Resi scheme set for green light

Plans to build more than 250 homes on the edge of the Surrey village of Tongham, near Guildford, look set to be given the go-ahead.Members of Guildford Borough Council’s planning committee have recommended to approve an outline planning application for up to 254 homes on land at Manor Farm in The Street.The new homes would be a mix of 30 one-bed units, 69 two-bed units, 103 three-bed units and 52 four-bed units, with 89 of the properties classed as “affordable”.The applicant, Gleeson Developments, is also seeking full planning permission to change the use of agricultural land to public open space to provide a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) with associated landscaping works.A report set to go before the planning committee tomorrow (31 August 2016) has revealed that 173 objections were received from residents, with increased traffic and insufficient parking highlighted as concerns.Some of the representations also described the scheme as an inappropriate development in the countryside.However, planning officers have recommended the plans for approval subject to conditions and a section 106 legal agreement to secure financial contributions.In support of the proposed housing scheme, the report said the site is in a sustainable location and that the 254 homes would “contribute significantly” to meeting the council’s identified housing need.