Mr Mason continued: “Drawing up a Local Plan is a long and complex process set out by the government. We are working hard to provide the evidence we need to convince the Inspector the amount of housing which can be built is realistic, but unlikely to meet the population needs. 

“We want you to feel you have been able to shape and influence the place you live, work or visit, so please take this opportunity to tell us what you think. The findings of this consultation will be taken into account when the next consultation is carried out in the autumn/winter of 2017.”

 

Speaking about the council’s decision with regard to Surrey National Golf Course and the fields adjacent to Roffes Lane, Chairman of Tandridge District Council and District Councillor for Chaldon, Cllr. Pat Cannon, said:  “As a Chaldon resident, like everyone else, I am pleased to see that these two sites are no longer under threat of being developed.  However, there are still many sites in Tandridge that are classified as: “Needing more investigation before a decision can be made either way”.  This means there is already some evidence to show that the sites should not be developed, but more evidence is needed.  Therefore people need to get behind the council to help collate evidence to support no future development so that the final version of the Local Plan will stand up to rigorous tests from the government and be accepted by the Inspector.” 

 

Speaking about the Green Belt, Leader of Tandridge District Council, Cllr. Martin Fisher, said:  “We, as well as all the other Districts, are having to do Green Belt assessments as part of the Local Plan.  We are not doing the assessments because we want to develop the Green Belt, it is because we want to protect it, but for some reason people think we suddenly want to build all over it when we do not. To protect it we have to have a robust Local Plan that everyone can be happy with but we have to go through a very complex regulatory process.  I think our officers are doing a very good job within a barrage of criticism.”  

 

An extension to an existing settlement at either South Godstone or Blindley Heath is another possibility under consultation, as an alternative to further infill in the established settlements in Tandridge.  

 

As part of the consultation, drop-in sessions will be held where planning staff will be available to talk about the consultation. Drop-in sessions are taking place between 2pm-7.30pm on the following dates:  Tuesday 15th November at South Godstone Sports and Community Association, Lagham Road, South Godstone RH9 8HN; Wednesday 16th November at St John’s Church Hall, Eastbourne Road, Blindley Heath  RH7 6JR; Thursday 17th November at Lingfield & Dormansland Community Centre, High Street, Lingfield RH7 6AB; Monday 21st November at Council Offices,  Station Road East, Oxted RH8 0BT; Tuesday 22nd November in the Soper Hall, Harestone Valley Road, Caterham CR3 6HY; Wednesday 23rd November in the Centenary Hall (Outwood Room), Wheelers Lane, Smallfield RH6 9PT; Tuesday 29th November in Warlingham Church Hall, 339 Limpsfield Road, Warlingham CR6 9HA and onWednesday 30th November at  Bletchingley Community Centre, 78 and 78A High Street RH1 4PA.