The Chairman thanked the committee for their ongoing support throughout the year, and Ruth Heywood who was standing down for her work over a number of years and in particular wrt the Memorial Garden.
Our local Woking Borough Councillors and Surrey County Council Liz Bowes have joined us when they could and the Forum was grateful for their ongoing support.
We thank the Residents’ Association for their ongoing financial support and Stewart Dick who remains as their representative on the Forum committee.
There are 2 vacancies on the committee so any volunteers would be welcome.
Ongoing Forum activities include review of planning applications, planning policy, Conservation and Heritage, support for local nature, and fund raising to support all of these activities.
Planning applications are typically around 20 a month. While most are not of concern, some including demolition and rebuilds, especially in the Green Belt need looking into.
Pyrford has 3 conservation areas Aviary Road, St Nicholas, and the Wey Navigation which is run by the National Trust.
The Woking Core Plan and Our Neighbourhood Plan both expire in 2027 and the Forum Plan will require updating. This will have to be done in conjunction with each other. We have started to review existing policies in our Plan and to consider whether to develop any new policies. The Forum maintains regular contact with Council Planning policy officers.
The Forum has initiated nature surveys.
One project during the year was the designation of green space on Coldharbour Road as Queen Elizabeth Memorial Garden with some new trees planted. Thanks are due to the Co-op for sponsorship of nearly £1,900. and to Peter Graves for making the application to the Co-op.
After many years a project to implement footpath 422 from behind the Arbor to Pyford Common Road, started by Carole Gale and taken forward by Marion Malcher was successful after the recent withdrawal of objections from the landowner.
The Forum has also been instrumental in getting average speed cameras installed along Old Woking Road.
Regular newsletters have been published on the web and the Forum has had stalls at the Shepherds’ Market and the Pyrford Village Show The Forum has donated £250.00 to the Christmas Lights at Marshal Parade with opening on 7th December.
Andy Grimshaw – 27 November 2023