GBC Approves More Homes for East Horsley Despite Residents’ Fears

Published on: 5 Dec, 2025
Updated on: 6 Dec, 2025

CGI of Glenview homes – Beechcroft Developments and Igloo Care

By Emily Dalton

local democracy reporter

Plans to build 45 ‘later living’ homes in a Surrey village have been given the green-light despite concerns that the area will “turn into Lewisham”. Residents said the proposed scheme on Epsom Road in East Horsley will bring a “dramatic and unwelcome urbanisation” of the ‘semi-rural’ village.

The controversial development, called Glenview, is being put forward by Beechcroft Developments and Igloo Care. Plans include 33 two-bedroom apartments and 12 houses, with communal spaces and facilities aimed at older residents.

Members of Guildford Borough Council’s Planning Committee waved through the scheme on December 3 after some debate. Officers said the scheme will help address a shortage of housing for the borough’s ageing population.

But not everyone is happy. Residents fear the development is too dense, with tall buildings looming near Fearn Close that could block light and privacy, not to mention traffic congestion.

Speaking for residents opposed to the scheme, Simon Leary said at the planning meeting: “It is the wrong development in the wrong place” and warned it sets a dangerous precedent. Christopher Hadley, another public speaker, said: “The change would give a pocket of our small Surrey village a density on par with inner London boroughs of Haringey and Lewisham.”

Safety improvements on the nearby A246 Epsom Road are part of the deal, including cutting the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph and adding a pedestrian crossing. The plans also include electric vehicle charging points and contributions to local bus services, healthcare, and policing.

Cllr Catherine Young

Even so, the parish councils withdrew their objections after mitigation measures were agreed. Ward councillor Catherine Young (R4GV) said the scheme, while initially daunting, has been redesigned to fit better with the local landscape and is close to existing housing, shops, and transport links. She highlighted that it will free up family homes elsewhere and provide much-needed accommodation for older residents.

The council also imposed strict environmental conditions to protect wildlife, retain trees and hedges, and improve biodiversity, including measures for bats, badgers, and newts.

Construction can begin once ecological, drainage, and tree-protection plans are in place. Council officers said the public benefits, particularly helping older residents and boosting housing supply, outweigh the limited harm to local heritage and neighbouring properties.