Surrey Homes Plan Approved After Council Loses Court Challenge

The High Court rejected a challenge about new homes. The plan involves building 53 houses in Dunsfold, though concerns about the Surrey Hills went unheard. The developer stated they will provide much-needed housing, including affordable options.

Waverley Council tried to overturn a decision that allowed the housing project in May 2024. Sixteen homes must be affordable in this plan, but inspectors felt the homes wouldn’t hurt the Surrey Hills views. The council claims it lacks enough land to meet housing targets.

Sigma Homes’ chief executive, Geoff Potton, feels relieved the project can now proceed. He stated that planning approvals often take too long to get, hurting developers financially and preventing the building of needed homes.

These delays have cost Waverley Council money, paid for by taxpayers through the unnecessary slow process. Dunsfold has seen little new housing in eight years, making these homes a rare opportunity for buyers, with energy-efficient options available.

Councils must have land for five years of housing. Without enough land, builders gain more freedom and can build in more places with fewer restrictions.

While Dunsfold Park could have provided major homes, Waverley Council only has 1.28 years of land supply. New housing targets might make the shortage even worse in the future.

The council worried about the Surrey Hills’ views, as the new site is off Dunsfold Common Road. The project will provide one to four-bedroom houses, and thirty percent of the homes will be affordable. The land includes brownfield areas and a residence with equestrian facilities.

Liz Townsend, responsible for planning decisions at Waverley Borough Council, said Waverley takes protecting the area seriously. Townsend also expressed concern about the court’s decision, saying said the ruling sets a troubling example for future cases because it doesn’t emphasize the harm to Surrey Hills.

According to the statement, the inspector admitted harm to Surrey Hills views, but council feels the harm should have been given more weight than the housing shortage.

Waverley works with builders to ensure houses locate sustainably in the borough and to avoid harming the Surrey Hills area.