Greenbelt application for Olympic park and ride (From Surrey Comet)

Greenbelt application for Olympic park and ride in Walton

10:35am Friday 10th February 2012 in Elmbridge By Louise Robertson

A farm has applied for permission to set up park and ride facilities on greenbelt land during the London 2012 Games.

Apps Court farm, in Walton, has applied to operate a park and ride service over an eight-week period, around the Olympics.

Under the plans, a shuttle service would take people from the site to Hampton Court station every 10 minutes, working in a similar fashion to when it has been used during the Hampton Court Flower Show.

The farm has space to accommodate 2,300 cars, in two parking areas, and facilities for private caravan rallies.

Associated camping also formed part of the application to Elmbridge Council.

A letter sent on behalf of the applicant said: “Promoting camping in Elmbridge throughout the Olympic Games will encourage tourism in the borough and create local jobs.”

It said Apps Court was well placed to promote tourism in Elmbridge because it was within day-tripping distance of attractions such as Hampton Court Palace, RHS Wisley, Bushy Park, Sandown Park and Olympic venues at Eton Dorney and Wimbledon.

It is proposed the park and ride service would create four full-time posts and 40 part-time if Elmbridge give it the go ahead.

It continued: “Apps Court Farm ltd is a small, local business that is trying to encourage tourists to visit Elmbridge and create jobs and working experience within the borough.”

The service would not run during the Olympics road race on July 28 and or on August 1, when the cycling time trial comes to Elmbridge.

Visit elmbridge.gov.uk to view the plans, which have been submitted under reference code 2011/8240.