Article from the The Stop Dunsfold Park New Town Campaign team.
Today, 25th March, Friends of the Earth spoke in favour of Dunsfold Park at the public inquiry. Yes, you read that correctly, Friends of the Earth speaking in favour of a housing development. Extraordinary. But read on.
On APRIL 1st individuals are permitted to speak at the public inquiry. We know that there are plenty of other people who are going to speak in support of the scheme. Members of the public. It is critical we get plenty of people to speak in opposition.
We heard today at the inquiry why Friends of The Earth have, for the first time ever, spoken in favour of a planning application such as this. Because of its carbon neutral approach and the desperately important need to reduce our national carbon emissions. Convincing stuff, but.................
Quite how that will be achieved by building a development in the middle of the countryside where the lack of adequate public transport will mean more car usage (and carbon emissions) was not addressed. Over 10 miles to the nearest railway station. Several miles to the nearest supermarket. Only an extended bus service to cope with it.
If we do not demonstrate the weight of opposition to this scheme there is the very real danger that the Inspector and subsequently the Secretary of State may think this a perfect opportunity to create an eco village. One that will stand as an example to the rest of the country and be hailed as forward thinking and innovative.
If you believe this would be the wrong decision (and we know that some readers of these emails are supporters of the scheme) you must come to the inquiry and tell everyone why.
Tell us if you have ever needed to get to the Royal Surrey in a hurry and how long it took on our crowded roads. Let the inspector know how crushed the morning train ride to London is. Share your observation of the increase in heavy lorries from Dunsfold Park travelling along our C class country lanes. Tell him what it was like when BAE owned and ran the site. Tell him what it’s like today. Tell him what it might be like tomorrow if the houses are built.
We are particularly interested if you are waiting for affordable housing but don’t want to live on estate miles from your family and friends. You should come and tell the inspector you want a house where they live.
We need people from Bramley, Cranleigh, Godalming, Busbridge, Chiddingfold, Hascombe, Hambledon, Loxwood and Alfold to come and speak up. And of course from Dunsfold. Don’t be shy. The inquiry starts at 9.30 sharp at Waverley’s Godalming offices, in the council chamber. Time to do your bit. It’s important.
Please pass this info on to others.
from the The SDPNT Campaign team. PO Box 717, Dunsfold, Surrey, GU8 4WF. www.stopnewtown.com