PLANS to build affordable homes on the Dorlcote site at Witley looked set to get the green light from Waverley borough councillors on Wednesday. The Roke Lane site, formerly home to a sheltered accommodation scheme for elderly people, has been vacant since the buildings were demolished in 2005, and since then the villagers have become used to the half-a-hectare area of open space. However, in a report before councillors this week, Waverley's planning chiefs said they felt that, as long as they could secure a legal agreement to provide affordable housing, the scheme should be given the go-ahead. It would see a mix of houses, bungalows and flats going up on the site, providing homes for 20 families. New residents would then have a choice between the 14 homes available for rent and the six flats on offer for shared ownership. The council says it has demonstrated a real need for affordable housing in the area, with 655 of the 2,110 households listed on the Housing Needs Register highlighting the parish of Witley as their preferred area for rehousing. There are 139 households on that register who already live in the parish. Of those, 74 tenants living in one-bedroom accommodation, 42 in two-bedroom accommodation, 21 in three-bedroom homes and two in four-bedroom homes have expressed a desire to stay in the parish. But the high demand for housing comes in stark contrast to the council homes on offer in the parish. Throughout 2005-06 only eight houses became available for those wanting to move into the parish, or requiring a bigger house following the birth of a child. However, despite the need for affordable housing in the area, the scheme has not found favour with everyone. Waverley planning officers received eight complaints from residents who fear the site would encroach onto a private garden, would result in a loss of light to nearby houses, would create a loss of parking and would leave the village with even less green space. Protesters also said it would increase the traffic in the area, which is already heavy between 8-30 am and 9 am with parents dropping children off at the nearby Chandler C of E School. A decision was set to be made at Wednesday night's Waverley Borough Council development management committee meeting.
