Plans for new homes scrapped for second time

Plans for 60 new homes near Claygate have been scrapped for a second time

Plans for 60 new homes near a Surrey village have been scrapped for a second time.

The development would have seen new homes, with up to 50% affordable housing, open space and landscaping built on land north of Raleigh Drive in Claygate.

The application triggered more than 300 objections from residents, as well as opposition from Claygate Parish Council which raised concerns about traffic, flooding and the loss of open countryside.

A similar plan by Elmbridge Borough Council was refused in 2023 and dismissed at appeal last year, with inspectors ruling it was inappropriate development in the green belt.

Elmbridge has a house building target of 1,443 homes annually, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Planning officers initially recommended the new scheme for approval, arguing that housing demand and national policy around the green belt had changed.

But councillors said it was not a "grey belt" and ruled it unsuitable for housing at a planning meeting on Tuesday.

However, councillor Elaine Sesemann said: "Our housing need is so critical now, I don't think this scratchy bit of land is putting green belt in danger."

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