Anger at Ash Travellers' site plan - Surrey

From Get Surrey

AN extension to a Travellers’ site in Ash would make it the largest in Surrey if it is granted planning permission next week.

Guildford Borough Council is behind the application to add five permanent pitches to the Ash Bridge Caravan Park, bringing the total number of pitches to 18.

The council had previously carried out a scoping exercise of the site on Aldershot Road in order to find a suitable location for extra pitches, as it faced an “urgent” need for Gypsy and Traveller sites in the borough.

The plans have been recommended for approval by the borough’s planning officer and each pitch will be able to accommodate two caravans.

Seven letters of objection have been sent to the council concerning the plans, which includes the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP), which manages the site earmarked for the extension on behalf of Surrey County Council.

Residents of nearby Aspen Grove launched a petition against the proposals, led by Jackie and Phil Bishop, who collected 37 signatures.

However, due to planning regulations, a petition is only counted as one objection.

Mrs Bishop said one of the main concerns is the number of trees which will need to be cut down, which she believes will increase noise pollution and effect the local wildlife.

“It will be catastrophic,” Mrs Bishop said. “With the amount they are taking down, I don’t know how they will keep the wildlife there.

“It will have a detrimental effect to where we live for noise and the loss of wildlife.”

Steve Bailey from the BVCP explained that when the A331 was constructed, the land proposed for the extension was put aside to be preserved to minimise the damaging effect that the new road would have on the Blackwater Valley.

In a letter written to the borough council, Mr Bailey said: “The proposal will damage these aims.

“This is one of the narrowest sections of the Blackwater Valley, making retention of the existing greenspace of vital importance, but the proposal narrows it even further.”

Mr Bailey also said the project would mean that the public footpath on the site would have to be narrowed, despite the borough council’s planning officer’s report stating that the footpath would not be affected.

“We would like to make sure it is not quite as close to the footpath,” Mr Bailey said.

He added that the BVCP would like to work to find alternative land that could be used to mitigate the impact of the extension.

Other concerns addressed to the council include that the area has a potential for flooding, and that there would not be enough parking spaces.

The recommendation for approval is subject to a contribution of costs to the community totalling £37,406.80.

“This includes funding for education, off-site playing fields and a providing suitable alternative natural greenspace.

In her report on the proposal, case officer Tara Taylor said: “In terms of the benefits, it is accepted that there is an urgent and un-met need for Gypsy and Traveller sites in the borough.

“There is already a shortage of sites to deal with the current need and, as well as this current shortage, further sites will be required for future needs.

“It is considered that the benefits identified by this development would signifi-cantly and demonstrably outweigh the harm.”

The council will decide on the plans at a meeting on Tuesday.