A PROPOSAL to build on the former garden of Bletchingley's Whyte Harte Inn has run into fierce opposition.
More than 50 residents and organisations, the Historic Conservation Team at Surrey County Council, and Bletchingley Parish Council have already objected to the planning application for four three-bedroom homes, with 11 car parking spaces.
Submitted by London-based developer Bacchus Partners, the application was sent to Tandridge District Council in June.
But now a group of protesters is calling for the application to be refused, after setting up a campaign group to fight the plans.
Speaking out against the plans, Surrey County councillor Helena Windsor, said: "Two other planning applications in recent years have been firmly rejected and this one must be too.
"Tandridge District Council has no need to allow building on greenfield sites in Bletchingley, or anywhere else in the district, so it has absolutely no reason to disregard the advice of county officers and approve this plan."
Objections include that the plans are wrong for a greenfield site, which is in the heart of a conservation area, and is also in the green belt.
Other objections include the dangers a new access road, which would open into Outwood Lane, might bring.
Outwood Lane resident Martin Brown said: "The area is a really important conservation area and the pub itself is Grade II* listed." Developer's spokesman Will Kitchener said: "We are working hard to address the concerns of stakeholders and are continuing to liaise with officers over these important proposals which will enhance the conservation area and breathe new life into this dormant site."
A new website against the proposed development has been launched to provide information about the proposals and the new campaign group, and can be found at www.bletchingleycampaign.org.uk
The planning application will next be discussed by the district council by November.
To find out more and to view that application, visit the district council's planning website and search for application number 2013/852.
