HASLEMERE town councillors have given controversial plans to build 36 key-worker houses, on land behind Sturt Farm, the thumbs down. The scheme to build the houses on land off Sturt Road has already created a storm of protest, with more than 300 letters of objection being sent to Waverley Borough Council. Earlier this month, chairman of The Haslemere Society David Smith, expressed grave fears for the future of "one of the town's greatest assets" if the plans were approved. At last Thursday's Haslemere Town Council meeting, members of the planning and highways committee threw their support behind the objectors. Committee members decided to object to the plans for a number of reasons, including fears the scheme would destroy the character of the area, and building work would take place on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV). Committee members concluded the infrastructure of the area had not been improved since a similar application was made around 25 years ago and also said they felt the proposed development would set a precedent. Other concerns included: applications for affordable housing would normally be made by a housing association; and development not on a Brown Field site would be against government planning policy. The committee also had grave concerns over the impact the proposed development could have on highways, possible adverse effect on water supply sources and a lack of clarity over what was meant by the term 'key worker' and how many homes were for rent, sale or shared ownership. During the meeting the committee also agreed to add additional objections over the damage the proposed development could have on a natural habitat for badgers and nightingales and the lack of demand for key worker housing in Camelsdale. Earlier this month The Haslemere Society chairman David Smith, spoke out against the application on behalf of the group, which aims to protect the character of the town and surrounding villages. In a letter to The Herald Mr Smith warned Haslemere residents the land was under "real threat" and said planning applications should not be approved if they destroyed part of what made the town special. In his letter Mr Smith said The Haslemere Society understood there was a case for the provision of key worker housing, but argued Sturt Farm was "manifestly not the place for it." At the time Mr Smith said: "The landowner, a property developer, has demonstrated a determination that his scheme should succeed. "The prospect of affordable housing and the achievement of government housing targets will undoubtedly appeal to some decision makers on Waverley Borough Council." In his letter Mr Smith said Sturt Farm was "highly visible from many parts of the town" and claimed it was "not acceptable" for a property developer to "violate one of the town's greatest assets." He added: "Yes, we (The Haslemere Society) support affordable housing, but it must not be at the cost of what makes Haslemere such a special place." But last week, Sturt Farm applicant Anthony Lawson, defended the scheme, arguing the society represented only "those with well established homes and interests in the town." He said the society did not take into account the needs of key workers such as teachers, nurses, firefighters and police officers. Mr Lawson rejected Mr Smith's claims that the proposed development would be visible from many parts of the town, arguing it was in a small valley which had been chosen "for the simple reason that it can't easily be seen." Mr Lawson also questioned the Mr Smith's claim that the Haslemere Society supports affordable housing. In his letter Mr Lawson said: "I have followed the activities of The Haslemere Society for some years. I can't remember an instance where the society has taken affirmative action or made any move to help promote affordable key worker homes in the area." Despite Mr Lawson's defence of the scheme hundreds of Haslemere residents have written to Waverley Borough Council calling for the Sturt Farm application to be thrown out. Ruth Pope, of Courts Hill Road, said the land is protected, providing "open space to Haslemere residents in an increasingly encroaching built up area." Ms Pope also pointed out the land provided a habitat for wildlife and that road access would be dangerous. In her letter of objection to Waverley Borough Council, Ms Pope said: "If key worker homes are needed they should be built within the settlement area of Haslemere and not outside, where the area is a valuable asset to the community. "To permit development of this area would set a dangerous precedent and risk further development of this site." Ayshea Jaeger, of Courts Hill Road, also wrote to the borough council in protest against the scheme and expressed deep concerns over the implications for wildlife if the proposed development was given the go-ahead. In her letter Ms Jaeger wrote: "Any further development in Haslemere, on this scale, would put even more pressure on the local infrastructure which already cannot cope. The roads are overcrowded, water supplies restricted during times of low rainfall, plus there would be extra pressure on local amenities, including schools, due to the increased number of applicants." The final decision on the latest Sturt Farm application will be taken by Waverley Borough Council.