Wednesday 17^th September 2008

Dunsfold Park’s proposal to build 2,600 houses on the site of the former aerodrome was refused almost unanimously by Waverley planners. Three Lib Dem councillors abstained, the remaining councillors at the meeting voted against the plans. This is a major victory for those of us campaigning against the proposed New Town.

The key question for Waverley Borough Council’s main planning committee was whether the development should be granted as a justifiable exception to planning policy because it contained 910 much-needed affordable homes.

Waverley’s housing service objected that Dunsfold Park's affordable homes would not necessarily help those in greatest need though, because priority would be given to people on low incomes working on an expanded business park at the site. Serious concern about the wider knock-on effect of a new settlement had been expressed by Surrey County Council, Guildford Borough Council and West Sussex County Council.

The developer now has the right to lodge an appeal which, if made, would mean the final decision would be made by the Secretary of State following a public inquiry. However at this stage Jamie McAlister is quoted as saying that they are “considering their options”. This campaign group urges them to think long and hard before lodging an appeal which would use up a great deal of public money at a time when it can be ill afforded.

For further articles about this momentous decision, follow these links:-

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2035669_dunsfold_park_homes_plan_rejected

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7623040.stm