Agenda and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Cllrs Laughton, Merryweather, Mirylees, White and Woodhouse.

To receive from members, in respect of any items included on the agenda for this meeting, disclosure of any disclosable pecuniary or other interests, or of any gifts and hospitality, in line with the Town Council’s Code of Conduct.

NOTES:

(i)              The following councillors have made a general non-pecuniary interest declaration in relation to being councillors of Waverley Borough Council: Cllrs David Beaman, Alan Earwaker, George Murray, Tony Fairclough, George Hesse, Andrew Laughton, Mark Merryweather, Kika Mirylees, John Ward, and Graham White.

(iii)        The following councillor has made a general non-pecuniary interest declaration in relation to being a councillor of Surrey County Council: Cllr Michaela Martin;

(iv)        Members are requested to make any declarations of interest, on the form attached, to be returned to customer.services@farnham.gov.uk by 5pm on the day before the meeting.

Members are reminded that if they declare a pecuniary interest they must leave before any debate starts unless dispensation has been obtained.

There were no Disclosures of Interest apart from those affecting dual or triple hatted councillors.

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the Farnham Town Council meeting held on 18^th July at Appendix A.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 18^th July were agreed as a correct record.

In accordance with Standing Order 10.1, the Town Mayor will invite members of the public present to ask questions or make statements.

At the discretion of the Town Mayor, those members of the public, residing or working within the Council’s boundary, will be invited to make representations or ask questions in respect of the business on the agenda, or other matters not on the agenda, for a maximum of 3 minutes per person or 20 minutes overall.

1)     Mrs Brenda Ellison raised the need for a crossing in West Street to get to the Museum, Library and Adult Education Institute.  She was concerned that elderly people could get knocked over.

In response Cllr Hesse advised he had discussed the matter with local County Councillor Andy MacLeod and was also pressing for a crossing between Gostrey Meadow and the maltings on Longbridge.

The Town Clerk advised that Cllr Hesse’s proposed crossings had been raised with Surrey County Council as part of the Infrastructure Programme discussions and it was being raised with Waverley Borough Council as part of the Infrastructure Development Plan revised list since having these crossings listed would be important for future funding.

2)     Mr David Gill said that one of Farnham’s all-time sporting greats, Graham Thorpe had passed away recently.  He was a genuine cricket legend for Surrey and England but his cricketing journey started in Farnham. The town had acknowledged two of his contemporaries, Mike Hawthorn and Jonny Wilkinson, with road naming and other appreciations and they each had a plaque on the Notable Names Wall of Fame. He asked if - in conjunction with his family - the town might now consider further and appropriate recognition for Graham Thorpe?

In response, the Mayor thanked Mr Gill for his proposal and advised that this would be discussed further.

3)     Mr David Gill raised the matter of the current financial pressures on the Rural Life Living Museum in Tilford, one of the most unique and outstanding visitor destinations in the area. He understood that unless it received considerable financial help it would be forced to close. He asked if the town council could contribute in any way to ensure the sustainability of a precious local amenity?

In response, the Mayor advised that the Town Council had not yet received any request for support but would consider any approach received.

To receive the Town Mayor’s announcements.

The Mayor started his announcements with two sad tributes.  The first to former town councillor Mike Hyman whose funeral was taking place on 13^th September. He was a considerate and thoughtful councillor who included amongst other activities Lead Councillor for planning.  The Council’s thoughts go to his family at this sad time.

The Mayor added to the tribute made by David Gill and the Farnham Sports Council over the premature death of outstanding Farnham cricket legend Graham Thorpe MBE.  The Council passed on its sincere condolences to his father Geoff and his wife and children.

In terms of events since the last Council meeting, the Mayor had been pleased to present a number of grant cheques to community organisations including  Farnham Assist and Space2grow and some of the projects funded from the Town Council’s new Holiday Activities Fund.  He was delighted to hear about the Lottery grant receive by Space2Grow that would underpin their excellent activities over the next three years.

The Mayor had attended RAF Odiham’s annual reception and enjoyed the unique experience of putting the top on a Totum pole at Woodlarks.  He had also been privileged to host Farnham’s first World Music day with excellent musicians and entertainment and a special stall from his charity ‘Charlie’s promise’. He hopes World Music would form part of the annual events programme for future years.

Cllr Jackman thanked the Mayor for his excellent music set at World Music Day and said it was great to have a connection with the public through the medium of music.

To consider any questions from councillors in accordance with Standing Order 9.

There were no questions by Members.

1)     To receive the notes and any recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Working Group held on 4^th September 2024  Appendix B

2)     To receive a verbal update on any relevant matters from the Communities & Culture and Environment Working Groups.

1)     Strategy & Resources

Cllr Fairclough introduced the Notes of the Strategy & Resources Working Group held on 4^th September at Appendix B to the agenda.

i)     Finances

Council noted that there were no matters of concern with the month end finances and received the latest position on grants and the grants timetable for 2024-2025 with applications for both Community Grants and the Farnham South Street Trust invited between September and December 2024.  Organisations receiving a larger grant via a Service Level Agreement would be invited to discuss their applications with councillors in November.  The Working Group recommended raising the maximum for community grants from £2,000 to £2,500 noting this may not necessarily mean a higher allocation, depending on the overall agreed budget and the number of applications.

