The Committee of the Surrey Dormouse Group has concerns regarding this proposed development of Newlands Corner. They say that, aside from the destruction of the varied habitat immediately surrounding the current car park area, the planned development at Newlands Corner will have an adverse effect on the dormouse population, both in the short term with work being carried out but also in the long term, specifically with the introduction of the planned play trails and the resulting increased disturbance. These concerns have now been raised with Surrey County Council and we await their response.
Read the full report from The Surrey Dormouse Group Committee here.
Save Newlands Corner 
March 8, 2016 at 9:23 pm
I notice there are queries regarding the planning authority, regardless of who it is they have a legal duty to ensure that surveys for protected species are undertaken and that it might be possible to maintain a favourable conservation status for European protected species (such as dormice) then for a licence from Natural England to ensure that it is maintained. Surrey Dormouse Group’s comments stated that ‘SWT should undertake survey to ensure that there will be no adverse effect on this protected species’, this is not quite correct mitigation (if required) would ensure this. Additionally the surveys should be undertaken by an independent ecological consultancy rather than by a conservation organisation with a bias, my guess here is as the Surrey Dormouse Group (which do an excellent job and give up their own time volunteering) is run by staff at the SWT that is why they stated this.
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March 9, 2016 at 8:28 am
Hi Dan, Thanks for your comments. You are absolutely correct that the surveys should be carried out by an independent party rather than by SWT, as they have a vested interest in the developments going ahead.
On reflection, now we know a lot more about the proposals and who stands to benefit, perhaps the wording in the original document was misleading; “SWT will need to ensure surveys are carried out” would have been clearer.
Thanks also for your kind comments about the work of SDG, however your statement that the group is run by staff from SWT is untrue. Surrey Dormouse Group is run as an independent organisation, by volunteers as you say, none of whom work for Surrey Wildlife Trust.
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March 9, 2016 at 9:17 am
Dear Kathryn,
I’d like to thank you Kathryn, making it clear that the Surrey Dormouse Group IS an Independent
Group dedicated to monitoring and watching to ensure that the Dormice and their Habitat is protected. and that their protection is maintained . throughout Surrey, and in and around Newlands Corner in particular.
I Hope that the SCC ( ill- conceived) radical re-development plans for Newlands Corner will be Rejected, and that the Newlands Corner, IS left undeveloped .. and the Dormice can carry on undisturbed.
Keep up the good work !
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