Wates Developments and Vistry Group have been given the green light by Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) for up to 270 new homes and new public green space in Ashtead, Surrey.
The former Green Belt site will help to meet the significant housing needs in the area, with Mole Valley found to be one of the least affordable places to buy a home in the UK. There are approximately 680 households waiting for social housing, according to Mole Valley District Council. The delivery of new homes, including 108 affordable units, on Land South of Ermyn Way will make a significant contribution to addressing the local shortage, as well as providing market homes to give local people the opportunity to own their own homes.
Wates and Vistry have engaged extensively with Mole Valley District Council over many years through the Local Plan process and outline planning stage. The approved plans were shaped in line with Local Plan policy, and consultation has taken place with local residents, council members and stakeholders to seek feedback throughout the process.
The development will create a distinctive and sustainable new neighbourhood and deliver a range of benefits including a purpose-built community building with potential for a children’s nursery, around 30 acres of open space with green corridors and children’s play areas, an on-site car share club available for the wider community and enhanced walking and cycling facilities. Furthermore, financial contributions, as part of the development, will also be made towards Surrey Connect – a digital on-demand bus service – alongside improvements to sustainable transport infrastructure.
John Tarvit, director of planning for Wates Developments, said: “Wates has a long and proud history in Leatherhead, so we’re delighted that this important achievement and significant step to build vitally required, high-quality homes in the local area has been approved following years of working with Mole Valley District Council.”
“Our proposal is a landscape-led design that incorporates a variety of green spaces to help encourage social interaction, sustainable travel choices, and maximise the biodiversity of the area.”
Martin Leach, managing director of Vistry Strategic Land & Major Projects, said: “This milestone is the result of years of constructive collaboration with Mole Valley District Council, local residents, and community stakeholders. We’re grateful for the valuable feedback and engagement that has helped shape the proposals and bring us to this stage.”
“The development will not only provide much-needed homes, including 108 affordable homes, but also offer real community benefits, from public green open spaces and play areas to improved transport links and a new community building. We’re excited to see this vision becoming a reality.”
