East Surrey MP, Peter Ainsworth, has learnt that work has begun under orders from the Ministry of Defence to erect unsightly fencing on Green Belt land at Kenley Airfield.

A previous attempt to fence off the airfield for "health & safety" reasons was abandoned after protests from local residents and MP Peter Ainsworth, and objections from Tandridge and Croydon Councils.

The new fencing is described as "temporary", but the MoD cannot say how long it will remain in place.

Peter Ainsworth recently tabled Parliamentary Questions about the MoD's plans which established:

• That no discussions were held with users of Kenley Common before the decision to erect the fencing was announced;
• That no discussions were held with Tandridge District Council; and
• That no date has been fixed for the removal of the "temporary" fencing.

Peter Ainsworth comments:

"Erecting ugly fencing on Green Belt land in the name of "Heath & Safety", and without planning permission, represents a dangerous precedent. Of course nobody wants to take unnecessary risks, but the MoD's determination to force through this measure in the face of popular opposition from walkers and local residents shows a bizarre sense of priorities."

Notes:

The answers to the Parliamentary Questions can be found online here: http://tinyurl.com/p3g8c8