Planning
UPDATE - 29 SEPTEMBER 2021
Reigate and Banstead BC Planning Committee voted to refuse this planning application as the proposed development would be inappropriate within the Green Belt, and harmful to its openness. Other harm would result by virtue of loss of land for open recreation and the loss of allotments. In addition, the proposed development by virtue of extent of development and associated habitat loss within the designated SNCI and BOA would have an unacceptable adverse impact.
(see NEWS for full Reasons for Refusal).
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SAVE NEW POND FARM
THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT ON THIS SITE:
LOSS OF GREEN BELT
Creating this crematorium will result in removal of land from the green belt, once gone it is gone forever. This is green belt land that is used and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
'Once Green Belts have been defined, local planning authorities should plan positively to enhance their beneficial use, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation; to retain and enhance landscapes, visual amenity and biodiversity; or to improve damaged and derelict land.'
'Inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances.'
We say NO.
LOSS OF, OR HARM TO NATURAL HABITAT AND BIODIVERSITY
This is a designated Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) and the harm could be catastrophic to a large array of local wildlife. Such sites are specifically designated, according to strict criteria, because they perform a particular function, encouraging local bio-diversity and habitat protection. Extensive construction and loss of open space risks resulting in signifiant harm to the local wildlife, habitat and bio-diversity.
We say NO.
HARM TO HEALTH/ENVIRONMENT
Cremations release greenhouse gases and other chemicals that may be present in the body, such as mercury, dioxins and furans.
Carbon Dioxide - '1,000 cremations per annum equals 150 tonnes per year of carbon this equals 1,229,508 car carbon kilometres annually. .' CDS Group.
It can take one to two hours to cremate a body, depending on weight or size and performance of the cremator.
There is an increasing awareness of the environmental impact of cremations, alternatives are emerging.
Exposure to potential harmful emissions and damage to long term impact on the environment -
We say NO.
THE CREMATORIUM PROPOSAL
- Site approximately 4.98ha of Green Belt land
- Single storey building of around 870 sqm
- Capacity for 2 cremators, and up to 3 chimneys
- Single chapel, 120-mourner crematorium with8 memorial garden
- Able to host 8 services per day
- Circa 500 vehicle trips per day during busiest periods
- Services offered between 1000 - 1600
- Gardens of remembrance open 365 days a year
- Access roads (encroaching on the allotments)
- Car park and access (impacting football pitches and sports use)
- Service yard and parking
WE SAY NO!
More information about the planning proposal can be found at: reigate-banstead.gov.uk/crematorium
LOSS OF ACCESS, OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTDOOR SPORT AND RECREATION
Grass roots sports play a key role in our communities. Playing sport is associated with positive quality of life benefits to all layers of society, and in some cases these benefits are higher for those from socially disadvantaged groups.
Loss of New Pond Farm football pitches.
We say NO.
LOSS OF GREEN SPACE
There is increasingly compelling evidence showing that access to greenspaces really matters for our health.' - Public Health England, Improving Access to Greenspace - A new review for 2020.
We say NO.
INCREASED TRAFFIC AND CONGESTION
Additional pressure on Woodhatch Road, nearby junctions and access to local schools.
We say NO.
LOSS OF ALLOTMENTS
Allotments are permitted use of green belt, and are impacted by this development.
We say NO.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to protect New Pond Farm from development, ensuring it is retained for community use.
We will continue to promote use of the site as green space, for health, well being, education and community cohesion.
Woodhatch Green Spaces Preservation Group will work to secure long term protection of the site, and assurance that the site will be preserved as open space, allotments an football pitches for community use.
Save New Pond Farm!
Additional land also under threat of being removed from the Green Belt, South Park & Woodhatch
10
Land west of Castle Drive
Urban extension on previously Green Belt land - approximately 10 new homes
25
Hartswood Nursery
Urban extension on previously Green Belt land - approximately 25 new homes
100
Land at Dovers Farm
Urban extension on previously Green Belt land - approximately 100 new homes
260
Sandcross Lane
Urban extension on previously Green Belt land - approximately 260 homes
Other proposals within Reigate:
The Canon site -
- Relocation of Surrey County Council offices
- Relocation of Reigate Priory school
Source: Development Management Plan Regulation 19 Fact Sheet