A CONTROVERSIAL application by Waverley Borough Council to deregister Wey Hill Fairground as common land has been given the green light by an environmental planning inspector.

More than 1,000 objectors signed a protest petition against Waverley’s move to deregister the town centre site, which has been used a free car park for decades, in order to surface it and introduce pay and display.

Objectors argued the application was invalid because the "land swop" required for the loss of common land was a wooded slope the other side of the railway line that was not fit for purpose.

Some objections were also made on the grounds that the introduction of parking charges would have an adverse effect on the town centre. However, the application before me only seeks consent for the deregistration and exchange of common land and so concern about the possible introduction of parking charges is not a matter I can take into account.

Inspector Barney Grimshaw concluded the loss of common land would have "very little adverse effect" and could be a benefit.

Mr Grimshaw noted, however, that the land swop was less than ideal: “As a result of its steep and overgrown condition it is unlikely to be much used by the public. However, the proposed creation of more convenient paths through the area would make it more attractive at least to able bodied members of the public.”

*See next week’s Haslemere Herald for full report