Claygate Courier—issue 54—March 2024
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EVERY RESIDENT ASKED FOR VIEW OF THE FUTURE
Village Association launches biggest ever survey of people’s opinions in Claygate
The largest ever survey of residents’ opinions is launched by the Claygate Village Association this week, giving everyone “an unprecedented opportunity to have a say about the future of the village”, says Caroline Cartwright, who chairs the CVA.
The CVA exists to preserve and strengthen the character and amenities of Claygate. It has fought off many unwanted developments in the past and responded again last year when Elmbridge Borough Council tried to push through a redevelopment in the heart of the village without local consultation. The resulting campaign was called “Claygate Can Do Better” and Elmbridge backed down in the face of the surge of indignation from residents.
Elmbridge agreed to undertake a wider community engagement exercise and as part of this, the CVA is to survey Claygate’s residents and present the borough council with a thoroughly researched report.
The original campaign group was re-named “Claygate: The Way Forward” and officially launched at an open meeting of more than 200 people in November. More than 90 people signed up to working groups focused on various aspects of the village: shops; parking and transport; housing; recreation; well-being; and the environment. Ideas from these working groups have been incorporated into the village survey questionnaire, which has been designed by local volunteers with expertise in this field.
The results will form an integral part of a report which captures Claygate people’s vision for their village. It will be presented to an open village meeting in late May before submission to Elmbridge and will inform the Borough Council's consultation exercise, to be carried out later in the year.
For ease, the survey is being made accessible by a QR code on this page—and to be displayed around the village. Hold your phone camera over the square and click on the link that shows on the screen. This will take you to the survey. You can also use this link: claygatevillageassociation.org/survey to access the survey. It will also be available via the CVA’s website and social media, and by email if you are signed up. It will take about 10 minutes and there’s a prize on offer for one lucky respondent!
For those who do not have digital access, hard copies of the survey will be available in some Claygate shops, and volunteers will visit the Community Centre and Parade to help people complete it.
“I think a nerve has been touched,” says Steve Wells, a CVA trustee. “Now all can benefit from what feels like a unique initiative in citizen power and influence in Elmbridge.” The CVA is ready to hear your voice. Let it know what you want for Claygate! Scan the QR code to begin.
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NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR COMMUNITY CUP AWARD
Village Association launches biggest ever survey of people’s opinions in Claygate
The Brian Rhodes Community Cup is awarded annually to an individual adjudged to have made an outstanding contribution to the Claygate community in the previous 12 months. Parish Councillors vote by secret ballot on the nominations and the winner is announced at the Annual Village Meeting, which this year will take place on April 11 at Claygate Primary School.
The council is now calling for the people of Claygate to nominate their candidates for this award. To nominate someone, you must live or work in Claygate and you can nominate more than one person.
The nominee must live or work in Claygate and must have given permission for their name to be put forward and publicised.
Nominations, which must include an explanation in no more than 50 words of how the nominee has made an outstanding contribution to the community in Claygate in the past year, should be sent in an email to the Clerk before 5pm on March 27, at clerk@claygateparishcouncil.gov.uk. Please note: sitting Councillors at Parish, Borough and Surrey levels are not eligible for nomination.
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DRAFT LOCAL PLAN
The Elmbridge Draft Local Plan has reached the stage of Examination in Public by the Planning Inspector, which will take place in The Civic Centre in Esher. Claygate Parish Council has been advised that the likelihood of the plan being accepted by the Inspectorate will increase in line with supportive public attendance.
Several dates in April, May and June have been listed and the Planning Committee is asking Elmbridge officers which matters will be considered on each date. We will keep residents informed via our website and Facebook page.
CAR PARK SHOCK SPARKS CO-OPERATION
The proposal for a supermarket on the site of the Torrington Lodge car park has been the most contentious planning issue in our village for a very long time. Claygate Parish Council began monitoring events in November 2022, although at that time Elmbridge Borough Council said it would reveal only the barest outline until commercial confidentially allowed.
Real information only came to light last summer and it quickly became clear that many residents were not happy. The Parish Council held a public meeting on July 21, at which the extent of unhappiness became clear: the Council responded to more than 500 letters of objection and also heavily lobbied Elmbridge Borough Council, asking several times for proper consultation. At the same time, a “Claygate Can Do Better” campaign was created.
In the face of this opposition, Elmbridge said at its Cabinet meeting on September 27 that it had decided to withdraw from negotiations with Kilo Properties Ltd and Marks and Spencer plc. It further undertook to engage in a broad consultation with Claygate residents. Since then, “Claygate Can Do Better” has become “Claygate: The Way Forward” and has also been engaging with Elmbridge. Claygate Parish Council undertook at its meeting last November to work with Claygate: The Way Forward. Both organisations are waiting for the Borough Council to bring forward the details of its proposed consultation.
