Author Archives: webknaphill

Surrey Police Chief Constable Lynne Owens

It is 18 months since I launched my monthly stakeholder e-bulletin (how time flies!) and I’m keen to canvass your views so I can ensure that it is as useful as possible to you. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes before Friday, 13 December to complete a short survey (click here) to give me your feedback.
Looking ahead, with Halloween and Bonfire Night safely passed (see item below) and as the shops move into top gear for Christmas, we too are preparing for the festive season, with planning well underway to make sure that everyone in the county stays safe while they enjoy themselves.
Lynne Owens

IPCC investigation into the death of Terry Smith

We are continuing to fully co-operate with the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) independent investigation into the tragic death of Terry Smith from Stanwell.
On Tuesday, 12 November the ambulance service requested our assistance. Mr Smith was detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to Staines Police Station where he was arrested on suspicion of a drugs related offence. His health deteriorated and the ambulance service was called. He died at St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey around 24 hours after being detained.
The matter was referred to the IPCC on Wednesday, 13 November and it launched an independent investigation into the incident. The IPCC has indicated to us that it is investigating this case as gross negligence manslaughter, misconduct in a public office and/or offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The death of anyone following contact with the police is deeply regrettable and we welcome the independent scrutiny that the IPCC brings. We hope that it is able to establish the facts around what happened as quickly as possible to provide answers to Mr Smith’s family and to inform the Coroner’s hearing.

Operation Candlelight – tackling burglary I’m really pleased with the positive early results from our annual burglary campaign. Operation Candlelight, which kicked off on 14 October, was launched to address the traditional spike in burglaries seen during the autumn and winter months – likely to be caused by the longer, darker evenings which increase a burglar’s opportunity to offend.
Since the campaign’s launch there have been 41 fewer burglaries than at the same time last year and there has been a 38% increase in the number of arrests made.
Throughout the campaign dedicated units have been deployed to hotspot areas. In areas where there has recently been a burglary our neighbourhood teams have been giving advice to residents on how to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. This operational activity has been backed up by radio, bus-back and billboard advertising, as well as regular social media activity using the hashtag #GiveaThiefGrief.
As well as our continued activity to target burglars we need the public to make their houses as secure as possible. Please encourage your family, friends and staff to follow our tips, which are available here, to help keep their homes safe.
Combating Halloween and Bonfire Night anti-social behaviour
To tackle the minority who use the Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations as an excuse for anti-social behaviour (ASB), we again put in place a partnership response to make it clear to potential trouble-makers that criminal offences would not be tolerated. Our co-ordinated action paid off with fewer anti-social behaviour incidents on Halloween than last year leading to only three arrests being needed – all for low level issues.

Neighbourhood project
You may recall from my September bulletin that our senior leaders have returned to geographic divisions to improve our operational effectiveness in the relentless pursuit of criminals, tackling the issues that matter most to our communities and putting victims first. The next stage in this process is to implement a neighbourhood policing structure that supports this. The new structure will mean:
• More police officers working in neighbourhoods, enhancing our ability to investigate crimes at a local level and being better equipped with the right powers to resolve local issues.
• Multi-skilled staff and officers. The increase in officers does come at a cost and we are therefore removing some back office staff posts and reducing the number of PCSOs. However, the resulting mix of officers and staff in our neighbourhood teams will have a wide range of skills, abilities and powers to deal with local priorities and investigations at the moment the public first need us in their communities.
• A dedicated Community Safety Team for each division by April 2014 rather than a centrally run team, as is currently the case. This will enable us to be more effective and responsive in meeting local needs.
There will be no reduction in visibility and the same number of ‘boots on the street’ as today working with our partners to support our local communities.
In the current financial climate and evolving demands, the Neighbourhood Project is one of a number of reviews going on right across the Force to ensure that our policing model adapts accordingly. The reviews span our operational teams – such as custody, reactive and proactive crime investigation – as well as a Force-wide look at how best to match our resources to the demands we face; in essence being there when people need us. We are also reviewing our support functions and looking at collaboration across our borders with Sussex and within our existing county partnerships.

Operation Weeting phone hacking trial
As you are no doubt aware, the Operation Weeting trial regarding allegations of phone hacking at the News of the World, is currently underway. The fact that murdered Surrey schoolgirl Milly Dowler’s phone had been hacked forms part of that trial.
For legal reasons we cannot comment about the Milly Dowler aspect of the case until the trial ends, however all relevant information that we have was passed to the Metropolitan Police’s investigators.

Recent successes
Just some of our recent successes include:
• Our Occupational Health Team took the top award in the Health Promotion and Wellbeing category of this year’s Occupational Health Awards.
• Our Corporate Communications team scooped the Public Relations Consultants Association’s (PRCA) national award in the ‘Public Sector Value for Money’ category for its work on two campaigns that focused on reducing the number of vehicle crimes within Surrey.
• A man and a woman have been charged following a burglary and two attempted burglaries in East Molesey. Read more.
• Two teenage boys have been arrested by detectives investigating a serious sexual assault at last year’s Epsom Derby. Read more.
• A crackdown on criminals in Guildford has resulted in three arrests for drug-related offences. Read more.
• Surrey Police and Guildford Borough Council have worked together to serve a closure order notice on a property in the Park Barn area of Guildford due to anti-social behaviour. Read more.
• Three men were swiftly charged with causing grievous bodily harm following a fight in the Goldsworth Park area. Read more
Key diary dates
• Operation Yuletide: campaign targeting town centre crime from 13 December to 6 January.
• Thursday, 28 November, 6.30pm to 8.30pm: Police and Crime Commissioner’s Crime Summit for Guildford Borough at G-Live, GU1 2AA.
• For details of Neighbourhood Panel meetings, Police Surgeries and ‘Meet the Beat’ sessions in your neighbourhood, visit our website.

