Parish Council News Update – August 2023
Letter from the Chairman
Dear Villagers,
After a busy start to the summer season, the onset of holidays has slowed the pace of consultations and applications somewhat. The key issues that your Parish Council are tracking now focus on upcoming rules on dog ownership and control on public lands (see District Councillor North’s article), air traffic noise pollution, the potential housing estate on the quarry, speeding in the village and as ever, planning applications. The Speed Watch team is nearly read to kick-off, and you will see them around the village shortly. We are also pressing Surrey County Council on road safety and speed limits in the village.
Chalkpit quarry Housing Estate Proposal. We are told that Surrey County Council will be in receipt of the application from the quarry owner shortly. We have had assurances from our County Councillor, Becky Rush, that SCC have had legal advice that they do indeed have jurisdiction to determine housing proposals on this minerals site. We have asked to see a copy of the advice. Despite asking the owners of the quarry to share certain evidence and data they have on the impact of this on Woldingham, we have yet to receive an y information from them. We await the application, which will kick off a flurry of intense work. We meanwhile await information from SCC from our Freedom of Information request on traffic data and pre-application advice regarding the application.
The District Ward Boundary Review. As reported in the July issue, the next phase of consultation did not require commentary from the Woldingham Parish Council as the proposed new boundary map retained Woldingham as a one-Councillor ward, unlike all other wards. Final comments were sought on the proposed boundary map and the final consultation period closed on the 7th of August and the final proposal will be published in October.
Councillors Peter Holbrook and Leanna McEwan are taking the lead on matters relating to air traffic issues and the new review of all air space in the South of England. Please see their update below and watch this space for updates.
Woldingham Village Connections, 30th Sept Village Club. On the 30th of September, organisations and clubs from around the village and the District will be at the Woldingham Village Club from 12pm-6pm. It will be a chance to meet fellow villagers, have a drink and see what is happening in the village and beyond over the coming year. If you are new to the village, it is a great opportunity to learn what is on offer, but even if you have lived here for years, you will no doubt get a chance to learn about upcoming events in Woldingham and beyond and just enjoy meeting friends and neighbours.
We hope to see many of you there!
Chairman Deborah Sherry
Grant Applications
Every year the Parish Council allocates a sum of money from its budget to support village activities which otherwise might be unaffordable to a club, society or organisation.
Grant applications are generally considered at the November Parish Council meeting, so it is important that anyone wishing to apply for a grant sends their application in time for it to be included in the papers for that meeting.
The deadline for applications this year is November 20, 2023.
The application process is straightforward. Go to the Grant Scheme Application Form web page, where you will find the online application form or the option to download a printable version.
Completed printed forms can be sent to the Parish Clerk, who can also assist anyone who does not have IT access.
The Parish Council budget for grants for this year is up to £8,000.
In the past we have supported many local activities such as the Cricket Club, Horticultural Society, Woodlea School, the Village pantomime amongst others.
So please don’t be scared to apply. If your project or activity is a benefit to the Village Community, then the Parish Council is here to help you.
> Grant Scheme Application Form
Councillor Peter Hutchinson
Biggin Hill Air Traffic
As most of you are aware there has been a number of low flying aircraft in the last few months landing at Biggin Hill. The increase in numbers was due to the easterly winds.
On the 29th of June we attended a meeting with the CEO at Biggin Hill together with Tim Brymer from the village to voice our concerns about the level of air traffic and low flying crafts. All our complaints will be looked at in detail and a report made to be shown to us at a future meeting. Unfortunately, it takes about two months for the process to go through as it is ultimately approved by an independent body.
Pilots can be fined for breaching height regulations and ultimately banned from landing at Biggin Hill. The previous discussion held two years ago detailing an instrument approach when the winds were from the east has been held up as a result of Airspace Changes affecting the whole of the Southeast. Biggin Hill are keen for Woldingham Parish Council to assist them in helping to show the CAA how unsafe the current state of incoming flights seems to be. The CEO has offered for Woldingham residents to visit the airport and listen to their concerns with a Q&A session after.
We are also following the Airspace Changes at Gatwick by joining in with their online calls. We will update on all our findings.
Councillor Peter Holbrook and Councillor Leanna McEwan