The MP for Kingston and Surbiton has led the backlash against Elmbridge Council's plans to build thousands of homes on the greenbelt bordering Kingston.

The proposals are part of the council's local plan, which is currently under public consultation. The assessed housing need for Elmbridge estimates that 9,480 new homes are going to be needed in the borough over the next 19 years to 2035. But the administration has said the best way of achieving this is by releasing parcels of greenbelt to developers.

The "key strategic areas" of "weakly performing" greenbelt have been earmarked and include Knowle Hill and Fairmile parks, Chippings Farm and the Fairmile in Cobham. The land north of the A309 and east and west of Woodstock Lane North in Long Ditton is the third area. But Kingston and Surbiton MP James Berry said the plans were "appalling" and would leave his constituents in Tolworth and Surbiton "bearing the brunt" of pressure from developments.

Furious Kingston residents have added their voices to the debate, saying the development would impact on the infrastructure of Surbiton and Tolworth. An open letter to Kingston councillors and Mr Berry from Keith McMahon, treasurer of the Sugden Allotment Association, calls for the greenbelt to be "suitably protected".

Elmbridge councillors have estimated that 3,700 of the needed homes in the borough can be built on previously developed land in urban areas, but that would leave 5,780 homes remaining. Residents are being asked to come forward to the council with their opinions on the three proposed options.

Option 1 suggests maintaining the existing greenbelt and only building on urban areas by increasing the density of homes on developments.

Option 2 - the favoured option by the council - is to open up the three areas of greenbelt for housing in addition to building on urban areas.

Option 3 is to combine both option 1 and 2 and build on the greenbelt and increase the density of homes in urban areas.

Dates for the next public consultations:
Thursday, January 26 - 7-9pm Civic Centre, High Street, Esher
Saturday, February 4 10- 2pm Civic Centre, High Street, Esher