Blighton Lane will be closed from the 5th September for 4 nights from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. for Lining Works, there will be no parking along the road during this time.

The works are scheduled to start on 5th September however, this is subject to change change, often due to bad weather or problems on other works in the same programme which can have a knock-on effect. If anything changes with the details of these works, we will let you know. 

Residents can also find up to date details of the works on www.surreycc.gov.uk/roadworks 

Updated 23rd June.

You may view an updated PDF presentation here or read all the content of the document below.

Additional Community drop-in:

Saturday 8th July 8:00 – 12:00

Puttenham Common

PPuttenham Common is 180 hectares of priority habitats (a mosaic of lowland heathland, dry acid grassland, rush pasture, purple moor grass, fen, boggy mires, mixed deciduous woodland and wood pasture) which include parts of Puttenham and Crooksbury Commons SSSI (conditions are currently a mixture of unfavourable and favourable) and the Lower Puttenham Common and Halesmoor Wood Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI). The area is within a B-Line and we are a key delivery partner in the Heathlands Connections Nature Recovery Project (facilitated by Natural England). Heathland Connections is one of the national Nature Recovery Network Projects, connecting heathlands across the Surrey Hills.

The area is owned by the Hampton Estate, with an Access Agreement signed in 1968 between Hampton Estate and Surrey County Council, to facilitate public access across the Common. Surrey Wildlife Trust have also historically been involved in land management across the Common. The land is registered as Common Land. There are five car parks that are free of charge to the public, enabling access to the common. The North Downs Way long distance trail passes in a west – east direction along the northern edge of Puttenham Common. This trail runs 256km from Farnham to Dover. Puttenham Common provides access to nature for a large population. The site includes multiple walking and cycling trails and is a very popular location for dog walking. The site is also home to the remains of Hillbury Hillfort and Ancient Farm, a Scheduled Monument which we manage in partnership with Historic England.

Critical green space in one of the most populated areas in the country.

Ecological restoration at Puttenham Common

• Hampton Estate, with the support of ecological consultants EPR, has developed a 100 year vision for Puttenham Common - to create a restored, biologically diverse heathland landscape with low-level rotational extensive grazing of a herd of traditional beef cattle, biologically-rich restored wetlands (with the aim of reducing wildfires across the Common), thriving heathland species, sustainably managed public access, an active volunteer group and nature- based community.

• ‘There is a very limited area of land in Great Britain that is suitable for the restoration of such habitats, as each requires certain geology, soil and hydrological conditions that are spatially very limited. In short, the area covered by this Management Plan represents a very uncommon opportunity to deliver substantial biodiversity enhancement.’ – Puttenham Common Management Plan 2022, EPR.

• There is now a 10-year management plan in place to kick start the heathland restoration across Puttenham Common, supported in part by the recent Countryside Stewardship Offer (of January 2023).

• There is a significant funding gap in the project and additional funding would enable the delivery of more nature restoration, improved climate resilience, better ecological monitoring, an improved visitor experience, increased access to nature and public engagement with the nature recovery project. Hampton Estate will be exploring options for novel financing of the project.

100 Year Vision :

‘The long-term vision for Lascombe/Little Common and Puttenham Common Main and Lower, is a restored, biologically diverse heathland landscape with low-level rotational extensive grazing of a herd of traditional beef cattle.’

Aim of the 10 year management plan

Restore, enhance and maintain lowland heathland (wet and dry), lowland dry acid grassland, wetland habitats, bogs and mires.

‘There is a very limited area of land in Great Britain that is suitable for the restoration of such habitats, as each requires certain geology, soil and hydrological conditions that are spatially very limited. In short, the area covered by this Management Plan represents a very uncommon opportunity to deliver substantial biodiversity enhancement.’

What are we actually going to do?

• Tree and scrub cover removal

• Reintroduce grazing (No Fence collars)

• Bracken control

• Create new wood pasture

• Restore the boggy mires

• Improve water quality

• Preserve archaeological heritage of Hillbury Hillfort

• Public engagement

• Monitor ecological changes

• Maximise the value of access for public health, wellbeing and enjoyment

Project outcomes

Healthier rare habitat - More species abundance and diversity - Better access to green space - Enhanced condition of the SSSI - Health benefits for an urban population

Bringing people with us - positive engagement - education and intrigue - a sense of stewardship

Potential conflicts : dog behaviour, neospora, tree felling.

