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Residents fear "traffic chaos" and crumbling services if new plans for a huge new housing estate on the edge of Guildford go ahead.

Developers Martin Grant Homes have submitted plans for 1,800 new homes, two schools, shops, offices and 1,000- space park and ride at Gosden Hill just off the A3.

The scheme - marketed as the new 'gateway for Guildford'- could bring around 4,500 extra people to the area, almost double Burpham.

But the application has not been met with open arms. Dozens of objections have flooded in with people saying it will swamp local roads, overload already stretched health services and concrete over the precious green belt countryside.

One objector said: "The development is effectively a very large cul-de-sac with a single vehicular access - nearly all traffic will be forced onto London Road which is already over-congested at peak times."

Others claimed "an accident is inevitable" with a "nonsensical" single-access point to the estate.

Traffic was a particularly sore point. Critics say the new A3 junction must be finished before any houses are built- and want northbound access so cars are not funnelled through Burpham.

The developer argues the project will deliver much-needed new homes, schools and transport improvements including sustainable transport. Planning documents state the masterplan includes "significant green space" to soften the impact.

Campaigners also say the project does not guarantee the key infrastructure of water, sewage and electricity will be provided. People warned if the developers go full speed ahead without the needed infrastructure in place the proposed homes will be uninhabitable and will disrupt the existing community.

One doctor living nearby warned the project is an "overdevelopment of an unsuitable site" that could compromise public health and community safety. He argued the lack of GP or pharmacy provision for thousands of new residents is a serious problem.

Some people were more optimistic about the development stating: "This has the potential to be brilliant if done properly. It also has the potential to be a nightmare for new and existing residents if done according to the current proposal."

Other residents objected to the loss of countryside between Guildford, Clandon and Send, arguing it would create a continuous urban sprawl. Gosden Hill Farm, the 130-hectare site, is made up of agricultural fields, areas of woodland and farm buildings.

One long-time resident said: "It is incredibly sad to see very poor planning decisions being made that will ruin the local area for generations to come." Another said: "The destruction of this habitat will result in irreversible ecological damage, with natural spaces being replaced by concrete and tarmac."

The Surrey countryside and farmland is not just nice scenery for some objectors, it is the essence of Burpham. One local said: "This development threatens the character and cohesion of our community. The emotional toll of losing green space, peace, and the familiarity of our surroundings cannot be overstated."

Planning documents state development will be built with new accessible woodland space at Cotts Wood, new playing fields, multi-functional green spaces, and village squares.

One person commenting on the application said: "I am strongly supportive of this development, which will bring much needed new homes and other facilities to this area.

"I am particularly supportive of including active travel routes though the site linking Burpham and Clandon, which is poorly served at the moment. Opening these new routes at the earlier opportunity would be a huge bonus."

Martin Grant Homes were invited to comment and have distributed a newsletter to the local community. Further information is available on the Gosden Hill development website and on the council's planning portal.

Comments on the application are welcome until October 1st, with Guildford Borough Council making a decision later in the year.

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