Letter from Keep Horley Green to
Bill Kear Plant and Agricultural Contractors
(Reproduced from the ‘Keep Horley Green‘ Face Book page)

Dear Bill Kear,

I am writing regarding the felling of 6 acres of mature woodland at Meadowcroft House in Horley, Surrey carried out by Bill Kear contractors during the weekend of 28th and 29th of November.

The residents of Horley have been shocked and upset by the horrendous damage done to the woodland by your plant.
The Forestry Commission and the Police have been notified and it is my understanding that they are taking this act of vandalism very seriously.

People of Horley are asking questions about the legalities of the works and are understandably very angry about the harm done to the wildlife and the level of destruction caused. We wanted to give you the opportunity to offer an explanation about your company’s involvement in these works so have the following questions which we would like to put to you:

Who contracted and paid for these works? We know that Howard Redhouse was on site and was giving directions as to what to clear. We are sure that you are aware Reigate and Banstead Borough Council is in a joint venture business partnership with Howard’s companies (Mill Hill Properties Horley LTD and Berwick Hill Properties. We would like to know who is responsible? One of the staff on site said to a resident that RBBC were involved and implicated them in the clearance. We would like to know more about this.

Can you provide a copy of your Forestry Commission licence? Given your expertise you would have known that one was required.

Bats are known to roost in the woodland in question and the bat boxes which were known to be on the hedge line between Bayhorne Farm and Meadowcroft House. The hedge has now gone as have the bat boxes. Assuming you took the necessary precautions to carry out the works legally, which Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation did you contact and what was their advice?

We have seen videos of the works being carried out and question the safety of the methods used. Was a risk assessment carried out and what control measures were put in place? Please would it be possible to see a copy of the risk assessment.

Part of the fence/ hedge line between Bayhorne Farm and Meadowcroft house which was owned by Surrey County Council has been destroyed. The land is used for grazing and is now not safe for the farmer to use. We assume that this was done in error and will be rectified. What do you intend to put in place to secure their perimeter and when do you plan to secure it?

The staff carrying out the works said that the woodland was being cleared for the Horley Business Park access road. Are you aware that as yet no planning application has been made for the site? Can you tell us anymore about the reasons for the clearance?

We welcome your comments and feedback about the above questions.

Kind Regards,

Keep Horley Green