Public Engagement Plan

Dog behaviour policy - Website and social media campaign - Press releases - Community drop-ins - Open Farm Sunday - Volunteer Group - Signage - Meet the cows drop-ins - BioBlitz

Community drop-ins:

Monday 5th June 1000 – 1600 Friday 9th June 0700 – 1300 Weds 21st June 0700 – 1300

Saturday 8th July 8:00 – 12:00

We want to move Puttenham Common from being a collection of dog-walkers to an engaged nature-loving community who enjoy and care for this special landscape .

Data monitoring and citizen science

Plants, fungi, butterflies, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, bats, pollinators, lichen and more!

Bioblitz planned for 2024

Visitor data, carbon sequestration, hydrological monitoring...

Contact for questions :
Molly Biddell mollybiddell@hamptonestate.co.uk

Please note some of our contact details have changed.

The Sands Room has kindly allowed the Parish Council to install a post box for our use, so we now have a new mailing address of:

Seale & Sands Parish Council c/o The Sands Room, The Green, The Sands, Farnham, GU10 1LL

This is for mailing only and we do not have a physical Council office. The Sands Room and its committee has no connection with the Parish Council.

Our new telephone number is 01252 279767.

If you call, you may be asked to leave a message and our Clerk will respond accordingly. Please bear in mind the Clerk is a part time role so your call may take several days to be returned.

We would be grateful if you can remove any previous numbers you may have for the Council as these are no longer used for Council business and only contact us via the new number or email clerk@saspc.info.

Due to changes in the Borough boundaries, our Ward of Pilgrim’s is now served by two councillors.

Matt Furniss and Sallie Barker were voted in as our new Guildford Borough Councillor’s, both Conservative, however the Liberal Democrats hold the majority for the Council.

Summary of results

Liberal Democrats: 25 councillors

Conservative Party: 10 councillors

Residents for Guildford and Villages: 7 councillors

Guildford Greenbelt Group: 3 councillors

Labour Party: 3 councillors

Turnout: 39%

You may recognise Matt Furniss’ name as he is also our Surrey County Councillor for Shalford Division.

After the election held on 4th May, we saw long standing Councillor Ian Brown voted in as Chairman due to Bill Nelson retiring from the PC.

Nicola Collett stood at the election and was elected as a new Councillor. At our first meeting of the new Council on 15th May she was voted in as Vice Chairman.

Councillor Mick Cover stood down at the end of this term and we’d like to thank him for his service and valuable knowledge of the village.

We also have a new clerk after Margaret Nelson retired and we would like to welcome Lesley Rixon into the role, however there will be a period of 2-3 months where Margaret will job share with Lesley to ensure a smooth hand over.

After the May AGM of the Parish Council we saw the retirement of our Chairman Bill Nelson after 28 years service and his wife Margaret who has served as Clerk for the last 22 years. Bill was elected Chairman at his first meeting and initially Margaret became clerk only temporarily to cover maternity leave.

Bill has given over so much of his time to the Parish Council, serving the community and has helped shape numerous initiatives benefiting the villages over the years, it is sad to see him go after such long service.

A presentation of an engraved glass award was made to Bill and a bouquet of flowers to Margaret, along with a garden centre voucher worth £385 , all from kind donations from residents. Many thanks to those who contributed to make these gifts possible.

Bill said, “After over 50 years combined service on the Parish Council, we want to thank everyone for their support over this time. We would also like to thank everyone for the very generous gift, which was such a surprise and very much appreciated.”

We wish both Bill and Margaret the very best in their retirement from the Parish Council.

From all the Parish Council.

Runfold Quarry Restoration

2 miles / 2pm

A short walk taking a public footpath route across restored areas of SUEZ's Runfold South Quarry

Meet at Quarry site entrance, opposite the Princess Royal pub, GU10 1NXNo booking required.

 TOWN POLICE CLAUSES ACT 1847

GUILDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

THE GREEN, THE SANDS KING’S CORONATION STREET PARTY

(TEMPORARY TRAFFIC REGULATION)

ORDER 2023

 NOTICE is hereby given that whereas between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. on Sunday 7th May 2023, the road listed in the Schedule below will be thronged or liable to obstruction during a Street Party, therefore Guildford Borough Council has made an Order under Section 21 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 for the purpose of preventing obstruction in that road and closing it to vehicular traffic between the above-mentioned hours on the day stated. Emergency access will be maintained at all times.

