Month: November 2024

Update on SEND school in Dorking

Councillor Margaret CookseyCouncillor Margaret Cooksey, Mole Valley District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “You may remember that our most recent update on proposals for a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) School in Dorking anticipated additional information the Department for Education (DfE) wanted to submit would be with us by the end of October 2024. Had that date been met, the earliest opportunity a new application could have been considered would have been the development management committee on 5 February 2025.

“We have sought an urgent meeting with DfE and its agent since the end of October. When a meeting was established with DfE’s representatives on Wednesday 20 November, they were unable to give clarity on when the additional information will be submitted to us.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that we remain committed to making a new planning decision as soon as possible. We fully understand the importance of timely progress, however, the timeframe for bringing this application to a future development management committee meeting is entirely dependent on when the DfE provides the additional information it wishes to submit.

“It is now impossible to make a decision in February given the statutory timescales around the amount of consultation we wish to undertake on the proposals and new information from DfE. We will continue to keep you informed of the latest developments as and when we have further information to bring.”

Amanda Holden to Switch-On Christmas Lights in Oxshott

Amanda Holden from Global Heart FM to Lead Spectacular Christmas Lights Switch-On in Oxshott Village 

Get ready to kick off the festive season in style! On Sunday 24th November, Heart Breakfast’s Amanda Holden will join the community of Oxshott Village for a magical Christmas lights switch-on celebration. The event, which begins at 4:00pm, will bring together an exciting lineup of special guests, live performances, and festive fun for all ages.

A Star-Studded Celebration
In addition to the iconic Amanda Holden flipping the switch, the evening will feature an array of special guests. YouTubers Dad v Girls and social media favourites Golf Life Legends will be joining the festivities, while other surprise stars will be out to make the evening even more special.

Christmas Music & Performances
The festive cheer will be amplified by Britain’s Got Talent finalist Wayne Woodward, who will be unveiling songs from his brand-new Christmas album. His heartwarming holiday tunes will set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Magical Light Displays & Festive Fun
The streets of Oxshott will be transformed into a winter wonderland thanks to Eriera House, which is putting on a spectacular festive display across the entire High Street. Snow cannons will add a touch of magic as the village is dusted with artificial snow, creating a picturesque setting for the evening’s celebrations. For those who love to dance, former Northern Line boy band member Dan Corsi will be spinning festive tunes as DJ, ensuring the energy stays high throughout the evening.

Family Fun & Festivities
Session Music will be hosting Santa’s Grotto in the newly built Garden at The Victoria pub, where little ones can meet Father Christmas and share their festive wishes. As the celebrations continue into the evening, visitors can head inside The Victoria, a hidden gem in Oxshott, which boasts three AA Rosettes and an exceptional wine list. This year, The Victoria will be showcasing a modern twist on mulled wine, adding to the festive charm of the event.

www.thevictoriaoxshott.com / [email protected]

Support for Local Businesses

The entire Oxshott community will be joining in the holiday spirit, with all local businesses open to showcase their specialities. From unique gifts to festive treats, this event will highlight the best of what Oxshott has to offer, making it the perfect occasion for locals and visitors alike to explore and shop.

Event Details:
Date: Sunday 24th November 2024

Time: From 4:00pm, Lights Switched on at 6:00pm

Location: Oxshott Village, Surrey

Come for the lights, stay for the music, festivities, and community spirit. This is a night not to be missed!

Oxshott Christmas lights

Georgian Christmas at The Swan Centre

Step Back in Time for a Jane Austen-Inspired Georgian Christmas at The Swan Centre, Leatherhead

This December, The Swan Centre invites you to experience the enchantment of a Georgian Christmas, inspired by the world of Jane Austen.

On Friday 6th December from 3pm – 6:30pm and Saturday 7th December from 11am – 3pm, the Centre will transform into a festive scene straight out of the Regency era, complete with artisan market stalls, costumed characters, and traditional Christmas festivities that will captivate all ages.

