Agenda item

The application was for creation of a two storey building comprising 2 x 1 bed flats, and 2 x 2 bed flats with additional access from The Grove and Grovefields Avenue, including gates, parking areas, landscaping and bin storage. (Amended Plans - Rec'd 13/02/2018). (Additional information rec'd 08/03/2018).

This application would normally be determined under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation, however, it had been called in for determination at the Planning Applications Committee at the request of Cllr Sams.

Members were advised of the following updates:

“The SAMM payment has been paid, so refusal reason 3 should be omitted from the recommendation.

Representation

Five further objections have been received since the report was written, bringing the total to 30.  However the issues raised are not different to those already listed and addressed in the Officer's report (see section 6), and are mainly concerned with parking provision and impact on character, and state that the revised plans have not overcome original concerns.

Further information from applicant

The applicant has submitted further information in respect of the proposal, since the Officer's report was written.  This comprises two letters from local estate agents, stating that there are a shortage of 1 & 2 bedroom properties in the local area with demand continuing to outstrip supply, and that the properties would appeal in particular to staff at Frimley Park Hospital and Siemens which are both nearby.

A neighbour comment has been received in respect of these letters, stating the following:

•           Few people would disagree that there is a shortage of housing but Deepcut will soon provide affordable housing to the market; no suggestion that this will be key worker housing for the hospital staff

•           Parking provision is inadequate and has resulted in loss of amenity space for future residents

•           Seems inappropriate for the correspondence to be included in what is a planning policy focused deliberation.

Officer comments:

The need for housing is not disputed and has been addressed in section 7.3 of the report.  It is clear that there is a shortage of housing in the borough even taking into account other developments. It is appropriate to include the information as further evidence for housing need which is a very relevant consideration, however as set out in the officer's report, the need for the housing is not considered to outweigh the concerns in respect of harm to amenity, character and ecology.  As such this further evidence does not alter the conclusions or recommendation.”

The recommendation to refuse the application was proposed by Councillor Edward Hawkins and seconded by Councillor Mrs Vivienne Chapman, and put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED that application 17/1078 be refused as amended for the reasons (excluding refusal reason 3) as set out in the report of the Executive Head – Regulatory.

Note 1

As this application triggered the Council’s Public Speaking Scheme, Charlotte Wilson and Alexander Griffith spoke in objection to the application and Mr Shah, the agent, spoke in support of the application.

Note 3

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 proposal to refuse as amended:

Councillors Nick Chambers, Mrs Vivienne Chapman, Colin Dougan, Edward Hawkins, Surinder Gandham, Jonathan Lytle, Katia Malcaus Cooper, David Mansfield, Max Nelson, Adrian Page, Robin Perry, Ian Sams, Pat Tedder, Victoria Wheeler, Valerie White and John Winterton.