17-07-2025
Anger in village of Normandy at plan for hundreds of new homes
Residents are being invited to an event to learn more about new plans for homes in a Surrey Taylor Wimpey is hoping to build new homes on fields in Normandy, near Bilbe, a Guildford Borough Councillor and resident near the site, said there was "a lot of upset" in the area over the number of homes in the proposed plans has not been confirmed, and the BBC has contacted Taylor Wimpey for comment.
Mr Bilbe told BBC Radio Surrey he believed the development could be up to 700 homes."If we've got 1,100 houses in the village and you add 700 that's a 70 to 80% increase," he said. "The implications for sewage, water, infrastructure, traffic and electricity provision, they're very significant."I'm not against development, but I'm only in favour of balanced, sensible development ."
'Just ridiculous'
Local residents were also sceptical. Nathaniel Knurowski said 700 homes would be "excessive", while Christine King said she was "absolutely horrified"."The traffic in this area is bad enough now without having any more homes put up," she said."Normandy is notorious for having problems with floods."To remove yet another part of the village with natural grass is just ridiculous."Wendy Blinco, general manager at the Normandy community shop and cafe, was concerned about the impact of a new parade of shops, which could be part of the development."This is a hub of the community and it's been a lot of hard work to get here," she said.
The site had been considered by Guildford Borough Council for up to 1,100 new homes, but ultimately was not included in its local plan, which sets out where houses would be built in the Wimpey's information on the plans outlines that the site has existing road and footpath connections, and potential to link directly to the station at Wanborough rail station. The development would include 50% affordable homes, houses reserved for the elderly, and a new community hub, as well as potential for new education facilities.A public event for residents to find out more about the plans is being held on Friday at St Mark's Hall in Normandy from 14:00 BST until 19:00.
