It was, after all, the home of the Harrier – so why not ‘Harrierhurst’ for Waverley’s proposed new village on a brownfield site, or maybe Hawkhurst? Or perhaps the dunces out there who would rather it became a massive employment site with artics thundering through the borough’s country lanes, Artic Ally or Pantechnicon Park perhaps?
Judging by the decision made by Waverley Planners last night – the new Dunsfold Business Park will soon be upon us. Let’s hope that common sense prevails and it becomes a work/home environment to cut down on the heavy traffic.
Planners agreed to 10,000 square metres of extra business space at the borough’s largest business site – a 20% increase on the existing space after planning officers told them it was a line with the Government’s Growth Agenda and support the borough’s economic growth.
Despite objections from every parish council – including Bramley, Hascombe, Alfold, Busbridge etc, WW didn’t notice Cranleigh objecting perhaps it is in line with their new philosophy for Cranleigh New Town– the other parish councils concerns over traffic generation was outweighed by the need for units, which according to the owners, had already been pre-let.
Around 160 new jobs would be generated and the expansion was necessary on a site 86% of which the Secretary of State had accepted was previously developed land. There would be 269 car parking spaces provided, 18 disabled bays and 40 cycle spaces. Previous objections by the Highway Authority were “revised” but conditions are imposed on the developers to provide a footpath alone the Dunsfold Road from the Compasses entrance to the Cossways junction with the A281.
However, some of our WW contributors and readers have told us they are worried. Why? Because, the dummies at Waverley Borough Council might just do again what they did a few weeks ago with another brownfield site at the Hewitt’s Industrial Estate and turn Dunsfold down for housing.
They wouldn’t would they? They would have to be “plane stupid” to turn down the redevelopment of the largest brownfield site in the borough “Surely not, when more than 80% of the boroughs residents chose it as their favoured option for new development in the expensive consultation exercise they conducted, with our money. Oh yes they would!
Oh, no they wouldn’t… Oh yes, they would…
Some of those deadbeats will oppose anything on that site – including planes, air ambulances, police helicopters, cars – in fact anything other than bats, bunnies, birds and blackberries.
WW has little faith in the Waverley Wallies – however – maybe times they are a’changing and WBC could break the habit of a lifetime and surprise us with their vision, but don’t hold your breath. Anyway, much better all those homes come to a green field near you…
If you choose our name – will we get a prize Scottie? 
