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Agenda and minutes

Agenda and minutes

The full agenda with individual reports can be viewed on this page below.

The full agenda with all reports can be downloaded from the Agenda reports pack.

Venue: Council Chamber - Farnham Town Hall. View directions

Contact: Email: Town.Clerk@farnham.gov.uk 

Items
No. Item

C69/19

Apologies

To receive apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Cllrs Attfield, Edmonds and Gray.

C70/19

Disclosures of Interest

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 Beaman, Blishen, Cockburn, Dickson, Edmonds, Gray, Hesse, Macleod, Martin, Merryweather, Mirylees, Neale, and Ward.

 

(ii)        The following councillor has made a general non-pecuniary interest declaration in relation to him being a councillor of Surrey County Council: Cllr Macleod.

 

(iii)        Members are requested to make 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.

Minutes:

Apart from standard declarations by dual or triple hatted Councillors, there were no disclosures of interest relating to items on the agenda.

C71/19

Minutes pdf icon PDF 166 KB

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the Farnham Town Council meeting held on Thursday 26th July (Appendix A.

Minutes:

The minutes of the Farnham Town Council meeting held on 25th July 2019 were revised to record Cllr Mirylees as present and Cllr Merryweather as having submitted apologies, then agreed to be signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

 

C72/19

Questions and Statements by the Public

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.

Minutes:

1)    Mr Barry Hartop read a statement to the Council which had been circulated to Councillors before the start of the meeting.  The statement included communication to the managers of Giggling Squid, Pizza Express, Bills, Castle Inn and Gales from Castle Street residents expressing concerns about significant disturbance resulting from collections and deliveries to the restaurants.

The statement included a request to Waverley Borough Council to mandate that:

-       Refuse/recycle contractors do not make collections before at least 7.15am.

-       Deliveries are made in the time window of 7.15am and 7.15pm.

The statement asked for Waverley Borough Council to contact the above establishments and insist that delivery contractors switch off refrigeration units and that goods are delivered immediately and as quickly as possible.

Mr Hartop said that representation would be made directly to Waverley Borough Council and asked for Farnham Town Council to support enabling this action.

 

The Mayor responded that Farnham Town Council was unable to take direct action but the matter would be passed on to Waverley Borough Council, specifically Environmental Health.

 

2)    Mr Stevens endorsed Mr Hartop’s previous comments.

Additionally, Mr Stevens said that he had not seen visible traffic enforcement in Castle Street over the past 5 years and gave examples of recent parking violations in Castle Street.

 

The Mayor advised that both matters raised by Mr Stevens and Mr Hartrop would also be referred to Surrey County Council.

 

3)    Mr Hollard-Bosworth endorsed the comments made by Mr Hartop and Mr Stevens.

Mr Hollard-Bosworth acknowledged that Farnham Town Council may not be in a position to take direct action but considered the whole situation to be completely out of control and asked why Traffic Wardens wouldn’t act.  Mr Hollard-Bosworth said that buildings in Castle Street were starting to deteriorate and asked for support in conserving heritage in the conservation area.

 

The Mayor advised that Farnham Town Council was working with the authorities to resolve all of the issues identified.  Cllr Neale supported the response and said that work was underway to look at the wider picture for Farnham and the town centre, advising that a meeting had taken place with Surrey County Council earlier that day.  Cllr Cockburn asked who had been at the meeting?  The Town Clerk advised that the meeting included the matter on whether HGV’s should be permitted in Castle Street and that the Leader and himself had attended on behalf of Farnham Town Council.

C73/19

Town Mayor's Announcements

To receive the Town Mayor’s announcements.

Minutes:

The Town Mayor reported that she had continued to be busy since the previous meeting on 25th July and highlighted the following engagements:

 

-       Hosting a lunch for the Britain in Bloom judges on 31st July and unveiling a plaque in memory of Gill Ely, a community volunteer.

-       Attending the Minden Day parade in Farnham to observe the tradition of issuing roses.  The Mayor had had a wonderful time and thanked everyone for the opportunity, commenting that the day had been particularly busy, finishing at 10.30pm.

-       Attending the Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK and speaking to the attendees which was broadcasted worldwide.  Following the event, the Mayor had received an email from someone in Australia who had heard the broadcast and was hoping to visit Farnham.

-       Visiting Andernach in Germany which coincided with the 40th anniversary between Andernach and Ekeren in Belgium.  It had been a privilege to speak on behalf of Farnham in the Andernach Council Chamber.

-       The South and South East in Bloom awards in Brighton where Farnham had wiped the board in winning a Gold and crowned regional category winner in both the town centre and large town categories. Badshot Lea Cemetery was awarded a Silver Gilt with a Gold award in the Small Cemetery category and West Street received Silver Gilt in the Large Cemetery category.   The Mayor thanked volunteers and Council Officers, with special thanks to Iain McCready.

