More Green Belt at Risk in Runnymede

The Conservative administration at Surrey CC through their waste strategy, are proposing to take 16 acres of
land out of the Green Belt to create another waste facility off Kitsmead Lane, next to the M3. This is despite
there being vacant land at the existing Kitsmead site. This facility will be for the sorting of recycled materials.

Local LibDem Councillor Don Whyte said "Do we really need to increase and intensify the industrialisation of this part of Runnymede, sitting immediately between Virginia Water and, soon to be developed, Longcross Garden Village South & Virginia Water South sites with c.1,850 dwellings? There is also a serious question around the loss of trees which currently mitigate the air pollution from the M3." If this goes ahead the HGV traffic movements alone, are estimated to be between 26 and 61 to and from the site each day. This development also comes before the nuisance issue with invasive perfumes from the green waste composting facility have been addressed.

We believe that this decision needs to be thoroughly reviewed due to:
● Further loss of Green Belt
● Appropriateness of a Surrey wide facility to be located on the border with Berkshire and not more centrally within Surrey
● Suitability of road network for HGVs
● Proximity to residential neighbourhoods
● Lack of consultation undertaken
● Pending application for a medical incinerator at adjoining Kitsmead site