Controversial homes plan to move ahead

'LARGEST CUL-DE-SAC IN SURREY' GIVEN OUTLINE PERMISSION

- By CHRIS CAULFIELD Local democracy reporter

"SURREY'S biggest cul-de-sac" will be built after hundreds of new homes were approved next to the M25.

Developer Wates was granted outline planning permission by Mole Valley District Council’s development committee to build up to 270 homes to the south of Ermyn Way, in Ashtead.

The plans, which include 108 affordable properties, a community building and space for Gypsy and Traveller pitches, were passed by six votes to five with two abstentions, much to the disappointment of many who attended the meeting on Wednesday last week. Wates, though, said the scheme would go a considerable way to alleviating housing pressure in the area.

Director of planning, John Tarvit, said Wates had been working on the proposals since 2014 with both the district council and planning inspector agreeing it was a sustainable site. He added: "Mole Valley is one of the least affordable places to buy a home with about 680 households currently on the waiting list.