Plans for YMCA scrapped (From Surrey Comet)

Plans for YMCA scrapped

2:57pm Wednesday 6th February 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

Controversial plans to open a YMCA on the site of a former home for the elderly in Hersham have been scrapped.

Hylton Lodge owners the Walton-on-Thames charity said following the refusal at a recent Elmbridge Council planning meeting of Kingston and Wimbledon YMCA's application to open the home, it would withdraw from negotiations with the company.

The decision was taken by the charity's trustees at a meeting on Friday night following consultation with the YMCA.

In a statement the charity said: "Factors affecting this decision were the views of part of the local community and the cost of securing and maintaining but not using the building during what could be a lengthy appeal."

The plans to open the shelter in Hylton lodge had caused outrage in the local community amid fears of potential residents' impact on the community, and the fact it would shelter some people from outside of the borough.

Resident's saw this as breaking the charity's remit.

• Print
• Email
• Share