A MAJOR housing development of 262 new homes off Aarons Hill, Godalming, has been approved by Waverley’s joint planning committee last week in the face of strong opposition.

That number is set to almost double, if Guildford Borough Council’s site allocation of 200 houses on its side of the site on former green belt land off Aaron’s Hill get the go ahead.

The bid for the homes at Ockford Park was voted through by 16 Waverley councillors after a three-hour debate last week.

Council officers spent nearly one hour presenting the 189-page submission for the site, highlighting the housing mix, which includes 78 affordable homes, planned parks and green spaces, electric vehicle charging points and changes to Eashing Road.

Voting against were councillors Paul Follows, Lib Dem ward member and Jerry Hyman, Farnham Residents. Mr Follows said because Waverley had not passed through its policy on Community Investment Levy at the same time as drafting its Local Plan, his ward would lose out on a potential £4 million worth of investment into local infrastructure which the site could have generated.

Mr Hyman wanted clarity on the status of a Guildford Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace which the Waverley site is connected to.

A separate SANG application is being considered by Guildford Borough Council.