THE majority of local people support plans for a luxury hotel and private members' golf course at Cherkley Court, according to a poll by the Advertiser.

We ran the online vote to gauge public opinion on Longshot's plans for the former residence of press mogul Lord Beaverbrook.

Opinion was divided, with 59 per cent (456 people) of the 777 voters deciding in favour of the plans, 40 per cent (314 people) declaring their opposition to them and one per cent (7 people) undecided.

Longshot spokesman Nick Kilby said: "We are obviously delighted with the result of the Leatherhead Advertiser vote.

"We believe it further demonstrates the level of support for our application within the community.

"Our proposals have already gained the support of many local organisations, including the largest neighbouring residents' association, Givons Grove, and a significant number of individuals have written directly to Mole Valley District Council (MVDC)."

But Kristina Kenworthy, of the Cherkley Campaign, which opposes the plan, said: "The real gauge of local opinion lies in the weight of the letters of objection already lodged with MVDC.

"Local residents want to see the council defend the green belt and the countryside from a major development of this kind.

"Planning is not a numbers game, but actually the letters to MVDC show that a substantial majority (156 to 126) of local people expect the policies of the Local Plan to be upheld."

Comments both for and against the plan were posted on the Leatherhead Advertiser's website, www.thisissurreytoday.co.uk

Justagardener wrote: "It will be a disgrace if this development is allowed to go ahead.

"Surrey does not need another golf course but we do need our history protected."

Greensurrey wrote: "I am deeply upset by the thought that Cherkley could be turned into a highly exclusive golf course – when did everyone stop caring about the environment?

"I think we should preserve the parts of Surrey that aren't about golf and high living.

"This development is about making money and keeping ordinary people out."

But Cwhittet wrote: "Take the trouble to meet the team behind this proposed development.

"I did and was reassured that both the beautiful buildings and grounds of Cherkley will be preserved and enhanced by the sympathetic and stylish development plans."

Jamesthumbsup wrote: "I am moving back to Leatherhead after ten years away and the idea of such a high-quality/profile use of the estate is fantastic news.

"Mole Valley has for a long time been the poor relation to neighbouring areas and this would well and truly put it back on the map."