Planning update 27/11/13

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New planning decisions

Woking Borough Council’s Planning Committee reject the planning application to build four houses on land between Highclere Road and Lane End Drive. The address of the current bungalow on this land is given as 41 Highclere Road. The Planning Committee rejected a proposal to add poor access to the reasons for rejection. (PLAN/2013/0632)

A Planning Officer, under delegated powers, has rejected a planning application to build a large house in the rear garden of Wendover on Bagshot Road. Entrance to the proposed property was to be in Ivydene. (PLAN/2013/0778)

A Planning Officer, under delegated powers has granted the prior approval required by the owners of Highclere House, 5 High Street to convert the office block into 8 flats. (PLAN/2013/0974)

New planning applications

PLAN/2013/1121, 1122, 1123, 1124 & 1125
Tesco’s, 15 High Street, Knaphill

A group of new planning applications have been submitted in connection with the new Tesco’s that is being built at 15 High Street, formerly Cliftons.

The planning applications deal with a request to change the agreed shop front to include a number of the standard Tesco glazed shot front pictures, the installation of an ATM, the installation of 2 condensers on the roof, installation of 6 bollards in front of ATM and shop front, consent for the installation of two internally illuminated signs and internally illuminated project sign.

The majority of the above were to be expected, i.e. to make the shop look like Tesco’s but one would question the need for an ATM as there is an ATM in the petrol station that is just in front of the new shop. With reference to the plant that Tesco’s want to place on the roof the KRA are still evaluating the noise report that is published with the planning request.

AMEND/2013/0068
Tesco’s, 15 High Street, Knaphill

This application is to confirm the shop opening times. These times were secured by the developer before Tesco’s name was added and although the Planning Committee had not agreed with the times the developer gained permission from a Planning Inspector on appeal.

The shop will be open from 07.00 to 22.00 Monday to Saturday inc. and 08.00 to 22.00 Sunday’s and Bank Holidays. Deliveries to the store are limited to 08.00 to 20.00 Monday to Saturday inc. with no deliveries on Sunday’s or Bank Holidays.

PLAN/2013/1018
Barnbrook Sinclair, 1 & 3 High Street, Knaphill

This is an application to gain outline planning permission to demolish the current building and build a four storey block of flats. There would be 10 flats four of which would be two bedroom flats but only 10 parking bays.

This building, as well as the old headquarters of Barnbrrok Sinclair, is also the home of the pet shop and PC repair shop both of which will lose their premises if planning permission is granted.

If you go to Memory Lane, local history on the KRA web site you will be able to read some of the history of this old beautiful building.

PLAN/2013/0940
16 – 39 Chequer Tree Close
An application for change of use of open amenity land to residential land for the benefit of the residents.

Outstanding planning applications

PLAN/2013/0856
New primary school on land at Brookwood Farm, Coresbrook Way, Knaphill
This application contains more details of the actual building and the landscaping around the school. The new school, which will be linked to Brookwood School, will accommodate 8 key stage two classes, (240 pupils). One of the main concerns remains the impact the new school will have on the traffic on the A322, Bagshot Road. The new building will be behind the Telephone Exchange.
Comment: Seven local residents have commented on this application and their main concern is flooding. This area is subject to flooding and residents are concerned that the new building will have a significant impact on the natural flow of water.

PLAN/2013/0864
New footpath and canal bridge.
To link the new school building to the school on Connaught Road Surrey County Council plan for a new bridge to cross the canal, at the rear of the Connaught Road school, to a footpath that will go across the Country Park to the new school building on Brookwood Farm.
Comment: This application has raised a number of concerns from local residents and to date 17 residents have submitted letters to the Council. Natural England has also submitted an objection on the grounds that there is insufficient information to determine if the application is likely to damage the interests for which Basingstoke Canal has been notified.

PLAN/2013/0202
Variation of condition 6 to PLAN/1985/0686, Total (now ESSO) petrol station, 23 High Street.
Currently the petrol station and associated shop have opening hours of 07.00 to 23.00 hrs. The application was to be allowed to open from 06.00 to midnight.
In July the Planning Committee rejected this application but the owners have now lodged an appeal.
Appeal reference APP/A3655/A/13/2203626

PLAN/2013/0193
Proposed demolition of existing outbuilding and replacement with a detached 3 bedroom dwelling.
22A High Street, Knaphill
This is the site at the rear of the take-away and the old library.
The application was rejected by the Planning Officer, delegated responsibility, however the owners have appealed the decision and we must await the decision of a Planning Inspector.
Architects on behalf of the developer has pointed out to the Planning Inspector, in their final comments, that the Local Council did not refer to any parking or highways issues in the notice of rejection of the original application. Unfortunately that is a true statement, yet another example of the County’s Highway Authority ignore the actual facts on parking in Knaphill.
Appeal reference APP/A3655/A/13/2199725

PLAN/2013/0756
Change of use from A1/A2 (retail or office) to A3 restaurant and café and A5 hot food takeaway including internal alterations and installation of new filtered extract system.
8, Anchor Crescent, Knaphill
These are the premises last used by Garrett, solicitors.
Do we need another food outlet?
The KRA has submitted a letter of objection.

