Waverley Planners have given the Canal Trust the all-clear to forge its way towards Guildford – by just one vote!
A decision which could scupper in its wake an end to plans to open up a rapid transport route along the Downslink from Horsham to Guildford!
Disaster for Cranleigh, Bramley, Shalford and Guildford MP Angie’s “repurposing” ambitions? Or a triumph for the Wey and Arun Canal Trust and all who sail with her?
The eastern planning committee has considered and approved plans for the erection of new bridges, construction of a new canal cut, new footpaths and landscaping at Land At Coordinates 502910 142158, at Rushett Common Bramley.
Cannot imagine what MP Angie make of this decision? She used the phrase “repurposing” the Downslik for transport as her primary ambition in her maiden speech. Did she mean boating to work along the Wey and Arun, we wonder?
Will MP Angie say farewell to her hopes of “, repurposing ” the Downs Link in Waverley?
Guildford MP pitches to open Guildford – Cranleigh trainline.
Those Against and Those FOR.
Godalming Extinction Rebellion, Waverley Friends of the Earth, Waverley Cycle Forum, Waverley Ramblers are all furious! However, some Waverley councillors are “very excited” at the prospect.
Planning Officers said:
Whilst it may prevent the Downs Link from being used for large scale sustainable transport infrastructure, such as tram or train, in the future as part of the Guildford to Cranleigh Sustainable Transport Corridor, no such scheme is planned at present or is viable in the past. The benefits of the project outweigh the benefits of safeguarding the land for potential transportation use. The Downs Link would remain as a useable sustainable transport corridor for walkers and cyclists.

“It seems to me quite clear this scheme will prejudice any future transport schemes – so we simply cannot permit this. The applicant should have kept to its own route. This will create a complete obstruction”
“We cannot fool ourselves. I say to the Wey Arun Canal Trust – build your canal but not on the Downslink please we need it for our future transport needs.”