Protection of Wildlife

A total of 108 species of flowering plants were recorded from the site in 1994, and 227 invertebrates, were recorded from the site in 2001.

Six amber and twelve red BCC listed bird species have been recorded and the site has considerable potential to support additional numbers and species of bird.

The ecologist led management plan emphasises the need for “suitable habitat and disturbance-free conditions”and that “cyclists should continue to be confined to the tow path”.

For a point by point breakdown as to why we believe this is at odds with the management plan, we have outlined it in detail here (on request from Councillor Richard Ashworth).

As a Flood Defence

Significant flooding has occurred in Godalming in 1968, 1990, 2000, 2013 and 2020. These events are getting closer together with climate change. During the 2013 flood, 84 properties in the Meadrow and Catteshall area were affected and homeowners evacuated. Residents were out of their homes for many months.

Any act, such as the ones proposed, driving posts to support a boardwalk, foundations or partially surfacing the area will lead to reduced flood storage, this is not a risk (however small) that we should be willing take! Policy CC4 of the local plan specifically states that any construction should not constrain the natural function of the functional floodplain, either by impeding flood flow or reducing storage capacity.

We are unsure that this could even be classified as the kind of essential infrastructure in a (Zone 3B) floodplain that would be recommended by the environment agency and that it would meet the essential criteria after undertaking the Sequential and Exception Tests. Read our in depth analysis as to why we believe this to go against Environment Agency guidance here.

The Lammas Lands are recognised as a vital part of the flood protection measures of the town and even a marginal increase in flood risk is not acceptable. The Environment Agency dictates no net loss of floodplain storage, at the council(s) own admission this project will lead to a marginal reduction.

Protected View of St Peter and St Paul Parish Church

One aspect raised by the community through the Godalming and Farncombe Neighbourhood Plan (2019) engagement process was the importance of protecting valued landmark views.

The plan sets out that development should preserve the historic setting of the panoramic view from Chalk Road/Bridge Road towards the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, across the Lammas Lands. Any development which has a detrimental impact on the setting of this panoramic view will be refused.

We sincerely hope that Waverley Borough Council will not go against what was set out as part of the Neighbourhood Plan.

Green Benefits

Surrey County Council have stated the following about the route

"While the route has been selected with utility in mind, most of it passes through scenic landscape making it suitable for leisure as well. However it is not intended that this should be a route for cycling at speed. Fast routes for commuting by bike may be better provided separately."

Our opinion is that of the council(s) own admission, this route would not be suitable for the kind of commuting that it is promising and the reduction in carbon emissions that would come from it. This juxtaposed with the potential harm to the floodplain function, surrounding views and natural habits make this an inadequate response to decreasing daily car usage.

Prior Consultations

As part of the Godalming and Farncombe Neighbourhood Plan (2019) traffic calming measures were suggested and have not been implemented, specifically on Bridge Road.

The ecologist led management plan and visitor survey consulted 219 people who actually use the Lammas Lands, rather than cyclists from Guildford. The overriding sentiment from these was that the key focuses should be habitat management, floodplain management and cattle grazing. They also suggested extra turnstiles and volunteer groups, to help locals become more educated about their surrounding nature.

It is important that these previous consultations & expert advice are undertaken and that the results and advice are implemented.

Restrictive Covenants

Surrey County Council appear to be ignoring the restrictive covenants in place at Land Registry in their plans for a boardwalk on Overgone Meadow. The key covenant states that,

"not at any time hereafter either to change the use from that of agriculture or to take any action which would encourage public use of the said property (edged red excluding the 4.35 acres between Chalk Road and Hells Ditch)."

These restrictive covenants, in the words of a member of the family that put them in place, were put there to ensure that they remain as farming, grazing and wildlife land. They are very keen for it to stay that way.