About the CRA

History of the CRA

In September 2008, a group of four residents met with local Councillor, Roger Steel, to discuss a particular outline planning application. They were encouraged to form a Residents’ Association, as there were many other local issues which needed addressing.
The inaugural meeting was held in Barfield School, whose Head agreed to chair, on 20^th October 2008. 13 households attended with a further 4 apologies for absence. The founding members comprised the first Committee:Chair: Robin DaviesJoint Secretaries: Angela and Mike HopperTreasurer: Bernard VerrallNeighbourhood Watch: Karen Noakes
The title adopted at the time was the Lower Crooksbury Road Residents’ Association. The 1^st Annual General Meeting was held on 17^th November 2009. The title of the Association was amended to Crooksbury Residents’ Association ("CRA") to reflect the wider extent of the area covered. The overriding issue of the time was the planning application for an In-Vessel Composting ("IVC") and dry recycling facility at Runfold South Quarry, Guildford Road lodged by SITA (now Suez), the site operator, in November 2008. This was expected to be the largest such facility in Europe. A campaign to defeat the IVC was set up - the Runfold Action Group ("RAG") comprised volunteer residents and was supported by scientists, planning and PR experts who lived locally. After two years of lobbying and raising awareness, it proved successful and Suez withdrew its IVC application in September 2012.
A Community Liaison Group, chaired by Farnham Town Council and led by CRA Member and expert, Catherine Powell, still meets regularly with Suez, SCC and others to agree final restoration and the cessation of Suez activity at the two landfills. See Runfold Landfills for further info.

Achievements

We have had many successes, including: • Stopping the Composting facility being built at the Suez Site • Evicting travellers from the park off Crooksbury Road and having a barrier installed• Ensuring that Waverley Borough Council rejected the planning application in Runfold Woods (albeit overturned on appeal)• Ensuring that several detailed speed/traffic volume surveys have been carried out along Crooksbury Road • Having a voice on the Community Liaison Group for the restoration of the Suez landfill sites • Providing input into the Farnham Town Council Neighbourhood Plan • Relationship with Surrey Police and access to Neighbourhood Alerts • Bringing to residents’ attention significant planning applications that affect the whole community.
The CRA also gives us access to Councillors and to co-operate with other local organisations (e.g. Moor Park Residents' Association and the Farnham Society).

Membership

Open to all residents of the Crooksbury Road area, it costs £10/household p.a. See Membership for more info.

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