Tandridge Buzz

Parking charges could be introduced outside Woldingham, Dormans and Whyteleafe stations.

Following the scrapping of pay and display charges in Tandridge, Surrey County Council (SCC) is carrying out a review of commuter parking in the Tandridge district. It will then hold a public consultation on its plans.

The Oxted and Limpsfield Residents Group (ORLG) had been instrumental in defeating the pay and display charges, which it feared would have severely hit local businesses.

In a letter to the OLRG, SCC deputy leader David Hodge said: “We can confirm that the Surrey Parking Team are currently reviewing parking arrangements outside Woldingham, Dormans and Whyteleafe stations.

“They have a clear remit to draw up proposals that could improve current parking facilities for residents and station users. They will also consider whether parking charges are appropriate at these locations.

“The proposals will not include changes to retail parking arrangements and these are the only locations being investigated in Tandridge.

“When they meet in September, the Local Committee will be able to decide whether to go ahead with the consultation or make changes to the proposals prior to this.”

Catherine Sayer of the OLRG, said: “So, parking meters may be proposed for these three locations. However OLRG has been assured that alternatives to meters will be examined, particularly in view of the fact that installing meters may not be cost effective.”

Police are asking if anyone has recently been given a diamond necklace — worth £10,000 — as a gift or been offered it for sale.

Detectives have released a photo of the necklace, which was stolen from a house in Woldingham on Wednesday 20 July between 1130am and 5pm. The burglar gained access through a first-floor bathroom window.

A pair of muddy footprints led from the bathroom to the master-bedroom where a search of the dressing table had been carried out. A second bedroom was also searched.

The diamond necklace, a gold bracelet and a small amount of money were stolen.

“The necklace is distinctive therefore I am sure if anyone has received it as a gift or been offered it for sale they would easily recognise it as stolen during this burglary,” said investigating officer Detective Constable Anthony Noble.

“We are linking in with the active Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, which operates in Woldingham, to see if anyone was seen acting suspiciously in the area. I would also encourage members of the community to share any information they may have regarding this burglary with an officer.

“Local Safer Neighbourhood officers are aware of the burglary and will be carrying out regular patrols in the area.

“I am appealing to members of the public to come forward with any information which could help us catch the person responsible and reunite these victims with their possessions.”

• Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in Woldingham on Wednesday, 20 July, between 11.30am and 5pm? Anyone with information should contact DC Tony Noble at Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference number TD/11/3547.

The character of Harestone Valley in Caterham and Woldingham Village will be protected by new guidelines for any future building activity in the areas.

Tandridge Council has produced the updated guidance in conjunction with consultants Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design — who carried out character assessments of both areas.

The draft design guidance seeks to highlight what makes the areas special and what features should be kept.

But the Council wants to check it has got the updated guidance right and is seeking the views of both residents and developers.

Following the consultation, the design guidance will be amended if necessary and adopted by the Council. They will be used to help decide planning applications for the areas. Developers and home owners will be encouraged to use them to ensure any building work they carry out is in character with the two areas.

“The Harestone Valley area and Woldingham village are cherished by the people who live there and by the wider community,” said Councillor David Weightman, chairman of the planning policy committee.

“These documents, based on a thorough understanding of what makes the areas special, will provide strong and effective tools for the Council to use to protect them from inappropriate development over the coming years.

“But before we adopt them, we need to hear from the public and from developers to make sure we have got the guidance right.”

The consultation runs from 7 October to 18 November 2010. You can view a copy online here or at the Council offices on Station Road East, Oxted Monday to Thursday from 830am to 5pm.

Copies are also available for inspection at Caterham Valley Library or can be bought for £3 from the Council office.

Consultation responses should be sent via email to LDF@tandridge.gov.uk. There is also an online form at www.tandridge.gov.uk.