Redhill Aerodrome under threat

The first of the Green Belt sites to come under direct attack is Redhill Aerodrome. The group 'Keep Redhill Airfield Green' and Nutfield residents have supplied the following information for objectors who want to write in opposing the two planning applications for Redhill Aerodrome which have been submitted to Tandridge District Council. It is believed that both applications are aimed at getting the site removed from Green Belt protection as a first step towards obtaining planning permission to build 2000 houses there.

Letters or emails of objection to Tandridge District Council must be submitted by 24th July

Please email your letter to: comaps@tandridge.gov.uk or write to: Mr R. W. Evans, Director of Planning, Tandridge District Council, Station Road East, Oxted, RH8 0BT
Mark your letter: TA/2008/779 and TA/2008/1003

The first of the planning applications is for a HARD RUNWAY WITH ASSOCIATED WORKS to replace the grass airstrip - application number TA/2008/779.

In your letter you may wish to include some of the points listed below.

1) The site is Green Belt land. We believe that this application is an attempt to get this site redesignated as a brownfield site which will then enable the applicant, RAVL, to pursue their preferred option of a residential development of 2000 houses within the next 4-5 years. We do not believe that the site is brownfield land as maintained by the applicant. It is greenfield land in the Green Belt.

2) The proposed development would lead to a significant increase in the number of aircraft using the aerodrome. The aircraft will undoubtedly be larger and noisier than the light aircraft currently using the grass aerodrome. There will be an adverse impact on the quality of life for the residents of the surrounding areas due to an increase in noise and pollution.

3) Aircraft approaching the runway at Redhill Aerodrome from the east finish their descent by crossing over the M23. The larger aircraft that will be able to use the 1100m hard runway will come in frighteningly low over the motorway traffic. Given the proximity to Gatwick Airport, the M23 and residential property, there is serious concern about air accidents.

4) If approved the development would lead to an expansion of traffic on an inadequate road network. The proposal will be very detrimental to the local communities as well as the Green Belt and countryside.

Appeals have previously been dismissed for similar proposals and we request that this application is also refused.

Second application: EQUESTRIAN CENTRE - application number TA/2008/1003

1) The application submitted provides insufficient information in order to consider the implications of the proposed change of use to an equestrian centre.

2) The application is poorly presented and we have doubts about the true reasons behind this application. If permission were granted, we believe it would be used by RAVL and its companies to justify a more intensive form of development in the future, such as a residential development, which has already been promoted by these companies.

For these reasons we would urge you to refuse permission.