South Godstone - anyone's living there?

[JTro]

Hi,
We found a nice house there (what we want and right on our "not so massive" budget), but we don't know much about the area. How is the crime there? How is traffic on A22 towards Caterham during morning rush hour? Are there any plans to develop the area (trains, supermarkets, etc) Any information is welcome!

You might want to look up the Garden Village proposal (currently not going ahead as significant upgrade to road network required) and potential development at Lambs Business park which may generate traffic. A22 usually flows but can be affected by incidents on M25.

Thanks, LIZS! The house, which we like, a bit down the A22 towards Lingfield (between South Godstone and Blindley Heath). Any info re crime in that area? What we noticed, quite a lot of houses on that road (where the house is) have CCTV cameras, but all houses looks very nice and looked after, street is clean, grass verges cut. So not sure why they need so many CCTV cameras

I think the one thing you need to be aware of is secondary schools as it can be a bit of a dark area . So worth checking if relevant. Otherwise I agree with other poster. Unsure re cctv

Rural crime has increased in the area over lockdowns - theft from outbuildings and catalytic converters. Agree access to secondaries may be an issue, Oxted, Horley or East Grinstead are all a short drive away but few direct buses. Redhill-Tonbridge line not terribly reliable. There was talk of investment at South Godstone station.

No, secondaries and schools in general are not important factors, both of my kids are already in secondaries and I will drive them to schools every day, hence the question re A22 in the mornings:)
Is there anything else you can tell to newcomers about South Godstone and surroundings, what you think can be useful for them to know? :)

If nearer Lingfield check out flight path proposals, as even if there is limited noise now the reopening of LGW South and future changes in flight paths may affect it. Visit on different days/times.

There might be other places around that have more of a community feel and more of a centre. Places like Lingfield, East Grinstead, Godstone itself or Bletchingley or Nuffield.

Think about the facilities you want - a corner shop, a post office, Doctor surgery etc. It’s a pain to have to go in the car for everything.

The Garden Village is likely to come back as an issue at some point, although it could be a good few years off.

South Godstone is good value for money though and I know schools are not an issue for you, but the primary in the village has become much more popular. I think Blindley Heath has it’s own school.

True . I don't think there is a gp in South Godstone or Blindley Heath, you would probably need to go to Godstone at the moment.

Wombat, thank you. Of course we would love to have all the amenities on our doorstep, but that's practically impossible to find what we want for our budget in build up areas. As I understand, The Garden village would not affect us directly, but can create a huge problem re commute, and as I understand that's the main reason why it is delayed (not good transport infrastructure for the amount of proposed houses).

Plus the political ground at the district council has shifted since its inception so any will to push it forwards has waned. Plenty of local opposition to it despite a promise of services such as gp hub, shops etc