PLAN/2013/1094
Proposed extensions and alterations to existing bungalow to include raising of the ridgeline to accommodate the creation of additional storey at first floor level plus the erection of front porch canopy.
38 Lane End Drive

PLAN/2013/0991
Alterations to PLAN/2012/0700
ALPHA hospital, Rose Lodge, Barton Close

This application is to take account of the fact that the original plans that were approved had the construction traffic entering the site via Barton Close where after representation it was changed to direct entry from Redding Way.

Brookwood Farm Development
Work is progressing on changing the junction of the Bagshot Road and Redding Way from a T junction into a full crossroads. New entrance road to be called Brookwood Farm Drive.

Fox Inn, Guildford Road, Bisley
Although this is outside Knaphill I thought you may like to know that Surrey Heath Council has given developers permission to knock down the old inn and build a 62 bedroom care home. If you want more details please go to the Surrey Heath web site. The reference number for this development is 13/0046.

The Meadows, Bagshot Road, Knaphill
The former hospital building has now closed and the premises are on the market to be sold by auction. The building is described as a 24 bed care home built in 1966 and it is for sale as existing use or residential development subject to planning approval.

Note
This report does not attempt to cover all planning issues in Knaphill. If you have any questions or points on the above please feel free to contact the KRA.

Phil Stubbs
27/11

Police NW update 22/11/13

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Here is the latest Neighbourhood Watch Crime Bulletin. Surrey Police recently changed systems and so you may see that some Crime References no longer have the WK/13 prefix. In future, crime references will be numbers only.

Friday the 15^th – Thursday the 21^st of November 2013

In Your Area

I have to report that in the last week the following crimes occurred in or near to your area:

BURGLARY

Crime Reference WK/13/6775 – Between 21:00 on Friday the 15^th and 01:30 on Saturday the 16^th of November 2013 an out building at a property in FORESTERS CLOSE, KNAPHILL was broken into. The offenders used a metal spade to force a door off its hinges and stole power tools, fishing tackle and golf equipment.

The majority of burglaries that are committed occur at the rear of properties. For this reason it is important to deter access into your back gardens. Gates should be closed and locked at all times when not in direct use. Deter the scaling of gates and fences by adding trellis to the tops of them. If you have any accessible ladders please ensure that they are secured.

Please make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked when not in direct use. Please don’t think that because you are only popping out for a moment that it won’t happen to you!

If you are going to be out for the evening or away for a period of time consider ways to make it look less likely that your property is unoccupied. Lights left on in selected rooms can have the desired effect during the hours of darkness although plug-in timers can be more effective, and less of a drain on power, if you are planning to be away for a longer period.

Consider the installation of an intruder alarm in your home. Any alarm installed should conform to standard BS EN 50131 and should be fitted by a company that is NSI (National Security Inspectorate) or SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) approved. Details of such companies can be found at www.nsi.org.uk or www.ssaib.co.uk

Outbuildings should be locked at all times. Large valuable items should be placed out of view and chained up to other items or a secure anchor point within the outbuilding. Items could also be property marked via engraving or painting your house number and postcode onto them. A record of their serial number should also be kept and registered onto a national property database, visit www.immobilise.com for further information.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE

Crime Reference WK/13/6731 – Between 20:30 on Thursday the 14^th and 05:30 on Friday the 15^th of November 2013 a vehicle parked in GREENACRE, KNAPHILL had a window smashed and a purse stolen.

Crime Reference WK/13/6762 – Between 20:30 on Friday the 15^th and 08:30 on Saturday the 16^th of November 2013 a vehicle parked in the car park of the Crown in HIGH STREET, KNAPHILL had a window smashed and an iPod and tools stolen.

Crime Reference WK/13/6770 – Between 20:00 on Friday the 15^th and 07:15 on Saturday the 16^th of November 2013 a vehicle parked in BINGHAM DRIVE, KNAPHILL had all four hubcaps stolen.

Crime Reference WK/13/6792 – Between 01:30 and 09:30 on Sunday the 17^th of November 2013 a vehicle parked in LOWER GUILDFORD ROAD, KNAPHILL had a window smashed and perfume stolen.

Crime Reference Number 45130000325 – Between 17:00 on Wednesday the 20^th and 06:00 on Thursday the 21^st of November 2013 a van parked in VICTORIA ROAD, KNAPHILL was broken into and a wallet and sat nav were stolen.

Crime Reference Number 45130000372 – Between 11:00 on Wednesday the 20^th and 11:00 on Thursday the 21^st of November 2013 an unlocked van parked in SOYER COURT, KNAPHILL was broken into and heating components and power drills were stolen.

Please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle and always lock it, even if you are only leaving it unattended for a few minutes. It only takes a few seconds for an offender to seize an opportunity.

CRIMINAL DAMAGE

Crime Reference WK/13/6742 – Between 17:00 on Tuesday the 12^th and 07:00 on Friday the 15^th of November 2013 a van parked in BEECHWOOD ROAD, KNAPHILL had a window smashed but nothing taken.

Crime Reference Number 45130000034 – Sometime between 21:00 on Tuesday the 19^th and 08:45 on Wednesday the 20^th of November 2013 a vehicle parked in QUEENS ROAD, KNAPHILL had the front passenger window smashed.

Crime Reference Number 45130000594 – Sometime between Saturday the 9^th and 11:30 on Thursday the 21^st of November 2013 a vehicle parked in ASHWINDHAM COURT, KNAPHILL had front and rear tyres punctured.

If you feel that you have witnessed any incident that may relate to the above crimes please call 101 quoting the relevant crime number.

