London Irish Planning applications unanimously rejected (Spelthorne Liberal Democrats)

London Irish Planning applications unanimously rejected

April 28, 2010 10:05 PM

Cllr Caroline Nichols and parliamentary candidate Mark Chapman still say "NO" to London Irish proposals

The two planning applications from London Irish, to build 194 houses in the Avenue in Sunbury and to redevelop the Hazelwood golf course site as a rugby centre, were both refused unanimously by Spelthorne's Planning Committee.

A large audience at the special meeting held at Kempton Park listened while the two applications were debated. Special arrangement were made to allow additional public speakers on both sides of the debate. The speakers against the applications demonstrated the depth of feeling of local residents and articulated the compelling arguments against the proposals. Local Liberal Democrat Councillors Caroline and Lawrence Nichols both spoke in support of local residents against the applications.

The Spelthorne Officer's recommendation to refuse the applications was unanimously endorsed by the members of the Planning Committee. Whilst significant sympathy was expressed for the ambitions of the London Irish club to expand its facilities, none of the members spoke in favour of the application. Despite the unanimous refusal of the applications, London Irish have stated that they intend to appeal the decisions.

Commenting on the decisions, Councillor Caroline Nichols said "I do not wish to see London Irish leave Sunbury but the proposals put forward were simply not acceptable. Our urban open spaces are precious and your Liberal Democrat Councillors will continue to work to protect them".

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