This a copy of the email I sent to David Draper who was one of the MVDC Councillors who objected in a newsletter to building on the land to the south of the Westcoott Road back in 2018 when the Conservative led Council proposed this green belt land for re-development.
"Dear David Draper,
Perhaps you would be good enough to explain your views on the retention of green belt land. I attach a copy of the Liberal Democrats newsletter dated Summer 2018 where you are quoted as saying "This land clearly meets the criteria for remaining part of the Green Belt and should not be developed." The field in question is now being taken out of the green belt allowing developers to submit plans for building on this precious green space, something the Liberal Democrat MVDC seem happy to do having included it in their recently published Local Plan.
I would like to know why you have changed your mind with regard to this particular area given the fact that we are all faced with a climate emergency of epic proportions and should be looking to increase green space not reduce it. The legacy of what we are leaving to our children and grandchildren does not bear thinking about.
Regards
Nicholas Tinker
West Dorking Resident's Group"
and this is the reply I received:
"Dear Mr Tinker
Thank you for your email. The local plan is currently with the inspector and public consultation meetings are imminent.
As you will see the leaflet was written some four years ago. We are, of course, committed to saving the Green Belt wherever we possibly can. The problem is the number of houses which the government has demanded we build cannot be contained by infilling or brown field sites. We have managed to reduce the amount of housing by a large amount, but the issue of number still reflects the position above, which is a figure imposed by the government.
It is fortunate that Dorking does have several large sites that can accommodate new housing, such as the Kuoni building, the Clarion block by the station and the Aviva site.
However, with the need to spread the housing throughout Mole Valley over the length of the plan, it is necessary to build more in the town. The plan is still in draft, so I would encourage you to pass on your views to the inspector. I am assuming you will have done so in the written consultation earlier. The more people who voice concerns the greater the chance of a further reduction in numbers , especially on green belt land.
Regards
David Draper
Cllr. Dorking North"
So a complete change of heart on his part, nothing like 'flip flop' politicians.