A controversial decade-long planning saga for up to 140 Surrey homes is coming to an end after it was agreed that an impossible cycle-safety path was no longer central to the homes’ construction.

Moves to build the homes in Heathpark Wood, Windlesham, were first rejected by Surrey Heath Borough Council in 2016, and featured strong pushback from residents and Queen guitarist Brian May’s animal protection trust Save Me.

However, the developers were able to push the plans through on appeal after inspectors ruled the council did not have enough deliverable land to meet housing targets.

The developers were told that, as part of the plan, they would need to include a shared cycle and pedestrian path to provide safer access to the site before people could move in.

Now, it turns out, this is impossible on the renamed Crownfield Court side, as existing roads and pavements are too narrow, meaning the paths would make it less safe than before.

The project has also come down to 116 homes. Surrey Heath Borough Council’s planning committee has now approved a bid to introduce 20 mph restrictions along the road with speed bumps – by the time the 100th home is occupied.

Windlesham and Chobham councillor Victoria Wheeler (Independent) said: “Disappointed to say that I am not surprised that this isn’t deliverable, that nobody bothered to measure the width that was available in order to put in a safe way to cycle.”

Residents were again opposed to the application, citing increased pollution from constant braking and acceleration, as well as the dangers of drivers swerving around traffic-calming measures.

Tony Murphy, speaking against the application, said: “The cushions may be operationally inefficient, allowing straddling by large vehicles, reducing their effectiveness.

“They encourage erratic driver behaviour with frequent adjustments; repeated braking and accelerating will be hazardous and cause air pollution.”

Developers said the delays caused by planning issues are why they sought to have the new measures in place by the time the 100th home is occupied, now expected to be by the end of 2027, and expected people to have moved in by then.

Officers told the meeting: “The current proposal seeks to agree an alternative to the condition requirements which will provide a more cycle-friendly environment.

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“The timescale to deliver is proposed to be moved from prior to occupation to prior to the occupation of the 100th dwelling.”