There are currently petitions that are running in parallel. One for Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, the other for UK Government.
Remove Green Belt from the Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Local Plan
https://democracy.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=10
1617 people have signed this ePetition, which exceeds the target by 117. This an amazing achievement in under 5 weeks! Epsom and Ewell Borough must take note of the strength of public opinion. The petition has to be discussed soon at a meeting of the council.
Started by: Yvonne Grunwald
Excessive Targets for New Homes in Surrey
The petition is progressing well, but a lot more signatures are required for UK Government to take notice of public opinion. Please sign the petition and help us by sharing the petition with your friends, colleagues and relatives.
https://www.change.org/p/excessive-targets-for-new-homes-in-surrey/
1183 Supporters
A new method was announced on 30th July 2024 by UK Government as part of changes to the national planning policy framework. The targets were increased again in December 2024.
All local authorities in Surrey will see their housing targets increase under the government’s proposed new method for determining how many homes should be built in each area. Targets have been more than doubled for three councils.
A selection of comments from the petition are listed below.
Bernard P
It’s all too much!
Gillian h
There is no logic in how the revised standard method has been devised and no account of constraints
Graham R
It’s the most ridiculous piece of spreadsheet warrior planning I ve heard of. Incompetent and lacking any wisdom
Debbie E
we do not have the infrastructure to support this
Graham P
It’s so right this petition
Lou V
We have a duty to protect our countryside and wildlife.
Ann P
We are losing our green areas once gone gone forever. Where will wildlife have places to live on?
Bev S
Leave our Green belt alone, far too many house already with no extra services.
Katherine A
The target is unrealistic and will destroy the character and wildlife of Surrey. Most of these homes won’t be affordable and will put pressure on schools, roads and health services.
Tony C
There are plenty of brown field sites to build on. Green Belt should not be built on. It is our children’s heritage. When it is gone, it’s gone forever.
Janice B
Much of the excess means the houses will be built on the Green Belt, just when we need to protect our biodiversity and green spaces. The dwellings aren’t earmarked as truly affordable social housing – which is what we’re really short of.
Sue O
The Green Belt matters for the health and wellbeing of all of us.
Michele R
The new home targets in Surrey and in Epsom where I live need to be reduced.
Ewell Green Belt 