Crime Prevention Day

In response to an ongoing spate of burglaries in the area Surrey Police are holding a crime prevention day on Saturday the 23rd November between 11:00-16:00 at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Coldharbour Road, Pyrford.

The day will focus on keeping you property safe over the Christmas period and will include talks from our Crime Prevention Officer, advice from local security companies and discussions with neighbourhood watch.

Officers will also be there to answer any questions you may have about crime and security. Please come along and learn about how to make sure you don’t become a victim of crime this Christmas!

If you have any queries please feel free to email me. As I’m only in the office on Wednesday and Friday mornings I may not be able to respond immediately, however, I’ll be sure to reply as soon as I can.

It is also possible to email the Woking Borough Safer Neighbourhood Policing Teams on woking@surrey.police.uk. This e-mail box is regularly monitored from 07:00hrs – 15:00hrs from Monday to Friday.

For non-urgent notification of a crime or something suspicious that you have seen, please contact 101 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). If you are unable to use the 101 service you can dial 01483 571212.

If you have a serious crime, accident or another emergency to report, always dial 999.

If you are hard of hearing or speech impaired, textphone on 08001 101 (non-emergency) or 08000 101 (emergency) or text us on 07786 204020 or 999 (register at www.emergencysms.org.uk) or you can also use the online crime reporting facility available at https://my.surrey.police.uk/reportonline/ReportIt/

For local news, dates of local surgeries or your next Police Public panel meeting please visit www.surrey.police.uk and go to ‘My Neighbourhood’

http://www.surrey.police.uk/my-neighbourhood

Yours Sincerely

Arthur Brown

Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer

Planning update 12/11/13

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News

Woking Borough Council’s Planning Committee approved the final planning application for the extension to Sainsbury’s in Redding Way less than 24 hours before the store reopened.

COND/2013/0070

Discharge of conditions 18 and 25 of PLAN/2011/0160

Sainsbury’s Redding Way, Knaphill

This was a very technical planning application in connection with plant such as refrigerator plant and extractor fans fitted to the outside of the building and unfortunately technical information was still being produced by consultants to Sainsbury’s up and until the date of the Planning Committee meeting. One of the major points argued in the Planning Committee was the fact that insufficient time had been given to members of the Planning Committee to take on board all relevant information. Head of Planning pushed members to make a decision and not, has had been proposed, defer making a decision for a later meeting thus giving all those involved more time to monitor the noise profile of all the new plant that had been built into the building.

Although our Ward Councillors voted for a deferment they did not have the support of sufficient Councillors on the Planning Committee. The first vote was tied therefore the chairman had the casting vote and as he had already voted against a deferment he stood firm and the deferment was rejected and on a second vote the Council’s Planning Committee approved the plans.

PLAN/2013/0856

New primary school on land at Brookwood Farm, Coresbrook Way, Knaphill

This application contains more details of the actual building and the landscaping around the school. The new school, which will be linked to Brookwood School, will accommodate 8 key stage two classes, (240 pupils). One of the main concerns remains the impact the new school will have on the traffic on the A322, Bagshot Road. The new building will be behind the Telephone Exchange.

Comment: Seven local residents have commented on this application and their main concern is flooding. This area is subject to flooding and residents are concerned that the new building will have a significant impact on the natural flow of water.

PLAN/2013/0864

New footpath and canal bridge.

To link the new school building to the school on Connaught Road Surrey County Council plan for a new bridge to cross the canal, at the rear of the Connaught Road school, to a footpath that will go across the Country Park to the new school building on Brookwood Farm.

Comment: This application has raised a number of concerns from local residents and to date 17 residents have submitted letters to the Council. Natural England has also submitted an objection on the grounds that there is insufficient information to determine if the application is likely to damage the interests for which Basingstoke Canal has been notified.

PLAN/2013/0775

Demolition of a former library building and redevelopment with 9 residential units comprising of

3 X 2B3P flats and 6 X 1B2P flats and memorial garden. 20 High Street, Knaphill

The initial plans have been withdrawn.

PLAN/2013/0974

Convert a block of offices into 8 one bedroom flats

Highclere House, 5 High Street, Knaphill

A planning application has been submitted to convert Highclere House from offices into flats, this is the building next to Head Hunters, the hairdressers.

PLAN/2013/0202

Variation of condition 6 to PLAN/1985/0686, Total (now ESSO) petrol station, 23 High Street.

Currently the petrol station and associated shop have opening hours of 07.00 to 23.00 hrs. The application was to be allowed to open from 06.00 to midnight.

In July the Planning Committee rejected this application but the owners have now lodged an appeal.

Appeal reference APP/A3655/A/13/2203626

PLAN/2013/0193

Proposed demolition of existing outbuilding and replacement with a detached 3 bedroom dwelling.

22A High Street, Knaphill

This is the site at the rear of the take-away and the old library.

The application was rejected by the Planning Officer, delegated responsibility, however the owners have appealed the decision and we must await the decision of a Planning Inspector.

Architects on behalf of the developer has pointed out to the Planning Inspector, in their final comments, that the Local Council did not refer to any parking or highways issues in the notice of rejection of the original application. Unfortunately that is a true statement, yet another example of the County’s Highway Authority ignore the actual facts on parking in Knaphill.

Appeal reference APP/A3655/A/13/2199725

PLAN/2013/0350

Erection of a two bedroom detached dwelling in the grounds of 48 Lower Guildford Road.

This application has been rejected by the Planning Officer on the grounds that the proposed development would result in an incongruous overdevelopment of the site.

