Representation by Tim Hancock Associates (Tim Hancock Associates)
- Date submitted
- 26 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Dear Sir or Madam I confirm that we are instructed on behalf of Arthur Foodstores Limited who own an occupational leasehold interest at Horley Service Station, Brighton Road, Horley RH6 7ER, which operates under the Co-op retail and Texaco fuel brands as Co-op Petrol Horley (“the Property”). The Property is located adjoining the A23 Brighton Road, immediately north-east of its junction with the A23 London Road, A217 Reigate Road and Povey Cross Road at Longbridge Roundabout. The Property comprises a large 6 island double starter gate fuel forecourt layout providing all fuel grades to all islands, supported by a large, modern purpose-built control building containing a high quality Co-op convenience store. Additionally, it benefits form a rollover car wash housed within a purpose-built building and ancillary parking. The Property is able to serve both traffic flows on the principal A23 frontage with nearside traffic using the site on a left in, left out basis and offside traffic on a right in, right out basis. The Property can act as a destination, allowing it to serve all passing and local motorists. The Property would be seriously and adversely affected by the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway proposals (“the Scheme”) which as proposed would involve the compulsory permanent acquisition of frontage land which will interfere with the layout and operation of the existing fuel forecourt and subject to detailed survey, be likely to adversely affect the operation of the ingress and egress by interfering with the effective tracking of vehicles through the site, potentially including wet and dry stock delivery vehicles. It is considered likely that the severance of the frontage land will give rise to the consideration of significant mitigating works to the layout as well as the relocation of the pole sign and adjustments to services. It is also evident that the proposed temporary land acquisition will cause serious disruption to the operation. The acquiring authority has not provided justification for the compulsory acquisition of land and temporary rights from the Property, which provides an important amenity for road users, both those using the A23 as well as local customers. Please accept this letter as a representation against the proposals and note that my client reserves the right to make further detailed representations as the Scheme and the examination progresses. Without prejudice to its right to make these representations, my client would welcome early engagement to understand the implication of these proposals in detail.