Controversial housing plan triggers 800 objections

A plan for 250 new homes on green belt land has been recommended for approval despite receiving more than 800 objections.

The proposed houses will be built in Oxshott, and must be decided upon by Elmbridge Borough Council's planning committee within six months.

Local objections to the project include traffic concerns, infrastructure worries and wanting to protect the green belt, as the buildings currently on the site would be demolished to make way for the housing estate.

Planning officers have recommended approval, arguing that the benefits outweigh the harm.

Along with Surrey County Council, they say the scheme would help deliver new housing, including affordable homes, and could meet national planning rules for building on so-called "grey belt" land.

However, objections from more than 600 households were submitted.

Some residents say the area's roads are already congested and fear an extra 250 homes would make things worse, particularly along the busy Leatherhead Road.

Campaign groups and residents' associations have gone further, claiming the site is not in a sustainable location and that the project could permanently change the character of the area.

Councillors will consider the outline application on 25 March and, if they agree with the officers, will grant it permission.

This is only if the developer signs a legal agreement to secure key contributions, including affordable housing, environmental mitigation and transport measures.

If that deal is not finalised within six months, the application could still be refused.

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