COUNCILLORS have objected to a planning application to build 50 homes on the Red Court estate on Scotland Lane.

In a meeting attended by more than 70 members of the public via Zoom last Thursday (September 10), councillors discussed the plan – which has garnered more than 100 objections on the Waverley planning portal.

The proposal – named Scotland Park – has been submitted by Redwood Southwest Ltd, with the aim to deliver 50 homes with parking and infrastructure, with the inclusion of affordable housing.

Initially proposing there be no objection to the application, Cllr Dear recognised that Waverley Borough Council still had to find provisions for 360 homes, as part of the government’s overall target.

Of the application, he said: “I like that this scheme is mostly for proper housing.

“These houses have gardens for everyone and good amenity space between the properties.

“If Covid has taught us anything, it is that people deserve room and greenery as a matter of public health – and that can’t be provided on most sites.”

Cllr Dear also praised the proposals inclusion of affordable housing and that Waverley’s waiting list for housing currently stands at five years – recognising the difference that affordable housing can make to those less fortunate in the town.

However Green Party councillor Gary Lloyd counter-proposed Cllr Dear’s motion, proposing that the councillors object to the plans.

The committee agreed to object the application – with councillors Barton, Ellis, Keen, Lloyd, Robini and Weldon voting in favour, councillors Dear, Hewett and Round voting against, and councillors Cole and Isherwood abstaining from the vote.

The application was objected on the grounds that it would “cause great harm to the natural environment and biodiversity”, would be “built on land designated as an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV)”, concerns that it would not support “sustainable traffic” and building standards.

The objection was hailed by community group, the Haslemere South Residents Association.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Most of the committee understood the fact that this development is neither necessary nor desirable in terms of both planning policy, which protects this special landscape and its wildlife, and the wishes of the vast majority of people who live in our town.

“It is important that the voice of residents is heard loud and clear at Waverley.”

It will now go to Waverley Borough Council for determination. Search for WA/2020/1213 online at planning360.waverley.gov.uk