Garden Village Bid Would not Succeed Opines Opponents’ Leading Counsel

Published on: 30 Oct, 2018
Updated on: 30 Oct, 2018

Campaigners against proposals to develop the former Wisley Airfield site, aka Three Farms Meadows, by Ockham village, are warning this evening that their QC barrister has opined that a proposal to bid for government funding for a Garden Village development fails to meet the necessary criteria.

Tony Edwards, Wisley Action Group spokesman

In a statement, Tony Edwards, a spokesperson for the Wisley Action Group (WAG), said: “Leading counsel acting on behalf of the Wisley Action Group and Ockham Parish Council has advised that the ‘Three Farms Meadows’ site fails to meet the required criteria presented in the prospectus – paragraphs 5 to 15 – so that an application by Guildford Borough Council would not qualify.

“We believe this is a fundamental observation which should be pointed out to the Executive before they vote on the matter this evening.

“WAG is particularly concerned about the apparent lack of advanced notice of tonight’s vote on whether Guildford should submit a bid. We are aware that some councillors – who might, for example, be expected to oppose such an application – are away, which raises the issue of grossly inadequate communications by the council.”

The Guildford Dragon understands that one of the councillors being referred to is Susan Parker (Send), leader of the Guildford Greenbelt Group who is believed to be on holiday.