-       The Gin Festival hosted at the Maltings.

-       A visit to T S Swiftsure including an annual inspection with the Sea Cadets.  The Mayor was saddened to hear that the premises had been broken into the following day and equipment was stolen.

C74/19

Questions by Members

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

Minutes:

Cllr Merryweather asked for clarification on Castle Street (as per Item C72/19) and assurance that Farnham Town Council, Waverley Borough Council and Surrey County Council’s combined efforts for Castle Street would be matched to represent Weybourne & Badshot Lea.

 

In response the Town Clerk clarified the purpose of the meeting relating to Castle Street and the Mayor said that every effort would be made.

C75/19

Notes of the Tourism and Events Working Group held on 3rd September 2019 pdf icon PDF 85 KB

To receive the notes and any recommendations of the following Working Groups:

 

i)              Tourism and Events Working Group held on 3rd September 2019 (Appendix B).

ii)             Community and Enhancement Working Group held on 4th September 2019 (Appendix C).

iii)            Strategy & Finance Working Group held on 10th September 2019 (Appendix D).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr Earwaker introduced the notes of the Tourism and Events Working Group held on 3rd September.  The meeting had reviewed both the recent and forthcoming events.  There were no recommendations.

 

Cllr Cockburn commented that the meeting had not been quorate and asked whether there had been an issue as the group needed active Members?  In response, Cllr Earwaker said that there had been a number of other commitments on that day and concluded that low attendance was a one-off.

 

Cllr Ward asked whether the Music in the Meadow programme could be extended into the first part of September?

 

The Mayor thanked Cllr Earwaker for his practical support at the events.

 

Cllr Hesse raised concerns over the fumes from the ice-cream van in Gostrey Meadow during the summer events, a matter which had been discussed at the Tourism and Events Working Party in detail.  Following discussion, the Town Clerk confirmed that an email response had been circulated to all Members and the matter would be pursued further.

 

The notes of the meeting were adopted.

C76/19

The notes of the Community Enhancement Working Group held on 4th September 2019

Minutes:

Cllr Dickson introduced the notes of the Community Enhancement Working Group held on 4th September 2019, commenting that it had been a particularly busy meeting.

 

Farnham in Bloom - Cllr Dickson congratulated Iain McCready on the results of the Britain in Bloom awards and noted the School and Community awards ceremonies would be held at Squires’ Garden Centre on 10th October where all Councillors were invited to attend.

 

Improving the Town Centre Environment – the meeting had discussed an issue with the maintenance of Surrey County Council owned trees where large, unsightly stumps were being left when diseased trees were felled.  This had generated a recommendation to Council to ask Surrey County Council to remove the trees completely and write to Surrey County Council on the matter.  Following discussion, an amendment to the motion was proposed.

 

C76/19/i

It was RESOLVED nem con:

1.    That Surrey County Council should remove trees completely, not leave unsightly stumps, when trees are removed and restore the pavements.

2.    Council Officers to write a letter to the Chief Executive of Surrey County Council about this issue.

 

Bins by Boots Opticians – Cllr Dickson reported that the new owner of the Bush Hotel had supported the project by offering to fund half of the cost of renovating the bin storage area.  Cllr Ward asked for an update on the works and, in response, Iain McCready reported that preparatory work would be completed the same week then shop owners would be contacted.

 

Cllr Beaman reported that the tree saplings donated by Jeremy Hunt and planted by the Memorial had disappeared and asked Farnham Town Council to replace them, seconded by Cllr Fraser.  Cllr Hesse expressed an interest in liaising with Officers on species.  The Mayor suggested that Farnham Town Council approach Waverley Borough Council as the trees were located on WBC land.  In response, Cllr Merrweather said that he would be delighted to receive the letter as the relevant Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder and Cllr Ward supported this approach.

 

C76/19/ii

It was RESOLVED nem con:

That Farnham Town Council writes to Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Finance, Assets and Commercial Services asking for the saplings to be replaced.

 

The notes of the meeting were adopted.

 

C77/19

The Notes of the Strategy & Finance Working Group held on 10th September 2019

Minutes:

Cllr Neale introduced the notes of the Strategy & Finance Working Group held on 10th September 2019.

 

A meeting of the Infrastructure Planning Group had noted the Neighbourhood Plan Independent Examination on 1st October.

 

Vision for Farnham – a meeting on 7th September had outlined the progress on the project including complex strategic highways issues and local town centre proposals.  Cllr Neale reported that a meeting had taken place that day with Surrey County Council and Waverley Borough Council to look at how the project could progress with Surrey County Council’s assistance.

