Surrey County Council agreed earlier this year to undertake works to reconstruct the footway between Sands Close and Smugglers Way on Sands Road.

Works are due to take 10 days (weather dependent) and will involve some road closures.

Any issues with the works should be reported to SCC Highways.

The Parish Council is looking for someone to fill the post of Volunteer Dog Warden for Seale & Sands. Below is a description of the role to be considered plus it should be noted that the Dog Warden will have the support of the Parish Council when acting on our behalf. It’s possible that the role could be split bewteen two or more people to cover the area more effectively. We are keen to hear from anyone who can help.

Volunteer Dog Warden - For the area of Seale and Sands Parish, responsible to Guildford Borough Council

Areas to walk at regular intervals, or as required:

·       footways and paths, including public footpaths

·       recreation ground Seale to include the play area, sports playing pitch, car park

·       recreation ground The Sands to include the play area, sports playing pitch

·       car parks, public transport bays and surrounds

·      Seale War Memorial

Specific Duties:

·       To advise people what the rules are if they see a dog fouling, not on a lead etc

·       To identify areas of concern, e.g. where grounds are being used for sporting or social activities so cleaning can take place.

·       To keep a “log” of areas visited and any actions needed.

·       To receive and collate information from members of the public regarding anti-social behaviour –specifically around dogs and dog walking– and inform the Parish Council and Guildford Borough Council of actions potentially needed

Specific Details:

·       Ensure dog owners know they are responsible for the health, welfare and behaviour of their pets and should be aware of the legislation surrounding dog ownership. Dogs must be kept under control at all times. This may mean having your dog on a lead especially near roads and other people.

·       Dog Fouling – Dog faeces are not only unpleasant and unsightly but also carry a harmful infection, which can cause serious illness and/or disability if ingested. Identify persons and places where this is taking place. Collect if appropriate.

·       There are four dog waste bins within the Parish to dispose of dog's waste. The bins are emptied weekly and are located at the following sites: Seale Recreation Ground and Sands Recreation Ground. Normal waste bins can also be used.

·       Report to the Parish Council and Guildford Borough Council any major issues or potential legal action which needs to be taken including stray dogs.

·       Barking Dogs - The dog warden can take action against excessive barking from pets. This can be done as long as the noise can be proved to be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

·      Note:  Not clearing up your dog’s waste is a Criminal Offence under legislation listed, which can be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court with fines of up to £1000.  Further action may also be taken against repeat offenders in the form of Civil Injunctions which, if breached, can result in custodial sentences of up to two years. The penalty for committing an offence contained in a Dog Control Order is a maximum fine of £1,000. Alternatively, the opportunity to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice of £80 may be offered in place of prosecution. This can be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

• ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, CRIME AND POLICING ACT 2014 -  PUBLIC SPACE PROTECTION ORDER (CONTROL OF DOGS) 2015

·       The dog warden doesn't deal with acts of animal cruelty but if you think any animal is being mistreated you can call the RSPCA Cruelty Line .

PARISH OF SEALE & SANDS

NOTICE OF VACANCY IN OFFICE OF PARISH COUNCILLOR

Notice is hereby given pursuant to rule 5 of The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England & Wales) Rules 2006, that consequent upon the resignation of Alan Jones, a casual vacancy exists in the Office of Councillor for the said Parish.

If a request for an election to fill the said vacancy signed by ten registered electors of the said Parish is received on or before 2 November 2021 by the Proper Officer of Guildford Borough Council, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4BB, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy.  If no such notice is received by the Proper Officer, the vacancy will be filled by the Parish Council by co-option.

James Whiteman

Proper Officer

Dated : 13 October 2021

It is with regret that we have to announce that Parish Councillor, Alan Jones, has resigned from his position, for personal reasons, with immediate effect. The other Councillors wish to thank him for his valued services within the Parish during his time on the Council.

Surrey Police have recently launched an external engagement survey programme where they are working to understand how to better engage with our communities. They have asked Neighbourhood Watch to distribute the link to the survey.

Here is a chance to have your say regarding Surrey Policing.

Their message is:
Surrey Police are asking for local residents to take part in a short survey about engagement. Would you mind sparing us 10 minutes please to complete a short survey? We want to make sure that you can get the right information from us when you want and need it, and that this information is put where you are most likely to see it. The survey is quick and easy to complete, taking no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Any information you provide is anonymous. Click here to take part >>
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/1CFFOL/

Residents who volunteered for our own Seale and Sands Community Speedwatch undertook their first session on Seale Lane last week.

