Pippbrook zoned for housing! (Mole Valley Liberal Democrats)

Mole Valley Liberal Democrats <info@molevalleylibdems.org.uk>

Pippbrook zoned for housing!

November 30, 2008 3:11 PM

Council offices may be replaced by housing

The Conservatives on Mole Valley District Council have used their majority to push through a last minute change to the draft Mole Valley Strategic Plan against strong Liberal Democrat opposition. Out of the blue they have designated the Council Offices at Pippbrook as a potential site for future housing development. This would probably mean the demolition of the Council Offices and unacceptable changes to the pleasant green area that surrounds the buildings. It would also mean the loss of substantial car parking which currently serves Dorking Halls and the town centre. There are no proposals to replace any of these facilities.

The transfer of the land from civic to housing use could deprive Mole Valley of a unique centre for local government services and make it difficult to find a future home for vital community services in Dorking with easy access for local people. Add to that the loss of employment within the community and the consequent effect on the viability of the town centre and potentially we have a situation that can only be bad for Dorking.

Councillor Stephen Cooksey said "The Conservatives are already designating potential housing sites on green belt land which is totally unacceptable to Liberal Democrats. This new decision could, if implemented, go a long way towards turning the centre of Dorking into one huge housing estate with few facilities to serve the residents.

"Liberal Democrats oppose both the Pippbrook proposals and housing development in the green belt" said Councillor Cooksey. "This is yet another example of the Conservative Executive failing to act in the interests of local residents. It is an appalling decision and we will continue to oppose it vigorously "