Affordable homes for “local workers on low incomes at rents they can afford” are being planned in Surrey.

However, there are concerns that local services will struggle to cope with new demand. Waverley Borough Council (WBC) has called on residents’ views over its plans to build 26 new homes in Springfield,  Elstead.

The council wants to demolish 10 existing homes and replace them with new flats, maisonettes and semi-detached houses. 

Co-portfolio holder for housing delivery Cllr Janet Crowe said: “Our development at 13 to 22 Springfield in Elstead is an opportunity for us to provide much-needed affordable housing for local people and families who would otherwise struggle to find a place of their own.

“We’ve taken great care to produce designs that are in keeping with the area and make the best use of new technology to maximise energy efficiency and protect the environment.”

The council said it has worked with Surrey County Council and partners to ensure the scheme reduces flood risk in the area and increases biodiversity net gain by 20 per cent.

It has also pushed the homes’ environmental credentials saying that sustainability was at the heart of their design and included solar panels that would power the homes  – and air-source heat pumps to more efficiently keep homes warn.

However, not everyone who has taken part so far, and left feedback, feels as positively towards the scheme as the council.

One person wrote: “As always there is no plan for zero-emission construction, no account taken of the additional impact on the surrounding services and yet again another small told or village is being expanded losing its character.

“New towns are what is needed not bolt-ons to existing towns and villages.”

Another wrote: “Aware of the need for new housing, concerned about amenities such as doctors, school places. Not clear how much parking and concerned about parking on road and on green spaces as that is what is currently happening.

“I like the environmental aspect of the plans and would hopefully be an improvement on vans and cars parked on green spaces.

“Concerned about apparent lack of parking places as although I agree we should reduce car use the bus service is very limited and unreliable in the village.”

Details of the consultation are available on the council’s website and include details on other affordable schemes in the pipework. Including Aarons Hill and Ockford Ridge in Godalming, and the recently completed homes at Riverside Court in Farnham.

“Waverley Borough Council is committed to building new homes for local workers on low incomes at rents they can afford.” Cllr Crowe added.

“We are taking the climate emergency extremely seriously and we are leading the way by ensuring every new home we build is energy efficient. This not only benefits the environment, but it also helps to keep our residents’ energy bills down.

“We want to make sure that every new home we build is in keeping with the surrounding area and meets the needs of our residents.

“The local knowledge of our communities is vital to help us do this, so please add your email address to our Commonplace consultation hub so you can have your say on our new affordable housing developments.”