Homes plan risks turning town into 'another Croydon'

Campaigners argued the open space could be saved

Campaigners fighting “unnecessary” plans to build hundreds of homes in high rise blocks in a town centre park are urging the local council to look at alternative solutions.

Around 450 homes, shops and leisure facilities could be built in Leatherhead on Red House Gardens by Bull Hill.

A petition against the development claims there is already 140,000 sq m of empty office space in Leatherhead - enough for 190 two-bed family homes.

Some campaigners attended a meeting of Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) where they said the development plans risk destroying a green gateway into the town, potentially turning it into "another Croydon or Woking".

The petition, signed by 1,500 people, was presented to the council.

It reads: “This park is used by many people and also home to lots of wildlife and historical trees.

“The plans are to build high rise flats and apartments which would look unsightly.

“The town has barely enough space in schools, and doctors and dentists have waiting lists so understandably very concerning for local residents.”

'We are listening'

The use of existing built space was not possible, the campaigners were told, according the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council said it was powerless to force private landowners to hand over vacant properties, and it was restricted to sites identified in its local plan.

Councillor Keira Vyvyan-Robinson said the new local plan has put in restrictions and that developments with high rise buildings have to prove their worth, and that play and open spaces must be provided.

Councillor Ben Wall, who support the development, said: "We've been talking about this for the best part of a decade, we've had countless opportunities for residents to talk to us.

"We are listening. Listening is not the same things as bending the knee entirely to a petition.

"We will listen to a petition, it doesn't mean we have to come to the same conclusion as a petition.

"Leatherhead has suffered from a chronic lack of investment for decades it's not the time to start throwing out multi-million investment and investment opportunities without fully assessing their potential benefits."