Friday 6th December (3pm – 6:30pm):

On Friday, visitors can enjoy an exciting program of events that bring the elegance and festive spirit of Georgian England to life:

  • Late Night Shopping: Many Swan Centre stores will remain open late, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts.
  • The Holly King Parade: At 4pm, Green St. Nick will make a special appearance, walking from Leatherhead Museum to the Centre and handing out chocolate coins for children.
  • Historical Reenactments: Stroll among characters from Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Emma’, who will be walking the market in period costume, ready to interact with guests and share stories from Austen’s world.
  • Readings from ‘Emma’: Be transported into the pages of Jane Austen’s Emma with theatrical readings performed by the Theatre School.
  • Traditional Carols: Grace Church will be adding even more festive cheer with classic carols throughout the evening.
  • A charity toy sale with our Charity of the Year, Momentum Children’s Charity, who provide vital support to families with seriously ill children.
  • Show Choir Performance: At 6pm, enjoy a lively performance of festive music by the Show Choir.

Continuing Saturday 7th December (11am – 3pm) • A selection of gift stalls.

  • Historical Reenactments: The Holly King, Regency era street musicians, characters from Jane Austen’s novels, Nelsons Navy Captain and Redcoat soldiers of the era.
  • Traditional Carols: Performers to fill the day with beautiful carols including Therfield Choir at 11am, Grace Church at 11:30am and Cheer Club from St Peter’s School at 2:30pm.
  • Support Momentum Children’s Charity and visit their charity toy sale.

Cllr Keira Vyvyan-Robinson, Mole Valley District Council Cabinet Member for Property and Projects, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to see The Swan Centre hosting this unique Georgian Christmas event. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the festive season in a truly memorable way. Bringing the charm of the Georgian era to Leatherhead will not only create a magical experience for residents and visitors alike, but also support our local businesses and showcase the spirit of the town. We can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the music, market stalls, and festive cheer.”

For more information and live event updates, visit The Swan Centre on Facebook, Instagram, and at www.theswancentre.co.uk.

Council to review polling districts and places in the borough

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will launch a six-week consultation into proposed changes to the polling district and polling places within the borough from 21 November 2024 to 2 January 2025.

In 2023, the Local Government Boundary Commission for England carried out a review of Surrey County Council’s electoral boundaries. The resulting Surrey (Electoral Changes) Order 2024 is anticipated to be passed by parliament and will make changes to the County Council’s electoral division boundaries.

This consultation will propose changes to Court and Horton wards in order to bring the areas in line with their new County Council electoral division and ensure ballots are placed in the correct ballot box.

There are no proposed changes for any other wards, as issues arising from the Police and Crime Commissioner elections in May were resolved for the Parliamentary elections in July.

Image of Jackie King Epsom & Ewell CouncilJackie King, Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council said, “I would like to encourage all residents in the borough to have their say on the proposals in this consultation. It is important to review our polling district and places now to ensure the council is fully prepared for next year’s County Council election and the changes to the electoral divisions.”

The consultation can be accessed via the following link: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/council/elections-and-voting/electoral-boundaries

Funding approved for community projects in Epsom & Ewell

On 12 November 2024, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee approved funding for infrastructure projects to take place over the next few years across the borough.

The projects funded will create health and recreational benefits for the community, improve accessibility to key facilities and services for our residents and help biodiversity and the ecosystem.

A total of £331,966 has been allocated for five Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) projects following bids by community groups and organisations, and a total of £1,755,000 has also been allocated for three Strategic CIL funding projects.

The CIL raises funds from developers recognising that new development creates pressure on local infrastructure. It is spent on the provision, improvement, replacement, operation, or maintenance of local infrastructure.

Funding has been approved for the following projects:

Rebuilding Glynn Hall, Ewell Village to help make it a more accessible, and effective, community hub.

Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve Footpath Improvements to the Manor Drive entrance to Hogsmill railway tunnel to improve access and protect fragile habitats within the nature reserve.

A new Bourne Hall Woodland Play Area to be developed in a wooded area with equipment complementing the surrounding area.

Gateley Green Playground Improvements with new play equipment offering support to families with little or no access to private or outdoor spaces.

Gibraltar Playground Improvements with new equipment, providing access to better quality and educational, play spaces.

