OBJECTORS to a Highways England plan to build an A3 salt depot for winter gritting on farmland compulsorily purchased for the Hindhead Tunnel project, have welcomed the agency’s decision to withdraw its appeal.

Following Waverley planners decision to refuse the application last September, Highways England lodged an appeal with an inquiry scheduled to start in July.

The plan for a salt depot to house four gritter lorries at Bedford Lane in the Green Belt in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, triggered more than 150 letters of objection.

Planning officers had recommended Waverley’s central area planning committee should approve the application in September, but committee members voted by eight to two to reject it.

Highways England decided to appeal on the grounds it did not consider Waverley had provided enough reasons to refuse the scheme, and the majority of statutory bodies consulted had not objected to it.

“There are no suitable alternative locations outside of the green belt that will offer the long-term future proofing and resilience to the network in the event of severe weather,” highways staff told the planning inspectorate.

Thursley Parish Council backed the objections by residents. Vice-chairman Peter Hunter said: “This will create noise and light pollution on both sides of the A3.

“A firm commitment was made at the Hindhead Tunnel Inquiry in 2004 that the site would be returned to its original condition as an agricultural unit.”

Welcoming Highways England’s change of heart, Mr Hunter said: “It is with delight the parish council can report the appeal by for the trunk road salt depot at Hindhead Hill Farm has been withdrawn.

“Congratulations are due to the campaign fighters of Bedford Lane, who have spent so much time and effort in thwarting this objectionable proposal.”