News

Cranleigh Freight Services (CFS) says that ongoing delays to a public inquiry (PI) dealing with its plans to expand its Dunsfold, Surrey headquarters are putting jobs at risk. The issue has been dragging on since early this year and this week the latest PI hearing was adjourned until next February to consider further evidence.

Colin Young, CFS chairman, told MT: "This matter has been going on since about February this year - far too long. "It is costing our firm money in terms of lost business  and legal fees and is the sort of delay that could put jobs in jeopardy. The council should be attempting to help, not hinder firms providing employment in the area."

Traffic commissioner Philip Brown put back the public inquiry in Eastbourne until next February so that a report commissioned by Waverley Borough Council into acoustics at Cranleigh's Dunsfold Park site, as well as other evidence, can be considered. The council has objected to Cranleigh's application to increase the number of vehicles it operates there from 70 to 100.

Tim Nesbitt, representing the council, told the hearing: "Vehicles are being kept beyond the parameters of the operating centre, noise has also been caused by vehicles operating beyond the parameters. "The council would like you [Cranleigh] to limit the expansion of the site and/or have conditions imposed."

Gregory Jones, representing Cranleigh, responded: "We have not yet had a chance to deal with the acoustic evidence. We don't  know what conditions the council wants to impose and what variations it is suggesting." Brown said residents must be provided with a chance to express their views. "Enviro-nmental concerns must be balanced against the need to operate the business," he added.