A SCHEME to introduce parking charges at National Trust Witley Centre that triggered 80 objections has been deferred by Waverley planners.

Planning officers had recommended Waverley’s Central Area planning committee grant the National Trust application to install a pay and display ticket machine at the Webb Road parking area for Witley Common.

Witley Parish Council objected it was “inappropriate development in a quiet woodland area with potential for vandalism if the money remained in the machine”.

Residents called for it to be turned down because “users should not be charged to use the town common” and it would result in drivers parking elsewhere to avoid paying and causing road safety problems.

The trust said it would bring the Webb Road car park in line with many of its other car parks in the Surrey Hills area and money generated would be used to help maintain the countryside and for nature conservation work.

It added other charging areas had not caused users to park elsewhere and the machine would accept cashless payment so would be less of a target for vandals.

Objector Paul Dudley was applauded by supporters during the public speaking slot before the planning committee determined the application, when he urged members to reject the scheme on road safety grounds due to visitors parking elsewhere.

“I’m concerned with additional pedestrian traffic crossing Haslemere Road at a well-known dangerous junction, this could lead to severe consequences,” he said. “I’m concerned there will be an accident. Witley Parish Council and 80 people have objected it is going to be dangerous as a result.”

Witley councillor Nick Holder agreed if people parked in Gasden Lane on the opposite side of the A286 Haslemere Road, the crossing was “extremely dangerous”. He added: “On all the other commons in the area, car parking is free. Why should Witley Common be an exception?”

Fellow councillor Anna James said: “Objections have been raised on highways grounds. I’m surprised Surrey highways has not been consulted given that crossing Haslemere Road from Gasden Lane is lethal.”

Committee members agreed to defer the application to hear back from the county highways department and also to gather more information about otter car parks in the Surrey Hills area.