Countryside campaigners have won a legal battle to thwart plans to turn a historic estate into a luxury hotel and exclusive golf course.

A High Court judge today quashed permission for plans to develop Cherkley Court, the former home of press magnate Lord Beaverbrook, near Leatherhead.

Cherkley Campaign brought a judicial review of Mole Valley District Council granting permission for plans for a ‘world class’ hotel, private members’ golf course and spa.

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Tim Harrold, chairman of the Cherkley Campaign, said: "This is a great victory for our campaign and for all who care about the countryside.

"Today's judgment shows that we were entirely justified in pursuing this legal action and we are deeply grateful to all those members of the local community who rallied round and supported us in the face of an unprecedented propaganda onslaught and smear campaign by the developers."

Countryside campaigners had feared the plans would wreck the precious landscape and questioned whether Surrey needs another golf course.

Longshot Cherkley Court had aimed to restore the estate to its former grandeur as a ‘world class’ five star hotel with a spa and exclusive private members golf club.

Cherkley Campaign had been supported by the Surrey Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

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Diggers at work on the estate

Branch director Andy Smith said: "The judicial review has found that Mole Valley Council made a flawed decision in allowing the Cherkley development to go ahead.

"We hope therefore that this is the end of the matter.

"The next step is for the developers to explain how they will go about repairing the appalling damage that they have already done to the landscape of Leatherhead Downs."

What do you think about the decision?

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