A number of local residents have reported to our Association that an irrigation reservoir is under construction at Vicarage Farm, Halliford Road, and which is in clear view from School Walk. It is indeed a very substantial development of the farmland.
Local authority planning consent is required for most reservoirs except those for 'minor agricultural developments' provided for under the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 but this development which cannot be described as 'minor' was in fact the subject of a planning application (14/00779/PDA) and was approved without any objections having been received prior to the commencement of works. The Local Planning Authority advised LOSRA that letters were sent to residents nearby at the time the application was made.
For further information, visit: http://my.spelthorne.gov.uk/planning/ and enter the reference number above.