One and a half hours later they had clocked around 50 vehicles, of which 18 were reported. The top speed recorded was 55mph.

Training is mostly undertaken online with some hands-on training to familiarise yourself with the equipment. More volunteers are required to help spread the workload, though it’s not onerous.

If you’d like to get involved please email Simon Lipyeat speedwatch@sealeandsands.org

The Parish Council would like to thank all those involved - it should make a real difference to our roads.

County Councillor for the Shalford Division (which includes Seale & The Sands)

Police & Crime Commissioner for Surrey Police Area

In light of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh and his funeral on Saturday, the Parish Council have decided to cancel the scheduled Litter Picking on 17th April

We’re now going to list the planning applications we receive for our area on our website.

The planning applications will be shown on our ‘doc’s & downloads’ page. The direct link is here.

They’ll be shown on one page with the newest application at the top of the page. To find out about the application use the reference number listed when in Guildford Borough Council’s website:

https://www2.guildford.gov.uk/publicaccess/?

Paste it in the search box and it will show all the relevant documents and the status.

Comments about any application can be made on Guildford Borough Council’s website. You can also let the Parish Council know if you have any concerns about a particular application however the planning authority determines the initial decision on an application.

Sometimes we have applications come via Surrey County Council, however usually these can be viewed at G.B.C.’s website. We will advise if different.

With the move into Tier 4 and the increased restrictions we would iike to remind our residents that the Community Support Group is still up and running and helping residents of Seale & Sands.

If you require help with shopping, collecting a prescription, household support or just a friendly chat on the phone they may be able to help you.

You can call our support number 01252 279350 and leave a message - usually a CSG member will call you back within an hour. Alternatively, use our assistance request form on the Coronavirus page on our website: Coronavirus

Please don’t feel alone this Christmas, friends are here to help.

Our war memorial, erected in 1919 originally commemorated those men of Seale (which included The Sands as is it now) who gave their lives in the First World War.

The word ‘SEALE’ inscribed on the west face of the memorial appears to have once been deliberately chiselled out and may have been removed as a precaution to hide the name during the Second World War; this also happened at nearby Shackleford War Memorial. Inscriptions on two seats in the memorial’s enclosure indicate that the enclosure was added in 1947 and was given by Lady Buckingham of Seale Lodge. An inscribed panel was added commemorating those who lost their lives in the Second World War.

The memorial was added to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest in 2015 and is listed at Grade II.

This year, few of us were able to attend the Remembrance Sunday commemoration given the Covid-19 restrictions. However, a full service of Remembrance was given and ceremonial duties performed by Mr Malcolm Grant-Howarth, Chairman of Seale and Sands British Legion Branch alongside their Standard Bearers: Ian Holland and Michael Cover (also Parish Councillor). Wreaths were laid by Graham Bearham, Vice-Chairman, on behalf of Seale and Sands British Legion Branch, Martin Lally, Chairman, on behalf of the Seale and Sands British Legion Club and Jason Butcher, Parish Councillor on behalf of Seale and Sands Parish Council.

We will remember them.

1914-1918
Pte. Edwin J Amos R.A.M.C.
Pte. Frank Bicknell Queens R. W. Surrey Regiment
Pte. Arthur Butler Royal Fusiliers
2nd Lt. Tudor R Castle Queens R. W. Surrey Regiment
Capt. Michael Chapman M.C. Grenadier Guards
Stoker Henry W C Dodd Royal Navy
2nd Lt. J Lennox Fetherstonehaugh A. & S. Highlanders
Rifleman George Gardiner London Rifle Brigade
Pte. Frederick Gardner Royal Sussex Regiment
Capt. Markham Giradot Oxford L. I.
Pte. James Gray Essex Regiment
Pte. William L Hedger Royal Fusiliers
Lt. Lyulph W M Howard Queens R. W. Surrey Regiment
Capt. Arthur W Macarthur Onslow 16th Lancers
Sergt. Edwin W Parsons Queens R. W. Surrey Regiment
2nd Lt. Arthur B Penlington M.C. R.F.A.
C.S.M. George Ridgers Devon Regiment
Pte. Harry Trimming R.A.S.C.
Pte. Arthur W Turner Hants Regiment
Pte. Thomas S Turner R.A.S.C.
C.Q.M.S. John Wells D.C.M. Worcester Regiment
Lt. Douglas F De Wend D. of W’s W. Riding Regiment
Pte. James A C Woolgar Canadian Infantry

1939 - 1945
Lieut J F Brownrigg Sherwood Foresters
Corpl. A E Bulbeck Royal Hampshire Regiment
Flight Sergt. E G Cass Royal Air Force
Lieut. C P W Cross Royal Navy
Capt. R A Lindsay East Surrey Regiment
Corpl. E A Papworth Sherwood Foresters
Admiral Sir Tom S V Phillips K.C.B.
Capt. S H M Russell M.P. Coldstream Guards
Lieut. R L S Russell Royal Artillery

Photographs Copyright © Fiona Jones 2020

Meet at 9.30 am at Seale or The Sands Recreation Grounds - equipment to be provided.

