In a massive display of community solidarity, residents of Warlingham, along with their neighbours from Chesham and Farleigh, convened at a pivotal meeting organised by the Save Warlingham Green Belt (SWGB) group. The gathering highlighted the community's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the cherished green spaces that form a vital buffer between Croydon and Warlingham. Surrey County Councillor for Warlingham Division, Becky Rush, was among the key figures in attendance, lending her support to the cause that has galvanised local residents.
For years, Councillor Rush, alongside dedicated activists like Lauren, Sarah, and Angela, has championed the protection of Warlingham's green belt. The meeting served as a testament to their relentless efforts to elevate the issue's profile and mobilise public opinion against the looming threat of unchecked development. Lauren's presentation shed light on the historical context, elucidating the reasons behind the current predicament and the challenges faced in preserving these green spaces.
The discussions underscored a stark reality: local Tandridge Councillors advocating for green belt preservation are vastly outnumbered within the Tandridge District Council (TDC), facing uphill battles in influencing development decisions. Councillor Rush, in her address, clarified the limitations of her role in planning decisions. As a County Councillor, her influence is indirect, focusing on securing infrastructure improvements and engaging as a statutory consultee to ensure that highway concerns are adequately addressed.
A noteworthy development involves contentious applications claiming "special circumstances" for green belt land use. In one instance, a proposal justified the need for a new primary school, a claim refuted by Surrey's Education directorate, affirming no such necessity. Similarly, a bid for an extra care facility was debunked by Surrey Adult Social Care, highlighting the misuse of "special circumstances" to encroach upon green spaces.
Councillor Rush's advocacy extends beyond mere opposition to inappropriate development; she posits a value distinction within the green belt itself, arguing that the areas north of the M25 hold greater significance compared to those to the south. This perspective aligns with a broader vision to protect these landscapes, not just for Warlingham but as part of a collective effort with neighbouring communities like Caterham, Chaldon, Tatsfield, and Woldingham.
As the SWGB group and its supporters continue their vigilant defence of Warlingham's green belt, the challenges ahead are formidable. Yet, the resolve displayed by the community and its leaders signals a readiness to confront these trials head-on, striving to preserve the natural heritage and rural character of their beloved area.
