Agenda item

The application was for three detached two storey dwellings with detached double garages, entrance gates and associated accesses and landscaping following demolition of golf club and driving range buildings and use of remainder of land as suitable alternative natural greenspace (SANGS). (Additional info recv'd 25/1/17). (Additional information rec'd 09/02/2017). (Amended and Additional Information Rec'd 31/03/2017) (Amended plans and information, and additional information recv'd 21/7/17).

Members were advised of the following updates:

‘An email has been received from the applicant querying the footprint figures quoted in Paragraph 7.4.3 of the committee report. The case officer can confirm that the figures are correct. The existing building footprint figure of 523 sq. m omits the existing storage buildings of 172 sq. now to be retained, so that a direct comparison can be made against the proposed dwellings which will replace them to assess if they have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt.

The applicant also expressed concern that insufficient weight and consideration has been given to the removal of the driving range and high powered lighting system. The case officer considers that this has been addressed in Para 7.14.9 of the committee report.’ 

Members had concerns about the location of the SANGS car park and access, particularly the lack of footpaths along the narrow road, which also supported two-way traffic. In addition some Members felt that the proposed dwellings were too large and there was concern regarding the impact the SANGS car park would have on the immediate neighbours’ amenities.

With regard to the SANGS car park entrance there was some concern in relation to the materials which would be used to secure the entrance to the SANG car park.  Members felt that they would have to be in keeping with the street scene and complement the listed buildings opposite the site. Some Members asked whether the Heritage Officer was aware of the materials suggested which would be in contrast to the listed buildings.  Officers advised that the Heritage Officer had raised no objection.

Councillor White felt that a site visit would be appropriate and that the County Highways Authority (CHA) should also be present. Officers advised that the CHA could be invited but as they had already considered the proposal and had raised no objection, they would not be obliged to attend. Councillor White requested that it be recorded that she did not respect their views on this proposal.

Some Members were not against the development but it was the access which caused concern.

The Chairman reminded the Committee that if they decided to defer the application for a site visit, only Members who attended the site would be able to vote on the application when it was next considered at Committee. In addition, all the speakers who had made a presentation at this meeting would be able to return and address the Members when the application was considered at Committee again.

In addition, should the application be deferred, more information would be obtained from the Heritage Officer in relation to the entrance and proposed materials.

Resolved that application 16/1207 be deferred in order to:

i)                 carry out a site visit to inspect the SANGS car park access;

ii)               invite the County Highway Authority to attend the site; and

iii)             obtain further information from the Heritage Officer regarding the access to the site.

Note 1

As this application triggered the Council’s public speaking scheme Mr P Weinberger and Mr J Brennen spoke in objection and Mr C Smith, the applicant and Mr I Bell spoke in support.

Note 2

It was noted for the record that:

i)         the Chairman declared that one of the speakers, Mr Bell was known to various Members of the Committee as he had been a Surrey Heath Borough Councillor;

ii)       the Chairman declared that Committee Members had received emails regarding the application;

iii)      the Chairman declared that the land designated by the SANG in the application would be acquired by the Council if approved;

iv)      Councillor Paul Ilnicki declared that he had been acquainted with the applicant some time ago with regard to the Frimley Fuel Allotments;

v)       Councillor Conrad Sturt declared that the applicant was known to him.

Note 3

The recommendation to defer the application for the reasons set out above was proposed by Councillor David Mansfield and seconded by Councillor Katia Malcaus Cooper.  

Note 4

In accordance with Part 4, Section D, paragraph 18 of the Constitution, the voting in relation to the application was as follows:

Voting in favour of the revised recommendation to defer the application for the reasons set out above:

Councillors Nick Chambers, Colin Dougan, Surinder Gandhum, Edward Hawkins, Paul Ilnicki, Jonathan Lytle, Katia Malcaus Cooper, David Mansfield,Max Nelson, Robin Perry, Conrad Sturt, Pat Tedder, Victoria Wheeler, Valerie White and John Winterton.