 SCHEDULE

 The Green, The Sands
School Hill, Seale

 ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AFFECTED BY THE ORDER

 Binton Lane; Sands Road
Elstead Road; 

 Dated: 27th April 2023

 Legal Services

Guildford Borough Council

Millmead House

Milmead

Guildford

Surrey

GU2 4BB

Ref: 009255

Uncontested Parish Council - One vacancy still exists, can still be co-opted. Please contact the Clerk for further information.

Maintenance Team Retiring – After many years of keeping our Parish clean, tidy and respectable, Barrie and Pauline are stepping down from this role at the end of April. If you are recently retired this is an ideal position for you! The work entails looking after the Seale Pavilion, both play areas and other ancillary areas around the Parish. D-I-Y skills as well as general maintenance are required. If you are interested, please contact the Parish Council.

King Charles III Coronation will take place on Saturday, 6th May. It has been suggested that street parties are held on Sunday 7th May, as per the attached document.

Last year for the Queen’s Jubilee two street parties were held, one in Seale and one in The Sands; which seemed to be the preferred option.

Would you be willing to help organise these?

We will hold a ZOOM meeting next Monday, 27th February at 8 pm for anyone interested - click HERE for link.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities document

We are now approaching the statutory consultation which will start on Tuesday 7th March. Many of you will be interested in reviewing the proposals being put forward and may well wish to respond to the consultation. 

We would now like to invite you to a briefing webinar. The purpose of this briefing is to help you prepare for the upcoming consultation, with background project information, details of how you can respond, and details of engagement events throughout the consultation period. 

Please note that we will not be sharing specific information relating to any proposed boundary changes on this webinar.

Four webinars are planned, running on different days and at different times in early March. Please click on the link next to the date and time of the webinar you would like to attend to book a place. 

Click here to book for Wednesday, 1st  March, 14.00 – 15.00

Click here to book for Thursday, 2nd  March, 19.00 – 20.00

Click here to book for Friday, 3rd March, 10.00 - 11.00

Click here to book for Saturday, 4th March, 10.00 – 11.00

Web: http://www.r4c.org.uk

Guildford Borough Council has produced a Draft Green Belt Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and will be consulting on the document from midday Wednesday 22 February 2023 to midday Wednesday 22 March 2023 (inclusive).

This SPD provides detailed advice and guidance on Policy P2: Green Belt in the adopted Local Plan: Strategy and Sites 2015 - 2034 (2019) 

The construction of new buildings is generally considered ‘inappropriate’ in the Green Belt. There are a number of exceptions to this listed in paragraphs 149 and 150 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) whereby development could constitute ‘not inappropriate’ development. Policy P2 in the adopted Local Plan: Strategy and Sites 2015 - 2034 (2019) provides further definitions for some of these exceptions.

The draft Green Belt SPD provides further guidance in relation to how these exceptions will be interpreted. It has been produced to ensure there is clarity and consistency on how planning applications will be determined when applying national and local Green Belt policy.

If you would like to comment on the draft SPD, please visit the consultation homepage at https://guildford.inconsult.uk/draftgreenbeltspd/consultationHome. Please use the ‘Online comments form’ to respond to the consultation. 

Alternatively, you can let us know your views by emailing planningpolicy@guildford.gov.uk, or by writing to: Planning Policy, Guildford Borough Council, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4BB. Please ensure you make it clear which part of the SPD (page, section, paragraph) your comments refer to.

Printed copies of the SPD will be available to view at the Council office main reception at Millmead and in all Guildford borough libraries (during usual opening hours) throughout the consultation period.

Your comments will be published alongside your name, but your personal details, such as your email or postal address, will not. Please note that verbal or anonymous comments cannot be taken into consideration.  We will also publish a final Consultation Statement identifying main issues raised and our response to these. The SPD will then be finalised and taken to Executive for adoption.

On 1st April 2023, Surrey County Council will take over responsibility for Environmental Maintenance (grass cutting, weed spraying and treatment of noxious weeds) across the whole of the County. Whist they already manage this in Elmbridge, Mole Valley and Tandridge, the other areas have historically been managed by Districts and Borough Councils to differing specifications.

