PRESS STATEMENT – 21 SEPTEMBER 2021

Crispin Blunt MP welcomes the decision by the Planning Department at Reigate and Banstead Borough Council to ‘call in’ to the Secretary of State any decision made by the planning committee to press ahead with proposals for the Council to build and run a new crematorium facility at Woodhatch.

Mr. Blunt commented that “It is right the Secretary of State should independently examine this controversial development in London’s Green Belt both because of the implications of greenfield land being given over for development when the ‘very special circumstances’ required to do this are under question, but also because it ensures that there is an independent adjudicator in a planning application that has been brought forward by the council which is therefore both the developer and the planning authority and may appear conflicted.”

“This is a controversial and complicated planning application and it is right that it is independently adjudicated upon. This direction, by the planning authority, will demonstrate transparency and objectivity in the local planning process and prove that local council has robust procedures in place to ensure that this is the case.”

“The application has caused concern from many constituents for a range of reasons and I have been clear about my position that it should be referred if passed by the planning committee.”

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Notes to editors

Office of Crispin Blunt MP: 0207 219 2254