Housing plans on village greenbelt land approved

Plans for nearly 100 homes on greenbelt land in a Surrey village have been approved, subject to the developer providing funding for affordable housing, sport and flood prevention projects.

Tandridge District Council (TDC) approved outline plans for up to 85 homes on land off Redehall Road in Smallfield.

The developer, Chartwell Land and New Homes 2 Limited, said the scheme would involve demolishing an existing house to create access to the development, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

The applicant said 40% of the homes would be affordable, with public open space and pedestrian routes included in the plans.

The site lies within the greenbelt, where development is usually restricted.

Planning officers said the scheme met the criteria for greenbelt development, with affordable housing and other community outweighing its potential harm.

The approval is subject to a Section 106 agreement, which would require the developer to make a number of commitments.

These include the provision of 42 affordable homes, a £100,000 contribution towards facilities at Smallfield Sports Club and £50,000 for flood protection measures in and around the village.

Planning officers said residents were divided over the proposals.

Some backed the development because of the affordable housing and investment in local facilities, while others raised concerns about the impact on roads and local services.

Officers said the financial contributions towards sports provision and flood prevention weighed in favour of the scheme.

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