Date set for playground inquiry

Councillors backed the plan because local children campaigned for it

A public inquiry into plans to improve a play area in Surrey will go ahead next month, a council has confirmed.

The plan to extend a playground on Englefield Green came about after local children raised a petition.

Runnymede council sought planning permission in 2008 but some residents objected and sparked an inquiry, which is now set to start on 15 December.

The authority said the estimated cost of the hearing was that of a typical inquiry - of up to £16,000.

Head of leisure, Chris Hunt, said the existing play area was for children aged five and under, but the scheme would extend it to also cater for seven to 11-year-olds.

'Ideal play area'

He said the project had more than 200 letters of support from children and parents, which "by far" exceeded objections from residents.

"Nowhere else in the village has such an ideal play area," Mr Hunt added.

And he said the proposal would take up 0.3% of common land on the green.

The plans need government approval because the area is a registered village green, he added.

Mr Hunt said: "The secretary of state determined that such a hearing would resolve the matter.

"The council cannot influence that decision, and has secured the venue for the hearing as near to the green as possible so that local residents can access the hearing."

He added that the council had made provision for the estimated £16,000 cost, and the hire of a hall close to the village would keep the inquiry cost-effective.

A decision on the plans is expected after Christmas.