It was RESOLVED nem con that:

i)           the 2025/26 Community Grants, South Street Trust and SLA Grant timelines be agreed;

ii)         the maximum sum for Community grant applications be increased from £2,000 to £2,500;

iii)        The Community & Culture Working Group review the process and range of grants allocated ahead of 2026-27 grants applications.

ii)   Budget and Precept Setting

Council received the key dates for the 2025-26 Budget and precept setting with each Working Group considering their budgets during the autumn cycle of meetings and these would feed into the Strategy briefing/workshop on November 28th and the Council budget setting meeting on 19^th December. The setting of the precept would be agreed on 23^rd January 2025.

It was RESOLVED nem con that:

The 2025/26 budget and precept setting key dates be agreed

iii)  External Audit

Council received, at Appendix C to its agenda, the results of the 2023-24 External Audit undertaken by PKF Littlejohn at Appendix C to its agenda which had been unqualified.  Council noted the thanks of the Working Group to Responsible Financial Officer (Town Clerk), bookkeeper (Sarah Cross), accountant (Claire Connell) and Internal Auditor (Mike Platten) for the work that went in to achieving this.

It was RESOLVED unanimously that the external auditor’s Unqualified Audit for 2023-24 be welcomed.

iv)  Farnham Infrastructure Programme

Council received detailed notes on the latest position on the Farnham Infrastructure Programme including raingardens, the proposed stepped design at the junction of West Street and Downing Street, a design for which was awaited, and bus shelters in the Borough and West Street.  In terms of phasing of the programme there was still no detailed information other than a start date in the town centre of 13^th January. The bus shelter design had further discussion at Council following some informal research undertaken by Cllr Jackman.  The latest advice from Surrey officers was that FTC could choose its preferred design suitable for the conservation area but would then take on future maintenance costs if this was not a normal design supported by SCC.  After discussion

It was RESOLVED nem con that

1)    SCC be requested to purchase for the Borough the ACE heritage bus shelter with quarter panels in laminated or toughened glass and a green  ...  view the full minutes text for item C46/24

To receive the minutes of the Planning & Licensing Consultative Group meetings held on 29^th July, 12^th August, and 2^nd September at Appendices D, E, and F.

Cllr Murray introduced the report on three Planning and Consultative meeting held on 29 July, 12 August and 2^nd September at Appendices D, E and F.

Key points that had arisen included:

1)      discussion on the newNational Planning.  Issues of particular concern are the removal of the phrase ‘character’ and the threatened development on designated green/grey/brown belt areas.

2)     Centrum Business Park, for162 dwellings in East Street – FTC supports the application for extra residential units close to town but raised concerns about the following: There are no affordable units allocated; the proposed developments are too high above street level ( 4 storeys at East Street, 6 storeys at Dogflud); sight lines would be severely restricted; deteriorating air quality was a concern;  and the newly developed East Street would create a canyon effect more in keeping with a cityscape.

3)     Weydon Academy , Weydon Lane – FTC supported the plans but felt consideration should be given to local residents over  increased lighting and noise.

4)     Land north of Coxbridge Farm, 320 new dwellings.  FTC feels that more infrastructure is required to allow pedestrians and cyclists to easily and safely access Farnham town.  Council noted this was going to the October Waverley meeting.

5)     Ismaili Trust, proposed Muslim Cemetery site, Hale Rd – Following the application refusal on 12/3/24,  FTC noted the applicant had proposed a modification to plans ( including removal of 23 community car park spaces) and this had been refused by Waverley.

6)     17 Frensham Road, opposite the Fox pub – FTC noted the appeal decision which is that within 12 months the dwelling, materials, hardstand, steps, walls, be removed and land restored to the levels before engineering operations took place.

To receive details of any actions taken under the scheme of delegation not already reported.

There were no actions under the Scheme of Delegation to report.

To receive from Councillors any updates on matters affecting Farnham from Waverley Borough Council and Surrey County Council.

1)     Cllr Martin reported that a new Pedestrian crossing at the Bourne had been agreed by Surrey

2)     A new Civic Agreement for Surrey with the three Universities ( Surrey, Royal Holloway and University for the Creative Arts) and other partners was to be launched on 20^th September.

3)     Surrey had agreed for Bullers Road in Weybourne to be created as a ‘School Street’ and this should bring massive benefits for the community.

To receive from Members any verbal reports on Outside Bodies where they represent Farnham Town Council.

1)   Cllr Beaman advised that Farnham Railway Station would be celebrating its 175^th birthday on 8^th October.

2)   Cllr Hesse advised there had been no further meeting of the Farnborough Airport Consultative Committee but the Planning application was still pending.

3)   Cllr Jackman advised that Tice’s Meadow had an exciting film premiere on 20th September and encouraged councillors to attend.

To agree the date of the next meeting as Thursday 24^th October 2024 at 6pm.

The date of the next meeting was agreed as Thursday 24^th October at 6pm.