Byfleet green belt Gypsy site plans withdrawn - Surrey

From Get Surrey

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a Gypsy site on the green belt in Byfleet have been withdrawn amid opposition from villagers.

Hundreds of residents gathered at meetings last month to oppose the proposal, which would have seen "precious" green belt land in Murray’s Lane built on by a family of travellers.

But it was confirmed on Thursday that the planning application had been withdrawn by the applicants.

The original plans were submitted to Woking Borough Council in January, intending to turn land south of Murray’s Lane into four pitches for an extended Romani Gypsy family with associated works, four day rooms, hardstanding and a septic tank.

John Bond, of Mowbray Avenue, and Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford Residents’ Association membership secretary, said it was good news the application had been withdrawn and added that he hoped it would not be resubmitted at a later date.

He added: “We don’t know if they have found somewhere else or if it is a temporary withdrawal.”

In 1989, the Department for Environment and Transport applied to put single-storey and two-storey dwellings on the same land, but this was rejected on the grounds that the green belt should continue to be protected.

Woking MP Jonathan Lord, who spoke on behalf of Byfleet residents at the recent public meetings, said it was important the latest plans also did not go through for the sake of "fairness" in the planning process.

Mr Lord said: “I think the withdrawal [of the planning application] is very good news for Byfleet and for the continued protection of the green belt in that area.

“Many people spoke very eloquently about their childhoods in Byfleet and continuing use of the green fields for walking and recreation grounds.

“No-one else can develop on that particular location and I think people want fairness from the planning systems so everyone knows where they are.”

Mr Bond confirmed a petition was still being set up to protect the green belt in Byfleet in the future.

He added: “It shows the community spirit in Byfleet, we want the petition to show how strongly the feeling is and protect us for the future.”

Residents can sign the petition when it is launched on April 9 at Byfleet Village Hall.