FOUR "beautiful" houses have been saved from demolition after plans for a nursing home were thrown out by Tandridge District Council.
The contentious proposal centred on Westhall Road in Warlingham, by the junction with Searchwood Road.
Kent-based Direct Building Services had applied to knock down the large detached properties and replace them with a 65-bedroom "assisted living care home", with 20 parking spaces.
But, after widespread opposition in the village, the scheme was rejected by Tandridge District Council officers.
While making his decision the council's chief planning officer, Piers Mason, raised a string of objections.
These included the "cramped, overdeveloped" proposals, the insufficient parking which could harm the local area, and the threats to wildlife.
Surrey County Council's highways unit also raised concerns that the lack of information in the planning application made it hard for officers to draw a conclusion over its effects on local traffic.
The decision was met with muted approval by Warlingham West district councillor Glynis Whittle, who said: "I think the outcome will be welcomed by just about everyone in Warlingham.
"There will be a sigh of relief for a little but no doubt there will be further pressure for development here before too long."
Cllr Whittle added that it would have been "a shame" to have had yet another nursing home in an area that already has more than its fair share.
The scheme's Horsham-based planning agent, Philip Stone, said it was still undecided whether an appeal will be lodged against the council's decision.
He added: "While there are some other nursing homes in the immediate area, those have only 16 rooms between them – and enquiries indicate that they have no vacancies.
"The population over the age of 70 is greater than it ever has been before, and will continue to rise.
"There is clearly a recognised need for such accommodation for the elderly."
Among the range of objections from residents were fears of safety problems at the "dangerous" junction with Searchwood Road, the likelihood of overdevelopment, and the glut of care homes already in the area.
Melissa Hatchem, who lives in Searchwood Road, said: "Knocking down four beautiful heritage houses to build yet more old people's housing on an access route onto a blind bend – what a bright idea.
"Warlingham and Caterham are becoming one entire retirement village."