Chaldon Village Council is holding a public meeting next month to discuss the formation of an action group to turn the four and a half acre Chaldon Mead site with its four buildings into a community asset.

The sale of this estate by GVA Grimley acting for the NHS has caused great interest in the local area. Originally in private hands at the end of the 19th century, it passed into public ownership and since the 1930s has been used for semi-independent clients from the former St Lawrence's Hospital in Caterham.

The complex occupies a sensitive site in the middle of the green belt and an area of Great Landscape Value. It is clearly visible from many of the village's network of footpaths and adjoins the Surrey National Golf Course. The residents of Chaldon will be directly affected by any development at Chaldon Mead. Concern for the future of the site coupled with the growing need for a refurbished village hall, one of the community's few public buildings, has led many residents to consider the possibility of putting together a Community Bid.

Ted Howard, Chairman of Chaldon Village Council said: "Although this would certainly be in the spirit of 'localism' being championed by the present government, it would be a very large project for a small village the size of Chaldon. It will therefore be necessary to gauge the enthusiasm of residents and their willingness to contribute actively to such an undertaking".

All residents are invited to express their views and develop their ideas at the meeting which is to be held in Chaldon Village Hall, Rook Lane, on 1st september at 7.30pm.