PLAN/2013/0632

Demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings and erection of 4, 4 bedroom houses with garages, access, parking, bin storage, landscaping.

41 Highclere Road

Revised plans have been submitted at the time of writing this report the revised plans are still being examined.

PLAN/2013/0756

Change of use from A1/A2 (retail or office) to A3 restaurant and café and A5 hot food takeaway including internal alterations and installation of new filtered extract system.

8, Anchor Crescent, Knaphill

These are the premises last used by Garrett, solicitors.

Do we need another food outlet?

The KRA has submitted a letter of objection.

PLAN/2013/1094

Proposed extensions and alterations to existing bungalow to include raising of the ridgeline to accommodate the creation of additional storey at first floor level plus the erection of front porch canopy.

38 Lane End Drive

PLAN/2013/0991

Alterations to PLAN/2012/0700

ALPHA hospital, Rose Lodge, Barton Close

Fox Inn, Guildford Road, Bisley

Although this is outside Knaphill I thought you may like to know that Surrey Heath Council has given developers permission to knock down the old inn and build a 62 bedroom care home. If you want more details please go to the Surrey Heath web site. The reference number for this development is 13/0046.

The Meadows, Bagshot Road, Knaphill

The former hospital building has now closed and the premises are on the market to be sold by auction. The building is described as a 24 bed care home built in 1966 and it is for sale as existing use or residential development subject to planning approval.

If you have any questions or points on the above please feel free to contact the KRA.

Phil Stubbs

08/11

Sainsbury’s get their way again

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As many people will know the extended Sainsbury’s in Redding Way reopened on 6 November. Anyone who has been following the debate with regards the planning applications for this extension will know that the Residents’ Association has been assisting residents who live in close proximity to the store to get an improvement in their life style by both the store and Woking Borough Council recognising that there is an issue over noise pollution and that planning conditions on noise are complied with.

At the Planning Committee held on 5 November the last application in connection with the extension was on the agenda for consideration. This application was of a technical nature to meet planning conditions that were part of the original planning decision. The condition was basically a requirement for the developer to provide to WBC, prior to any new plant becoming operable, a detailed noise report and approved by the Local Planning Authority. These conditions were initially dealt with earlier in the year but Sainsbury’s were required to resubmit plans has they had made significant changes to the plans to those agreed to earlier.

To say that notification by Sainsbury’s is very late given that the new store was to become operative from 6 November is an understatement and as those who have followed this stores history will know that Sainsbury’s has a history of breaching planning conditions connected to noise pollution at the store in Redding Way.

Cllr Richard Sharp put forward the argument on behalf of the residents and sought a deferment on a decision until all the data connected with the new plant was available in a format understood by the layperson. The Council brought their environmental consultants to the meeting to answer any technical question. On behalf of the residents the KRA would like to thank Cllr. Sharp for the time he has taken to take on board the complex technical issues and present them to the Planning Committee in a way that was easily understood.

The final stages of this process has been rushed and the consultants acting for WBC admitted that they had yet to receive all the data from the measurement of noise produced from the new plant.

In seeking a deferment Cllr Sharp stated that this would give the developer and the Council’s consultant’s additional time to carry out more monitoring and monitor the equipment once the store was fully operative. Head of Planning argued against a deferment stating that they could not really monitor the condition until the condition had been approved. Cllr Sharp put his motion to the vote and the result was split 5 votes for and 5 votes. Although Cllr Smith, the Planning Committee chairman, had voted against a deferment he had the casting vote and therefore the motion was lost and the conditions were approved.

Outside the debate at the Planning Committee a planning application from Sainsbury’s to include dentistry within the store had been fast tracked by WBC and approved by delegated authority.
We are given to understand that there will be on-going monitoring of the noise generated by the store but at this point in time we do not have any details of how this monitoring will be carried out and over what period of time. We will continue to monitor the situation.

2013 Fireworks Review

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Fireworks at Knaphill by Lesley Godbolt!

What a Fantastic Fireworks display at Knaphill last night. I was feeling a bit bah humbug and didn’t really want to go out in the cold. Jasmine, Colin’s daughter, was having none of it, and we found ourselves at the 1st Knaphill Scouts Fireworks display at The Vyne Field, Redding Way, Knaphill.

It was definitely chilli last night, as well as windy and I was glad of the 5 layers I had decided to wear. My hat also got it’s first outing and although not the most flattering of ‘beanies’ it did the trick and kept my ears warm!

We arrived at the Vyne field about 6.45pm, paid our £3.50 entrance fee and immediately headed for the burger and hot dog queue. I was expecting mediocre burgers and hot dogs for over the top prices but was pleasantly surprised to see that the burgers and hotdogs were supplied by local butcher, Prince and Sons of Horsell. The cheese burgers were served with real cheese i.e. not that plastic cheese square stuff and the hot dogs were real sausages, both for £3 each, pretty reasonable.

Once we’d scoffed the hotdogs and hamburgers we headed for the ‘drinks’ queue. After queuing behind a bunch of people who weren’t in the queue for 5 mins! we finally got to the front and ordered some lovely hot chocolates and one cup cake between us. This proved to be a big mistake as the cup cake was delicious ( apparently home-made by Kerry, who was on the stand) and we wished we’d got a couple more. Only our waistlines thanked us for abstaining from the cup cakes.

The fire which had about 10 Guys on it was lit at 7pm and quickly caught fire and whipped up into huge warming flames with some exploding Fire Crackers to add to the excitement. The wind was really blowing at this point and I was a little worried for the nearby trees as the flames seemed to have been blown upwards and towards the trees, but it was all under control and got the evening off to a blazing start.

