Question 1

Haven't we already protected this area?

Accepted Answer

Partly. In 2023, after local lobbying, Elmbridge Borough Council voluntarily registered Stokes Field Nature Reserve as a Village Green.

Then in 2024, following a public inquiry with huge support, we successfully achieved Village Green status for the brambly area adjacent to the nature reserve and One Tree Hill. These two areas both belong to Taylor Wimpey, but with Village Green status applied, they are protected from development. Even as landowners, Taylor Wimpey can only make changes for better enjoyment of the green.

However, the wooded area adjacent to the hill (see overleaf) was NOT awarded Village Green status. This area also belongs to Taylor Wimpey. It is here – and on the site currently occupied by Hill Park Roses – that a new 150 dwellings development is proposed.

Question 2

Green Belt vs Grey Belt

Accepted Answer

Green Belt is a designated area of open space, aimed at controlling urban growth and preventing urban sprawl. In the case of our local Green Belt, it separates Long Ditton/Surrey from Tolworth/Greater London.

There are five purposes of Green Belt: Checking unrestricted sprawl; preventing towns from merging; safeguarding the countryside; preserving the character of towns; encouraging recycling of derelict land.

Grey Belt refers to areas within the Green Belt that ‘make a limited contribution to these five purposes’. Grey Belt is a new term. The aim of reclassifying from Green to Grey is to ‘facilitate housing and development’.

Question 3

"Affordable Housing"

Accepted Answer

According to policy, a new development on land acquired via Grey Belt re-designation must comprise 50% ‘Affordable Housing’.

In fact, in planning terms, ‘affordable housing’ can mean homes priced at up to 80% of market value, or offered through housing associations with allocations that may extend beyond the local area. They are not always truly affordable for local people/incomes.

Question 4

What about infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

Taylor Wimpey are not obligated to provide any infrastructure (doctors, schools, etc) on the development site. They will have to pay a sum to Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) as a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payment, but there is no obligation for EBC to spend this on infrastructure that addresses impacts of new development on the local community.

Question 5

Are there any other developments proposed in the local area that will put additional pressure on existing local infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is a proposal for 70 houses behind the Fire Station (off Heathside in Hinchley Wood) and a proposal for 2,000 dwellings at Hook Park (on the other side of the A309 opposite the proposed TW site, with all traffic to come via the roundabout on Claygate Lane in Hinchley Wood).

Question 6

Can Taylor Wimpey build on our Village Green?

Accepted Answer

No. They can only make minor improvements for the better enjoyment of the green.

Taylor Wimpey own the land known as One Tree Hill, and also the brambly area between the hill and Stokes Field Nature Reserve (the nature reserve is owned by the council).

The status of Village Green is distinct from its ownership. It is protected and local people have the legal right to use it, even though it is still owned by Taylor Wimpey.