Update On Wisley Airfield Planning Appeal

The planning appeal by Taylor Wimpey into their proposed development at Wisley airfield starts on Tuesday 26 September 2023. For the first three days the appeal is held in the Guildford Baptist Church, thereafter in the GBC Council Chamber. All meetings are public.

East Horsely and West Horsley parish councils are a Joint Rule 6 party objecting to this development. Last week we submitted our Proof of Evidence, to be presented by our planning consultant, Colin Smith. Click HERE to view a copy.

Horsley residents might note the extensive traffic calming installations now proposed along six local roads around the site, including Long Reach and Old Lane.

The appeal runs until 24 November 2023 and will sit for a total of 24 days. 

Given this very lengthy timescale our parish councillors would appreciate any support from residents during the appeal. For example, by helping to monitor Taylor Wimpey’s witnesses and formulating questions for their cross-examination. Even a few half-days would help. Please contact me if you’d like more details.

There are three other Rule 6 parties opposing this development with us, including a joint team from Ockham Parish Council, WAG and RHS Wisley who have engaged a barrister who will call four specialist witnesses to give evidence on ecology, air quality, transport and planning issues. WAG have recently launched a new fund-raising to support their costs. Click HERE to view their letter.

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Wisley Airfield

Planning Appeal To Start In September

PLANS TO DEVELOP a new settlement at Wisley airfield will be decided by Planning Inspector, Cristina Downes, with the public inquiry due to start in Guildford on 26 September.

This spring Taylor Wimpey filed their planning appeal citing grounds of ‘non-determination’. Guildford Borough Council (GBC) still went ahead and held their own Planning Committee on 10 July when councillors voted unanimously (but hypothetically) to refuse the application.

East and West Horsley Parish Councils have again teamed up as a joint ‘Rule 6 party’ and have submitted our Proof of Evidence.

Three other Rule 6 parties are also objecting to the Taylor Wimpey appeal:

Ockham Parish Council, Wisley Action Group

(WAG) and RHS Wisley are jointly leading the Rule 6 objectors’ cause. They are represented by barrister Richard Harwood KC, who also led for WAG in the 2017 appeal. Their expert witnesses intend to address air quality issues, ecology, road traffic and planning matters.

Ripley Parish Council and Send Parish Council are another joint Rule 6 party. VAWNT (‘Villages Against Wisley New Town’) are the fourth Rule
6 objector, representing residents opposed to this development.

The appeal hearings are open to the public and will be held in the GBC Chamber, except for the first week when larger crowds are expected, with sessions to be held at the nearby Guildford Baptist Church. The inquiry is scheduled to close on 28 November.

Wisley Airfield Planning Application

Wisley Airfield Planning Application

COUNCILLORS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO REFUSE TAYLOR WIMPEY PERMISSION AT A PLANNING MEETING LAST NIGHT.

A public meeting of the Guildford Borough Council planning committee was held last night to consider the development of the former Wisley airfield site.

It was held to confirm what decision would have been made if the application had not been the subject of an appeal.

The principle of the development of the site is supported by the local plan. However, officers recommended that the benefits of the Development Plan did not outweigh the harm.

The committee agreed that they would have resolved to refuse the planning application.

The full report can be viewed here