Plans for 130 homes on green belt spark objections

Plans to build up to 130 homes on protected green belt land in Surrey have sparked a backlash, with nearly 700 objections lodged by residents.

Developers have asked for outline planning permission for a 13-hectare (32-acre) site on farmland off Canons Lane, between Kingswood and Burgh Heath, with details like layout and design to be decided later.

But the scale and location of the development, due to be determined by Reigate and Banstead Council on 5 May have been flashpoints for residents.

The developers, Lightwood, said the land presented an "opportunity to create a high-quality, thoughtfully designed place to live, work and connect with nature".

The proposal includes a mix of homes, green space, play areas, allotments and a community orchard.

With the site in the Metropolitan Green Belt, residents have said that building there would mean sacrificing one of the last stretches of countryside before Greater London.

The land is currently made up of open fields used for farming, and borders existing homes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

One objector called the plans "an absolute disgrace", warning that they would "start the loss of the last remaining parcels of farming land" and harm wildlife.

Others pointed to records of protected and declining bird species on the land, arguing that the development would fragment habitats and disrupt migration routes.

Concerns have also been raised about traffic on the A217, and about whether the scheme would genuinely tackle the housing crisis.

Despite this, Lightwood argued it would form a logical extension to the existing built-up area and deliver much-needed housing.

The plans also promise environmental measures, including new tree planting, upgraded footpaths and sustainable drainage systems designed to reduce flood risk.

All detailed design matters will be reserved for a later stage, except for the main access point.

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