REVISED plans for a smaller Hambledon housing development, including seven rather than 12 affordable homes, have been given the green light.

Waverley planners recommended a 2016 application should be granted to build 17 houses at Orchard Farm, including an ‘enabling development’ of five market houses to finance ten affordable rented properties and two shared ownership homes.

The application for a site in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty triggered 182 objections on grounds including the scheme was too big, and it was rejected by the central area planning committee, and also at appeal last year.

The English Rural Housing Association (ERHA) submitted a revised application to build seven one, two and three-bedroom properties for affordable rent or shared ownership and two open-market bungalows, saying priority would be given to local people with a connection to Hambledon.

There were 66 objections to the latest plan on grounds including it was still too big.

Witley Parish Council also objected, but Hambledon Parish Council reaffirmed the need for small affordable homes in the village.

This time around, Waverley’s central area planning committee unanimously approved the plan.

Welcoming the decision after the meeting, Witley and Hambledon borough councillor Jan Floyd-Douglass said: “As a strong advocate for truly affordable housing, I was extremely pleased with the decision on two counts – that we at last had more rural affordable housing, and that the approval helped define what ‘affordable housing’ is in Waverley.

“Whilst there was significant opposition to the application, I was pleased that the right decision was made – and with realistic affordable housing criteria set.”

ERHA tweeted their reaction to the decision: “Our thanks and appreciation to Hambledon Parish Council for their engagement and resolute support for our latest affordable rural housing project.”