"Analysis of feedback received from members of the public attending the public engagement by Langham Homes and Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP) for the future redevelopment of the land and buildings at the Oaklands site in Caterham has now been undertaken. The two day public engagement took place in January, when over 170 people attended. In response to the issues raised, Langham Homes has embarked on further consultation and discussions to ensure its proposals deliver a sustainable future for the site and make a positive impact on the area.

Whilst the majority of learning disability care homes and day services previously on the site have been transferred to more suitable locations, offering more modern facilities which are more efficient to run, local people were pleased that current residents will benefit from new and improved facilities under the redevelopment plans.

To cater for current residents, many of whom have lived on the site for much of their lives, proposals include the retention of Woodview, known locally as the 'Blue Peter Bungalow' and a new purpose-built care facility.

The initial guideline from the local council was for around 200 homes on the site, residents welcomed the reduction in numbers of homes to circa 160 as proposed by Langham Homes but expressed a preference for family houses rather than apartments which is being taken on board in finalising the mix and type of homes.

One of the major concerns raised was the back up of traffic at Clifton Hill School during the morning rush hour. As a result Langham Homes has met with the school and is proposing to ease the problem by giving the school some land from the site to increase the school's parking areas, which in turn will assist the drop-off and collection of pupils and help reduce congestion.

Other local residents’ had worries about the pressure on local school places, particularly at primary level. Langham Homes has embarked on further consultation with Surrey County Council, school governors and local councillors with a view to ensuring that payments made under its Section 106 contributions can be directed towards the specific needs of the local schools, including Hillcroft Primary School, rather than being placed for generic education provisions elsewhere in Surrey.

In addition to pressure on school places, local people voiced concerns that further development in the area may stretch services at local Doctors' surgeries. A survey has now been undertaken and all four local practices likely to serve future residents of Oaklands have further capacity to accept new patients.

Many local residents were also keen to ensure that the new proposals would not have an adverse effect on the drainage systems. In response to this, Langham Homes has undertaken a full drainage capacity study along with extensive liaison with all utilities to ensure feasibility.

While Langham Homes was proposing to meet local council guidelines for the maximum percentage (34%) of affordable housing, many local residents indicated they would prefer to see a lower ratio of affordable to private housing. As a result Langham Homes is in further discussion with the council. In subsequent verbal discussions about the different tenures available, the consensus was for shared ownership homes that enable local first time buyers to get on the property ladder rather than properties for tenants on social rent.

In relation to landscaping issues, the proposed retention of the existing trees and screening of the site along the Coulsdon Road and Chaldon Road has met with approval and Langham Homes has confirmed it will retain other important specimen trees within the site as well as undertaking significant new planting and a new landscaping scheme within the site itself. While the concept of a nature trail was well received, there were concerns of mis-use out of hours. As a result of this, Langham Homes has briefed its architects to ensure that the housing is arranged to ensure there is natural surveillance of the new public area.

Langham Homes has also taken on board comments regarding overlooking and privacy from those living on neighbouring roads. Original thoughts had been to retain the current height of existing buildings, but following the engagement, this no longer will be implemented.

Langham Homes is currently continuing its discussions with the planning department with a view to submitting detailed design proposals and a planning application in June."