Surrey villagers raise concerns over plans for 50 new homes on green belt

View of proposed development site from Chelsham Road.
-Credit:Google Street View


Villagers have raised concerns over the pressure 50 new homes and a care home could have on doctors, schools and roads in the area. Plans have been submitted to build on green belt land at the edge of Warlingham.

While some welcome new homes in the area and planned improvements to walking and cycling routes to the village, others have highlighted the loss of green space and impact on services. Developers Wellbeck Land hope to transform the 8.3 hectare site in Chelsham Road into a “vibrant and mixed community” for families and the elderly.

But people living in the village claim there is not the infrastructure to support this, expressing concern over how Warlingham’s only chemist will cope with 50 new families and more than 70 elderly folk moving in. Others hoped there were enough schools in the area to support more residents and that children could walk to school.

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Robert, who has lived in Warlingham for 20 years, said he no longer "recognises or enjoys” the village. He said “roads crumbling, traffic, roadworks and rising crime” contributed to this.

CJ, who also lives locally, said: “Nobody wants this! Our area doesn't need more people. The soil is not handling this constant building. Plus the roads are all screwed up [with] bridges cracking all due to over-building.”

Sharing their views on SurreyLive's Facebook page many stressed the need for more doctors, schools and shops, and improved sewers and water supply to provide for people living in the area. One woman said: "They should sort this mess out before building more houses."

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"Leave our green bits alone"

Some people said they could only see positive things about the scheme, saying there was “very little impact on the so-called green belt” and more homes were needed “whatever type”. One commenter said: “People should be more concerned about the swathes of golf courses, ripping the heart out of the countryside, and sterilising it” rather than new homes.

The proposed development site is green belt land, separating Warlingham from Chelsham, and is mostly occupied by grassland, but it also includes a horse paddock, a hay storage facility, allotments and woodland.

“Leave our green bits alone,” one woman commented, arguing there were plenty of older people's homes in the area that were ‘empty’. Another person lamented that the development showed more green belt, separating villages from each other, was “gone forever”.

CGI overview of the proposed development
The proposed development includes 50 houses, including 20 which are affordable, and a new care home with up to 72 beds. -Credit:Welbeck Land/Montague Evans LLP

"Much-needed accommodation"

The proposed development “will provide much needed accommodation” in the form of a 72-bed care home, “designed to meet the needs of elderly people and downsizers in the local area”. The developers submitted a needs analysis with the application, by a third party, which suggested there is a “demonstrable, overwhelming need” for extra care beds.

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Alyson, who used to live in the area, criticised the developers for “hiding” the elderly away in care homes rather than letting them live in their own homes in the community. She said developers “do not make enough money from building smaller one or two-bedroom properties” so they do not build them. Alyson argued they are the homes which older people want if they are downsizing.

Some people questioned whether Warlingham or Caterham needs any more care homes. Others highlighted there is a need due to an aging population and projections showing there will be more people over 85 in the next 20 years.

David, a Warlingham resident, summarised his thoughts on the development as: “More **** houses nobody can afford.”

Plans submitted to Tandridge District Council state up to 40 per cent (20) of the 50 homes will be affordable and a range of one, two and three-bedroom houses. Limited to two-storey houses, the designs of the new build are hoped to reflect the local residential aesthetic of “Surrey vernacular style mansions.”

A Wellbeck Land spokesperson said: “Our plans include delivering up to 50 much needed homes and a care home for up to 72 beds to provide help and support for elderly residents in a safe and comfortable environment.

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“Also included in the application is new landscaping, leisure walks, a children’s play area and a biodiversity enhancement area. We are committed to improving walking and cycling connections into the centre of Warlingham that will improve accessibility for new and existing residents.”

People can comment on the application on the council’s website until February 23, with a decision being due by April 10, 2025.