Template:Courier-MAR-25-2

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Donna Holt, who chairs Claygate Parish Council, highlights the level of rapid and drastic changes with which councillors are having to wrestle.

The past few months have been eventful, with the new government’s policies becoming apparent, particularly regarding devolution and housing, plus the adoption by the Parish Council of the Claygate: The Way Forward initiative. These have shaped how we will function in the future.

Amid these developments, however, we have continued with our regular activities. The Council has been participating in village events, maintaining our regular communication with the village via noticeboards, website, social media, and the Courier. We are organising a Flower Show stall, two Litter Picks a year, arranging the Remembrance Day Parade, hosting Green Elmbridge, holding quarterly mee􀀣ngs with Elmbridge Borough Council and on an ad hoc basis for Claygate: The Way Forward, running the Village Meeting and participating in the upcoming Claygate Village Association’s Get Involved Day, from which we will run our bi-annual Litter Pick from the car park on April 26.

We have reviewed more than 100 planning applications over the year and are dealing with the impact on Claygate of the rejection of the draft Local Plan by the Planning Inspectorate, as explained by Councillor Anthony Sheppard.

The Environment, Highways and Transport Committee has been addressing various issues raised by residents, such as removing dead trees on the Meadow Road traffic island, reviewing mobility and accessibility concerns within the village, addressing street appearance issues due to weeds, organising a new bench for The Parade, and considering the environmental impact of on-street parking, among many others.

I have been discussing secondary school admissions policies for Claygate children with the leader of the Hinchley Wood School Trust and Sandra Cunningham, Head at Claygate Primary School. And I have made representations from the whole Parish Council on behalf of the Claygate community on this issue.

The council has also been participating in Elmbridge Borough Council’s review of community centres, which seeks the views of local residents. The Parish Council is well placed to contribute, as Councillor Jenny French is our expert on this topic, thanks to the important work she has carried out establishing Lower Green Community Centre in Esher.

Claygate: The Way Forward continues to shape our thinking, of course, and over the past six months, we have been collaborating with Elmbridge to develop a vision and an implementation plan based on the village survey and report recommendations. These documents are now drafted and will be published by Elmbridge for consultation in April. Notably, our recommendation for 30 minutes of free parking in the two main village car parks has already been implemented.

Regarding the future of Torrington Lodge car park, Elmbridge says it will consult on various mixed-use scenarios and the Parish Council will collaborate closely as this proceeds.

While the Parish Council does not engage in party politics, we must address the impact of recent legislation and policy, particularly concerning building and devolution. On housing policy, Claygate Parish Council maintains its position against development on Claygate’s Green Belt. The government's revised National Planning Policy Framework and increased housing targets for most local authorities outside London will add pressure for denser development and encroachment on the Green Belt. The Parish Council will monitor developments closely and resist any attempts to build on Claygate’s Green Belt.

Under the government’s devolution plan, the transition to a single unitary body covering our area is set to be in place by May 2027. The Parish Council is working with Surrey County Council and Elmbridge Borough Council to ensure that Claygate's voice is heard during this transition. The role of parish councils is expected to continue. Claygate has the only parish council in Elmbridge, leaving us better placed to ensure that we are represented effectively, despite these changes.

The Annual Village Meeting takes place at 7.30pm on March 20 in the Village Hall and all are welcome. Graham Dear from the Grace Dear Trust will speak on Youth Mental Health and Social Media Impacts. His talk is suitable for ages 11 and up and young people are welcome to attend.

There will also be a panel discussion on Devolution with Councillor Tim Oliver, Surrey County Council leader; Councillor Mike Rollings, Elmbridge Borough Council leader; and Chris Howard, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Chair of the Surrey Association of Local Councils. A half-hour public Q&A session will be held on these topics, followed by a 30-minute session for general questions on village issues.

Finally, on behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to thank you, the residents of Claygate, for electing us as your unpaid representatives. We look forward to addressing the above challenges and continuing our work this year.