Development tsunami looms in Surrey - campaigners

"Precious" green belt land was under threat, campaigners say

Surrey could face a "tsunami of development" on its green belt, campaigners have warned.

Surrey Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) said the government's “astronomically high” housebuilding targets will compel local authorities to "concrete over" the countryside.

The government said the country faced a housing crisis that all areas, including Surrey, "must play their part in ending".

CPRE Surrey's Chair, John Goodridge, said: “We know that more houses need to be built in Surrey but this is not the way."

He said "precious" green belt land was under threat on the edge of towns and closer to London "where access to open spaces and fresh air is all the more important to local people".

"Once they are gone, they are gone forever," he added.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it recognised the important role green belt played in preventing urban sprawl, and that it was committed to protecting and enhancing it.

'Golden rules'

But CPRE Surrey said it was "especially concerned" by government plans to re-classify areas of green belt as "grey belt” and change how housing need is calculated.

Under the new methodology, Surrey districts will have to increase their housebuilding targets by a countywide average of 63%, the campaigners claimed.

The MHCLG said it would use "lower quality" grey belt, like wasteland or old car parks, and "introduce 'golden rules’ to ensure that development benefits both communities and nature".

Housing and planning is the responsibility of district and borough councils across Surrey.

CPRE Surrey urged residents to contact their councillors and local MPs if they had concerns.