Parish Council News Update – September 2025

Letter from the Chairman

Dear Villagers

The changeable autumn weather is upon us and seems to have brought with it the winds of change in Government! Yet another cabinet reshuffle may not impact us locally, but it may. We wait with bated breath to hear from new Ministers as to whether there will be any policy tweaks to housing, local government and devolution.

Recognising Woldingham’s Volunteers:

Last month we asked you to nominate any local volunteers who might deserve recognition. The nominations deadline is Friday 21st November. Please email Councillor Cat Neave at cat@woldinghamparishcouncil.gov.uk with the name of the volunteer(s) and describe what they contribute to Woldingham. There are no criteria beyond giving back to the village, and we would love to be able to share as many volunteer details as possible in our January “Roll of Honour”!

Grant Applications due by 14th November 2025.

Every year the Parish Council awards grants to community organisations. While we have a limited capacity to do so throughout the year, most of the grant budget will be allocated at our 26th of November meeting. The deadline to submit applications to ensure we have them timely for the November meeting is the 14th of November. Please ensure you share all required details, either directly on the website form, or download a form and email as directed. https://woldinghamparishcouncil.gov.uk/parishcouncil/grant-scheme-application-form.

Planning.

Perhaps just a rush after a quiet June and July, but in the last 30 days more than double the number of planning applications were raised to the Parish Council for consultation and there are still a number of ongoing enforcement issues. We may be very close to hearing Surrey County Council’s decision on the proposed large housing development at the Chalkpit Quarry, which is expected at some point in October.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and Community Empowerment.

The Government decision on the restructuring of our Districts, Boroughs and County into Unitary Authorities is now expected in late autumn, if it is not delayed by the latest government reorganisation. Meanwhile, locally, Surrey County Council (SCC) is piloting 4 Neighbourhood Area Committees (NAC) across the county, including one in the North of Tandridge. These are committees, as defined in legislation, which are meant to help the new Unitary Authorities engage better locally and so govern better. And SCC is kicking off pilots now, in advance of LGR, to develop learnings and ensure that once reorganised, structures are in place or can be quickly built to deliver this. The committee will have 15-21 members from across services, volunteer organisations, residents groups and Councils. I attended the kick-off workshops and by the time you read this, there will have been a meeting in mid-September to agree membership of the North Tandridge NAC.

Woldingham Parish Assets.

Summer holidays in August meant that The Woldingham Parish Council was waiting for Tandridge District Council to appoint its solicitor to engage with ours to begin to discuss potential asset for transfer from the District to the Parish. By the time you read this, legal engagement will be well underway.

Litterpick, November 8th 2025, 10am. Save the date!

The next village Litterpick will take place on Saturday November 8th, commencing at 10am on the Glebe. All tools needed will be provided and lovely cakes and drinks are available afterward for all volunteers. All ages welcome! We have equipment to suit all ages and sizes.

Carols in the Church, December 6th 2025, 6pm.

The Parish Council’s new format indoor Christmas Carols ensures we can enjoy regardless of the weather. It was a smashing success last year and so once again, please join us for Christmas Carols at St Paul’s Church, replete with Choirs, community voices, mince pies, mulled wine and hot chocolate!

New website and email address reminder.

Our website address is now woldinghamparishcouncil.gov.uk (the old website will forward you). And our email addresses have also changed to .gov.uk addresses. All new addresses are on the website.

Monthly Council meetings.

WPC meetings are at 7.30pm the last Wednesday of the month (except August and December), open to all and the agendas are published at least 5 days in advance (website and noticeboard). The public are welcome to speak at the start of the meeting. There are occasional ad hoc meetings, also published in advance. If you would like to speak on any topic, please advise our clerk Karen at clerk@woldinghamparishcouncil.gov.uk.

Wishing you all the best,

Chairman Deborah Sherry