A controversial application from Walton Charity to build offices on a green space has been withdrawn after fierce opposition.

Residents were outraged and a councillor resigned as a member of the charity’s board of trustees over plans to build offices, taking up 39 per cent of an area of open space, in Severn Drive, Walton.

The plans included a two-storey office block to house Walton Charity and about 13 other charities, providing a total of 52 staff desk spaces.

Plans also included 28 parking spaces, and a number of trees being cut down.

Neighbours surrounding the charity-owned land submitted a petition to the council, with 444 signatures, on Friday, September 19.

Now, following weeks of petitioning and objections, the application has been withdrawn.

A spokesman for the charity said: "The decision to withdraw the application was taken following the statutory period of public consultation.

"This action will allow the charity more time to fully consider the comments and responses from both residents and Elmbridge Council."

Jackie Lodge, chief executive of Walton Charity, said: "I think my priority is to reassure that our focus, Walton Charity's focus, will remain on helping the charities helping our vulnerable people.

"It's really worrying for them [the charities] and worrying for the vulnerable users."

She stressed the charity, which works to improve the lives of disadvantaged people locally, would focus on finding the right help for the charity sector in Elmbridge.

Walton South Councillor Christine Elmer, who resigned from her position on the board of the Walton Charity during the consultation period, said she believe the charity has "seen the writing on the wall".

Mick Flannigan, of Rydens Road, who was the driving force behind the petition, said: "I really take my hat off to those who sent in the most carefully researched and incisive letters of objection. They undoubtedly turned the tide in our favour and ultimately they proved decisive."

Residents now hope the land can be released to the council, or given village green status, which would keep the land protected from development.

The charity said it was still "very much committed" to looking for another site.