Inquiry to 'end' 20-year-old wrangle

Nov 23 2009 By Rusell Butt

THE PUBLIC inquiry that could help end a 20-year wrangle between the owners of an Egham farm and Runnymede Council got under way last week.

Padd Farm, on Hurst Lane is the subject of the hearing, which began on Tuesday, November 17, has continued all this week at the civic chambers in Addlestone and is hoped will be concluded by tomorrow (Friday, November 27).

The alleged breach of two enforcement notices and the refusal of a certificate of lawful use to change the land use at the 12.8 hectare site by the council's planning committee were the subject of an appeal by farm owners Daniel Beach senior and his wife, Linda.

As the inquiry opened on Tuesday morning, opening speeches were presented by the two barristers, Michael Druce representing the council, and Wayne Beglan representing the farm owners, to the inspector, Richard Tamplin, a chartered town planner employed by the Secretary of State.

Chairman of Runnymede Council's Planning Committee, Councillor Geoff Woodger (Conservative) has been keeping a close eye on proceedings from the public gallery and said he is hopeful for a positive outcome for the council.

He said: "Daniel Beach was being questioned yesterday and said that he thought the council had been giving him 'mixed messages', so the council's barrister, Mr Druce, then took him 29 enforcement notices issued on the farm by the council.

"It looks as if the council officers have prepared a fairly strong case and we are hoping that it convinces the inspector."

Hurst Lane resident, Derek Payne, has lived on the road for 49 years and seen Padd Farm grown exponentially during this time. This week he spoke himself at the inquiry giving evidence to the changes he has seen on the site.

Mr Payne has been attending the hearing every day and despite being against the development of the site himself, he feels the outcome will only go one way.

Speaking last week, he said: "I have been there for three days now and I have made up my mind already. I just don't know why it's taken so long to come to this.

"I am quite enjoying it to be honest, it's been an interesting debate. But I can only really see it going one way."

In June Runnymede Council's planning committee decided to pursue a High Court injunction to prevent the siting of any caravans or mobile homes, residential use of the garage flat and cottage at the farm and make them comply with the existing enforcement notices.

The decision was taken to bring closure to the 20-year saga, regardless of the cost and despite the council's current financial problems.