A major housing project delay could open Surrey’s green belt to unwanted development, raising concerns among local residents.
Surrey: The green belt is in trouble. A big housing project in Waverley is delayed. This could lead to opportunistic developers eyeing the area.
Dunsfold Park was supposed to be a 2,600-home garden village. But guess what? Not a single home has been built since planning permission was granted in 2018.
The council is now worried. They need to show they have enough land for housing. If they can’t, they might have to approve developments they usually wouldn’t.
With the government raising housing targets, Waverley is in a tight spot. They’re running out of land for new homes fast. The council’s plans are now in disarray.
Local leaders are sounding the alarm. Councillor Jane Austin says the situation is dire. She fears more unwanted developments in green fields.
Another councillor, Kevin Deanus, points out that local villages are growing without the necessary infrastructure. Alfold is struggling with raw sewage issues and traffic problems.
Councillor Liz Townsend explains that while they set the framework for development, they can’t force builders to actually build homes. They’ve got planning permission for 5,000 homes, but it’s not enough.
The government’s housing targets have skyrocketed. What started as 590 homes a year is now an outrageous 1,481. That’s a lot of pressure on local councils.
Waverley Borough Council is trying to work with developers to speed things up. But the uncertainty around Dunsfold Park is a big hurdle.
They’re also working on a new Local Plan to balance housing needs with protecting the area’s character. It’s a tough job, but they’re committed to finding a solution.