Little groups of teenagers huddled together with their hamburgers and hotdogs trying to look cool, while families stood around watching their kids playing with sparklers, making shapes and writing their names in the sparkler’s light. Kids were hoisted onto shoulders to get a better look at the bonfire and quite a few little Jedi knights were merrily sword fighting with their new neon lightsabers. Mums were running round after their little Lukes and Darths making sure they didn’t stab their swords in the wrong person or stick their toffee apples to Auntie’s new leather coat. Meanwhile, the dads discussed the technicalities of the fire and reminisced about how they’d once done their own fireworks display. The crowds were variously lit up with neon Mohicans, bracelets and necklaces and it all added to the special atmosphere of fireworks night.

We amused ourselves trying to stand behind the tallest person to get out of the wind, hands stuffed in pockets and heads down we jostled like penguins for the best position. We moaned about a lack of tights under jeans, hopped from one foot to the other, engaged in random jumping and clapping of hands and generally behaved like the British when they are trying to keep warm.

Finally the display kicked off. The Fireworks were fabulous, with lots of oohing and ahhhing from the crowd, loads of big bangs and explosions and showers of light. They seemed to keep going for ages we kept thinking it was going to end only for more and more fireworks to flash across the night sky. Finally it came to a noisy finale with a well earned round of applause from the crowd. My neck was killing me from constantly looking upwards into the sky but it was definitely worth it. The 1st Knaphill scouts put on an amazing display and a thoroughly enjoyable evening out.

We went home to our mulled wine and chocolates with a warm fuzzy feeling having seen a great British tradition at it’s best!!

Knaphill fireworks display gets two thunderbolts rating – very good

Police NW update 18/10/13

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Friday the 11^th – Thursday the 17^th of October 2013

In Your Area

I have to report that in the last week the following crimes occurred in or near to your area:

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE

Crime Reference WK/13/6012 – Sometime between 19:45 and 22:00 on Friday the 11^th of October 2013 a vehicle parked in TRINGHAM CLOSE, KNAPHILL was broken into and a satnav and purse stolen.

BICYCLE THEFT

Crime Reference WK/13/5959 – at some time between Sunday the 14^th of July and Saturday the 12^th of October 2013 a bicycle was stolen from the bike rack of flats in TUDOR WAY, KNAPHILL.

Crime Reference WK/13/5960 – Between 17:30 on Friday the 11^th of October and Saturday the 12^th of October 2013 an electrically assisted pedal cycle was stolen from outside a property in DUNNETS, KNAPHILL.

Consider securing bicycles with a Sold Secure approved D-Lock, visit www.soldsecure.com to find products that meet this approval.

Only use a good quality D-lock. A poor quality lock can be easily sawn through or bolt cropped in seconds. For maximum protection use two locks of different types - a D-lock and robust chain and padlock is ideal. Use each lock to secure both the wheels and frame. Always lock your bicycle to something immovable, an object a bicycle cannot be lifted over, cut or removed.

A record of your bicycle frame number should also be kept and registered onto a national property database. Visit www.immobilise.com for further information.

If you feel that you have witnessed any incident that may relate to the above crimes please call 101 quoting the relevant crime number.

It is also possible to email the Woking Borough Safer Neighbourhood Policing Teams on woking@surrey.police.uk. This e-mail box is regularly monitored from 07:00hrs – 15:00hrs from Monday to Friday.

If you have a serious crime, accident or another emergency to report, always dial 999.

For local news, dates of local surgeries or your next Police Public panel meeting please visit www.surrey.police.uk and go to ‘My Neighbourhood’

http://www.surrey.police.uk/my-neighbourhood

Yours Sincerely

Arthur Brown

Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer

Committee meeting minutes August 2013

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Attendees: – John Butler (chairman), Rachel Carney, Debbie Harlow, Andy Hills,

Martin Dunham, Tony Hayes-Allen, Antony Polak, Phil Stubbs.

Apologies: – Ann Mason

Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 June were approved and agreed for publication.

Matters Arising

Phil reported that on item 4, 31-33 Broadway, the Development Manager had responded to the KRA’s letter but stood by the decision of the Planning Manager. The Development Manager did agree to visit Knaphill and meet with Ward Councillors and KRA. The application from the owners of the Esso Petrol Station for longer trading hours was rejected by the Planning Committee. Finally under item 8, Brookwood School, as yet no detailed planning application has been published. Given the imminent closure of the Meadows hospital there are unconfirmed reports that this site may seen as a potential site for the school.

Projects

3.1 Village Show

John opened this item suggesting that for this meeting the committee should consider the long term future of the village show. The first point to report was that Martin had informed the chairman that he was standing down as village show chairman. The Committee thanked Martin for all the work he had done for the village show since its conception several years ago.

Moving forward John put forward three options on the management of future shows.

Option one: – No change, the show committee remains a sub-committee of the KRA Committee and the KRA will invite non-members to join the Committee as and when required.

Option two: – The Village Show is totally separated from the KRA and a fully independent organisation is created with its own constitution, bank account, etc. Once such an organisation has been formed then the KRA would hand over total responsibility.

Option three: – Introduce a degree of independence whilst overall responsibility and the name of the show remains with the KRA. Those interested in the village show be they KRA members or not fill the necessary posts of chairman, secretary and other positions of responsibility. The KRA would remain with control of the finances and would be principal account holder.

