Plans for over 400 new homes approved after appeal

The development will include including 201 affordable homes and four Traveller pitches

Plans to build 446 homes on green belt land near Horley have been approved on appeal, overturning the local council’s initial rejection.

The development will include including 201 affordable homes and four Traveller pitches on land west of Reigate Road in Hookwood.

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) has confirmed there is a significant unmet need for this type of specific housing within the area.

Despite concerns about its impact on the green belt, the planning inspector ruled that the “very substantial public benefits” of the housing outweighed the harm to the protected area.

The decision comes amid what the inspector called “an acute need for affordable housing” in the district.

MVDC had initially rejected the outline planning application, claiming it could appear “cramped” and “incongruous” with the surrounding area.

The council's decision report from November 2023 said the development would have a “detrimental transport impact”.

However, since then, the authority changed the site from being a "protected area" in the Local Plan to a "potential development site", so they could not defend their original decision and the developer launched an appeal.

The planning inspector noted the opportunities for transport, employment and other facilities due to its proximity to Hookwood, Horley and Gatwick Airport.

Concerns were raised by locals that the increase of about 1,000 new residents would put pressure on GPs and schools.

Plans put forward by the developer suggested it would create new community facilities.

Although the inspectorate agreed there was a degree of harm to the character and appearance of the neighbourhood, they concluded there was “very special circumstances” to build on the green belt.