Traveller site approved near Surrey village after land shortage

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 17:02 · Archive

Guildford Borough Council has approved a Traveller site at Whitegate Copse near Ash Green despite over 30 objections.

Guildford Borough Council's planning committee has granted planning permission for a Traveller site at Whitegate Copse, Ash Green, to provide residential accommodation for both static and touring caravans. The decision came despite more than 30 letters of objection from nearby residents.

Council officers warned in their report that 'no alternative sites are available within the borough, and none are expected to come forward in the short to medium term'. Objectors raised concerns about the development's impact on the green belt and surrounding woodland and wildlife. One resident wrote that the site 'borders a walking trail and priceless woods which must be protected' and that granting permission would 'remove one of the few remaining amenities left for residents and visitors'. Others worried the site would strain village infrastructure including schools and health facilities.

Lee Windebank, one of the applicants, told the planning committee that his family had lived in and around Ash for generations. 'We are law-abiding members of society who respect the settled way of life while honouring our traditional heritage and cultural ways,' he said. 'We run businesses, pay our taxes, and our children go to school.' He stressed that access to schooling was important to his family.

How it is being reported

• Ash Green Traveller site approved despite more than 30 objections as council warns of land shortageA Traveller site has been granted planning permission after officers warned there are “no alternative sites” available within the borough.Farnham Herald · 22 Oct, 16:27
• Traveller site approved near Surrey village after 'no alternative sites' warning'No alternative sites are available within the borough, and none are expected to come forward in the short to medium term' a council report saidSurrey Live · 22 Oct, 16:18

In this story: Guildford Borough Council · Whitegate Copse · Ash Green · Lee Windebank

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