At tomorrow’s Council meeting, Cllr Jonathan Essex (Redhill East, Green) and Cllr Robert Evans (Stanwell and Stanwell Moor, Labour) will propose an amendment to a motion tabled by Mr Peter Martin (Godalming South, Milford and Witley, Conservative).
The amendment adds a new paragraph to the motion, reading, “However, this Council is concerned that any new runways at either Heathrow or Gatwick would have seriously detrimental effects to many Surrey residents and the environment.”
Cllr Essex said, “The Tories’ motion suggests Surrey Council would accept a new runway at either Heathrow or Gatwick if environmental and access problems could be ‘addressed’. This would be a total reversal of Surrey County Council’s stance over the last forty years of opposing expansion at either airport.
“We don’t believe these problems can be addressed – and our amendment seeks to balance the Tories’ enthusiasm about possible economic benefits with a reminder of the real threats new runways pose to our environment and our communities.”
