Anger in village at plan for hundreds of new homes

Locals fear hundreds of homes could be built on this site in Surrey

Residents are being invited to an event to learn more about new plans for homes in a Surrey village.

Developer Taylor Wimpey is hoping to build new homes on fields in Normandy, near Guildford.

David Bilbe, a Guildford Borough Councillor and resident near the site, said there was "a lot of upset" in the area over the plans.

The number of homes in the proposed plans has not been confirmed, but Taylor Wimpey said the development would "help address the need for new homes and community".

Mr Bilbe told BBC Radio Surrey he believed the development could be up to 700 homes.

"If we've got 1,100 houses in the village and you add 700 that's a 70 to 80% increase," he said.

"The implications for sewage, water, infrastructure, traffic and electricity provision, they're very significant.

"I'm not against development, but I'm only in favour of balanced, sensible development ."

'Just ridiculous'

Local residents were also sceptical. Nathaniel Knurowski said 700 homes would be "excessive", while Christine King said she was "absolutely horrified".

"The traffic in this area is bad enough now without having any more homes put up," she said.

"Normandy is notorious for having problems with floods.

"To remove yet another part of the village with natural grass is just ridiculous."

Wendy Blinco, general manager at the Normandy community shop and cafe, was concerned about the impact of a new parade of shops, which could be part of the development.

"This is a hub of the community and it's been a lot of hard work to get here," she said.

A public event is being held in the village to discuss the plans

The site had been considered by Guildford Borough Council for up to 1,100 new homes, but ultimately was not included in its local plan, which sets out where houses would be built in the future.

Taylor Wimpey's information on the plans outlines that the site has existing road and footpath connections, and potential to link directly to the station at Wanborough rail station.

The development would include 50% affordable homes, houses reserved for the elderly, and a new community hub, as well as potential for new education facilities.

A public event for residents to find out more about the plans is being held on Friday at St Mark's Hall in Normandy from 14:00 BST until 19:00.

'Welcoming feedback'

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: "Our proposed development has been brought forward to help address the need for new homes and community facilities in the area. It will be set within new public green spaces that are integrated within the existing community.

"Throughout the consultation period, we will be welcoming feedback from the local community via our public consultation event and website.

"All feedback from members of the community will be carefully considered to help inform the design details."