Tyting Farm - Scrutiny Committee emphasises environmental priorities

4.22.06pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 4th Jul 2006

The 'call-in' of the decision of the Borough Council's Executive to lease Tyting Farm has emphasised that protecting the environment and countryside must be the top priority. A representative of the 'Save Tyting Farm Campaign' addressed the Community Development Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 1 June, and submitted a document setting out their view of the environmental priorities and the criteria that should be used in granting the lease. The Committee agreed the document should be passed to the Council's legal officers so it could be taken into account when the lease for Tyting Farm is marketed.

The Council's Executive considered the result of the call-in at its meeting on 22 June. Cllr Vivienne Johnson, the Liberal Democrat Chair of the Community Development Scrutiny Committee, welcomed the fact that the call-in had made the process more transparent, but sought confirmation from the Executive that the environmental priorities of the Save Tyting Farm campaigners were being taken seriously.

Cllr Johnson told the members of the Executive, "I have deep concerns that the scoring system that is being applied in assessing bids will give undue emphasis to those offering the greatest financial benefits, and downplay the impact on the local environment. Many of us were impressed by the proposal for Tyting Farm from the Surrey Wildlife Trust, and it would be a huge shame if they were unable to compete for the lease because they couldn't offer a high rent. It is absolutely vital that more weight is given to the sustainable use of the Farm and the Council should not allow financial interests to dominate."