Agenda item

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

i)    Environment held on 22nd November 2023            Appendix B

ii)   Strategy and Resources held on 5^th December 2023  Appendix C

2     To receive any relevant update from the Community Working Group

 

 

A)        Environment

1          Cllr Brown reported that the Environment meeting in November had been very fruitful and had included a presentation by Ben McCallan of Surrey County Council.  He had offered to work with Farnham Town Council to put its proposed Climate Action Plan alongside Surrey County Council’s.

 

Cllr Brown reported that Libby Ralph of the Farnham Biodiversity Partnership had provided an update of its work, and particularly actions to support beaver and water vole habitats.  The group had worked with FTC in creating a new wildlife area in Gostrey Meadow behind the old Bowls Pavilion.  This had included a ‘dead hedge’ bee and bug hotels and a hibernaculum.  A native hedge was also planned and raised beds for pollinator-friendly planting opportunities. This was an important green corridor in the town centre.

 

There had been a discussion on supporting the purchase of water ranger kits for volunteers to test water quality.

 

2          In terms of open spaces, Council noted the likely need for planning permission for the new ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ sculpture and agreed to support the community group with an application.

 

It was RESOLVED unanimously that Farnham Town Council submit a planning application in conjunction with Keppel Nowson to renew the current position of installing sculptures within the park.

 

3          Council noted the current position with Council allotments noting that renewals had recently been issued.  It was noted these were still in paper form and suggested that consideration be given to future renewals being done electronically.  It was agreed to increase the fees from October 2024.  It was also noted that there was uncertainty over the ownership of the access to the six bells site and agreed it would be helpful if this were formally registered.

 

It was RESOLVED unanimously to:

i)      Apply to register the access land to Six Bells Allotment for better management of the site.

ii)    Increase the cost of a single plot by £5:00 to £67.50 from October 2024.

 

4          Council noted the outcome of a recent cemetery headstone application.

 

B)        Strategy & Resources

 

Cllr White introduced the notes of the Strategy & Resources Working Group held on 5^th December. 

 

1          Strategy Workshop.

 

Cllr White said that the workshop led by facilitator David Carden had worked well and one of the outcomes was the inclusion of £90,000 in the draft budget for additional support for Younger People activities in the coming financial year. There would be further consideration on whether the resources should be used to underpin and strengthen existing community groups providing services for young people or whether Farnham Town Council should create a new role to co-ordinate other organisations services or provide direct delivery of youth work.  t was agreed that the costs and risks of direct delivery would need to be carefully considered with a preference to strengthen existing organisation such as Hale Community Centre, 40 Degreez and the Wrecclesham Community Centre where there could be an early impact.

 

Council noted matters progressed since the Workshop, on climate issues, a planned review of the website, and a meeting with residents’ groups and others on the Neighbourhood Plan update , town centre cleansing arrangements (considered by WBC to be difficult to extract from the wider contract), and the potential of future assets transfers with initial priority for these being:

1. Borelli Walk (after Brightwells is completed but excluding responsibility for the bridges),

2. The Brightwells green space (although this may be sought by the County Council)

3. Morley Road Recreation Ground (given its links to the allotments).

 

            Council reaffirmed that none of the existing activities of the Council were to be stopped.

i)               It was RESOLVED unanimously that the important focus in the short to medium term would be:

Farnham Infrastructure Programme;  Younger people; climate and sustainability; Neighbourhood Plan update; the impact of Brightwells; relationship with principal authorities given the financial pressures facing them; synergy with the emerging Business Improvement District; and consolidating and strengthening Farnham’s position as a World Craft Town as part of the local economy.

 

It was noted that the next steps would be to create a five year business plan in conjunction with the facilitator with clear objectives, outcomes and resourcing.  The existing vision was endorsed.

 

ii)             It was resolved unanimously that the Council’s vision be:

Farnham Town Council strives to be the influential and effective voice for Farnham bringing together the views of all organisations working for the good of the town and enhancing the well-being of all the community.

 

Farnham Town Council aims to be an efficient and effective organisation providing  high-quality, sustainable services and facilities for the residents and businesses of Farnham whilst addressing the climate challenge, with a strong and respected voice representing Farnham’s best interests”.

 

2          Dates and length of meetings

            Cllr White advised that after discussion with each Working Group and Lead Member there were some proposed adjustments to meeting times with the intent of balancing the needs of those who were employed and to avoid conflict with other meetings.

 

iii)            It was resolved nem con that times for main meetings be as follows:

·       Council 6pm

·       Community Working Group 10am

·       Environment Working Group 4.30pm

·       Strategy & Resources 2pm on Tuesdays.

·       Planning & Licensing 9.30 on Mondays

·       Task Groups to fit with membership with a preference for late afternoons.

 

3          Contracts and assets

            Council noted the report on contracts and assets and that a meeting with Ridgeway School was planned for 11^th January,  to which all councillors were invited, to  receive an update on plans for Gostrey Meadow.  Council noted that it appeared the South Street Club appeared to have gone into liquidation and the future of the building was uncertain.  It was also noted that the Government’s Community Ownership Fund allowed investment in buildings owned by town and parish councils and for the purchase of assets that may be lost for the community.

