It was good to see so many residents attending the meeting of the Parish Council on Monday 9 August.
Two matters mentioned at the July meeting had been referred to the Community Centre Committee for consideration. They have now decided to make a mown path for walkers around the edge of the Brocus, rather than provide a very expensive all-weather path. The other matter under consideration was the provision of bag dispensers on the Brocus for dog owners to use to clear up their dog’s mess. Information has been obtained from several suppliers, but there would be a not insignificant financial commitment if such dispensers were to be provided. In any case, most owners do already clear up after their dogs and place the bags in the regular bins which are emptied by Mole Valley District Council. However, the idea will be kept under consideration. In the meantime, dog owners will be reminded to pick up after their dogs and place bags in a bin, rather than leave them hanging on fence posts or in bushes.
There were a lot of planning applications to be considered this month. Of greatest interest was the application by the Six Bells pub/restaurant for a single-storey extension to provide 5 guest accommodation en suite bedrooms, together with additional toilets, laundry, staff room and office for the pub. Most councillors thought this was a very good idea and it was agreed that the new guest accommodation would be an enhancement to the Six Bells, help to ensure its long- term survival as a business, and continue as an important asset for the Village. It was agreed that the current proposal is much better than previous applications to build houses in the car park. There were some comments about the extension being very large and suggestions that the number of rooms might be reduced. It was pointed out that the extension will be at the rear of the pub and out of sight from the main road and all current car parking spaces would be retained. Although the site is in the green belt conservation area it does not contravene planning requirements relating to openness and visual impact. The Council decided the positive benefits of the development far outweighed any negative factors and it will recommend the application for approval by Mole Valley District Council.
The proposed upgrade of the Trig Street footpath to a bridle path was again on the agenda. A bridle path would enable safe access between Newdigate and Beare Green for non-drivers. It was pointed out that the money can probably now be found for the project, but unfortunately Surrey County Council does not have sufficient staff available to carry out all the necessary “paper shuffling” which has to be done before the physical work can start. It was agreed that a letter would be written to SCC asking for this project to be pushed nearer to the top of their priority “To Do” list.
There was a very lively set of questions, answers, suggestions and conversation between residents and councillors at the end of the formal agenda items and several matters will be progressed further.
Finally, there was a plea for any residents with an overgrown hedge encroaching on a public footpath to please cut it back so that walkers can get by easily.
Everyone is welcome to attend Parish Council meetings. The next one will be on Monday 13 September in the Village Hall starting at 8pm.
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[mks_one_half]Lesley Bignell, Clerk to the Council[/mks_one_half]
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11th August 2021[/mks_one_half]
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[mks_one_half]clerk@newdigateparishcouncil.gov.uk[/mks_one_half]
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www.newdigateparishcouncil.gov.uk[/mks_one_half]
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