Following a letter which I wrote to hundreds of residents to inform them of the Golf Club’s planning application, I recently met the owners, as well as local Councillors representing residents at Surrey County Council, Guildford Borough Council and Worplesdon Parish Council along with Gaynor White, Clerk, and Victoria Fear, Assistant Clerk, and Surrey Highways, to discuss this in greater detail.
The planning application seeks permission for the importation and deposit of inert materials and soils to construct and remodel the existing golf course.
During my visit, we walked across the golf course to see where the work would be taking place and discuss the route which would be taken by HGVs to access the site.
Having been in regular communication with residents about these proposals, some of which I am writing further to Surrey County Council to gain further reassurances, I raised the below concerns which have been put to me, to the owners:
1. Traffic: Because an estimated 141 daily two-way movements of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) would be entering and leaving the site for 256 days of the year for up to two years, I raised residents’ concerns regarding the traffic which would be caused, and whether alternative routes could be used by HGVs.
2. Housing: I understand the golf course is part of the community and brings with it many local economic benefits, therefore I asked categorically that the works would not prepare the site for another purpose, such as housing. I was given a definitive no as an answer.
3. Flooding and the environment: It’s important that further flooding issues aren’t created and that the wildlife is protected, should planning permission be given.
The owners of the Golf Club will be looking to answer your questions and these will be communicated in due course.
Residents can be assured that I will continue to follow the progress of the application closely.