Farmland seen as grey belt sees hybrid application approved

The Guildford and Godalming planning committee has approved a controversial hybrid application for development at Alderton’s Farm, Send, despite 165 objections and clear sympathy from some committee members for local concerns.

The scheme, brought by Gleeson Land Ltd, covers land at Aldertons Farm on Send Marsh Road and includes two linked elements: the change of use of around 15 hectares to create a new Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), and outline permission for up to 140 homes, with 50 per cent affordable housing, plus public open space, SuDS, biodiversity improvements, landscaping and related infrastructure.

Officers described the site as a series of agricultural fields partly screened by hedges and trees, with existing homes on three sides and a care home nearby. The land lies mostly in Flood Zone 1, though small areas fall within Flood Zones 2 and 3, and it is affected by Great Crested Newt impact zones and the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area buffer. A scheduled monument is also present on the site, adding heritage sensitivity.

Despite its Green Belt location, the committee was advised the site could be treated as grey belt under the NPPF, with limited contribution to key Green Belt purposes. Officers argued the scheme would help meet housing need, given the council’s five-year housing land supply position, and would be in a sustainable location with bus stops and local facilities nearby.

Supporters also pointed to the “Golden Rules” being met through affordable housing, open space and infrastructure. Opponents, however, raised concerns over landscape impact, heritage, flooding, ecology and the loss of countryside, making the approval highly contentious.