A developer has dismissed residents’ concerns that building four new homes in their backyards is a threat to highway safety and wildlife.

A planning application was submitted to Epsom Council last month to build two pairs of semi-detached homes behind a house, 93 Chessington Road, in Ewell, with parking and private drive access.

The garden of number 93 stretches back about 100ft and a number of homes on the adjacent Oakdale Road back on to it.

Residents of Oakdale Road, including Rob Harvey, are worried that the development and its proposed access road, will be a danger to pedestrians.

Mr Harvey said there will be a risk of accidents as traffic will be emerging from the side road onto the busy Chessington Road, as well as by people entering and leaving the park next door.

He said: "Over the past few decades the back garden of the house was allowed to become very overgrown to the extent it was virtually an impenetrable wilderness, thick with vegetation and numerous large trees. 

"This provided both a home for numerous wildlife, e.g., bats, hedgehogs, foxes, and also acted as a screening barrier to Oakdale Road homes and a nearby park."

He said the land was cleared of vegetation on July 12 but no waste disposal procedures were used, some trees were cut down while others were left, and no ecology report was undertaken prior to the clearance.

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But Paul Englemann, director of the site’s developer, White Oak Homes, said he is not concerned about safety or wildlife issues.

He said: "It’s a notorious piece of wasteland which has had a number of police issues over the years.

"It’s an ideal piece of land for badly-needed family houses. 

"There is a desperate need for three-bedroom houses in the borough, as identified by Epsom Council. 

"Number 93 has a drive onto the front over an existing dropped kerb. 

"If this [new] road is allowed they would be able to come out of the property front-ways rather than reversing out. 

"I think highways’ conclusion will be that it is an improvement in terms of safety. 

"I don’t think there will be worries about safety.

"It is ultimately down to the highways and planning authorities. 

"The owner of the land brought a tree contractor to come and clear the land and it upset a few people on the day but it’s now gone.

"Bats don’t live in garages like that or trees. 

"There’s no justification that wildlife was destroyed, apart from some foxes being displaced."

The planning application is due to be considered by Epsom Council’s planning committee in October.

To view the planning application click here.