Intervention from East Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth has led to controversial plans to create a new water borehole in Oxted to be withdrawn.
The planning application by Sutton and East Surrey Water for a new borehole close to St Mary’s School had caused a outcry amongst local residents, among them the Rector of Oxted, Rev Alan Mayer.
Responding residents’ concerns, Peter Ainsworth initiated discussions with Sutton and Surrey water which led to the application being withdrawn.
Speaking in the wake of the application’s withdrawal, Peter Ainsworth said:
"Whilst I understand why the water company needs to open up a new borehole, especially in light of the current water shortages, I am delighted that Sutton and Surrey water have finally decided to withdraw these plans.”
“The proposed site was entirely unsuitable for several reasons, not least its proximity to a school and other properties, and I feared that it would add to existing problems on local roads. In addition, the construction of an access road into Green Belt land posed a long term threat of further development.”
He added:
“This is a significant victory for the residents of North Oxted and am very grateful to those who brought the matter to my attention”
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