A world record attempt at the most people objecting to a Planning Application in seven days is being launched today to try and save the iconic Caterham Cars showroom in Caterham Valley.

Churchill Retirement Living have submitted a Planning Application to Tandridge District Council to redevelop the site of the Caterham Cars showroom and workshop in Caterham Valley into a development of 35 sheltered apartments and retail premises. The consultation period ends next Friday, 11th May, meaning there are just seven more days for comments on the application to be sent to Tandridge District Council.

Due to the timing of the submission of the application, there has been no press coverage so it is hoped word will spread quickly to thousands of people by going 'viral' on the internet.

Chris Windridge, Chairman of the Caterham Community Partnership, suggested the world record attempt, saying: "We have to show the Planning Department and committee at Tandridge District Council the strength of feeling for keeping the Caterham Cars showroom in Caterham. The showroom and service facilities put Caterham on the map and draws many enthusiasts to the town. In addition, the application requires the change of use of a large portion of the site to residential which would mean the loss of jobs, at a time when we should be trying to increase the number of businesses in the town and creating jobs. Between us we have thousands of contacts that we must call on for support immediately."

Caterham Cars are not the owners of the site and have made it clear that they have no wish to leave Caterham, but will have to do so if the Planning Application is successful.

Andy Noble, Sales and Marketing Director at Caterham Cars, said: "There is a common misconception that we have decided to move out of Caterham but that is not the case. If we are not offered an extension or renewal of the leasehold by the owners of the land we will be forced to move elsewhere. We would love to stay here."

Local businessman, Marc Hansen, said: "From the perspective of someone whose business is property, we need more retirement accommodation in this town like we need a hole in the head: this type of property doesn't sell (check out the property websites to see all the unsold stock) and it is very tough to let out – so where IS the demand coming from ? Also we don't need high density accommodation like this right in the commercial heart of the town."

Graham Hathaway, of Town and Country Legal Services in Caterham, speaking on behalf of all the partners in the business, said: "It would be absolute madness for us to lose Caterham Cars. We must fight them in the trenches on this one!"

To register your comments about the Planning Application go to the planning portal at http://planning.tandridge.gov.uk/eaccess/Applicationsearch.asp and search for Planning Application no. 2012/505