On Thursday, 19th April a planning application for 161 dwellings and a replacement health facility at the Oaklands site in Coulsdon Road, Caterham-on-the-Hill was approved by Tandridge District Council. After consultations with the local community and a visit to the site by the Planning Officers, the developers, Langham Homes and Berkeley Homes, had submitted revised plans earlier this year.

Local residents concerned at the density of the scheme and the loss of mature trees attended the Planning Meeting held in the council offices in Oxted to hear the decision of the Planning Officers.

After the meeting, Martin Redman, Director of Langham Homes, said: We are very pleased with the planning decision from the Planning Committee. The objections as well as the points in favour of the development were all considered and we feel that the right decision has been made for the future development of the site.

Together with Berkeley Homes we look forward to ensuring that the scheme is developed to a high standard and successfully integrates into the local community."

Jeremy Webster, Tandridge District Councillor for Queen's Park Ward, said: "I was very disappointed that the small alterations that we wanted to have that would have made life so much better for residents both new and existing were not accepted by the Planning Committee. A few less houses would have made all the difference."

The developers expect to be on site in the late summer for the commencement of the works and demolition, with an approximate two-year building programme.