Homes near Gatwick approved despite flood warnings

Plans for up to 126 new homes near Gatwick Airport have been approved despite warnings the development could leave future residents "stranded" by flooding several times a year.

Mole Valley District councillors voted in favour of the scheme in Hookwood in Surrey on 1 April at a planning committee meeting.

But the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said the decision came after a heated debate, with objectors branding the plans "undeliverable" and accusing the developer of ignoring serious flood risks.

Planning officers said the developer had worked with the Environment Agency to address flooding concerns and insisted the scheme could be made safe through conditions.

The scheme includes 51 affordable homes, a small amount of commercial space and public open land on fields west of Reigate Road, as well as a new access road and a community building, subject to a legal agreement.

Speaking against the scheme, resident David Wilmer told the committee the site regularly turned into what he described as "a lake" during winter storms.

"If you approve this application, you will have residents stranded due to flooding…multiple times a year the development will have a moat, and that is not a joke," he said.

Bookham West councillor Monica Weller also raised doubts about whether promised affordable housing would be delivered given wider economic pressures.

Planning officers said issues such as global economics were not material planning considerations.

Supporters of the scheme also argued it would help tackle housing shortages and bring investment to the area.

Final approval of the plan now depends on a legal agreement being signed by July 2026 to secure affordable housing, infrastructure contributions and community benefits, the LDRS said.

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