Normandy Housing Developments: August Update

Dear Constituent,

Thank you to all the residents who have contacted me regarding Taylor Wimpey PLC’s proposed housing development in Normandy.

As a Member of Parliament, I do not hold a formal role in determining planning applications, which are the responsibility of planning officers, local councillors, inspectors, and ministers. However, I take seriously my duty to represent the views of residents and ensure their concerns are heard by the appropriate authorities. I have been in direct contact with Taylor Wimpey, Normandy Parish Council, the Normandy Action Group, councillors at Guildford Borough Council, and the Normandy Flood Forum. I continue to press Thames Water to engage more constructively on these matters.

On 18 July 2025, representatives from my office attended Taylor Wimpey’s public consultation to hear directly from residents. Hundreds attended, and further comments were submitted to me in the days that followed. All of these concerns were presented to the developers in early August.

Key issues raised by residents include:

• Scale and suitability – Many favour a reduced scheme of 250 to 500 homes. The current proposal could double the village population, place additional strain on public services, and put Normandy’s rural character at risk.
• Green Belt and environment – The site includes ancient woodland, meadows, and open countryside. Residents strongly oppose “Grey Belt” reclassification and support retaining full Green Belt protections.
• Infrastructure gaps – Roads, drainage, sewage, and water systems are already under strain, with flooding a recurring problem that I raise frequently as chair of the Normandy Flood Forum. GP surgeries are also at capacity with no confirmed expansion.
• Traffic and access – Congestion on the A31, Westwood Lane, and Glaziers Lane would worsen. Narrow bridges, poor pavements, and speeding create serious safety concerns.
• Community facilities – Many residents prefer investment in existing hubs and schools rather than new on-site facilities. There is also scepticism about the viability of additional retail space given nearby supermarkets.

Following these discussions, Taylor Wimpey agreed to meet the Normandy Flood Forum to address flooding and sewage issues before any planning approval is considered. A meeting involving Taylor Wimpey, the Flood Forum, Thames Water, and myself is scheduled for early September 2025, though Thames Water has yet to confirm attendance.

Residents have also expressed concern about the Government’s Grey Belt policy, introduced in December 2024 through changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This allows certain Green Belt land to be reclassified for development if it is already built on or deemed to contribute little to preventing urban sprawl, keeping towns apart, or protecting historic settings. Since February 2025, councils have been required to assess smaller parcels of land, leaving villages like Normandy more exposed. Crucially, the policy offers no specific protection for villages, raising fears of increased large-scale rural development across Surrey Heath.

At every stage of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, I and my Liberal Democrat colleagues have voted against it. However, with Labour’s overwhelming majority, measures that weaken Green Belt protections and create new development pressures have been forced through. We will continue to oppose this Bill when it returns from the House of Lords.

I have also raised concerns about the Bill directly in Parliament. During the Third Reading debate on 9 June, I stated:

“My constituency of Surrey Heath is made up of small villages divided by green-belt land and Ministry of Defence property. Without the protections afforded by new clause 115, I fear that the distinctiveness and sense of place of those villages will be gradually lost. Can he comment on how new clause 115 would protect the distinctiveness of place?”

Unfortunately, New Clause 115, which would have provided stronger safeguards for communities like Normandy, was rejected by the Government.

I know how strongly residents feel about this proposed development, and I remain committed to ensuring your concerns are at the heart of the decision-making process. I will continue to raise these matters with developers, local authorities, ministers, and regulators, and will provide updates through my regular newsletter: https://www.alpinkerton.uk/newsletter

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions: al.pinkerton.mp@parliament.uk