This applications may be viewed on the Runnymede Borough Council website , by entering RU.13/0388 in the Application Number box.

In November 2012 the Supreme Court refused the owner of Willow Farm permission to appeal against previous rulings but while the matter was under consideration by Runnymede Borough Council a further planning application was submitted. This application, (RU.13/0011) differed from the previous application, subject of the planning appeal, in that it was for three static caravans.

This application would have been assessed against the newly introduced National Planning Policy Framework and Planning policy for Traveller Sites. However the application was withdrawn before this could take place. In view of the lengthy history and potential change in circumstances of the occupiers since the matter was first subject to enforcement and planning consideration, Runnymede Borough Council are seeking Counsel’s opinion as to the best course of action to bring about a resolution on the site.

This applications may be viewed on the Runnymede Borough Council website , by entering RU.13/0416 in the Application Number box.

1. Green Belt:

We are objecting to any of the land on the proposed sites being removed from the Green Belt. The Green Belt is under constant threat and the impact of this site cannot be taken in isolation from other developments affecting the Green Belt in the immediate area such as the new McLaren site.

2. Nature Conservation:

Chobham Common is a National Nature Reserve and holds the highest European conservation designations so we believe a development of this size would have a seriously damaging impact.

3. North and South Sites:

We are dismayed that the North and South Sites are not being considered as one overall development, which in our view it clearly is.

4. Affordable housing:

Under current Runnymede Borough Council policies there is a requirement for the provision of affordable housing on a development of this size. The developer’s submission is very unclear as to how this 40% requirement is to be met and its location within the site boundaries.

5 Traffic:

The most direct access to the M25 from the proposed site is via the Otter Roundabout on the A320 in Ottershaw. There has already been significant increased traffic from the McLaren development at Durnford Bridge to this Roundabout and additional traffic would be a problem here.

We are also concerned about the volume of heavy construction traffic on local roads for a protracted length of time should this application go ahead.

6 Pollution:

The increase in traffic will impact greatly on the area, particularly Chobham Common.

It was reported in the Surrey Herald on 28^th March that developer Crest Nicholson, the site owner, gave a presentation to Runnymede Business Partnership at which they told attendees that a business park creating around 5000 jobs and 200 homes would be built in the northern section of the site with a further 1300 homes in the southern section, that would have schools and community amenities. The price range to be between £250000 and several million pounds. Crest Nicholson claimed that as well as creating new jobs it would allow Runnymede Borough Council to fulfil a significant portion of its required target for new homes.

The planning application for the North site was submitted in November 2012 and the plans for the South site are expected later this year.

Runnymede Borough Council Conservative Councillors are determined to sell this site for development so it is no surprise that they have agreed to object to the Village Green application.

Responses to previous consultations have been used to help develop a Draft Submission version of the Local Plan Core Strategy. In preparation for the submission of the Local Plan Core Strategy for examination to the Secretary of State, the Council undertook a further consultation in accordance with its adopted Statement of Community Involvement and Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning)(England) Regulations 2012.

The consultation period lasted until 28^th March and The Society wrote to RBC making observations on the parts dealing with the Green Belt, Future Developments, Affordable Housing, Traffic, and Travellers Sites. A short outline of our response is given below:

1. Green Belt

As a society we are against the constant erosion of the Green Belt. In our view the Green Belt is a necessity to protect wild life, give pleasure and relaxation to the community and not a ‘nice to have’ that can be eaten away at will.

2. Future Developments

Whilst we agree with the plan not to release the reserved sites until the need arises we believe this process must be done in an open and transparent manner.

We support the need for communal areas within developments but are concerned at the council’s record of maintaining them in perpetuity for the community, e.g. Palmer Crescent.

3. Affordable housing:

Whilst the society supports the need for Social Housing we believe it needs to be done sympathetically in relation to the rest of the developments. Also the priority should be for the housing of Key Workers in the borough.

4. Traffic:

We are concerned that there is no reference to the traffic issues related to the A320 Guildford/Chertsey Road in Ottershaw. The Otter roundabout is already heavily congested, especially at peak hours.

5. Travellers’ Sites:

There is obviously a need for proper sites but this need has to be structured and planned properly. The concern we have is that when rules and judgements are made the council appears unwilling to enforce them.

Change of use to a residential caravan site for three Gypsy Traveller families. Site to contain 3 static caravans with associated hardstanding and parking for six associated vehicles.

Link to Runnymede Planning Applications

(Insert RU.13/0011 in the Application Number box and click search)