Haslemere Liberal Democrat Town Councillors Unite with Community to Defend Surrey Hills

Haslemere’s Liberal Democrat-led Town Council is standing firm in its commitment to preserve the town’s treasured countryside. In a decisive move, the Council unanimously voted to join a Rule 6 group opposing the proposed Red Court Scotland Park Phase 2 development - a plan that threatens to build over 130 executive homes within the protected Surrey Hills National Landscape (formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, AONB) off Midhurst Road.  The Rule 6 coalition, which includes the Haslemere Society and the Haslemere South Residents Association (HSRA) ensures that the community has an official voice in the upcoming public inquiry. 

With only 46 National Landscapes across the UK—33 in England, four in Wales, one spanning the England–Wales border, and eight in Northern Ireland—Haslemere is fortunate to be home to one of these irreplaceable natural treasures. While the need for housing is undeniable, it must not come at the cost of our protected landscapes or the unique character of Haslemere.  Allowing this development to proceed would set a dangerous precedent, making other protected areas vulnerable to similar threats. 

Beyond the loss of countryside, this development poses significant risks to local biodiversity. The plans include a new access road from Midhurst Road, which would require removing a mature tree-lined avenue, an essential wildlife corridor. Alarmingly, a 150-year-old beech tree has already been felled after the developer successfully overturned a Tree Protection Order, a move strongly contested by local experts.  Additionally, the strain on local infrastructure cannot be ignored. Increased demand on schools, healthcare facilities, and roads will place an unsustainable burden on Haslemere’s services, further underscoring why this development is not in the town’s best interests.

Public Inquiry – Make Your Voice Heard

Your Liberal Democrat Town Councillors for Haslemere will be present at the inquiry, standing shoulder to shoulder with residents to oppose this development and safeguard the natural beauty that defines our community.​

The public inquiry begins on Tuesday, April 8, at 10 AM at the Waverley Borough Council offices in Godalming. Residents are encouraged to attend the public session at midday to show their collective support for protecting Haslemere’s countryside.

For further details, including transportation arrangements, please contact the HSRA at haslemeresouthra@gmail.com. If you are interested in attending or speaking at the inquiry, reach out to Waverley Borough Council at 01483 523359 or or consultation.planning@waverley.gov.uk