The Chair's report for the April EGM is here
Published: 10 April 2025
Windlesham Parish Council EGM Meeting – Tuesday 8th April 2025
Update for the residents of Bagshot, Lightwater and Windlesham
from the Chair of Council - Councillor Alf Turner
Please find below my update for residents of Bagshot, Lightwater, and Windlesham from our recent Extraordinary General meeting. This occurred due to items that required to be progressed between Full Council meetings in March and the one later this month, as well as there be insufficient time in these meetings to give them full consideration and discussion. I hope you find it informative and would welcome any comments either directly or through local councillors - see the links below for contact details.
Public Questions and Community Input
Two residents attended the meeting to raise questions. One resident queried who the proposed Heathpark Wood community building is intended to serve, whether it is primarily for new residents within the development or for the wider existing community. He commented that many residents living closest to the site might prefer the building not be constructed at all and suggested that alternative, more practical facilities, such as a children’s nursery or GP surgery, might be better received. He also raised concerns regarding inadequate parking provision.
Assurance was given that a public consultation would be undertaken to ensure that any Council decision on the matter reflects local views.
In addition, two written representations were received in advance of the meeting. Although both exceeded the 150-word limit as defined in Standing Orders, they were circulated in full to all Councillors ahead of the meeting. It was agreed that these submissions would be addressed under the correspondence section of the agenda.
Key Decisions and Discussions
Personnel Committee Recommendations
The Council considered several recommendations from the Personnel Committee:
- Following a review of staffing elements of cemetery operations, it was recommended that a Standard Operating Procedure be developed for all cemetery sites to promote consistency. Council supported further investigation into this proposal.
- The Committee also proposed that the Clerk be supported in undertaking a Governance qualification through the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC). This proposal was deferred for consideration at a future meeting.
- Council approved the Clerk’s attendance at both the SLCC National Conference and the Practitioners’ Conference, recognising the value of continued professional development and best practice sharing.
Annual Parish Meeting – 13 May
The agenda for the upcoming Annual Parish Meeting was approved. A motion to remove a presentation on local government reorganisation was debated and ultimately rejected due to the high level of public interest. Ample time will be allocated for open discussion and public participation.
Heathpark Wood Community Centre Consultation
Council reviewed a draft resident consultation regarding the proposed community centre. Suggestions included asking residents about preferred uses for the building and site, as well as their views on who should manage the facility.
The Clerk was granted delegated authority to finalise the consultation in collaboration with the Chairs of the Village Committees. The Clerk will also contact the developer to explore the possibility of extending the current decision deadline.
War Memorial Repairs
Condition reports for all three village war memorials were considered, and repair proposals approved. The Clerk was authorised to obtain quotes and proceed with works, ensuring best value is obtained.
Local Government Reorganisation – Council Advocacy
Council approved a motion to lobby the Surrey Association of Local Councils (SALC) and write to both the Borough and County Councils. The aim is to advocate for the recognition, retention, and empowerment of parish and town councils as integral components of local governance.
Code of Conduct Training
Members voted against the recommendation of the Surrey Heath Borough Council Monitoring Officer to implement mandatory Code of Conduct training.
Strategic Plan Review
Council approved the Strategic Plan for inclusion at the Annual Parish Meeting.
Lightwater Recreation Ground Trust – Terms of Reference
Council reviewed the Terms of Reference for the Lightwater Recreation Ground Trust, and minor amendments were discussed.
Contact details:
Bagshot Councillor contact details.
Lightwater Councillor contact details.
Windlesham Councillor contact details.
If you would like to contact Jo Whitfield, Clerk to the Council or visit the office please use the link below to view the office opening hours and contact details:
Contact Us
Alf Turner
Chair of Windlesham Parish Council
10th April 2025