Proposals for new development at the NHS site Oaklands, Caterham should reflect the local community's wishes, following public meetings.

Councillor Gordon Keymer, Leader of Tandridge District Council and Councillor Chris Botten, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, along with other local councillors, asked the Director of Planning, Bob Evans, to encourage the prospective developer of the site, Langham Homes, to provide extensive opportunities for the local community to express their views before any proposals were made. Langham Homes was pleased to co-operate with the Council's request, and held two well-attended public sessions.

Following these public discussions, the councillors recently met the Director of Planning, to discuss the issues raised by local residents at the public consultations run by Langham Homes.

The meeting was not held to directly discuss the merits of any particular scheme and no formal planning application has yet been submitted. Particular issues were raised including:

• The need for improvements to pedestrian crossings in Chaldon Road, particularly at Redhall Court.

• Any measures to improve speed control and reduce congestion.

• Improved access in and out of the site.

• Possible further contributions to help support/retain local bus routes.

• Improvements to street lighting and highways drainage.

• Adequate school places - Hillcroft School is putting forward to Surrey County Council a programme of improvements, including provision for two form entry.

• Drainage - a request will be made for a local catchment assessment to identify any necessary local improvements as a basis for consultation with Thames Water Utilities.

• The need for ongoing maintenance of communal areas, open space and trees.

The views received will inform how officers continue to give pre-application advice to the developer in accordance with the District Council's published scheme.

Councillor Gordon Keymer said: "I am pleased Langham Homes has held public meetings which have helped identify the priorities of local people."

Councillor Chris Botten said: "This meeting was extremely helpful and I am pleased information will be passed to Surrey County Council, Thames Water and Langham Homes."

Neither the meeting itself, or any of the contributions made by the Director or councillors was in any way prejudicial to the proper determination of any planning application which may be made for the site.