Please read the Risk Assessment on our Web site.

Hampton Estate (Hogs Back) - Following the recent public consultation, please see the attached document received from Penfolds Woodland Management

12th July 2020
Woodland Creation Scheme: Hampton Estate (Hogs Back)
Thank you for your comments to our consultation on the proposed creation of a new woodland on the Hogs Back. We thought it would be helpful to set out our response against a number of common themes that emerged from the consultation exercise.
We are not looking for further feedback. Any future consultation will be through the statutory processes once our plans have been finalised, we will be considering all the comments we received as we review our plans.

Historical Context
Firstly it maybe helpful to set out the history of the site as a number of respondents made reference to land use change and ancient meadows. We hope that in setting out how the land has been managed in the past will help to explain why we are now considering woodland creation.
The Hogs Back was once a heavily wooded landscape with only a narrow band of ancient woodland surviving today as a series of small woods that occupy the steepest ground. Common across the whole of the UK our ancient woodlands were gradually cleared to make way for agricultural use, as with the Hogs Back the better and more accessible land was cleared.
The first Estate map of 1793 shows all the land above the ancient woodlands as fields, with the first property, Pitfield House, appearing on the 1871 Ordnance Survey Map with further properties appearing above Great Down on the 1898 & 1920 OS Maps.

The early aerial photo’s show the Hog’s Back in 1949 as a more open landscape than it is today.

Since the war the fields have been farmed for arable crops and pasture, Longdown in the produced low yields of barley. Due to the poor productivity the fields were put into set aside in the early 1990’s, an agricultural scheme to reduce costly food production and deliver environmental benefits and the first countryside stewardship scheme that facilitated permitted access. Following these schemes, the fields were entered into a Higher-Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement that was designed to promote environmentally beneficial management practices. Whilst Great Down was grazed Longdown was mown annually to maintain the vegetation. The HLS agreement ended in 2017.
The Estate wanted to enter the fields into new Countryside Stewardship scheme in 2019 but the fields did not meet the criteria as priority habitat for lowland calcareous grassland. Priority habitats can be found on Defra’s Magic Maps: https://magic.defra.gov.uk/magicmap.aspx
The Estate finally investigated alternative land use options, including vine yards, before settling on woodland creation as a viable option.
Access
A significant number of respondents were concerned over increased traffic on Wood Lane and recreational use of the fields. There was some confusion over the use of the term woodland rides.

• There is currently no public access across the areas identified for tree planting, the only public right of way runs down the eastern side of the site linking the top of Wood Lane to the Puttenham Road. Great Down, Longdown and Little Longdown is private land with no access agreements. For a period access had been granted on a permitted basis linked to the past environmental schemes, these schemes have now finished.
• A woodland ride is a linear trackway designed for access; depending on management, it can have several zones: a central track or pathway, some taller grassland areas either side and then some shrubs and thicket grading into the taller woodland trees.

We do not intend to promote this area for horse riding, there is an existing trial on the Estate that is far more suitable for horse riding.

Wood Lane: There are no plans to create a car park at the top of Wood Lane.

Overall we were surprised at the response to our proposal to allow public access. Whilst there was a majority of people opposed to recreational use of the area, we believe many people did not appreciate there is currently no public access. We agree with the respondent who pointed out that Wood Lane is a public highway and it was unlikely the fields and woodland would become a ‘must see’ destination.
The Estate will take a considered view on public access as our plans develop including residents’ concerns over increased vehicle traffic on Wood Lane.
Botanical Interest
A number of respondents highlighted the importance of chalk grassland as a priority habitat with its associated flora and fauna.

• The consultation exercise has identified additional survey information that is helpful in the development of our plans.
• We have commissioned a phase 2 botanical survey of the site with vegetation mapping to identify areas that are species rich and can be considered as Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority.

