Green belt developer calls village plans 'logical'

Developers behind plans for 130 homes on the edge of a Surrey village say the scheme is a "logical extension" to the area, despite opposition from nearby residents.

More than 700 objections have been raised against plans for the homes off Canons Lane, between Kingswood and Burgh Heath, amid fears the plans would "erode village identity".

But developer Lightwood said while it respected the strength of feeling, a debate on the project should be viewed in the context of housing shortages.

A decision on the outline plans is due to be made by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council on 5 May.

Local farmer Michael Jelley warned: "Every acre of farmland lost reduces the financial viability of the farm as a whole.

"We must not sacrifice this precious resource in a lazy way of satisfying the current demand for housing."

More than 1,300 households are currently on the waiting list for social housing in Reigate and Banstead, with only around 150 homes becoming available each year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Against that backdrop, the developer said sites like this are needed to meet demand, particularly as the council is now expected to deliver more than 1,300 homes a year under updated national planning rules.

Lightwood also highlighted the site's proximity to schools, shops and transport links, including Kingswood railway station, making it a relatively sustainable location.

The site sits within the Metropolitan Green Belt and an Area of Great Landscape Value, and is currently used as productive Grade 2 farmland.

It also acts as a buffer between Kingswood and Burgh Heath, something residents say is key to preserving the character of both villages.

Lightwood argues the site fits the government's emerging "grey belt" definition and that the land sits on the edge of existing settlements and can be developed without undermining the wider purpose of the green belt.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the developer is prepared to appeal if the application is refused.

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