By bringing the service back in house, a consistent approach (4 urban cuts, 2 rural cuts and 1 weed spray treatment per annum) across all areas will be achieved. SCC will ensure highway verge maintenance contributes to their greener futures objectives and provide a greater ability to support the national “blue campaign” to reduce cuts and increase biodiversity.​

Finally, it will enable the service to promote innovation, actively trial and switch to alternatives to conventional weed spraying as technology develops.

On the 1st April Surrey County Council will take back control of Parking Enforcement from Guildford Borough Council. They are taking back control from all the boroughs and districts in Surrey.

SCC have a contractor NSL who will perform the following duties:

• Parking Enforcement and day to day operations

• Processing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) and dealing with enquiries about them

• Managing resident parking permits and dealing with enquiries about them

• Arranging parking suspensions and waivers

• Taking payments for PCNs, permits and other services

• Operation of pay and display machines

• Operation of traffic enforcement cameras

SCC will be the new contact for all parking related enquiries including enforcement action. We’ll publish this contact on our website when we have it.

We have been advised by our M.O.D. Security & Public Access contact that Hankley Common is due to close to the public for an extended period from 13th February to 10th April 2023. It may also be necessary for this period to be extended.

This is due to important military training.

Whilst the bridleways will remain open we have been asked if we can pass on that ideally voluntary restraint should be excercised by everyone and that the bridleways should not be used so as not to disturb the training.

The training area is only within Hankley Common and does not affect Elstead and Thursley Common areas as marked on the map below as S5 and S6.

Any resident can use the grit from our grit bins for use on public highways and footpaths. The bins are filled each winter but if any become low or empty during winter please let us know.

Seale
At St. Laurence Church, Elstead Road
Elstead Road / Wood Lane junction
Elstead Road / Seale Road junction
Binton Lane / Seale Lane junction
Blighton Lane near Furze Hill
Old Hogs Back / West Ridge junction

The Sands
Top of Smugglers Way
Botany Hill / Sands Road junction
The Green / Sands Road Junction
Sands Road / Crooksbury Road junction

Gritter Routes

Surrey CC has an interactive Winter Online map that shows all gritter / salting routes: Priority 1, 2 and 3 routes - find it here.

This map can also show grit bin locations.

The local elections are fast approaching on 4 May 2023. We are keen to encourage people from all backgrounds to consider standing for election. We are holding a briefing on 9 February 2023 for anyone who might be interested in becoming a councillor. It provides an informal opportunity to find out what it would entail.

There is no commitment to go on and stand for election, but you will get a good understanding of what is involved. This will include:

• an introduction to Guildford Borough Council

• the process for nominations

• the process of getting elected

• the support and training you get if elected

• an indication of the workload involved

Local councillors and Parish councillors will also be on hand to tell you what it’s really like.

Returning Officer and Joint Chief Executive, Tom Horwood says:
“It’s important that councillors reflect communities across our Borough. Whatever your background, profession or life experiences, your contribution as a councillor could be invaluable. If elected, you will be representing the views of local people. You could help shape the future of Guildford borough and bring about positive change for your community. Come along to find out more.”

Event Details

When:  Thursday 9 February 2023, 6pm to 8pm
Where:  Council Chamber, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4BB 
(Sat nav postcode: GU2 4BE)

Tea and coffee will be available before the event starts.

To reserve your place contact electoralservices@guildford.gov.uk

The Parish Council are seeking to appoint a Part Time Clerk - The Council is seeking a highly organised and committed applicant for this key role, responsible for all day-to-day organisation and management of the Council’s services. Experience of Local Government, including formal Committee work and implementation of Council policies would be ideal but by no means essential.  The post is part-time (approx. 10 hours per week); some evening meeting attendance is required.  The Hourly Rate for the position will be based on the LCA Salary Scales, determined by the level of expertise. The key attributes are as follows:

• experienced in dealing with the general public;

• have the ability to communicate effectively;

• have the ability to develop productive working relationships with councillors and advise the Council in a professional and impartial manner;

• be competent in administration and accounting with a high standard of computer literacy;

• have the ability to assist the council with community engagement.

A full job description is available, but anyone interested should first contact the Chairman for an initial discussion.

Christmas Cheer is back this year at Seale Village Hall

Friday 9th December 6-8pm

After a  two year gap Seale Village Hall Committee are delighted to invite you once again for a glass of mulled wine and a great opportunity to meet new and old friends.

There will be nibbles and a bar selling wine, mulled wine, beer and soft drinks

“Everyone including children are welcome and we look forward to seeing you there”