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CAMPAIGN UPDATE JAN 24th 

The Public Meeting at Albury Hall on 20^th Jan was extremely well-attended by over 200 people.  With the hall filled, 70 listened to proceedings on loudspeakers outside in plunging January temperatures.  Star Energy were invited but declined to attend.  Following a presentation of Star Energy’s proposals & implications, speakers outlined the impact for the ecology, environment and recreational users.  Many were shocked by the revelation that Star Energy plans a two-phase £134 million gas storage facility in the Albury gasfield (see Presentation and dti Press Release). 

Mr Alistair Stone from Surrey CC Planning explained the planning process and answered procedural queries (see Factsheet). There followed many concerned contributions from residents, recreational users, equestrian users and walkers.  The chairman closed proceedings with a series of votes, which demonstrated unanimous objection to the proposals (bar one abstention).  Impromptu donations were gratefully received and will help the campaign to become formalised.

Star Energy displayed details of their proposals and representatives were available to field questions.  The meeting was well-attended throughout the 4 hour duration.  For the majority of people this was their first contact with the company.  Many came with a list of questions and lively discussions ensued.  Representatives from the company reassured the public that there were no plans beyond the 3 year appraisal period and stated that the expenditure for this project was no more than £1.25 million.  A number of people were told that the planning application did not include widening of Sandy Lane, even though this remains part of the current planning application.  The general feeling was that people left with more questions than answers. 

The Campaign issued a Press Release regarding the scale of the Albury Gasfield proposals on Friday 20^th January.

A camera crew and reporter from Meridian TV were present at the Star Energy exhibition and later filmed recreational users enjoying Albury Health on Sunday.  Meridian TV plan to screen the story as a lead item on their evening news this Wednesday.

Although only 3 weeks in existence, the Action Group of the campaign has now met several times and expanded significantly.  A formal structure is now in place to provide an effective and sustainable platform for the campaign.  A core Steering Group comprising Paul Lister, Nicola Savage & David Small has been endorsed and links into Brook Residents Group and Blackheath Village Society.  Within the Action Group there is an energetic team but further skills and help will be required.  The Steering Group would like to thank the many of you who have offered help and we will get back to you as the needs of the Campaign evolve.

As mentioned, an impromptu collection was made at the public meeting and many of you have offered in your emails to help financially.  The financial requirements of the Campaign will be clearer once we have scoped our strategy – so we will get back to you.

The official closing date for objections remains 10^th February.  Please see the page on how to LODGE YOUR OBJECTION.  Despite the revelation of Star Energy’s future intentions for gas storage, it is important that objections are focused on the current planning application.  This relates to the proposed 4 acre gas appraisal site adjacent to Blackheath Common and access road across Blackheath Common (see Star Energy’s Plans for full details).

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Last updated: 13/06/08