Consultation on new homes and Traveller sites launched - Surrey

From Get Surrey

A public consultation on where Traveller sites could be built throughout Mole Valley has been launched.

Up to 33 such new sites and plots are called for by 2017 as part of the housing and Traveller site plan which also sets out how Mole Valley District Council could potentially accommodate more than 3,000 new homes.

As part of the plan, it has been estimated there is a need in the borough for an additional 28 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers, and five plots for travelling Show people up to 2017.

Between 2017 and 2027, this is due to go up by a further 16 pitches and two plots.

The sites earmarked for possible housing developments include Dorking, Leatherhead, Fetcham, Brockham and Beare Green, amongst others.

New homes

This includes a suggestion that 200 homes can be built on land at the rear of five to 33 Randalls Road in Leatherhead on 6.1 hectares, and 2.6 hectares of land for 60 new homes in Dorking at the former Chalcraft Nurseries on Reigate Road.

In Leatherhead, 13.2 hectares of land at the Leatherhead Bypass has been described as having potential for 500 homes. For Traveller and Gypsy sites, one suggestion is that existing locations could be extended to address the need.

The district council has said that the majority of existing Traveller sites in Mole Valley consist of around one to four plots, with the exception of Salvation Place in Leatherhead with has 10 pitches.

The plan states there may be scope for an extension to Salvation Place, as well as the site at Conifer Park, Ramore Road, Dorking.

A series of drop-in centres have been announced to coincide with the consultation taking place in Leatherhead, Dorking, Bookham, Fetcham, Beare Green, Brockham, Capel, Charlwood, Hookwood and North Holmwood.

Council staff will be on hand to explain the document, and the consultation is due to end on Friday March 7.

Along with the Housing and Traveller Site Plan, the council is also reviewing the green belt boundaries to see where any changes can be made to accommodate for new housing developments.

Brownfield sites

Councillor John Northcott, portfolio holder for planning, said: “It is important the council has a local plan in place to Show where new homes and Traveller sites may or may not be granted planning permission.

"If we don't, there will be an increasing risk that government inspectors will take decisions on planning applications contrary to the wishes of the council and local communities.

"Saying “no” to new housing is not an option and while we will be making the most of available brownfield sites, it will be necessary to develop some land in the green belt.

“The council’s aim is to ensure those sites which are chosen are the least harmful to the rest of the green belt and the environment.”

Copies of the document can be viewed by visiting the district council’s offices at Pippbrook in Dorking, the Leatherhead HelpShop and all libraries in the borough.

It can also be viewed online . Comments can also be made via the website, at the council offices or by sending an email .

The sessions will be held:

Monday January 27, Leatherhead, Park House, 10am to 3pm.
Tuesday January 28, Capel and Beare Green, Capel Village Hall, 3pm to 8pm.
Thursday January 30, Dorking, Pippbrook, 10am to 3pm.
Saturday February 1, Leatherhead, 25-29 High Street, 10am to 3pm.
Tuesday February 4, Charlwood and Hookwood, Hookwood Memorial Hall, 3pm to 8pm.
Thursday February 6, Brockham, Brockham Village Hall, 3pm to 8pm.
Friday February 7, Leatherhead, North Leatherhead Community Association, 3pm to 8pm.
Saturday February 8, Dorking, St Martin's Walk, 10am to 3pm.
Monday February 10, Fetcham, Fetcham Village Hall, 3pm to 8pm.
Tuesday February 11, Dorking, Dorking United Reformed Church, West Street, 3pm to 8pm.
Wednesday February 12, Bookham, Ye Olde Windsor Castle, Little Bookham, St 3pm to 8pm.
Thursday February 13, Leatherhead, Christ Church, Epsom Road, 3pm to 8pm.
Friday February 14, Capel and Beare Green, Beare Green Village Hall, 3pm to 8pm.
Monday February 17, Charlwood and Hookwood, Charlwood Village Hall, 3pm to 8pm.
Tuesday February 18, Dorking, St John's School Sports Hall, Goodwyns Road, 4pm to 8pm.
Monday February 24, Bookham, South Bookham SPACE, Dorking Road, 3pm to 8pm 3pm to 8pm.