Agenda item

Demolition of the existing buildings on the site and construction of twenty residential dwellings, of which eight (40%) would be affordable together with associated access, landscaping and parking. (Amended site location plan received 06.08.2020)

Description

Demolition of the existing buildings on the site and construction of twenty residential dwellings, of which eight (40%) would be affordable together with associated access, landscaping and parking. (Amended site location plan received 06.08.2020)

Decision

The Committee received a presentation from the Planning Officer.

The Committee was addressed by Ward Councillor, Bernice Froud, who spoke in objection of the Application. The Committee was also heard from a member of CPRE Surrey, who spoke in objection of the Application. Finally, the Committee heard from the Agent to the Applicant.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            Bridleways: Members raised concerns regarding the surrounding bridleways and their access through the site. Officers noted that riders would be able to continue using the bridleways without any fear of traffic hazard.

b)           Green-belt site: Members raised concerns regarding the site of the proposed development, in particular that it sits on green-belt land. Members noted the importance of protecting green-belt sites and the benefits which come from such areas.

c)            Light pollution: Members raised concerns regarding light pollution, and spoke about whether this may cause an additional reason for refusal. Officers noted that should permission be granted, a condition requiring details of lighting types could be submitted, and that they felt no need to incorporate an additional reason for refusal regarding light pollution impact on residential amenity.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved with 11 Members voting for, 1 abstention and the Chairman not voting that:

The Application be REFUSED on the following grounds:

(1)          The proposed development would constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt and therefore by definition would be harmful to the Green Belt. The proposal would conflict with the Green Belt purpose of assisting in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment. The Council is not satisfied that the special circumstances put forward by the applicant are sufficient to outweigh the significant harm caused to this Green Belt site. The proposal therefore conflicts with policy CS2 of the Core Strategy 2007 and paragraphs 133, 134, 144 and 145 of the NPPF 2019

(2)          The proposed development is located within the Green Belt outside the defined Built Up Area, and it is without good public transport links. If the development is permitted, it would encourage journeys that would be heavily reliant on private transport. This would not comply with Policy CS8 and CS16 of the Core Strategy 2007, and paragraphs 102 and 108 of the NPPF 2019

(3)          The adverse impacts of the scheme would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the development including additional housing units when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole. The proposal is contrary to the NPPF 2019, and Policies CS2 and CS16 of the Core Strategy 2007

(4)          In absence of a completed legal obligation under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), the applicant has failed to comply with Policy CS9 (Affordable Housing and meeting Housing Needs) and para 64 of the NPPF 2019 in relation to the provision of eight affordable on-site units.

Informative(s):

(1)          In dealing with the application, the Council has implemented the requirement of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to work with the applicant in a positive and proactive way. We have assessed the proposal against all material considerations, including planning policies and any representations that may have been received and whilst planning permission has been refused regard has been had to the presumption to approve sustainable development where possible, as set out within the NPPF.