The Place Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026, resolving to uphold objections to a proposed zebra crossing on Coombe Lane West and instead investigate an alternative location. The committee also approved the Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Plan as the guiding framework for the council's highways maintenance services and carried a motion to encourage all councillors to sign an animal welfare pledge, with a report to follow on the RSPCA's Every Councillor for Every Kind manifesto.

Coombe Lane West Proposed Zebra Crossing - Objections to Traffic Management Order

The committee considered objections to a proposed zebra crossing on Coombe Lane West, which had previously been approved by the committee on 4 June 2026. Following the publication of a Traffic Management Order (TMO) to replace single yellow lines with zigzag road markings, ten objections were received from six households. Crucially, updated feedback from the Metropolitan Police raised safety concerns regarding vehicle manoeuvres into driveways within the zigzag controlled area, highlighting potential intervisibility issues for pedestrians and collision risks.

While officers noted that the original scheme was legally viable and had passed road safety audits, they recommended upholding the objections due to the police's concerns and the local residents' objections. The committee resolved to uphold these objections, rescind the previous resolutions for the zebra crossing outside nos. 54/56 Coombe Lane West, and investigate a potential alternative location near no. 78 Coombe Lane West, subject to feasibility studies. Authority was delegated to the Director of Highways, Transport and Regulatory Services, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to determine the future course of action. All respondents to the TMO would be informed of the decision.

Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Plan

The committee approved and adopted the Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Plan (HIAMP) as the guiding framework for the council's highways maintenance services. This plan, the first comprehensive update in ten years, establishes a robust, risk-based, and data-driven framework for managing the borough's highway assets. It formalises a transition from reactive repairs to a proactive asset-preservation model, aiming for significant cost savings, reduced traffic disruption, and lower environmental impact. The HIAMP also supports the council's climate emergency commitments and enhances its eligibility for Department for Transport funding.

Councillor Yvonne Tracey raised concerns about the condition of B and C roads, noting that they were above the council's 10% poor condition target. Matthew Hill, Director of Highways, Transport and Regulatory Services, stated that the aim was to get these figures below 10% by 2030, dependent on various factors including weather conditions. He also clarified that housing roads are managed under a separate regime by the housing department. Councillor Sarah Waite-Sillett questioned if the new plan would reduce annual expenditure, to which officers responded that the aim was to reduce revenue expenditure on reactive maintenance, which is more expensive and inefficient than preventative maintenance. Councillor Robert Dongsung Kim raised concerns about the impact of repeated roadworks on local businesses and residents, suggesting better coordination with utility providers. Officers confirmed a legal duty to coordinate roadworks and outlined the street works permitting system and the introduction of lane rental in January next year to incentivise efficiency.

Seething Wells - Annual Update

The committee discussed the annual update on Seething Wells, a Victorian public health infrastructure site now in private ownership. The report noted that while community interest in the site's heritage and biodiversity remained high, many of the recommendations from the Seething Wells All Party Working Group had been completed or exhausted. Historic England had declined listing applications for various historic assets on the site. The landowners had indicated an intention to pursue a planning application and appeal if the council did not engage constructively regarding housing delivery on the site.

The committee resolved to amend the reporting requirements, changing from three yearly updates to Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee to an annual report to Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee for comments, before consideration by the Place Committee. This annual report to the Place Committee would be broadened to include wider relevant updates beyond the working group's recommendations. Councillor Yvonne Tracey asked for a decision on a Section 215 notice regarding the former Pumphouse, to which officers responded they would speak to the team to ascertain if it was expedient. Councillor Roger Hayes questioned the committee's authority to dictate reporting to the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee, but it was clarified that the Place Committee had established the working group and could alter reporting requirements. The decision to change the reporting frequency was ultimately defeated, with the previous reporting requirements remaining unchanged.

Motion referred by Council - Every Councillor for Every Kind

The committee debated a motion referred from the Council, noting the RSPCA's Every Councillor for Every Kind manifesto and the significant role local authorities play in animal welfare. The original motion proposed setting up a Task and Finish Panel to assess council performance against the manifesto's five missions.

Councillor Yvonne Tracey introduced the motion, highlighting its modest and practical nature, focusing on reviewing existing practices and identifying sensible improvements. Councillor Nicola Nardelli moved an amendment, seconded by Councillor Peter Higgins, to remove the proposed Task and Finish Panel, as much of the work was already being undertaken. The amendment proposed encouraging all councillors to sign the RSPCA campaign pledge and committing to a report back to the Place Committee in March 2027 regarding the five missions. Councillor Higgins, a veterinary scientist, emphasised the need for an evidence-based report and noted that animal welfare was rarely discussed at council meetings. After discussion, the amendment was unanimously accepted. The substantive motion, as amended, was then carried, with a report to be brought back to the Place Committee in March 2027.

The meeting concluded at 21:53.