In looking at the options John briefly took the meeting through the finances of the show. In year one the village show made a good profit however that year the KRA received a grant from WBC and a sum from the main sponsors, Seymours. Years 2 and 3 made small profits and again this was in part thanks to the sponsorship. Year 4, this year, sponsorship was lower and the show will record a loss. The KRA does not set out to make a profit from the village show but it should not run at a loss and therefore future sponsorship is essential.

Following a good discussion there was a unanimous vote in favour of option 3.

Action point: – Andy and Debbie to contact those outside the KRA Committee who have shown an interest in being involved in next year’s show and others with the intent of coming forward with proposed names for key appointments by Christmas.

Returning to this year’s show, it was agreed that we should combine the wash up session with an invitation for new people to meet the KRA Committee. This event will be held on 24 September starting at 6.30pm in the marquee at the Garibaldi. There will be a finger buffet.

Action point: – Andy to publicise this event.

3.2 Christmas Lights

Phil reported that he had met with Erica to look at lights and Christmas 2013. Following this meeting the proposal to this Committee is that we place Christmas trees in all the holders we used last year except the one at the Chicago Grill as they did not plug in the lights. There was also an issue with the tree lights above the Crown Dry Cleaners and Phil will contact Steve at RSM about this one. It was also recommended that we approach Seymours and Stef’s Café to see if brackets could be fixed on these premises. A standing tree would be erected in the car park of the Anchor with the plan to move this to the Memorial Garden once that this has been built. There was also a suggestion that a tree could be mounted on the flat roof of the newsagents at the corner of Broadway and Queens Road but this was rejected by the Committee. The proposal was accepted.

Action points: – Erica with Phil’s assistance will make contact with all shop owners/ managers to see if they are in agreement with the plans and seek donations towards the costs.

Planning Issues

At the last meeting it had been agreed to call a village meeting to discuss neighbourhood planning however the meeting was not called given the uncertainty of the Kings House Coffee Shop. Before organising a new meeting Phil thought it appropriate to extend the subject range of the meeting. Neighbourhood Planning was a proposal included in the Localism Act with the intent of giving local people greater say in planning in their neighbourhood. The legislation refers to Neighbourhood Planning forming part of the structure that formulates the Local Plan but in Woking the Local Plan has been agreed and implemented. A Neighbourhood Plan cannot change the strategic policies of the Local Plan and therefore a Neighbourhood Plan in Knaphill will, in Phil’s opinion, have limited scope.

Development Delivery, Development Plan Document. This is a project that Woking BC have launched to identify land that could be available for long term development. This project will include redefining the boundary of the Green Belt. This project comes under the Core Strategy and therefore the powers of local people through a Neighbourhood Plan will be limited. There is also a new form of payment that developers will have to make to Council’s once planning approval is granted. This new payment is called Community Infrastructure Levy. The levy is fixed b the local council and varies depending on the type of development. Phil pointed out to the Committee that there are substantial differences in the level of the levy between Councils. For example if someone builds a 250sq m dwelling Woking will charge £31,250 whereas Surrey Heath plan to charge £62,500. It was agreed that the KRA should facilitate a village meeting for residents to discuss these items and the Vyne was suggested as the most suitable venue.

Action points: – Phil to make contact with manager at the Vyne to see if they could accommodate such a meeting.

4.1. Specific planning applications

Phil had circulated a list of current planning applications prior to the meeting. Phil added that earlier in the day he had received notice of a new planning application for the demolition of the old library and the erection of a block of apartments, no details had yet been made public.

4.2. Other planning issues

WBC had published a notice of application for a new premises licence. The application was for 10 Creswell Corner. The owner wanted a licence to sell alcohol from 06.00 to midnight seven days a week. Surrey CC had published a notice to formulise the prohibition of motor vehicles from Barley Mow Lane except for access.

Tour of Britain

Phil reported that the Tour of Britain cycle race was scheduled to come through Knaphill on 21^st September. This is stage 7 of the race and the riders will come from Chobham via Chobham Road cross the Garibaldi crossroads, then down to Bagshot Road and down to Cemetery Pales and the cyclists head towards Guildford.

Phil reported that he is working with Cllr Hussain and Surrey Estates to plan a party on the Garibaldi green. To help prepare the area for the event Phil suggested a working party to cut back the brambles as the green goes towards Chobham. Volunteers with petrol driven shears are needed. It was agreed to seek volunteers for a working party on Saturday 14 September meeting at 2.00pm.

Action points: – All, working party 14 September.

Community Funding

WBC has launched their community grant scheme and the objective is to make sure that local organisations are aware of the scheme and the availability of funding.

Membership update

Ann had informed John that there had been 7 new members since the last meeting.

Chairman’s Report

John had nothing to report.

Treasurer’s Report

John reported that the balance in the bank remained healthy. Income from membership was around £900 per annum. The KRA magazine continued to run at a loss due to lack of advertisements. The costs had been reduced with the use of volunteers to deliver the magazine.

Secretary’s Report

Phil reported that he had received the schools intake figures for academic year starting in September 2013. For the first time in several years the five local primary schools did not have more 1st preference bids than the school had places. Knaphill Lower School that has always been popular received 90 1^st preferences and had 90 places.

Sergeant Lee had arranged for Phil to visit the CCTV control centre to see the quality of picture that were produced from the camera’s in Knaphill. He reported that the clarity was very good and night pictures would improve with improved street lighting.

Phil had a number of dates for the diaries.

14 September – Village walk organised by Mel Foster. Meeting at village noticeboard at 10.45am.

18 September – Police Panel meeting, Stef’s café (former Kings House). The meeting starts at 7.00pm and it is an opportunity to hear from the police on recent activities in and around the village. Phil hopes that these meetings could get a better attendance.

