‘London Is Creeping Towards Us’ Says Councillor as Plan for 60 Houses Refused

Published on: 18 Sep, 2025
Updated on: 19 Oct, 2025

Illustrative view looking south of application site (left) and former Claygate House with Shanly Homes Oaklands Park development to the rear. Elmbridge Borough Council

By Emily Dalton

local democracy reporter

Outline plans for 60 homes on the edge of a Surrey village have been scrapped again in a bid to stop “London creeping towards us”.

Elmbridge borough borders Guildford borough to the north-east.

Elmbridge councillors said the land north of Raleigh Drive in Claygate, north-east of Guildford borough, is green belt not “grey belt” and ruled it unsuitable for housing at a Planning Meeting on September 16.

They also said the plans failed the flood risk “sequential test” meaning safer sites should be looked at first before building there.

The scheme would have seen new homes (up to 50 per cent affordable), open space and landscaping built on the land north of Raleigh Drive and to the east of Claygate House.

The application triggered more than 300 objections from residents, alongside opposition from Claygate Parish Council. Concerns centred on traffic, flooding and the loss of open countryside.

Cllr Janet Turner

Cllr Janet Turner (Hinchley Wood Residents’ Association) said: “I have seen over the years how London is creeping towards us.” The member for Hinchley Wood and Weston Green explained: “When you come out of London to Hinchley Wood or Esher or Long Ditton, you will immediately relax because you have an open aspect.

“This is what Elmbridge and Surrey are all about. This is the entrance into our cultural area and we must protect it. Once it’s gone you cannot bring it back.”

Cllr Alistair Mann

Other members agreed, arguing if you weakened one patch of the green belt, you weakened the whole metropolitan ring. Cllr Alistair Mann (Con, Cobham and Downside) described it as “death by a thousand cuts” to the green belt if piecemeal applications keep being approved.

The site, next to Claygate house, once home to a bowls green, pitch and putt course and tennis courts, has reportedly fallen into disrepair.

A similar plan was refused in 2023 and dismissed at appeal last year with inspectors at the time ruling it was inappropriate development in the green belt.

Planning officers initially recommended the new scheme for approval, arguing that housing demand and national policy around the green belt has changed.

Cllr Elaine Sesemann

Elmbridge can currently only demonstrate a 0.9-year housing supply – well below the five years required by the government. Elmbridge currently has a house building target of 1,443 homes annually.

“Our housing need is so critical now, I don’t think this scratchy bit of land is putting green belt in danger,” said Cllr Elaine Sesemann (Thames Ditton & Weston Green Residents’ Association, Thames Ditton).

She explained: “I would protect green belt forever along with every other councillor in this chamber but the world of planning has changed so dramatically.”

Cllr Mike Rollings, leader of Elmbridge Borough Council

Council leader Mike Rollings (Lib Dem, Claygate) admitted the local housing need has dramatically increased since 2023 when the plans were first put forward. However Cllr Rolling still determined the square patch of land was not appropriate for house building.