Gleeson Land had asked Guildford Borough Council whether the scheme needed an Environmental Impact Assessment but planning officers decided on Wednesday that it was not, clearing the way for the next stage in the application process.
The developers argue the land is more “grey belt” than green belt due to the existing buildings, and they claim the scheme would blend in with the surroundings, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The proposed development site is next to a main road connecting Ash and Normandy.
The applicant argues the land is not in a “sensitive landscape” and the site is “adjacent to the urbanising influences of the village of Ash which is itself located in close proximity to the A331”.
Planning documents state most of the land is low-value farmland, although there are a few mature trees along the northern boundary which would be lost for the new road.
Planting new trees and vegetation and creating a “green corridor” are noted to preserve the long-distance views and blend the new homes into the landscape.
The Ash area is already seeing major growth with two nearby developments under construction, two waiting for implementation and one complete.