21 September – Cycle race through village.

Editor’s update

Andy reported that he was busy working on the next edition of the KRA magazine, he reported that he was having difficulty in attracting advertisement. Andy had found a volunteer to assist with the Web site, Ben Cheetham.

Any other business

Antony suggested a litter picking morning early in November. It was agreed to add this to the next meeting’s agenda.

Date of next meeting

9^th October Stef’s café 7.45 pm

13^th November Garibaldi 7.45pm

Meeting closed

Residents in Guildford and Woking warned about bank related fraudster scams

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Surrey Police is warning residents, particularly in Guildford and Woking, to remain vigilant following a recent spate of scams involving fraudsters obtaining bank details, cards and cash using bogus telephone calls and couriers.

In the last 24 hours police have received reports of ten similar attempts to access bank cards and money, with reported offences in Guildford, Woking, Pyrford, Burpham and Chobham.

In each case the victims have reported receiving telephone calls from someone claiming to be a police officer and attempting to convince them to hand over large amounts of cash and bank cards.

The offenders often claim to be an officer from the Metropolitan Police and use a variety of pretences that include saying the victim’s bank card has been used by somebody that they have in custody. They then ask the victim to phone the bank to cancel the card and tell the victims that they will send a courier round to collect the card.

Meanwhile the fraudster stays on the line and obtains the victim’s bank details whilst they think they are phoning the bank. The courier then calls at the victim’s address saying they have been sent by the police to collect a parcel – the envelope containing the card.

Three incidents of this scam were all reported shortly after 9pm tonight (Saturday, 5 October) one took place at an address off the B367 Upshot Lane in Woking, another at address in Frog Grove Lane in Wood Street Village and a third offence in Burnet Avenue in Burpham.

Fortunately in the three most recent cases no money or cards were taken from the victims who were suspicious of the call and contacted Surrey Police.

Police are also appealing for details of a man who attended an address off Boltons Lane in Pyrford at around 5.30pm today claiming to be a courier who had been sent to collect a parcel containing bank cards from an elderly victim. Fortunately the victim refused to hand over his cards and the man left empty-handed.

The man is described as white, around 40-years-old, 5ft 8ins or 5ft 9ins tall, spoke with an eastern European accent, stocky build, short dark hair and was wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.

Neighbourhood officers are warning residents that these requests are not genuine and that no police officer or bank would operate in this manner and would never request a customer to confirm their PIN details over the phone. Anyone who receives a suspicious call, either on the phone or in person, is urged to not give any details to the caller and report the matter to the police.

Any courier companies or taxis that may have been asked to pick up such packages are also being urged to call Surrey Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Policing: NW update 4/10/13

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Here is the latest Neighbourhood Watch Crime Bulletin.

Friday the 27^th of September – Thursday the 3^rd of October 2013

In Your Area

I have to report that in the last week the following crimes occurred in or near to your area:

CRIMINAL DAMAGE

Crime Reference WK/13/5620 – At around 24:00 on Friday the 27^th of September a property in FOSTERS LANE, KNAPHILL had the front door kicked open breaking the lock. The offender then made off down the street.

Crime Reference WK/13/5620 – At around 01:30 on Saturday the 28^th of September a shed in VICTORIA ROAD, KNAPHILL was set on fire. The shed and its contents were destroyed.

Crime Reference WK/13/5620 – At around 01:50 on Saturday the 28^th of September stones were thrown at the windows of a property in SUSSEX CLOSE, KNAPHILL.

NUMBER PLATE THEFT

Crime Reference WK/13/5693 – Between the hours of 14:00 on Wednesday the 25^th and 09:40 on Friday the 27^th of September 2013 a vehicle parked in VICTORIA ROAD, KNAPHILL had the front registration plates removed.

Criminals will often steal vehicle registration plates to place on their own vehicles in order to carry out other criminal activities in an attempt to go undetected. Protect your registration plates by securing them to your vehicle with tamper proof screws and bolts. Visit www.safe-plates.co.uk for further information.

If you feel that you have witnessed any incident that may relate to the above crimes please call 101 quoting the relevant crime number.

It is also possible to email the Woking Borough Safer Neighbourhood Policing Teams on woking@surrey.police.uk. This e-mail box is regularly monitored from 07:00hrs – 15:00hrs from Monday to Friday.

If you have a serious crime, accident or another emergency to report, always dial 999.

If you are hard of hearing or speech impaired, textphone on 08001 101 (non-emergency) or 08000 101 (emergency) or text us on 07786 204020 or 999 (register at http://www.emergencysms.org.uk/ or you can also use the online crime reporting facility available at https://my.surrey.police.uk/reportonline/ReportIt/

For local news, dates of local surgeries or your next Police Public panel meeting please visit www.surrey.police.uk and go to ‘My Neighbourhood’

http://www.surrey.police.uk/my-neighbourhood

Yours Sincerely

Arthur Brown

Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer

myKnaphill

From the Knaphill Residents Association

Author Archives: webknaphill

Surrey Police Chief Constable Lynne Owens

IPCC investigation into the death of Terry Smith

Planning update 27/11/13

New planning decisions

New planning applications

Outstanding planning applications

Police NW update 22/11/13

Planning update 12/11/13

Sainsbury’s get their way again

2013 Fireworks Review

Fireworks at Knaphill by Lesley Godbolt!

Police NW update 18/10/13

Committee meeting minutes August 2013

Residents in Guildford and Woking warned about bank related fraudster scams

Policing: NW update 4/10/13