 

Members discussed a proposal to ask Surrey County Council to reinstate the Farnham Task Group.  Cllr MacLeod reported that Surrey County Council had closed down all its task groups across Surrey and suggested that the implementation of CIL in the borough presented a good reason to reinstate the group.  Members asked for Farnham Town Council representation on the group and asked for assurance that other areas, such as Heath End, Hale Road and Castle Street were also being discussed.  In response, Cllr Neale believed the town was well represented at Waverley Borough Council and Surrey County Council was buying into the community approach.  Cllr Neale and the Town Clerk confirmed that other areas were discussed.

 

It was AGREED nem con

That Farnham Town Council ask Surrey County Council to reinstate its Farnham Task Group.

C78/19

Grant Applications

Minutes:

A grant to Pass and Play (Netball) was agreed in the value of £500 towards expenditure on new equipment.

C79/19

Consultations

Minutes:

The Strategy & Finance meeting held on 10th September had proposed responses to the Waverley Polling Station Review consultation which were reviewed.

 

It was AGREED nem con to respond to the Waverley Polling Station Review consultation as follows:

 

Polling District

Current Polling Station

WBC Proposals

FTC Response

Bourne North

St Thomas-on-the-Bourne

No change

 

Bourne South

South Farham Infant School

Suggestions sought

New Cricket pavilion could be considered.

Castle 1

Memorial Hall

No change

 

Castle 1

United Reformed Church

No change

If needed the Town Council offices could be used.

Firgrove 1

St Joans Centre

No change

 

Firgrove 2

Brambleton Hall

No change

 

Hale and Heath End

Baptist Church Hall

No change

 

Hale and Heath End

Gorselands

No change

 

Moor Park (1)

TA Centre

No change

 

Moor Park (2)

Abbey School

Suggestions sought

 

Boundstone

Leverton Hall, St Peter’s Church

Suggestions sought

Wrecclesham Community Centre.

Shortheath

Leverton Hall, St Peter’s Church

Suggestions sought

Wrecclesham Community Centre.

Upper Hale

Hale School

Suggestions sought

Hale Institute could be considered.

Weybourne

Weybourne Village Hall

No change

 

Badshot Lea

St Georges Church Hall

No change

 

Wrecclesham

Wrecclesham Community Centre

No change

Leverton Hall, St Peter’s Church.

Rowledge

Rowledge Village Hall

No change

Leverton Hall, St Peter’s Church.

 

 

C80/19

Climate Emergency

Minutes:

Cllr Neale reported that a draft report on a Climate Emergency declaration had been discussed by the Community Enhancement Working Group and the Strategy and Finance Working Group.  The report was adopted as presented with the agenda and

 

It was AGREED nem con that Farnham Town Council:

i)        Agrees there is a “Climate Emergency” that requires further action.

ii)       Aims to become carbon neutral by 2030, acting directly on activities within its responsibility, and in cooperation with principal authorities.

iii)     Continues to review its operations and the way in which it delivers services, so developing an action plan to consider positive changes that would reduce carbon emissions.

iv)     Recognises that to achieve its carbon neutral targets, it is essential for central government to provide powers, funding and other resources; so, the Council calls on UK Government and local climate change partnerships to provide the necessary support.

v)       Continues to encourage the local Farnham community to take all practical steps to reduce its own carbon footprint, harmful emissions and greenhouse gasses.

C81/19

CCTV Policy

Minutes:

Cllr Hesse commented that it would be helpful if a new CCTV system could, in the future, monitor speed around Farnham.

 

It was AGREED nem con to adopt the CCTV Policy as presented with the agenda.

C82/19

Contracts

Minutes:

Cllr Neale highlighted several contractual matters which had been reported to the Strategy & Finance Working Group held on 10th September 2019:

 

-       Air conditioning works in the Council Chamber were ongoing.

-       A CNG supply unit to fuel the new Council vehicle was in operation.

-       External works to the Town Council were being undertaken and additional works were required:

 

It was recommended and AGREED nem con

i)     To waive Standing Orders

ii)   To award an extension of the contract to K Construction to refurbish the first and second floor windows, fascias and gutters with the total project cost (including scaffolding) of £22,600 being met from the 2019/20 budget.

C83/19

Community Engagement

Minutes:

Cllr Neale reported that the Strategy & Finance Working Group on 10th September had discussed a review of Farnham Town Council’s approach to community engagement, as set out in Appendix D/Annex 3 on the agenda.

 

It was AGREED nem con

i)        To welcome the report at Annex 3

ii)       Create a Young People Task Group to progress Farnham Town Council’s approach to engaging younger people.  Cllrs Dunsmore, Earwaker, Martin, Mirylees and Neale volunteered to join the group.

