new london neighbourhood to be built at ‘noisiest part’ of m25

The plans were approved by Runnymede Borough Council last month (Picture: Getty Images)

Planning permission has been granted for a substantial residential development near the M25.

The development represents a collaboration between Chartway Partnerships Group,MTP Developments Ltd,and housing association VIVID,and will consist of 149 homes on a 7.2-hectare site located between Chertsey and Addlestone,on land north of Green Lane and south of the M25.

The area is characterised by significant noise pollution from motorway traffic.

Developers have committed to transforming this land into a cohesive new neighbourhood featuring high-quality and affordable homes,green spaces,and improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

The planning application,submitted in August 2024,received approval from the Runnymede Borough Council planning committee in October.

Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-2026,with the first residents expected to move in by early 2028.

149 new homes will be built on the site (Picture: Chartway)

Oliver Jolley,Chief Development Officer at Chartway,expressed pride in partnering with VIVID to deliver a sustainable and inclusive housing scheme.

‘We’re incredibly proud to be delivering our first project with VIVID,’ he said. ‘This development in Chertsey will deliver a high-quality mix of private and affordable homes,alongside vital community and green infrastructure.’

Tristan Samuels from VIVID echoed this,saying: ‘Our commitment goes beyond building homes — we’re focused on creating thriving,inclusive communities where individuals and families can feel at home.

But despite the pressing local housing demand,opposition has arisen from locals over concerns about noise pollution.

Councillor Malcolm Cressey previously noted that the area lies within one of the ‘noisiest’ sections along the M25.

Speaking in 2022,he said: ‘You can stand a mile away and you can hear the noise so please,you can’t tell me that it’s good,you’ll never convince me. I look at the other side of the highway where they’ve got five metre high fences,and the noise is just horrendous.’

The area has been called the ‘noisiest’ part of the M25 (Picture: Geoffrey Swaine/Shutterstock)

Meanwhile,campaign groups and some residents have voiced apprehensions about the potential impact on the area’s tranquillity and environmental quality.

This latest planning approval follows a previously contentious scheme proposed by Taylor Wimpey in 2022,which included a similar number of homes and traveller pitches.

The current proposal reflects adjustments to address council feedback and local concerns.

And the Green Lane project is part of a larger pattern in Surrey and neighbouring locales,where substantial residential developments near major motorways have proceeded,despite environmental and community objections.

New here? Sign up for The Key newsletter

Hello! I’m Rachel Moss,Metro’s lifestyle editor.Whether you’re renting,buying,or just dreaming, our weekly property newsletter is packed with expert tips and housing hacks.My team bring you the latest in property,travel,money and much more (Picture: Rachel Moss)We’ll be bring you the best (and most bonkers) homes on the market,case studies and sharp analysis. Sign up now.For instance,Mole Valley District Council recently approved a plan for up to 270 homes near the M25 in Ashtead,incorporating a significant portion of affordable housing plus community facilities and traveller pitches,though local opposition cited traffic and environmental impacts.

Similar tensions have been reported further afield. In the West Midlands,a controversial plan for 60 homes adjacent to the M5 motorway in Oldbury was initially rejected by Sandwell Council due to concerns about toxic pollution and cancer risks.

However,a government inspector overruled this decision,deeming predicted pollution levels to be within acceptable limits.Do you have a story to share?