More Horsley Homes Approved Despite Objections

Published on: 25 Jun, 2026
Updated on: 25 Jun, 2026

CGI of Ockham Road development.

By James Moules

local democracy reporter

A major 65 home development in a Surrey village has been approved by councillors, despite considerable pushback from residents.

The proposals will see these new houses built on “open paddock land” at Ockham Road to the north of West Horsley – land which was earmarked in the area’s Local Plan.

Of the 65 homes, 26 have been designated as affordable housing. A total of 161 parking spaces would be included, as well as an equipped play area and attenuation pond.

Guildford Borough Council officers recommended the application be approved, but it was brought before the Planning Committee after more than 160 public objections were lodged against it.

Aerial view of site.

Concerns included the development’s potential impact on highway safety in the narrow country roads and the possibility of the site becoming waterlogged in the winter months.

Resident Justin Underwood, who has lived nearby for 30 years, told councillors he believes the site “is poorly located for sustainable transport.”

He also voiced concerns about a potential risk of flooding in the area, which was echoed by a second resident Jennifer Holly.

She told councillors: “Those of us living around the development joke about needing a canoe after it rains, but behind the humour is a genuine concern about how vulnerable to flooding the area already is.”

A planning officers’ report ahead of the meeting notes that this site is “flanked on all sides by residential development”.

Addressing flooding concerns, council officer Andrew Thompson said: “At the moment, the surface water goes into the fields and runs off into back gardens.

“By introducing a sustainable drainage network and a drainage strategy for the site, there is a potential betterment for the area by controlling surface water run-off from the site.”

On behalf of Persimmon Homes, Mark Hendy told councillors: “We have listened to comments from local residents, parish councillors and your officers to shape this application to ensure that it reflects the character of West Horsley.”

Cllr Catherine Young

But ward councillor Catherine Young (R4GV, Clandon & Horsley) spoke passionately against the application, saying “West Horsley has become unsustainable”.

She told the committee: “There can be no doubt that this development will harm the character of our village.”

Cllr Young further said the site is “poorly served” by public transport and that communities in the area would remain largely car-dependent.

“The strength of feeling against this application has been shown tonight by our residents and the parish council and all the objections submitted,” she added.

The officers’ report also noted that Surrey County Council did not deem the proposal would have a “material impact” on highway safety.

Cllr Steven Hives

Councillors ultimately voted to approve the planning application, subject to conditions, by seven votes to four – with supporters arguing the site’s allocated status made it hard to turn down.

Cllr Stephen Hives said: “While there are a number of negatives, the positive aspects do outweigh the negatives.

“Given that this is an allocated site, I can’t see how we can refuse it.”