Large turnout for Byfleet Gypsy plans meeting - Surrey

From Get Surrey

HUNDREDS of people packed out Byfleet village hall to voice their concerns about a planning application to allow a Gypsy family to build on green belt land.

Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford Residents' Association met on Monday evening to discuss the plans submitted by a Romani Gypsy family, which have to date received 491 representations.

Grahame Osborn, 58, of Dawson Road in Byfleet, said before the meeting started that he was impressed with the turnout.

"The response in the village hall shows the strength of feeling against it," he said.

Residents 'will not accept' green belt plans
New Gypsy pitches plan for Byfleet site

The application submitted to Woking Borough Council on January 12 is to turn land south of Murray’s Lane in Byfleet into four pitches with associated works, four day rooms, hardstanding and a septic tank.

The land is green belt and Councillor Ashley Bowes told the meeting it would not be built on unless in "exceptional circumstances".

"Green belt is very important, we take our green belt very seriously," Cllr Bowes said.

He also confirmed the date for representations to be made on the application had been extended until February 25.

Woking MP Jonathan Lord told the meeting he wanted to ensure there was fairness within planning policy.

"I think it is a completely inappropriate use of green belt land," he said.

"We do need to safeguard the green space around our villages and communities.

"I think there is every ground for optimism. I think we are on to a winner."

And Mr Lord added: "We are not allowed to build on green belt land and nor should travellers.

"We are going to fight this, it is going to be refused and it is not going to happen."