Affordable homes plan submitted to Tandridge District Council

Caterham could see the land at Longsdon Way completely revolutionised into affordable homes and green spaces.

Proposals for the almost 10 acre greenfield site consist of a mix of apartments, maisonettes, semi-detached and terraced homes, with shared ownership and socially rented properties.

The large sloping field on the edge of Caterham is predominantly undeveloped, lying in the green belt, with a couple of ramshackle sheds.

Developer Croudace Homes, based in Caterham, have put forward the affordable homes scheme to Tandridge District Council.

The company claims the new homes will be “offered in the first instance to residents with a local connection, to ensure the community benefits from the new homes available”.

Matthew Norris, Managing Director at Croudace, said: “The development will provide much-needed affordable homes in an area currently experiencing high demand.

“There are currently over 1,800 families or individuals on the Council’s housing register waiting for a home, which highlights a critical undersupply.

“With our offices based in Caterham, we are invested in the local area, and this development further demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality homes for communities in the region.”

Other features of the scheme include a new play area, a walking trail and a community orchard.

Planning documents state: “The majority of the site will be retained as open space and managed to enhance the existing calcium rich grassland on-site.”

The site is located just a short distance from Caterham town centre, with easy access to local services, including a nursery, primary schools, and multiple secondary schools.

Caterham railway station is also nearby, accessible on foot or by bicycle, with services running to and from London Bridge.

Developers have approached the council in recent years regarding the draft proposal. In July 2024, planning officers said they did not think the “benefits of the scheme would outweigh the harm”.

They said the scheme could have “significant harm to the rural characteristics” of the local area, although this could only be ascribed to the 13 homes on higher ground.

But, officers added, the indicative layout shows a considerable buffer between the homes, the woodland belt and the A22 so they were optimistic that an acceptable proposal could be achieved.

Tandridge council is aiming to determine the scheme by August 8, 2025.