Residents concerned about a proposed development by London & Quadrant comprising 69 flats in Beechwood Road, Caterham Valley packed into the Soper Hall in Harestone Valley Road last month to hear a presentation by the architect of the scheme, Frank Reynolds. The scheme would retain the old Adult Education Centre and convert it into flats, and create additional flats on the land between Beechwood Road and Farningham Road. Amongst the audience were County Councillor for Caterham Valley, Sally Marks and members of Tandridge District and Caterham Valley Parish councils.

The presentation had been organised by Caterham Valley Parish Council to enable the architect to answer the concerns of the residents, and explain how the plans had been modified to take into account the issues raised during the consultation process. Mr Reynolds gave a detailed explanation about the design of the flats pointing out modifications such as pitched roofs illustrated with images of the plans projected onto a large screen.

During his presentation Mr Reynolds said: "A study by London & Quadrant shows there is a great need for affordable one and two bedroom properties in Caterham which allow people onto the housing ladder through shared ownership schemes. I think it has the hallmark of a well-considered scheme. It has a very good balance between the needs of the local community, the wider community, the requirements set down by law, whilst retaining the old school building." Local estate agent, Peter Jones did not agree saying: "We have many new flats already in Caterham which we cannot sell. What people want is houses for those who are already in flats and need to move to something bigger."

One of the main concerns expressed by the residents was the inadequate parking provision, pointing out that Beechwood Road, Farningham Road and Commonwealth Road already suffer congestion from commuters parking in the roads. By the end of the evening the audience had made it clear they felt the scheme was entirely inappropriate for the locality.

The Planning Committee of Tandridge District Council will be voting on the scheme later this month. The plans can be viewed at the Tandridge District Council website, Application No. TA:/2010/704.