A DECISION on a plan for 30 new homes was deferred by councillors last week because of concerns over flooding.
Building firm Charles Church wants to build the homes and 75 parking spaces at Tanners Meadow in Strood Green.
And despite council officers recommending the plan for approval, members of the district council's planning committee opted to defer their decision until next month amid fears over foul drainage and run-off water.
Speaking at the meeting, councillor John Muggeridge (Conservative, Brockham, Betchworth and Buckland) said: "What the officers are saying doesn't make any sense at all. That is certainly not a place for a housing development at the moment.
"The whole area floods. It's no joke. I was out there on Christmas Day until lunch time getting the drains sorted and keeping the water away.
"It's all got to be sorted a long time before this application goes through.
"You cannot pass this in any way, shape or form. I think the officers are misleading this committee something terrible."
Councillor David Preedy (Lib Dem, Box Hill and Headley) had concerns for the proposed development beyond the flooding risks. "I am concerned about how high the roofs are on the houses," he said.
"I do not think they are in keeping with other houses in the development."
He also raised questions about the ability of Strood Green to sustain a new development, and about the build-up of traffic on the narrow road to the site.
However, Andy Stallan, director of the Guildford Office of Alliance Planning, the consultants hired by Charles Church, told councillors: "The buildings are in keeping with the character of the area.
"The development would have a positive impact on the viability of local businesses in Strood Green and Brockham."
He added: "Charles Church understands that flooding and drainage is a local concern. This is caused mainly by the poor maintenance of the existing ditches which are currently 80% blocked.
"This estate will make a small but important contribution to addressing the housing supply issue and will meet the affordable housing need in the Brockham and Strood Green area."
Speaking after the meeting, Liz Knight, from the Tanners Meadow Action Group, said: "I hope that those making the decision will make sure they read all the information available, so they can see how granting this development would be disastrous."
