The viewing gallery at the TDC Council Chamber was packed to bursting on Thursday, 21st October as more than 80 concerned residents listened to the arguments about the proposed application for 69 new dwellings on the site of the former Adult Education Centre and Social Services Centre in Croydon Road, Caterham. Councillor Jane Ingham asked for amendments to the reasons for refusal to make the refusal stronger and more robust. After an hour's debate the application was refused unanimously.

Councillor Ingham said: "I am delighted that this proposal has been refused. It was quite clearly too large, too dense and totally out of character with the surrounding area. I am really impressed with the hard work the residents have put into protecting their community from this over-development of 'rabbit hutches'. Not one of the hundreds of letters I have received from residents has complained about developing the site - we have only got to look at Rose and Young to see what happens to an unused building. But we just don't need this sort of development in Caterham. I really hope the developers will take on board the many objections expressed here this evening and look into providing what Caterham really needs - two and three-bedroom houses."

On leaving, the residents were clearly delighted and all congratulated all those concerned with opposing the application.