New Neighbourhood Set for M25's Noisiest Area
A significant residential development has received planning permission, marking a major step forward for a project near the M25. This initiative is a joint effort between Chartway Partnerships Group, MTP Developments Ltd, and the housing association VIVID. The development will feature 149 homes on a 7.2-hectare site located between Chertsey and Addlestone. Specifically, the land lies north of Green Lane and south of the M25.
The area is known for its high levels of noise pollution due to the proximity of the motorway. However, the developers have pledged to transform this space into a cohesive new neighborhood. The plan includes high-quality and affordable homes, green spaces, and improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
The planning application was submitted in August 2024 and received approval from the Runnymede Borough Council planning committee in October. Construction is expected to start in mid-2026, with the first residents anticipated to move in by early 2028.
Oliver Jolley, Chief Development Officer at Chartway, expressed pride in partnering with VIVID to deliver a sustainable and inclusive housing scheme. He said, “We’re incredibly proud to be delivering our first project with VIVID. This development in Chertsey will deliver a high-quality mix of private and affordable homes, alongside vital community and green infrastructure.”
Tristan Samuels from VIVID echoed these sentiments, stating, “Our commitment goes beyond building homes — we’re focused on creating thriving, inclusive communities where individuals and families can feel at home.”
Despite the pressing need for local housing, there has been opposition from some residents due to concerns about noise pollution. Councillor Malcolm Cressey previously highlighted that the area is one of the “noisiest” sections along the M25. In 2022, he remarked, “You can stand a mile away and you can hear the noise so please, you can’t tell me that it’s good, you’ll never convince me. I look at the other side of the highway where they’ve got five metre high fences, and the noise is just horrendous.”
Campaign groups and some residents have also voiced concerns about the potential impact on the area's tranquillity and environmental quality. This latest planning approval follows a previous contentious scheme proposed by Taylor Wimpey in 2022, which included a similar number of homes and traveller pitches. The current proposal reflects adjustments made to address council feedback and local concerns.
The Green Lane project is part of a larger trend in Surrey and neighboring areas, where substantial residential developments near major motorways have proceeded despite environmental and community objections.
In recent developments, Mole Valley District Council approved a plan for up to 270 homes near the M25 in Ashtead. This proposal includes a significant portion of affordable housing, community facilities, and traveller pitches. However, local opposition cited concerns about traffic and environmental impacts.
Similar tensions have been reported in other regions. In the West Midlands, a controversial plan for 60 homes adjacent to the M5 motorway in Oldbury was initially rejected by Sandwell Council due to concerns about toxic pollution and cancer risks. However, a government inspector overruled this decision, deeming predicted pollution levels to be within acceptable limits.
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