DEVELOPERS have rubbished claims they will "devastate" green belt land by applying herbicide.
Longshot was granted planning permission in April last year to turn Cherkley Court in Leatherhead into a luxury hotel and golf course.
However, opponents to the development have said herbicides, which will be used as part of preparations to develop the 18-hole course, will permanently damage the area's biodiversity.
Longshot spokesman Nick Kilby told the Advertiser the company has yet to apply any herbicide, but if it did it would be sanctioned to do so as part of approved planning permission.
He said: "In the planning submissions that were approved by the council there is information that states that in certain parts of the estate a herbicide would be used in the process.
"All of it is and has been in the public domain for people to see for a long time so I do not understand this sudden outrage.
"It is a very domestic herbicide," he added.
"We are not talking about anything that is unduly warranted.
"It is more like something you would use on your grass at home.
"The council saw fit to approve the plans and it is keeping a constant eye on us to make sure we are keeping to those plans and I can promise that no-one is looking to deviate from that."
Residents' group the Cherkley Campaign, supported by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), has applied to the High Court for a judicial review of Mole Valley District Council's planning decision.
Opponents believe Longshot wants to apply the herbicide before a decision on a judicial review is reached, and warned that the Cherkley estate could be turned into a brownfield site.
CPRE Surrey director Andy Smith said: "Councillors have had the gall to suggest a golf course would enhance this rural landscape and improve conditions for wildlife and biodiversity.
"But by applying the herbicide, Longshot will wreck the biodiversity of the Cherkley estate and do potentially irreparable harm to the Leatherhead Downs."
