Residents in a Surrey cul-de-sac are fighting to protect their community green space from a strict council order that would see six affordable homes built in the heart of their neighbourhood - at the expense of their ancient oak trees.
Families living in Catherine Drive, Sunbury have expressed distress over proposals to construct six houses on land "vital" to their community.
The development would transform the central green area, with plans including private gardens and on-site parking for each of the proposed homes.
"We are absolutely distraught," said local residents, who must wait as the plans move through the approval process.
In 2022, the community rallied together to raise £27,000 in hopes of purchasing the land at auction
Google Street View
In 2022, the community rallied together to raise £27,000 in hopes of purchasing the land at auction.
However, the plot was sold for more than double their collected funds.
The sale to developers has now led to the current planning application, which has proposed to construct six affordable homes on the site.
Jason Kiefer, a resident of Catherine Drive, emphasised the green's vital role in community life, saying: "It pulls the whole community together. Everyone can see everyone. We all get out there and have a laugh in the summer."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Kiefer expressed concerns that the development would "segregate everyone off" from one another, while he also challenged the feasibility of the plans, noting that Catherine Drive is an adopted highway.
The green space, according to Kiefer, remains "an integral part" of their community.
However, ET Planning, the developer behind the proposal, maintains the project would create an "enhanced public amenity space" while preserving urban open land.
A Spelthorne Borough Council spokesperson confirmed that the Local Planning Authority must consider all submitted applications.
"Local residents have been notified of the proposals and their comments will be taken into account," the council spokesperson said.
Councillor Harry Boparai of Spelthorne Borough Council described the situation as an "unnecessary hell for residents"
Google Street View
Councillor Harry Boparai of Spelthorne Borough Council described the situation as an "unnecessary hell for residents" as they wait for the decision in the New Year.
The development proposal has sparked concern among residents, who continue to oppose changes to their neighbourhood's layout.
The final decision will determine whether this long-standing community green space will be transformed into a new affordable housing development.
