Surrey Council to Reconsider Cranleigh Traffic Plans After Public Concerns

Surrey County Council will seek further consultation on plans to make Cranleigh feel “less car-dominated” following public concerns.

The initial proposal aimed to widen pavements, create a pedestrian-friendly Fountain Square, and replace a roundabout with a T-junction.

Residents argued that there needed to be more consultation regarding these changes to the High Street. Concerns were raised that the plans would increase traffic noise and pollution, make the area less safe for cyclists and pedestrians, and negatively impact local businesses.

Approximately 1,100 people petitioned the council to pause the changes, more than double the number who participated in the initial consultation, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Matt Furniss, the council’s lead member for highways and transport, confirmed a “further round of engagement” would take place.

Lead petitioner Philip Chapman insisted that the future consultation should incorporate ideas from residents rather than focusing on the current plans.

Councillor Liz Townsend mentioned that regular meetings were held between officers, residents, and the Chamber of Commerce, and the issue was discussed in parish council meetings.

However, campaigners felt this outreach was insufficient, as only 472 out of Cranleigh’s 12,697 residents, according to the 2021 census, responded to the initial consultation.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, MP for South West Surrey, stated in March that he had been discussing the proposed changes with the president of the Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce.