Residents bordering on the site of the former Marie Curie Hospice in Harestone Valley Road, Caterham Valley have formed an action group to oppose the proposals by Independence Homes Limited for the site. The group has commissioned advice from London-based planning consultancy firm, Quod Planning, who have written a letter to Tandridge District Council ('TDC') expressing the group's concerns.

This follows the release by TDC of the details of the pre-contract discussions between CBP Architects for Independence Homes and the planning officers at TDC. The purpose of the group is to ask for the proposals in Planning Application TA/:2011/1316 to be refused and then provide a body for further, proper consultations on the site's redevelopment.

The proposals in the planning application are for the erection of an apartment building consisting of 15 two-bed and ten one-bed apartments, a 20-bed care home, three terraced houses, a pair of five-bedroom semi-detached houses and a two storey office building with parking.

In a detailed letter sent to TDC dated 7th December, Quod Planning sets out the group's concerns and why the application should be refused. One of the main areas of concern is the density of the proposed development which the group believes should be reduced to preserve the character and distinctiveness of the area. Residents in properties that overlook the site are invited to join the action group and can contact Mike Smith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

TDC is still considering comments with a view to making a decision in the New Year. To make a comment visit www.tandridge.gov.uk, go to 'Planning and Building Control' and search for Planning Application No. TA/:2011/1316.