Waterloo Road Street Tree Planting with two trees planted, providing an environmental and aesthetical lift to the edge of the town centre.

Ewell Village public realm enhancements that will improve the high street including safer and more pedestrian-friendly spaces and improving local environmental sustainability, providing a platform for better connections between people and supporting businesses.

Priest Hill Football Development with full Football Association 3G football pitch offering affordable access to world class sporting facilities, both recreational for the community or more structured training and sport activities.

New Club House at Old Schools Lane, Ewell providing a home for community sports and an indoor space for activities including arts clubs, health and fitness groups, counselling services and the Sunnybank Trust which supports 250 vulnerable men, women and young adults with learning difficulties.

cllr Neil Dallen Epsom & EwellCouncillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said: “Our aim is to maximise the benefit for residents through the funds we have available. The Community Infrastructure Levy offers a significant opportunity to deliver projects that will not only benefit the community now but will also have a lasting impact on quality of life for future generations.

The borough has a wealth of outdoor parks and open spaces that support health and wellbeing, and most of the approved projects focus on improving these facilities.”

Council moves forward with Proposed Submission Local Plan

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is moving forward with its Proposed Submission Local Plan, which will be debated at the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee meeting on 20 November at 7.30pm. At this meeting members of the Committee will make their recommendation to Full Council, scheduled to take place in December.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy CommitteeCouncillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said: “The Local Plan is a vital and cross-cutting document which will shape how our borough develops in the future, from developing our local economy, supporting businesses and creating jobs, improving leisure and visitor facilities to identifying sites for new homes, including affordable accommodation; as well as protecting and enhancing our natural environment, ensuring environmental protection and higher standards for biodiversity, supporting more sustainable forms of travel, and securing much needed infrastructure improvements.

We recognise that there will be mixed reactions to the final document, and members must make some difficult decisions on behalf of all residents in the borough, both current and future.

There is now a full suite of Evidence Base reports to support the Proposed Submission Local Plan, including feedback from last year’s Regulation 18 consultation: this means the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee can debate the plan at Committee and make a recommendation to Full Council.

I urge anyone who is interested in the borough’s Local Plan to read the Evidence Base reports on the council’s website and watch the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee meeting next week.

We are committed to delivering a Local Plan that benefits our residents and secures a thriving future for our borough.”

The next public consultation on the Local Plan (Regulation 19) will take place at the earliest opportunity following approval by Full Council. If you would like to be kept updated on when the next consultation is taking place, please visit https://epsom-ewell.inconsult.uk/(link is external), and enter your details via the ‘Register’ tab.

Save Epsom Green Belt are encouraging local residents to persuade councillors to remove precious green belt sites from the Local Plan. Epsom & Ewell Green Party have launched an ePetition to save Epsom & Ewell’s Green Belt. This ePetition runs till 02/12/2024 and needs at least 1500 signatures. For more details or  To Sign it, CLICK HERE

Calls For GP’s to be exempt from National Insurance Increase

Helen Maguire Calls for Urgent Reversal of National Insurance Hike 
that could put over 35,000 GP appointments at risk in Surrey 
 
According to the latest analysis, a rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions announced in the recent Budget could put 35,357 GP appointments at risk in Surrey.
 
In response, Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell, has written to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, calling on the government to exempt GPs and other health and care providers from the National Insurance increase. She is working alongside other Surrey MPs to introduce amendments to upcoming legislation to protect local GP surgeries from the burden of this rise.
 
The Institute of General Practice Management has estimated that the rise will mean the average GP surgery’s tax bill will increase by around £20,000 a year. This could cost GPs in Surrey nearly £2 million for all 99 practices in the area. This is the equivalent cost of providing 35,357 GP appointments.
 
Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellMP for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire, said:
“Our hardworking GPs are already under immense pressure, and this tax rise will only add to the burden. At a time when local surgeries are struggling to provide enough appointments for patients, this increase will take away valuable resources that could be used for patient care. Instead, it will mean fewer appointments and longer waits for people in Epsom and Ewell, many of whom are already facing difficulties accessing timely care.”
 