 

iv)            It was resolved unanimously that Officers investigate whether:

1)    The Community Ownership Fund was suitable for Farnham projects;

2)    There were transfer of ownership opportunities from Waverley or Surrey, whether land or buildings;

3)    There were beneficial options, in discussion with the liquidators, for retaining the South Street Club building as a community asset.

 

4          Farnham Infrastructure Programme

 

            Cllr Beaman reported that he had taken on board comments from Councillors and the draft report at Annex 1 would form the basis for comments of the FTC position on the consultation draft design at the Farnham Infrastructure Programme Board on 15^th.

 

            Council discussed the various elements and had continuing concern over the impact of the right hand turn at the bottom of Castle Street both during construction phase and after with the potential to increase queuing in Downing Street.  The idea of the bus stop outside the Queen’s head being in a layby rather than in main traffic was important to avoid issues.

 

Other comments from the Working group agreed were that Park Row should have access for residents only but the restriction be lifted for events when Castle Street is closed; seating and bike racks should be placed between the street trees especially in the Borough and Downing Street to minimise additional clutter;  the mini-roundabout at Bear Lane and High Park Road could be removed; the roadway in Castle Street north of Long garden Walk could be used for additional parking rather than wider footways.

 

            Cllr Ward said he had been told putting the cycle route through Farnham Park would not solve the problem as an alternate to High Park Road, but he was not convinced.  He had been told for many years that an HGV ban was not legal or enforceable but one has now been introduced.  In terms of the negative impact of new kerbs in Castle Street on events, the Council should continue to fight against them. Similarly, he felt the crossing at Longbridge should be pushed for.  Cllr Hesse agreed especially given the recent accidents, and since the Town Council was proposing changes that would result in savings, these could be used to fund the crossing.  Cllr White said a crossing by the railway station was also required.

 

            Council also agreed that mitigation of the effect of the works should have high priority in both North and South Farnham.  Cllr Martin advised that the county councillors were seeking for the rear of Woolmead to be two way during the works to minimise disruption.

 

            After further discussion,

v)             It was RESOLVED unanimously that an amended response including comments set out below and agreed at Council be endorsed:

·       The provision of a cycleway along High Park Road is not supported (Nem con with one abstention)

·       There was no need to widen the pavement on the west side of Woolmead Road from the Royal Deer Junction to its junction with Bear Lane (Nem con with three abstentions)

·       Widening the pavement outside Castleton Dentists was not required and should be retained to provide parking spaces for residents to partially offset the loss of parking spaces elsewhere on Castle Street (Nem con)

·       The delivery bay proposed to be located adjacent to the two disabled parking spaces should be moved to avoid any conflict with deliveries taking place outside hospitality venues (Nem con with four abstentions)

·       Should the taxi rank be moved to its proposed new location the ironstone would need to be strengthened by bonding with resin (nem con).

 

5          Reports of Task Groups

           

            Cllr Martin reported that the Infrastructre Planning Group had received a good presentation by Elaine Martin (SCC) on the design of the Town Centre Scheme which formed the background to the comments agreed at Council.  There had also been a good meeting with community groups on 23^rd November at the start of the Neighbourhood Plan update.  Andrew Longley (WBC) had given an interesting presentation on preparing the new Waverley Local Plan.  There would be a joint call for sites with information shared for the Neighbourhood Plan and Local Plan.  FTC next steps would be to begin looking at where infrastructure could be improved to support development.

 

            Cllr Beaman advised that Waverley had been successful in defending the challenge against Local Plan Part 2 but the expected protection of Neighbourhood Plans to 5 years was still awaiting the Government’s announcement. 

 

            There was concern that two appeals have now been approved where the Inspector had said Neighbourhood Plans were permissive despite being part of the Borough Development Plan.  If a principal were established that neighbourhood plan site allocations are only permissive, then land allocation is meaningless.

 

            After being proposed by Cllr Ward, seconded by Cllr Martin :

vi)            It was RESOLVED unanimously that the matter of the ‘permissive’ interpretation be raised with the Secretary of State, Michael Gove and the Planning Inspectorate having taken advice from Steve Tilbury (FTC Planning advisor) and Locality.

 

6          Consultations

            Council welcomed the consultation the Traffic Camera Enforcement to help with the management of HGVs. 

vii)          It was RESOLVED unanimously that the proposed penalty for HGVs that flouted the restrictions was too low and should be the maximum allowed under the legislation.

 

Council noted the details of infrastructure for the proposed solar panels in the Upper Hart Car Park were awaited but

viii)         It was RESOLVED unanimously to congratulate WBC on the initiative and welcome the concept of solar panel power generation in appropriate locations such as the Upper Hart Car Park and seeks further details of the electrical infrastructure.

 

Council considered the consultation by SCC on amendments to waiting and parking restrictions and agreed individual councillors should respond directly on details in their own wards by the 4^th January.  In terms of the on-street parking charges Council expressed concern to ensure that the previous agreement for ringfencing income from Farnham to be spent in Farnham was not lost.

ix)            It was RESOLVED unanimously that the FTC response included the need for the ringfencing and reinvestment of income back into Farnham improvements as was the original agreement for the introduction of on-street charging in the town.

 

6          Town Clerk Update

 

            Council noted that the Pay Agreement for 2023/24 had been agreed between The National Joint Council for Local Government Services including employer and union representatives and was being implemented in the December payroll in accordance with the scheme of delegation.

 

 

Cllr Dickson arrived at 7.25