Community Governance in Chart Downs

Chart Downs is currently not parished and is part of the Holmwoods & Beare Green ward. However it also has strong links to Dorking.  Neither Dorking nor North Holmwood has a Parish Council with statutory status and the ability to raise funds via Council Tax.

Some issues to consider in replying to the consultation:

• Representation
  • Currently Chart Downs has 3 District Councillors (whose Ward also covers North Holmwood, the Holmwoods, Beare Green and Coldharbour) and 1 County Councillor covering Dorking South and the Holmwoods.  
  • Under the Unitary Council it will have 2 (or possibly 3) Councillors who would cover the existing Ward, plus the rural Dorking Hills area, stretching from Ockley and Wallis Wood to Westcott.
  • They provide support for residents, not just in their dealings with the Councils but also with other local service providers, such as police, health, housing associations, water companies, etc.
  • Will this allow residents (especially the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our area) to call on similar levels of support?
• Assets in the community
  • Local facilities include the Chart Downs Community Centre and the King George V playing fields
  • Nearby in Dorking community assets include various allotments; the Meadowbank Recreation Ground; various open spaces; Community and Day Centres, the Malthouse Youth Centre, Pippbrook House;, Dorking Halls, Dorking Library, the war memorial statues and public loos.
  • As well as the Sports Centre, there are various sports facilities managed by local clubs – Meadowbank Football Ground, Pippbrook Bowling Club, Pixham Lane Sports Ground, Ranmore BMX course and Dorking Golf Club.
  • Would you wish control of their future to be decided by a remote Council covering half a million people? Could you trust it to protect them against renewed pressure for more housing?
• Discretionary Services
  • These include support for local charities, such as Citizens Advice.
  • A Town or Parish Council would also control the Neighbourhood element of any Community Infrastructure Levy raised on new developments, ensuring that these funds are spent on local priorities.
• Town or Parish Council
  • Do you want Dorking to have its own Town Council funded by a precept raised as part of Council Tax?
  • If the Council decides to introduce Town and Parish Councils throughout the area, would you prefer Chart Downs to be included in a Dorking Council, or to form a Council alongside North Holmwood?