Overall we were surprised at the response to our proposal to allow public access. Whilst there was a majority of people opposed to recreational use of the area, we believe many people did not appreciate there is currently no public access. We agree with the respondent who pointed out that Wood Lane is a public highway and it was unlikely the fields and woodland would become a ‘must see’ destination.
The Estate will take a considered view on public access as our plans develop including residents’ concerns over increased vehicle traffic on Wood Lane.
Botanical Interest
A number of respondents highlighted the importance of chalk grassland as a priority habitat with its associated flora and fauna.

• The consultation exercise has identified additional survey information that is helpful in the development of our plans.
• We have commissioned a phase 2 botanical survey of the site with vegetation mapping to identify areas that are species rich and can be considered as Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority.

• The survey will draw reference to Natural England Technical Note TIN110; Assessing whether created or restored grassland is a BAP Priority Habitat.
• In the development of our plans we will seek to design in open space with species rich areas and provide linkages across the site to help connect adjacent sites, such as the chalk pit, SSSI, at the top of Wood Lane.

Views
Understandably a number of the properties along the ridge were concerned of the potential loss of views.

• We will look closely at the impact of tree planting to the properties concerned. We have already addressed this issue to some extent in our draft proposals, maintaining views for the majority of properties. We will now look at a few properties who have expressed concern in more detail.
• We will consider the landscape impact when looking at the site from the North Downs and Puttenham Common.

Landscape
The fields are within the Surrey Hills AONB, which seeks to conserve and enhance the special landscape qualities of the area.

• Currently the AONB is approximately 40% wooded with the special qualities of the landscape shaped by past human influence on the land. We will seek to develop our plans taking account of AONB management plan aims and objectives.
• There are opportunities to link the ancient woodlands whilst maintaining a proportion of open habitats.

Key will be developing a plan that sits well within the existing landscape.

Too Much Woodland
A number of respondents felt that Surrey already had enough woodland.

• All the political parties at the last election committed to planting more trees, the current administration is committed to planting 30,000 hectares per year of new woodland across the UK, 10,000 ha/year in England. In 2019/2020 just 2330 hectares of new woodland was created in England.
• Surrey CC tree strategy sets a target of planting 1.2 million new trees by 2030.

Clearly there will be different views as to where new woodland should be created. It is likely most new planting will take place on grade 3b agricultural land, like the fields in our proposal, as the best land, agricultural grade 1 and 2, are highly valued for food production whereas the poorest quality land often carries ecological designations or is highly exposed.
Species Choice
There were a few respondents that were pleased to see a variety of species being considered with a general preference towards native broadleaves from other respondents.

• The species listed were identified from Forest Research’s Ecological Site Classification system, with our plans setting out those species that were suitable on the calcareous soils.
• The species list was tested against different climate change scenarios to ensure we had given consideration to a changing climate and how these species were predicted to adapt.

In our draft plans we favoured species that where predicted to grow well on the site and those that were most efficient at carbon sequestration, hence the higher proportion of conifers.

In developing our plans, we will review the species choice to seek to build in resilience to climate change, pest and diseases as well as considering landscape context and bio diversity.

Economic
Very few respondents gave any consideration to the costs of land management associated with their desired land use. Exploring grant support under a new Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMS) the government is currently consulting on and grazing were offered as suggestions with one response recognising the land didn’t currently ‘pay it’s way’.

• Woodland Creation currently appears to offer the best viable option economically for long term sustainable management. Woodland creation attracts grant support, with the potential to create value from carbon sequestration and timber production in time.
• As set out under botanical interest the fields do not qualify for the current countryside stewardship funding to support current land management activities.

The fields are poor quality grazing.

In the absence of management intervention, the fields are slowly reverting back to woodland with prolific natural regeneration of hawthorn across Longdown and Little Longdown. Either the fields need to be annually mown or grazed to maintain the current vegetation.

Fire
There were a few concerns over the risk of wild fire drawing a the Thursley heathland fire this spring as an example.

• It is accepted that wild fire is an increasing risk which applies to a number of land uses including arable crops, heathland, grassland and woodland.
• We believe the risks on Longdown will be low compared to heathland sites. We will design in open mown woodland rides as fire breaks and areas of broadleaved woodland against the boundaries which inherently have a low fire risk.

Almost all wild fires are started through human negligence, with no public access there is little chance of a wild fire starting. We will consider these risks if the Estate choose to grant access in the future.

