Haslemere’s countryside is at risk… again.
Landowner Redwood (South West) Ltd is once again appealing the rejection of its 111-home development at Red Court in Scotland Lane. Waverley Borough Council refused the plan due to the “serious harm” it would cause to the protected National Landscape (formerly the Surrey Hills AONB). But due to an administrative error by the Planning Inspector, the decision was quashed by the High Court, forcing another appeal hearing.
If approved, the development will require a new access road from Midhurst Road, destroying a mature tree-lined avenue and a key biodiversity corridor. A 150-year-old beech tree, which stood in the way of the planned road, was already felled after the developer overturned its Tree Protection Order – justified on claims of disease, which local experts dispute.
Tree Protection Orders have now been granted to the other trees in the canopy.
MP Greg Stafford said: "I am delighted that the Tree Protection Order on Midhurst Road has now been granted, thanks to the tireless efforts of local residents and the residents’ association. The felling of one tree due to safety concerns was deeply unfortunate, and it must not set a precedent for further changes that serve commercial interests over the character of our community. I remain fully committed to supporting residents and working with local authorities to protect our green spaces."
With more than 500 objections submitted by residents, key local organisations – including Haslemere Town Council, the Haslemere Society, Haslemere Vision Biodiversity Group, and Haslemere South Residents Association (HSRA) – have joined forces as a Rule 6 group to formally challenge the appeal.
But they can’t fight this development alone. Residents are urged to attend the public session of the Planning Inquiry at midday on Tuesday, April 8.
Howard Brown spoke at the town's annual meeting urging residents to come to the planning appeal
Rule 6 said: “The more people who attend, the stronger our collective voice. This is our opportunity to stand together as a community and demonstrate how much we care about preserving our countryside for future generations.”
While the group acknowledges that more housing is needed, it should not be at the cost of protected landscapes, rich in wildlife and that contradicts Haslemere’s Neighbourhood Plan. There are fears this development would set a dangerous national precedent, leaving other protected landscapes vulnerable to similar developments.
For details, including transport, contact HSRA: [email protected]. If you want to attend or speak, contact Waverley Borough Council at 01483 523359 or [email protected]