C84/19

Expenditure of Brightwells Section 106 Contributions

Minutes:

It was AGREED nem con

That the Tourism and Events Working Group develop a wayfinding strategy, in consultation with the Farnham Conservation Area Management Plan and Farnham Visitors Forum.

 

Cllr Merryweather encouraged all Members to review the Section 106 Contributions database on the Waverley Borough Council website.

 

The notes of the Strategy & Finance Working Group were adopted.

C85/19

Planning and Licensing Applications pdf icon PDF 108 KB

To receive the notes of the Planning and Licensing Consultative Group meeting held on 29th July (Appendix E), 12th August (Appendix F),  2nd September 2019 (Appendix G) and 16th September (Appendix H).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr Fraser introduced the notes of the Planning and Licensing Consultative Working Group meetings held on 29th July, 12th August, 2nd September and 16th September.  The meetings had considered 138 applications and 35 of which were considered to be contentious.

 

A site visit had taken place on the proposed diversion of Footpath 300 as part of the development on land off Crondall Lane.  The site visit had concluded that the public footpath should follow the original route outside of the housing development.  Cllr Fraser explained that the route served the whole area and the diversion would result in half of the path being sited on private land which could potentially restrict access.  The Town Clerk advised that the diversion had already been approved and a public enquiry would be required should Farnham Town Council upheld its objection.  Following discussion,

 

It was proposed that the objection of the Planning and Licensing Consultative Working Group be sustained (1 Member agreed and 14 Members objected).

 

Cllr Fraser also drew attention to the following points:

 

-       Applications to remove existing conditions should be looked at carefully.

-       Some non-material applications were not considered to be non-material by the Working Group.

-       The Working Group meetings had struggled with the speed of response when viewing plans on the Waverley Borough Council’s website.

-       The Waverley Borough Council Street Naming Team had asked the developer of the Folly Hill site to accept all the names previously suggested by Farnham Town Council.

-       Members were pleased to hear that Waverley Borough Council had refused applications citing the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan.

C86/19

Waverley Borough Council Farnham Air Quality Working Group

To appoint three Farnham Town Council Representatives on the Waverley Borough Council’s Farnham Air Quality Working Group.

Minutes:

It was AGREED nem con

That Cllrs Dickson, Earwaker and Fraser be appointed as the Farnham Town Council members of the Waverley Borough Council Farnham Air Quality Working Group.

C87/19

Reports from Other Councils

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

Minutes:

Cllr MacLeod referred to an article in the Herald regarding the Woolmead development site and reported that Berkeley Homes were considering all projects, including Woolmead.  Cllr MacLeod said that, in his judgement, the scheme would go ahead and reported that a meeting was due to take place with the Waverley Borough Council Executive.  Cllr MacLeod hoped Berkeley Homes would issue a further statement in the Herald.

 

Cllr Dickson reported that tree works were underway in Farnham Park.

 

Cllr Dunsmore provided an update on the pedestrian crossing point at The Street in Wrecclesham.  Surrey County Council had accepted Option 2 and Section 106 funding was available.

 

Cllr Cockburn reported that the Farnham Sports Council had praised Farnham Town Council in the Herald for the plaques on the “famous names wall” remembering sports people in Farnham.  Cllr Cockburn also reported that the Biodiversity Action Plan was underway which would be an exciting project and a recent meeting was well attended.

 

Cllr MacLeod reported from Surrey County Council:
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service was switching focus from emergency response to fire prevention.

All Community Recycling Centres would be retained and Farnham would be reviewed.

On-street parking permits were rising from £50 to £80 per annum.

 

Cllr Fraser asked for Farnham Town Council’s support by asking Waverley Borough Council to request that trees fronting the Garden Style development at Wrecclesham Hill be retained where possible.  The Town Clerk advised that the trees could be retained, as minuted by Waverley Borough Council Planning.

 

It was AGREED nem con

That the Town Clerk pass comment to Waverley Borough Council asking for an amendment to the decision, that trees on the frontage of the Garden Style development be retained, apart from those which are diseased.

(Proposed by Cllr Fraser, seconded by Cllr Merryweather)

C88/19

Reports from Outside Bodies

To receive reports from Councillors who are the Council’s representatives on outside bodies.

Minutes:

Cllr Hesse reported from the Crime Prevention Panel meeting held on 19th August:

Volunteers were being sought.

Castle Street had been discussed in relation to people congregating for the Food Fair.

Support was required for a Child Protection Officer

PCSO’s were keen to work actively with the community.

A website was being developed.

C89/19

Any confidential matters (if required) arising from discussions of the Working Group notes.

Minutes:

There were no confidential matters.

C90/19

Date of Next Meeting

To note the date of the next meeting of full Council on Thursday 7th November 2019.

Minutes:

The date of the next meeting of full Council was agreed as Thursday 7th November at 7pm.

 

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