Plans for hundreds of new homes and more shops will harm the character of Banstead village and show the council is out of touch, according to a group of residents.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council launched a consultation on its Development Management Plan (DMP) on August 1, which includes plans for building nearly 7,000 new homes across the borough by 2027 to tackle rising demand for houses, and for providing infrastructure to support urban expansion.

From August: Reigate and Banstead Borough Council launches consultation on plans for 7,000 new homes in borough

The project would include 180 homes in Banstead. The area around the Horseshoe, including the green field site off Bolters Lane and the Banstead Library site, and Banstead Community Hall off Park Road, have been earmarked as possible development sites.

Your Local Guardian:

Planners also hope to bring more shops, cafes and restaurants to Banstead High Street (pictured above), with the western area around the police station being considered a prime retail site.

Councillor Tony Schofield, portfolio holder for planning policy at Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, said nothing had yet been finalised, and that he envisaged Banstead becoming a “vibrant village”.

But Mike Sawyer, the vice-chairman of Banstead Village Residents’ Association, which represents about 2,000 households in the village, says the plans show the council is out of touch with the character of the village.

“It is an overgrown, small village high street,” Mr Sawyer explained.

“We think it is totally different to Redhill or Reigate, but they are trying to treat it the same way.

“It shows a complete lack of understanding of what Banstead is all about.”

Your Local Guardian:

The DMP would update the council’s Local Plan – a document outlining planning policies and earmarking certain areas for particular purposes. It consists of a number of documents, including a Core Strategy and the proposed DMP.

Through the Local Plan – and by extension, through the DMP – the council hopes to “preserve, conserve and enhance the traditional character of the borough”.

Cllr Schofield said: “The Council’s 2014 Core Strategy sets a vision for Banstead Village in 2017 as a vibrant village centre, providing a mix of uses and services for local residents.

“Our Development Management Plan consultation document includes ideas about how to achieve this, which includes improved community facilities on the Horseshoe and at Banstead Community Centre, a longer term opportunity for some redevelopment of buildings along the High Street, and a small amount of new housing and small commercial development to help fund improved services.”

Cllr Schofield also encouraged residents to offer feedback on the proposed plans.

“This is the first stage of the Development Management Plan consultation and nothing has been finalised,” he added.

The consultation runs until 10 October. For more information and detail on how to respond, visit www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/dmp