Industrial site rejected over HGV traffic fears

Plans for a major industrial development near a Surrey village have been rejected over concerns about traffic and infrastructure.

Proposals for eight commercial units in Send, Guildford, prompted fears the main street was "manifestly unsuitable" for heavy vehicles.

Guildford Borough Councillors rejected the scheme on Wednesday, agreeing London Road's infrastructure was not suitable.

Resident Hamilton Chapman told the planning meeting: "Every journey passes across the roundabout. HGVs already accelerate past bus stops towards the A3 which I can tell you first hand is terrifying."

The plan would have created about 60 jobs across 7,300 square metres (78,576 sq ft) of industrial and warehouse space, developers said.

Residents warned it would bring more HGVs and heavy traffic to a road network they claimed is already stretched.

Councillors echoed those concerns.

Councillor Howard Smith said the scheme appeared to mean "way too much increase in traffic".

Joanne Shaw said although Surrey County Council highways officers had not objected, the situation still "doesn't feel okay".

Some councillors suggested limiting hours of operation or lighting to reduce the impact on nearby homes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Planning officers said the council was limited because the site is allocated for employment use in the Local Plan and no highways objection has been raised by Surrey County Council.

Documents said the development would help meet demand for employment space in the borough while delivering dozens of jobs and biodiversity improvements.

Residents insisted the development would change the character of the area and worsen traffic through the surrounding villages.

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