The Challenge
Finally we hope you will understand the difficulties we face for the future management of these fields. We have explored alternative land uses and at present woodland creation appears to be the best option.
The challenge we now face is that the new woodland is well designed and delivers a multiple of benefits from carbon sequestration through to biodiversity gain. We need to conserve key areas of botanical interest, ensuring the woodland sits comfortably within the landscape whilst maintaining views.
We thank you again for your comments.

With Kind Regards

Kevin Penfold MicFor

Consultation key issues

4th July 2020 - The Recreation Grounds and Play/Gym Areas are open.

Please read the Guidance and Risk Assessments for your Safety, on our dedicated Coronavirus web page or here:

Recreation Ground Equipment and Covid-19 Notice

Risk Assessment

Surrey County Council is moving forward with improvements to Active Travel, reallocating road space to cyclists and pedestrians.

 This can be in the form of:

• Pavement widening

• New cycle lanes

• 20mph zones

• Any further measure to promote walking or cycling rather than car journeys.

The first phase saw two pilots in Farnham and Reigate and Banstead where road space was removed for cars and advisory 20mph and advisory HGV bans, widened pavements and the introduction of new cycle lanes. The aim is to make the changes permanent in the next few weeks.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councillor is keen to hear your views for the Parish if any improvements can be made with new funding made available from Government in order to continue the push for sustainable travel. Particularly around congregation points such as shops, churches or schools.

Ideas for bus improvement are also welcome. 

Please email our clerk at clerk@saspc.info and title your email “Active Travel” and send any ideas you have for our villages.

Any questions please do get in touch.

After a series of fly-tipping incidents in The Sands, Guildford Borough Council have identified a culprit who has been dealt with by way of a fixed penalty notice.

The Parish Council would lke to thank the residents who helped with logging each incident and recovering the waste for inspection. We used this information when liasing with GBC’s investigation team where the matter was concluded in a satisfactory result.

An application can be made to the surveying authority, in our case Surrey County Council, to allege a right of way may exist over a piece of land (Map modification application), whether owned privately or publicly.

One such application has been made regarding a path running from the top of the Smugglers Way byway eastwards to Crooksbury common. The application has been made alleging the path should be made a public bridleway. The path is alleged by the applicant to have been in use for some 60 or so years and has submitted user evidence to support his claim. Application submitted on 5th May 2020 here.

The landowner made a Highways Act and Commons Act deposits application in October 2019 which sets out the land owned and any public rights of way over it. An application of this type is common with landowners and some local examples are: Hampton Estate, RSPB and Surrey County Council all of which allow permissive access to their land. Applications are required every 20 years according to law if it is to be kept up to date. A register of these statements can be found here and it shows many applications of this type are made.

A landowner who allows permissive paths, permitted paths, permitted bridleways or any access across their land can: (not exhaustive) modify the route or access, can impose restrictions on how (ie footpath, bridleway, no dogs etc.)and when (ie daylight hours only) it can be used or close the path entirely without any notice to anyone - it is their land afterall. No statutory rights are given or implied in doing so.

Currently Surrey County Council have a backlog of Map Modification applications and the Parish Council has been advised that if there are objections this application may take 4-5 years to come to a conclusion for either an order be raised for it to be made a right of way or not.

Once an application has been made the surveying authority has a duty towards ‘the discovery of evidence’ under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to continue with the process even if the applicant withdraws the application.

Users of permissive paths should acknowledge landowner’s generosity in allowing the public to access their land.

There are some circumstances when wearing a face covering may be marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure. The evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas.

If you can, wear a face covering in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. You should be prepared to remove your face covering if asked to do so by police officers and police staff for the purposes of identification.

A face covering is not the same as the surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of personal protective equipment. These should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace, such as health and care workers, and those in industrial settings, like those exposed to dust hazards.

Wearing a face covering is optional and is not required by the law. If you choose to wear one, it is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and after taking them off.

The same link as above also shows you how to make your own face mask

A resident of Seale & Sands is offering to make face masks if you are unable to make your own. Please contact Liz Crawford liz.littleworth@icloud.com - 07973 625777

After the Government’s announcement on Sunday 10th May 2020 the following guidance has been updated and published:

The Government’s FAQ ‘What you can and can’t do’ guide updated on 11th May 2020 can be found here.

The Government’s ‘Staying safe outside your home’ published on 11th May 2020 can be found here.

After the Government’s announcement on Sunday we are now able to open our recreation grounds for exercise. The childrens play area remain closed and officially the football pitches are closed.

All social distancing rules apply. Common sense should prevail if in doubt.