A major blow has been struck to the hundreds of people who objected to a controversial residential development in Haslemere after a High Court judge quashed the inquiry decision due to an administrative error by the Planning Inspectorate.

The proposed development by Redwood (South West) Limited, would bring 110 homes to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The plans sparked widespread opposition, with the Haslemere South Residents’ Association (HSRA), representing 280 residents, leading the charge against the plans, citing severe impacts on the landscape, local ecology, road safety, and infrastructure. They were joined by Haslemere Town Council, Haslemere Society, Surrey CPRE, and AONB representatives in condemning the proposal to build on cherished countryside and alter the historic Midhurst Road (A286), renowned for its distinctive canopy of trees.

The Planning Inspector originally dismissed the appeal in May 2024, citing the “fundamental and serious harm” the project would cause to the AONB. But during the planning inquiry, the Inspector "liked" a LinkedIn post by a planning witness for the developer, leading to allegations of partiality.

Although the Planning Inspectorate reassured HSRA of the Inspector's impartiality, it failed to notify the developer of this communication – a breach of inquiry rules. A judicial review in July 2024 deemed the oversight unlawful, quashing the appeal outcome. Both the Planning Inspectorate and Waverley Borough Council accepted the ruling.

An HSRA spokesperson said: “We believe this is a total travesty. An opportunist developer, hoping for planning permission now that housing targets have been increased, will be expecting the community to have run out of energy to protect this beautiful Haslemere countryside that sits entirely within Surrey Hills AONB.”

A new inquiry is scheduled for April 2025. HSRA is urging residents to renew their objections before December 4 via the Planning Inspectorate’s site: APP/R3650/W/23/3327643