New Transport Hub in Puttenham

Published on: 20 Nov, 2023
Updated on: 23 Nov, 2023

It is hoped the new transport hub will improve safety during school drop-off and collection times at Puttenham Church of England Infant School. Image – Google Street View

By Emily Coady-Stemp

local democracy reporter

Funding for a new community transport hub and to resurface an area described as a “mud fest” in winter will be a “game changer” for a Surrey village, a council meeting heard.

An application for £175,000 to put towards transforming a wasteland currently used as a turning circle by cars was approved by Surrey County Council on Tuesday (November 14).

The plans, put forward by Puttenham Parish Council, mean the Your Fund Surrey money will be used to allow parking for up to 25 cars, relieving parking stress elsewhere in the village and at pick-up and drop-off times for a nearby primary school.

Mike Blundell Jones, chair of the parish council, said the new hub would mean people could park near to the school, a play park, tennis court and other sports areas.

He said: “This is a game changer for the village and school.”

The money will also mean the lane running up to the hub and the unused site can be re-surfaced, with Cllr Blundell Jones describing it as a “mud fest in the winter”.

With the main street in the village “always congested”, he also said the space would offer A2 electric recharging points and a cycle rack for up to eight bikes.

He added: “As the school is also very close to the transport hub, it will allow the school parents to use it during school drop off and pick up, which again will alleviate the traffic congestion in the village.”

Documents for the cabinet member for Customer and Communities decisions meeting said the £175,658 funding would also help with access to the annual fireworks night event, attended by 4,000 people each year.

The report said the parish council had listened to community feedback saying the land needed to be redeveloped in order to improve resident access to the open spaces.

The village of just over 600 people is home to Puttenham Church of England Infant School and is just off the A31 between Guildford and Farnham.

The officers’ report said: “The annual fireworks night and summer fair raise considerable funds for local good causes and the funding would enable these events to become accessible for those with mobility challenges or disabilities.

“People from outlying villages often visit Puttenham to visit the countryside or use the facilities.

“Many travel by bike and so the hub would provide a safe place to store them.

“It may also encourage others to travel by bike, the headteacher at the nearby local primary school is particularly supportive of the project as it will improve safety during school drop-off and collection times as the village can get very congested.

“This, in turn, would help with pupil punctuality.”

Money raised for the project elsewhere includes a Puttenham Parish Council contribution of £5,000, the Puttenham and Wanborough Fete Committee contributing £1,000, Puttenham and Wanborough Community Group putting in £1,000 and an expected £3,000 from the Puttenham Bonfire and Fireworks 2023.