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Local councils lose fight to prevent operation near SSI land

23rd September 2004
Page 37
Page 37, 23rd September 2004 — Local councils lose fight to prevent operation near SSI land
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SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL and Surrey Heath Borough Council have failed to prevent John Ripley and Derek Willis, trading as Ripley & Willis, being granted authority to operate two vehicles and two trailers from a site in Chobham, Surrey.

The South Eastern & Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner Christopher Heaps granted the lirm a licence after it agreed to environmental conditions. These restrict the times of operation; require vehicles to enter and leave by turning right and in forward gear; and limit each vehicle to three journeys a day.

Dermot Main Thompson, appearing for the county council, maintained that the site in Staple Ilfil Road was unsuitable on environmental and road safety grounds. He added that part of the surrounding area was a site of specific scientific interest.

The width of the access over which legal rights of way had been granted was inadequate — large vehicles could not use it without encroaching on common land.

There was potential conflict with pedestrians on a busy footpath. Road traffic accidents near the junction with the access road highlighted the potential hazards. The noise of passing vehicles was also likely to disturb neighbouring residents.

Granting the licence, the TC pointed out that the site was already used by a number of businesses. including a scrap yard, an HGV sales depot and a coach operator.

He was not satisfied that the parking of two more vehicles and trailers would have an adverse effect on the area. Though he accepted that the noise from HGVs would cause unacceptable disturbance to local residents at night, he was not convinced it would be unacceptable during normal hours, given the noise from other vehicles using the access.


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