Land to the North of Guildford Road, Bookham

There are currently only two doctor’s surgeries, Fairfield Medical Centre and Eastwick Park, serving the local communities of Bookham, Fetcham and Effingham, putting them under significant strain. The Local Plan exacerbates this problem by proposing in excess of 450 additional dwellings to the west of Bookham with no additional medical facilities.

An increase in the area proposed for allocation would enable the provision of a brand new doctors surgery with the potential for dual use as a community facility should there be demand.

We are aware that, even without the proposed additional developments to the west of Bookham, Rectory Lane is already struggling to cope with existing local traffic. The wider allocation would enable 500 metres of the land to the east of Rectory Lane to be gifted to the community enabling the widening of Rectory Lane towards Guildford Road.

Visualisation of junction between Rectory Lane and Guildford Road

The ‘Draft Future Mole Valley Local Plan’ allocates this area for 164 dwellings and two gypsy and traveller pitches. The plan states a gross area of 10.3 hectares however this reduces to 7.5 hectares once the onsite vegetation is taken into account. 164 dwellings require a land take of circa 6.5 hectares and on this basis the allocation provides for nothing other than residential use.

The wider allocation would comprise a large green buffer between Rectory Land and the retirement village to ensure that the area is kept feeling as open and green as possible. This will maintain the sense of separation from Effingham whilst limiting the impact on the Green Belt.

This private land would become public domain and provide routes through the development that allow for walking, biking, hiking and horses to move both for journeys and leisure. In addition, a range of types of play provision for children of all ages and needs including spaces that can be accessed by existing as well as new residents can be provided.

The retirement village will also comprise a care home for those residents who can no longer live independently but wish to remain part of the community. This will consist of assisted living as well as reminiscence for those suffering with dementia offering residents the comfort and familiarity of their village.