Agenda item

The application was for the residential development of 44 dwellings comprising 7 No. two bedroom, 9 No. three bedroom, 16 No. four bedroom two storey homes and 7 No. one bedroom and 5 No. two bedroom flats within a three storey building along with access, parking/garaging, and landscaping, following the demolition of existing dwelling and associated outbuildings. ( amended & additional plans & info rec'd 02/07/2019 & 10/07/2019 & 29/07/2019). (Additional & Amended Docs & Plans - Rec'd 31.10.2019).

Members were advised of the following updates on the application:

“For the avoidance of doubt, there are 388 number of objections in total from 339 number of objectors with new representations raising the following new issues:

·         The use of the layby as an access/egress to residential drives (as would be required if the one way system were to be provided on Chapel Lane) would prejudice its use for parking/access and impact on covenants. 

This is a lower figure than previously totalled (across the original/update reports) because of duplication of representations in the system. 

The applicant has confirmed that there will be a management company to maintain the landscaping (beyond the demise of the private residential dwellings) with a charge to those residents.  The charge will not apply to the affordable housing units with the provider responsible for landscaping within the demise of these properties.

The County Highway Authority has raised no objections to the proposal (see the appended response) following the receipt of the Traffic Watch/Chapel Lane Action Group report subject to the amended condition below.

Amendment to Condition

19. Prior to the occupation of the development, Chapel Lane shall be improved in general accordance with Drawing No. 1807052-03 Rev L received on 27 November 2019 and Drawing No. 1807052-02 Rev E [within Appendix D of the Transport Statement) received on 19 March 2019] providing a footpath link for the site frontage along with traffic calming build outs, works to the existing layby in front of the site on Chapel Lane and surface treatment/road markings. 

Reason: In the interests of highway safety and to comply with Policies DM11 and CP11 of the Surrey Heath Core Strategy and Development Management Policies 2012 and the National Planning Policy Framework 2019.

Additional Condition

25. Prior to the construction of the development above slab level, details of the measures for energy efficiencies shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.  The development shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details.   

Reason: In the interests of energy efficiency and to comply with Policy Cp2 of the Surrey Heath Core Strategy and Development Management Policies 2012 and the National Planning Policy Framework.”

As this application had triggered the Council’s Public Speaking Scheme, Mr Neil Lennox, on behalf of the Bagshot Society, and Dr Catherine Mahoney spoke in objection to the application. Mr Douglas Bond and Mr Phil Bell, on behalf of the agent, shared a public speaking slot and spoke in support of the application. Mr Noel Fierz also spoke in support of the application.

Arising from the Committee’s discussions, there were significant concerns in respect of impacts on residential amenity, the loss of mature trees, including TPO protected trees, and impact on the character of the area.  Whilst highway matters (including proposals for a one-way system for Chapel Lane) were raised, concerns were also raised about the impact of the increased traffic on Chapel Lane including the comings and goings of additional vehicles and resulting intensification in the movement of such traffic that would have such impact on residential amenity.

As there was no proposer and seconder for the officer’s recommendation, an alternative recommendation to refuse the application, for the reasons below, was proposed by Councillor Valerie White and seconded by Councillor Helen Whitcroft. The recommendation was put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED that

             I.        Application 19/0235 be refused for the following reasons:

o   Over-density

o   Impact on Character of the Area

o   Impact of increased traffic on Chapel Lane on Residential Amenity

o   Loss of trees (including protected TPO trees).

            II.        The reasons for refusal be finalised by the Executive Head of Regulatory after consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Planning Applications Committee.

Note 1

It was noted for the record that:

                      i.        There had been a Member Site Visit on the application.

                    ii.        All Members of the Committee had received various phone calls and pieces of correspondence in relation to the application.

                   iii.        Councillors Peter Barnett, Morgan Rise and Victoria Wheeler had spoken to residents in respect of the planning portal in relation to the application, but did not pass comment on the material content of the application.

                   iv.        Councillor Peter Barnett had made an objection to the application prior to being a Councillor, but declared he did not have a closed mind on the application in relation to Section 25 Localism Act 2011.

Note 2

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 recommendation to refuse the application for the reasons outlined above:

Councillors Graham Alleway, Peter Barnett, Cliff Betton, Vivienne Chapman, Sarah Jane Croke, Edward Hawkins, David Lewis, Charlotte Morley, Morgan Rise, Graham Tapper, Victoria Wheeler, Helen Whitcroft and Valerie White.