Dear Members
Mole Valley Growth
Since writing my August Bulletin, things in Mole Valley seem to have shot forward at great (and possibly undesirable) speed. The Local Plan which has taken almost thirty months to draw up before being sent to the Inspector has now been returned by her with praise for it being legally compliant and sound, subject to some relatively minor amendments.
Unfortunately, even if this Plan is adopted, that does not seem to be the end of the matter. Currently, the plan targets the provision of 336 homes per year, or 6,384 over the plan period 2020-2039. Of these, some 30% are destined for Leatherhead. However, the new Government is currently consulting on a new National Planning Policy, which might well mean that our Council would have to revise the currently planned target to a figure that could be double that number. She also suggested that a Taller buildings study should be completed.
Policing Your Community Road Show
Leaving the subject of ever more housing, I should like to bring to your attention a new sort of “show”. This is the “Policing Your Community Road Show” being organised by our Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, and by the Chief Constable for Surrey, Tim de Meyer. This will take place on 22 October at Therfield School from 6.30pm to 8.00pm (online, search for <Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey>)
The Plough Roundabout
And now for some potentially good news about a very familiar feature: The money from CIL has actually arrived and Cllr. Vyvyan-Robinson is busy trying to design some sort of planted scheme where the implementation plus its upkeep and insurance is not going to impoverish anyone! She has some ideas and I have also described one I saw recently, so between us we may arrive at an attractive feature.
McMillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning
There will be a coffee morning to support this charity on Friday 27 September between 10.00am and 10.30am in the Kirby Room of the Abraham Dixon Hall. Apologies for this rather late notice.
Arts Alive Festival
You will all recognise this title and it is very heartening to see it appear each year and each time with an interesting series of events. This year there is no printed list of events but instead there is a very informative post on this address <Arts-Alive-Logo-2024-col-300-300×300.png-500> The first offerings start on 29th September so book up before it is too late.
Changing Places Toilets
This is an entirely new venture by our Council to try to ensure that even those with problems in that area will now be able to attend outside events or go to shops without worry. Paul Kennedy, MVDC Cabinet Member for Internal Services and Security (with responsibility for equalities), said: “The new Changing Places Toilets will allow some of our most vulnerable and in-need residents to visit, shop and socialise in Dorking and Leatherhead, confident in the knowledge that they can use a toilet facility with dignity and comfort. This will allow families to plan days out without the worry of having to cut the trip short.
Litter Pick in October
We shall be holding our bi-annual Litter Pick on Sunday, 27th October in Randalls Road car park from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Julia (Jarrett) will, bring the usual picks, bags and gloves. However, if you wish to see to a particularly bad spot on another day, do let me (chairman@leatherheadresidents.org.uk) or Julia know, and we could have the equipment ready for you earlier in the week.
AGM for 1 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023
The next LRA meeting will be our AGM on 21st October at 7 .30pm in the Leatherhead Methodist Church. A formal AGM Notice will be sent to Members shortly. Apart from the usual official business of an AGM, our speaker will be Julian Ashworth from Leatherhead’s Wildlife Aid, who will talk about the small army of over 300 volunteers who are continuing Simon Colwell’s vision of making the world a better place for us and our animal neighbours. There will be an opportunity to make a donation to the Sanctuary.
With all good wishes and hopes to see you at our next meeting,
Caroline Brown (Chairman)