The Architecture & Planning Committee

Aims

• To encourage a high standard of design in new architecture and alterations to important and other relevant buildings
• Vigilence towards sustainability, human and civic values
• To promote dialogue in matters of topical, local, regional and national planning and environmental policy
• Comments on draft proposals for County and Borough structure plans.

Methods:

• The Committee meets monthly with reference to society members' recommendation to discuss and comment on current planning applications which have been drawn to its attention
• To invite from members, nominations to review and recognise distinctive projects for the Reigate Society's annual Civic Awards
• To liaise with key Borough Planning, Conservation and Green Spaces officers to understand initiatives and requirements
• To review existing conservation areas, their potential for enlargement and new proposals
• To welcome, invite and appreciate the support or involvement of corporate members

The Committee consists of members with strong local interests or professional knowledge. New committee members are welcome.

The Redhill Committee

• Monitors and influences developments in the Redhill area.
• Was in the forefront of a campaign to keep a theatre in Redhill after the demolition of the Market Hall, resulting in the new Harlequin theatre.
• Supported the creation of the Memorial Park and gave many trees for the initial planting
• Opposed plans for large-scale energy production from a waste plant on the Copyhold site overlooking Redhill.
• Makes representations to the planning authorities on major building works and also the setting up of Conservation Areas to safeguard the most valuable parts of Redhill's heritage.
• Is represented on the Redhill Town Centre Management Committee, which commissioned a plan for the improvement of the townscape. Phase 1 of this is already complete with the attractive repaving of two streets and the provision of new trees and street furniture. The committee is now actively involved in the planning for later phases.

The Merstham Committee

• Monitors and influences developments in the Merstham area.
• Aims to preserve Merstham's many places of historic interest and beauty, to ensure that new developments are appropriate and do not detract from the quality of life of the residents, and to encourage improvements to proposed plans.
• Brought about the refurbishment of Merstham railway station.
• Presented an award for the North Downs pathway past St Katharine's Church.
• Objected to the proposed over-development at Grange Court, Rookwood House Hotel and Nos. 6 - 8 Station Road.
• Fought Central Railway plans for a 24-hour rail freight line through Merstham between the already intrusive M25 and the village and estate.
• Continues to strive to obtain solutions to traffic, parking and litter problems, and to monitor all relevant planning applications.

The Natural Amenities Committee

• Monitors what is happening and what might be proposed for our parks, open spaces, rights of way, footpaths, bridleways, waste disposal, tree planting/maintenance, grass cutting, etc.
• Responds to the Borough's proposals, particularly as regards its bias towards leisure activities to the possible detriment of wildlife issues.
• Is currently taking a particular interest in the proposals for re-modelling parts of Priory Park in Reigate.
• Has strongly lobbied against the Surrey County Council's proposed designation of Shagbrook on Reigate Heath as a site for open-cast sand mining.
• Has representatives on the Earlswood Common Steering Group and the Reigate Heath Steering Group.

The Transport Committee

• Monitors rail and bus services, traffic flows and road congestion, proposed plans for new and existing roads and for traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. In addition the committee looks into car-parking matters and traffic-calming measures. As and when necessary it lobbies the appropriate authorities on improvements it believes are in the interests of members.
• Seeks improvements to local rail services in conjunction with the local Rail Users Association, eg achieved improved evening connections from Redhill to Reigate.
• Opposed and continues to oppose expansion of Redhill Airport.
• Opposes the plans for a second runway Gatwick Airport on the grounds of noise, impact on local transport, housing and the local environment.
• Takes keen interest in important local projects needed or planned such as the Reigate Relief Road and the completion of National Cycle Routes.
• Takes note of and, where necessary, lobbies on all local matters pertaining to the M25.