Plans for 45 homes in Warlingham raise concerns about losing its rural charm and straining local resources.
Chartwell Land wants to build on a paddock near Park Lane. They say 40 percent of the homes will be affordable. The development site spans 1.25 hectares.
Locals are objecting to the housing plan, thinking it threatens Warlingham’s character. One person fears losing the village’s rural atmosphere. Big developments worry many residents.
Some people worry about green spaces and future generations only seeing houses. They fear losing natural beauty and room to breathe. These concerns are important to neighbors.
Wildlife and bat populations are also a concern. People question if the water system can handle more homes and worry about the local sewage system’s capacity.
A neighbor fears the school’s catchment area will shrink, noting it is already overcrowded. More families would move into the new houses. Traffic congestion is another worry.
Only one road will lead out of the new development. Residents worry about pedestrian safety and the danger to vehicles. School safety should come first, said Ms. Johnston.
Flooding is a significant issue for the area. Farleigh Meadows often has surface water flooding. Water from fields sometimes runs onto the roads. This concerns nearby residents.
Chartwell Land says they talked to the council first. They have reports that show no harm to the area. The developer will keep working with the council and discuss during review.
The plans include apartments and houses with one, two, and three-bed options. Developers say this meets local needs, citing demand from young families and downsizers, too.
Access to the site will be from Park Lane, which connects to Farleigh Road. The developer will improve a footpath. It will become a two-way road and a path.
The developers know the plan affects the green belt. They say they will create a buffer zone to prevent urban sprawl beyond boundaries. The area needs this protection.
Chartwell Land says the site was already planned for housing. Other similar sites in Warlingham got approval, citing successful prior applications. Council encouraged similar housing plans.
The council wants developers to address local needs and provide more affordable housing options. About 2,000 households need housing now, and 444 need help urgently, said a council member. Tandridge met only 42% of its housing goals in three years.