Rescue centre to 'fight' possible housing plans

An animal rescue centre for retired racing dogs says it will be "fighting" speculative plans for up to 90 homes on the site where it operates.

Burhill Kennels, on Turners Lane in Hersham, Surrey, is currently run by the independent Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare (WGW) as an animal rescue service.

The WGW posted on social media: "Please be assured we will be fighting any application made and will need all your support."

The BBC has has attempted to contact the applicant, Castlemere Developments Ltd, and its planning agent.

No full planning application has been submitted to Elmbridge Borough Council yet, but local authority documents show speculative plans where about 50% of the homes could be reserved as affordable housing.

If approved, the animal rescue service kennels could be transformed into a new housing estate between Hersham and Weybridge station.

Almost 150 comments have already been attached to the scheme.

People fear the development would change the unique character of Hersham and Elmbridge by creating urban sprawl between areas where local services and infrastructure are already under pressure.

The proposed development site covers 5.33 hectares of land, which currently includes kennel buildings and commercial units which would need to be demolished, the Local Democracy Reporting Service says.

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