Planning Applications - Runnymede Borough Council

4.8 The ES has since been supplemented by an ‘Alternative Sites Study’
(received by this Council in May 2003) which seeks to assess the
acceptability of other potential sites within the south east of England.
5. Consultations
5.1 Elmbridge Borough Council is the Planning Authority for this application and
responsible for undertaking the required consultations.
5.2 The application has been subject to public advertisement by the applicants
under the Environmental Assessment Regulations and by Elmbridge
Borough Council.
6. Planning Considerations
6.1 The main considerations so far as this Borough is concerned in respect of
this application are those of Green Belt policy, the likely impact of traffic
generation, and any flooding implications. The County Council will be
looking at the strategic planning issues including the possible contribution
of the development to the spatial strategy of the emerging Structure Plan in
relation to economic growth. Other considerations including conservation,
flooding, landscaping and design are essentially matters for Elmbridge
Borough Council.
Green Belt Issues
6.2 The Inspector who reported on the 1990 appeal considered that there was
“no doubt” that the Central Area of Brooklands “serves to divide not only the
two towns [Byfleet and Weybridge] but the east and west areas [of
Brooklands]” and that “it serves a clear Green Belt function in terms of the
advice in PPG2”. PPG2 (Green Belts) provides for a presumption against
inappropriate development within the Green Belt which includes the
construction of new buildings unless for specified purposes. The major built
development now proposed would consist of a Heritage and Technology
Centre for Mercedes coupled with the construction of a driving experience
circuit, the creation of an additional access to Brooklands Museum, a
replacement car park and an hotel, all located to the northern end of the
Central Area within the Green Belt. The development of Class B1 office
premises would be on the remaining part of the allocated strategic
employment land of the Brooklands Industrial Estate, again to the northern
end close to the main railway embankment.
6.3 The proposals for buildings within the Green Belt are inappropriate
development and therefore, by definition, a form of encroachment and
harmful. Very special circumstances are required for an exceptional case,
sufficient to override the harm caused by inappropriateness and any other
material harm.
6.4 With regard to very special circumstances, the proposals place heavy
emphasis on the heritage aspects of the scheme including the restoration of
surviving features, re-instatement of others, and the connection with the
Brooklands Museum. In addition the proposal includes the provision of a
community recreational park and a public thoroughfare along Wellington