LAND NORTH OF RALEIGH DRIVE
An outline plan to build up to 60 dwellings on Green Belt land north of Raleigh Drive reached the Planning Committee in May last year and the Parish Council objected, saying that approval would set a very dangerous precedent for other tracts of Green Belt in the village and borough. Elmbridge Borough Council gave four reasons for refusing the application, the first being Green Belt contravention.
The developer has subsequently appealed and the Parish Council has been advised that the more people showing their opposition, the more likely the appeal is to be rejected. The date of appeal hearing will be publicised as soon as it is available. The appeal will be conducted via videoconferencing software, so residents will not be able to attend in person but can be present online.
CROWN HOUSE
Crown House, the office building opposite the Hare and Hounds pub, is awaiting a decision on whether it can be converted into 14 flats, “including two-storey front extension and rooms in the roof space and dormer windows with associated parking and landscaping/amenity space”. The Planning Committee made seven critical comments, which can be seen on both the Parish Council and Elmbridge websites. The Borough Council has yet to issue a decision.
VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT
Councillor Geoff Herbert, who chairs the Planning Committee, is to lead an initiative to update the Village Design Statement. Meetings will be held in the Village Hall’s Committee Room and details will be published when available. To view the current Design Statement, click “Local Plan” on the Parish Council website.
COMMITTEE GOVERNANCE
In January, Councillors Janet Swift and Sue Grose resigned as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee and were replaced by Councillors Geoff Herbert and Gil Bray respectively.
CAR PARK SHOCK SPARKS CO-OPERATION
The proposal for a supermarket on the site of the Torrington Lodge car park has been the most contentious planning issue in our village for a very long time. Claygate Parish Council began monitoring events in November 2022, although at that time Elmbridge Borough Council said it would reveal only the barest outline until commercial confidentially allowed.
Real information only came to light last summer and it quickly became clear that many residents were not happy. The Parish Council held a public meeng on July 21, at which the extent of unhappiness became clear: the Council responded to more than 500 letters of objection and also heavily lobbied Elmbridge Borough Council, asking several times for proper consultation. At the same time, a “Claygate Can Do Better” campaign was created.
In the face of this opposition, Elmbridge said at its Cabinet meeng on September 27 that it had decided to withdraw from negotiations with Kilo Properties Ltd and Marks and Spencer plc. It further undertook to engage in a broad consultaon with Claygate residents. Since then, “Claygate Can Do Beer” has become “Claygate: The Way Forward” and has also been engaging with Elmbridge. Claygate Parish Council undertook at its meeting last November to work with Claygate: The Way Forward. Both organisations are waing for the Borough Council to bring forward the details of its proposed consultation.
LAND NORTH OF RALEIGH DRIVE
An outline plan to build up to 60 dwellings on Green Belt land north of Raleigh Drive reached the Planning Committee in May last year and the Parish Council objected, saying that approval would set a very dangerous precedent for other tracts of Green Belt in the village and borough. Elmbridge Borough Council gave four reasons for refusing the application, the first being Green Belt contravention.
The developer has subsequently appealed and the Parish Council has been advised that the more people showing their opposition, the more likely the appeal is to be rejected. The date of appeal hearing will be publicised as soon as it is available. The appeal will be conducted via videoconferencing soware, so residents will not be able to aend in person but can be present online.
CROWN HOUSE
Crown House, the office building opposite the Hare and Hounds pub, is awaiting a decision on whether it can be converted into 14 flats, “including two-storey front extension and rooms in the roof space and dormer windows with associated parking and landscaping/amenity space”. The Planning Committee made seven critical comments, which can be seen on both the Parish Council and Elmbridge websites. The Borough Council has yet to issue a decision.
DRAFT LOCAL PLAN
The Elmbridge Draft Local Plan has reached the stage of Examination in Public by the Planning Inspector, which will take place in The Civic Centre in Esher. Claygate Parish Council has been advised that the likelihood of the plan being accepted by the Inspectorate will increase in line with supportive public attendance.
Several dates in April, May and June have been listed and the Planning Committee is asking Elmbridge officers which matters will be considered on each date. We will keep residents informed via our website and Facebook page.
VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT
Councillor Geoff Herbert, who chairs the Planning Committee, is to lead an initiative to update the Village Design Statement. Meetings will be held in the Village Hall’s Committee Room and details will be published when available. To view the current Design Statement, click “Local Plan” on the Parish Council website.
COMMITTEE GOVERNANCE
In January, Councillors Janet Swift and Sue Grose resigned as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee and were replaced by Councillors Geoff Herbert and Gil Bray respectively.
