Following the withdrawal of Walton Charity's plans to build offices on green space, neighbours are now determined to get village green status granted to protect against future development.

An application has been lodged by Mick Flannigan, Rydens Road, to Surrey County Council to have the land in Severn Drive, Walton, registered as a village green.

Mr Flannigan said: "Public opinion in these parts simply won't tolerate an office building of any kind on this open space. Hence our anxiety to secure village green status for it, which would give considerable protection against inappropriate development."

A Surrey County Council spokesman said: "We have received an application but following changes to the law under the Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013 we now have to check with the local planning authority whether the land is identified for potential development before we can consider the application.

"If we are able to proceed, the process is likely to take at least six months, as it is a complex and detailed procedure."

Councillor Christine Elmer, portfolio holder for social affairs, highlighted the 158 objections made in writing and 444 residents signatures that were lodged with the council.

She said: "From our perspective, as the ward councillors, we are pleased Walton Charity have withdrawn the application to build a two-storey office block on the open green space at Severn Drive."