Wisley Airfield housing development hit with transport backlash

Plans to build 2,000 homes on Surrey’s former Wisley Airfield have garnered concerns over transport delays.

Highways England, which manages the core road network in England, have claimed that the housing scheme could cause “severe harm” to the A3, but the government-owned company has yet to respond to Guildford council’s planning consultation.

However, Mike Murray of Wisley Property Investments has stated that talks between the parties concerned will continue and plans may be able to be adjusted.

Residents near the former airfield believe the development would put 5,000 more vehicles on the road.

Campaigner from Wisley Action Group have also spoke out against the proposed plans, claiming that farm track roads would have to be widened and the development would make life “almost impossible” for anyone in the surrounding area, as reported byBBC.

The plans are for the build of 2,100 homes with 100 sheltered accommodation units, school, nursery and health provision, shops, sports facilities and travellers pitches.

Mr Murray reiterated that Guildford has more than 3,000 people on its housing register and a development such as this was greatly needed.

Mr Murray said: “Highways England have said they are going to continue to meet with us and other interested agencies to try to satisfy their concerns and we’re meeting with them regularly to work through the proposals and see what adjustments we can make.”