Park And Ride Scheme Given The Nod Despite Ward Councillors’ Concerns

Published on: 7 Nov, 2012
Updated on: 10 Nov, 2012

The Onslow park and ride scheme was approved by Guildford Borough councillors this week (Tuesday, November 6), a decision taken immediately in the wake of the Waitrose planning approval.

Once again it was controversial and once again the impact on traffic congestion was one of the main concerns of those expressing objections.

The debate was more balanced than it been on the Waitrose application. Several of the councillors spoke against the proposal in addition to county councillor Fiona White (Lib Dem), who represents the area of Guildford West at County Hall.

Concerns among some councillors were known to exist that funds from central government and the land offer from the University of Surrey would both disappear if the project was not approved, a concern spelt out by Cllr Keith Taylor, (Con, Send). He said: “Some years ago, the university made those available a suitable area of land for this third park and ride. Significantly, this agreement is due to expire early in 2013.

“Last year we were all delighted to learn that the government had given Surrey more than £20 million for its sustainable transport fund, £4 million of which was allocated to Guildford for the construction of a park and ride site. Again this money will be lost unless county are in a position to commence this construction work almost immediately.”

But Cllr Fiona White, who spoke as a member of the public, said: “Let me be clear – I am in favour of the principle of park and ride sites around Guildford to reduce the number of vehicles going into the town centre. What I am not in favour of is the access via the Egerton Road system.

Map showing the proposed Onslow park and ride site

“The two existing purpose-built sites at Artington and Merrow are in the right places to capture that traffic but far enough away from residential areas not to have a direct impact. This does not apply to the Onslow site.”

Cllr James Palmer (Con, Shalford) Lead member for Town Centre and Transport, was given special permission to address the planning committee. He said: “For the past decade it has been part of this council’s planning policy to establish a park and ride to the west of the borough and in particular in the Onslow area. I therefore ask the committee tonight in considering this application to bear that in mind so that we can realise that policy. The benefits are manifold.

“To those that have said that they are for park and ride in principle but not on this site – then where is that site?

“I have heard from the county councillor a lot of ‘what ifs’ but the committee has to deal with the application now and not what could have been.

“In conclusion… I would urge the committee to make a meaningful contribution…”

At this point Cllr David Goodwin shouted loudly “Okay!” and then addressed the chairman Cllr Gordon Jackson (Con Pirbright), and said: “…I have been part of this planning committee for 14 years … this I see as nothing more than a three line whip. The Executive member here [Cllr Palmer] hasn’t normally got the right to speak at this committee … and now he is giving political direction and policy direction to committee members – and that I find is bang out of order.”

The chairman explained that he had agreed to Cllr Palmer speaking and that he did not interpret what he had said as direction: “I am sure that members of the planning committee are quite independently minded.”

Cllr Palmer responded: “To suggest that I am giving some kind of whipped direction is completely outrageous if not defamatory.”

Onslow park and ride plan – Click in image to enlarge

Cllr Tony Phillips (Lib Dem, Onslow) proposing a motion to refuse the application said members should ask themselves four questions:

“Will the new park and ride site bring excessive additional traffic to local roads? Yes it will.

Is the necessary highways infrastructure to easily access the site being proposed? No it isn’t.

Is the park and ride site in the right location? No it isn’t.

What should happen with the application?  It should be refused.

Julia McShane (Lib Dem, Westborough) said: “Why will anyone wishing to use the park and ride negotiate this notoriously congested area? The answer is that they won’t. [Local roads] are already at capacity.

“So what – that the option this piece of land is about to expire and the £4 million from government won’t be available unless this scheme is built now? I don’t feel pressurised to agree with the recommendation to approve… just because the option was not taken until now.”

A total of 14 councillors voted to grant permission, seven were against.

Today (Wednesday, November 7) David Hodge, the leader of Surrey County Council, said: “This scheme will reduce traffic congestion in and around Guildford town centre by encouraging more people to travel into the town centre by bus. It will help local businesses and benefit the environment by reducing air pollution. I believe the park and ride will also attract more visitors to Guildford.

“By working together on this scheme, the county and borough councils aim to support economic growth and improve people’s quality of life.”

Cllr Palmer added: “Work is also continuing on investigations into possible solutions to the on-street parking and through traffic issues in the Westborough area. An action plan for this is expected by late August 2013.”

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