“The Chancellor must urgently rethink these proposals and exempt GPs from this damaging hike. We cannot continue to burden our local health services when they are already stretched to breaking point.”
“I will continue to press the government to reverse this decision and prioritise the wellbeing of patients, not further undermine an already struggling system.”

Possible Business Improvement District (BID) For Leatherhead

Mole Valley District Council funds viability study into Leatherhead Business Improvement District (BID).

On Wednesday 13 November 2024, businesses in Leatherhead are invited to The Leatherhead Theatre to have their say on the proposed idea of a Business Improvement District (BID) for Leatherhead town centre.

 

The event is being hosted by the newly formed ‘Leatherhead BID Steering Group’, facilitated by funding from Mole Valley District Council (MVDC), and will be followed by an online survey that will remain open for a further two weeks.

 

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and business-funded body formed to invest in and improve a defined commercial area. BIDs can work collaboratively to increase footfall, reduce costs, and maximise the effect of marketing and promotion.

While BIDs are led by businesses, they can also provide benefits to those working, living, and visiting an area, for example through extra street cleaning or recycling initiatives.

The Leatherhead BID Steering Group will be hosting three drop-in events at the theatre on Wednesday 13 November, for businesses located within the town centre to come along to find out more and have their say on the possibility of a BID for Leatherhead. The drop-in timings are:

                  • 8.00am – 9.30am
                  • 12.00pm – 2.00pm
                  • 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Businesses interested in attending should register in advance at leatherheadbid.eventbrite.com.

All feedback and views will be incorporated into a feasibility report. If positive, the Leatherhead BID Steering Group will consider whether to move forward with a formal BID – agreeing the BID zone, developing a business plan in consultation with the business community and deciding when to hold a formal ballot.

Paula KeayCllr Paula Keay, MVDC Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy, said: “BIDs can be really effective in ensuring that businesses are represented and have a stronger collective voice on some of the issues that affect their trading area. We have been facilitating the conversation amongst local businesses interested in forming a BID in Leatherhead, by funding this viability phase, and look forward to seeing the results and supporting the next steps.”

For all enquiries, please email the Leatherhead BID Steering Group at [email protected].

Epsom Machete Attacker Jailed For Six Years

A man has been sentenced to six years in prison after a pair of knifepoint robberies in Epsom & Ewell last December. 

Epsom machete attacker jailed for six yearsAnthony Akinniranye, 20 (DOB: 01/04/2004), of Manor Green Road, Epsom, pleaded guilty to the two offences from December 2023, the first of which took place just two days after Christmas Day.

On December 27, a masked Akinniranye entered a shop on East Street, Epsom, where he produced a machete and threatened the shopworker, demanding they hand over money from the till and other items including cigarettes and vapes. Akinniranye then made off, leaving a trail of items such as coins, packets of cigarettes and a till insert from the shop. Upon forensic investigation, Akinniranye’s DNA was identified on the insert, which he was seen holding in CCTV.

The following evening (28 December), police received reports of an armed robbery at a shop on Kingston Road, Ewell, with almost identical circumstances. CCTV captured the suspect entering the shop wearing a face covering and waving a machete in the air, demanding cash and cigarettes.

A CCTV trawl by officers identified Akinniranye entering the shop the night before – wearing the same clothing of the offender involved in the East Street robbery less than an hour before. Just 24 hours later, Akinniranye had made off from the second business, with more than £1,000 in cash.

Thanks to the connections in CCTV and forensic work, Akinniranye was identified as a suspect and arrested. He was charged with two counts of robbery and sentenced to six years in prison at Chichester Crown Court on 30 October.

Detective Constable for East Surrey CID, Sarah Kinkade said: “Akinniranye showed a complete disregard for the financial impact his actions would have on the businesses he stole from, as well as the traumatising experience the staff members endured when he threatened them with a potentially lethal weapon.

“Thankfully, due to his carelessness when fleeing the scene, we were able to link his DNA to a discarded item from one of the stores. I hope this outcome serves as a message to victims and perpetrators – these crimes will never be tolerated, and we will pursue all lines of enquiry to bring offenders to justice.”