit a final consultation response.

The Licensing and Planning Policy Committee wish to place on record its thanks to Sarah Keeble, former Democratic Services Officer, and wish her all the best in her next venture.