To Councillor Harwood

 

Thank you for your e-mail which Bob Evans has asked me to reply to.

 

Tandridge District Council has always been opposed to the proposed strategic expansion of East Grinstead and the consequent requirement for a relief road. Objection has been raised at various stages in the preparation of the West Sussex Structure Plan. Nevertheless, the Panel presiding over the Structure Plan Examination-in-Public did not agree that the proposed expansion should not take place but did consider that cross boundary implications for a relief road would need to be addressed by West Sussex County Council in consultation with adjoining authorities.

 

Subsequently Mid Sussex District Council has agreed that the East Grinstead Strategic Development Area Action Plan Submission Document will include 2,500 homes to the west and south west of East Grinstead as part of a mixed development. Mid Sussex District Council has also agreed to a comprehensive transport package to include an A264 to A22 relief road which would join the A264 within Tandridge District to the west of Felbridge village. Mid Sussex District Council will now be working with stakeholders and individuals who have made their views known to bring forward the Submission Document to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for independent examination by an inspector.

 

Tandridge District Council is opposed to any new road where it would constitute inappropriate development within the Green Belt. Therefore, if a relief road is to be acceptable within the Green Belt in Tandridge District, “very special circumstances” must exist to justify the route. In particular it must be clearly demonstrated that:

 

a) the growth of East Grinstead is planned in the most sustainable way possible;

b) the requirement for a relief road is part of a package of measures;

c) appropriate mitigation measures are implemented to protect the interests of residents/businesses and the environment in Tandridge District; and

d) there is no other better alternative non-Green Belt route.

 

If following the independent examination by an inspector, the route for the relief road currently being proposed is proceeded with, Tandridge District Council would wish to be consulted on any details submitted, including engineering details, and would be seeking appropriate mitigation measures as outlined in c) above. Until these details are submitted, it is too early to identify the appropriate mitigation measures necessary.

 

I hope that this response to your e-mail is helpful.

 

Regards,

 

John Phillips

Transport & Policy Officer

Planning

Tandridge District Council

Tel: 01883 732867

E-mail: jphillips@tandridge.gov.uk