Plans to build up to 200 homes on green belt land

Plans for up to 200 homes on green belt land near West Clandon, in Surrey, have returned to the council despite earlier objections from planners.

The updated proposal would see an existing house and horse paddocks replaced with a housing estate including a small shop and community or office space.

Developers have asked Guildford Borough Council to decide whether the updated scheme requires a full Environmental Impact Assessment.

Council planners previously warned a similar proposal risked becoming an "alien extension" to the village that ignored the area's green belt setting.

Concerns have been raised about the project bringing noise pollution, traffic and effects on wildlife, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The previous proposal had been for up to 190 homes, complete with roads, parking, play areas and open space, and was put to the council in 2025.

At the time, officers accepted that the area could, in principle, be developed due to housing pressures and its proximity to Clandon train station.

However planners said the previous scheme would "ignore" the surrounding character and green belt of the village, as well as West Clandon's character of spacious, detached homes.

They also flagged layout issues, describing the development risked as an "alien extension" to the village.

The developers have now come back with a larger scheme of up to 200 homes on the same 11-hectare site.

The council will decide whether the plans need a full Environmental Impact Assessment.

A full planning application is also expected further down the line.

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