Plans for 270 new village homes approved

The homes will be built on land south of Ermyn Way in Ashtead

Up to 270 new homes are to be built in a Surrey village close to the M25.

Mole Valley District Council's development committee has approved the plans for land south of Ermyn Way in Ashtead.

The proposals, which include 108 affordable properties, a community building and space for gypsy and traveller pitches, were approved by six votes to five with two abstentions.

Dave Beresford, from Ashtead Residents' Association, said: "Adding 580 residents would be unsustainable, the character of the area will certainly be harmed."

The new development will be Surrey's biggest cul-de-sac, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Developers Wates said the scheme would "go a considerable way to alleviating housing pressure in the area".

The company said it had been working on the proposals since 2014, with both the council and planning inspector agreeing it was a sustainable site.

A spokesperson said: "Mole Valley is one of the least affordable places to buy a home with about 680 households currently on the waiting list."

The still-to-be-determined final layout will include a purpose-built community building with potential for a children's nursery, 30 acres of open space with green corridors and children's play areas, and cycling facilities.

Nearby schools have told the council there is enough capacity to take on the expected increase in children moving into the area, the meeting heard.

But independent councillor Gerry Sevenoaks said he opposed the development.

"It will have a devastating impact, increasing traffic pollution and loss of biodiversity," he said.

"But more importantly, there would be a devastating impact on the residents living close to this development."

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