As expected the proposed development of Wisley Airfield is back on the scene, following an announcement by Guildford Borough Council before Christmas that the decision had been put back to the Spring of 2016.
During the first week of January 2016, those of you who objected previously will have received notification of an amended proposal for the land at the former Wisley Airfield – Application No.15/P/0012, for outline planning permission for the phased development of a new settlement of up to 2,068 dwellings together with associated infrastructure, including access on to the A3 (Ockham interchange) Ockham Lane and Old Lane, and revised access to Elm Corner.
Observations relating to the application must be made within 21 days (27th January) quoting the reference number in any correspondence.
No objections from last time are carried forward; they must be put in afresh, together with those of you who hopefully will now want to object for the first time. It is obvious that the Developers are seeking to wear us down . . they will not!! We are already liaising with the Wisley Action Group who are meeting to formulate and issue guidance for those who wish to object. It is anticipated that the Action Group will provide us with such guidance by the 18 January. So at this stage please do nothing, unless you want to read through the volumes forming the application. We will then publish more information on the key issues we consider should be included in objections sent to the Guildford Council Planning Department. We would also like to remind anyone who intends to send in a letter or email to Guildford Council about this application, that your postal address must be included otherwise it will be ignored, and you should, of course, also quote the Application number.
Although not in Elmbridge, this proposed development on Green Belt land will have a detrimental impact on our area and way of life, given its close proximity to Cobham.
If you haven't already, please sign up for our newsletter so we can keep you informed about this huge development which is likely to have a major impact on all of us who live locally.
An Application has been submitted by Wisley Property Inv. Ltd to Guildford Borough Council to build 2100 homes on Wisley Airfield, as well as a school (not secondary), care home and shops. In addition, a 120-acre countryside area, football pitches and a 4G hockey pitch are envisaged. It would be the third largest settlement in the Guildford Borough area and about half the size of Cobham.
Wisley Airfield is on the opposite side of the A3 to RHS Wisley Gardens and is in the proximity of Downside, Ockham, Hatchford and Elm Corner and is in the Metropolitan Green Belt.
If this were approved, there would be a very adverse effect on all of the nearby areas including Cobham, Downside, Stoke d'Abernon and Oxshott.
If you wish to object, the closing date for objections is 31 March 2015 and the following are some of the reasons for objection you might like to consider:
- The urbanisation of a rural area with a negative impact on major and local roads and lanes, light pollution, air pollution, traffic, infrastructure.
- Impact on the openness of the Metropolitan Green Belt and the negative impact on and from the Surrey Hills (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
- No demonstration of the very special circumstances required to change Green Belt policies.
- Unacceptable reliance on motor vehicles in the absence of sufficient public transport.
- Insufficient account taken of impact on traffic and infrastructure (schools, GP surgeries, hospitals and public services) already stretched to the limit.
- Development Density is far in excess of surrounding neighbourhoods/villages.
- Impact on the water table which could result in flooding of neighbouring historic properties.
- It is planned to restrict traffic or close Ockham Lane, Plough Lane and Elm Lane and to make Old Lane and Guileshill Lanes one way. How does this impact existing local residents and have they been consulted in advance?
If you believe that any or all of these issues are unacceptable, you are urged to write or email and object quoting Ref No: 15/P/00012 to the Head of Planning Services, Guildford Borough Council, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford GU2 4BB or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. not later than 31 March 2015.
You may like to view additional information at the Wisley Action Group website: wisleyactiongroup.co.uk
Article provided on behalf of the Cobham & Downside Residents' Association, Cobham Green Belt Group and the Cobham Conservation and Heritage Trust