Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 26 August 2015 (to be laid on the table half an hour before the meeting).

Proposed development

Application under Regulation 3 for alterations and extension to an existing multi-use community facility to provide additional community services at Memorial Hall, Babbs Mead, Farnham, GU9 7DX (as amended by plans received 24/07/2015)

With reference to the report circulated with the agenda, Officers presented a summary of the planning context for making a decision on the application, and the proposed development including site plans and the layout. Officers outlined the determining issues  and those matters of a more subjective nature.

Officers drew attention to the Update report and advised Members that there had been one further letter of objection raising points which had been addressed in the officers report. There was also consultee responses from the County Highway Authority and Thames Water. The applicant had also provided some points of clarification on certain issues that Members had raised, specifically in relation to foul water run-off. Officers provided additional information regarding the comparison of dwelling density between the application site, Clappers Meadow and Chilton Close.

Public speaking

In accordance with the Council’s arrangements for public participation at meetings, the following made representations in respect of the application, which were duly considered:

Cllr Adrian Erica – Alfold Parish Council

Grant Stevenson - Supporter

Cllr Kevin Deanus also addressed the Committee.

Discussion

The Committee discussed the application which sought outline permission for the development proposal with all matters reserved except access. Members were reminded that all other matters were to be reserved for future consideration and that this type of planning application sought a determination as to the acceptability of the principle of the proposed development.

The Committee noted that this was a much reduced scheme from that previously submitted last year which was for 120 dwellings. This scheme had been refused but was currently at appeal. Members were advised that the National Planning Policy Framework was a material consideration in the determination of this application. Paragraph 215 stated that where a local authority did not have a development plan adopted since 2004, due weight may only be given to relevant policies in existing plans according to their degree of consistency with the NPPF. The report identified the relevant Policies in the Local Plan, which related to the proposals and each section concluded on the amount of weight that was afforded to those Policies.

The Committee noted the concerns from the Local Ward Councillor and the Parish Council who did not feel that the application addressed objections to the previous schemes on the site despite the reduced number of dwellings. Concerns related to the housing need and increased traffic as a result of the development, particularly on Alfold Crossways junction and the northbound A281 and when taking into account the additional traffic which would be generated from the Wildwood Golf Club development, which was soon to be implemented, and other proposed developments in the village and surrounding areas. It was not felt that the development was in a sustainable location and access by non-car modes of transport including public transport was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

To receive apologies for absence.

Where a Member of the Committee is unable to attend a meeting, a substitute Member from the same Area Planning Committee may attend, speak and vote in their place for that meeting.

There were apologies for absence received from Councillors Michael Goodridge, Bob Upton and Stephen Hill. Councillors Patricia Ellis and Nick Williams attended as substitutes.

To receive from Members declarations of interests in relation to any items included on the Agenda for this meeting in accordance with the Waverley Code of Local Government Conduct.

Councillor Kevin Deanus declared a non-pecuniary interest as he lived in proximity of the Site but in attendance, and speaking on the application as a Ward Councillor.  

Proposal

Outline application with all matters reserved except access for the erection of up to 55 dwellings (including 22 affordable) with associated landscaping and open space, children's play area and private drainage system together with associated works

Recommendations

Recommendation A:

That permission be GRANTED, subject to conditions 1-16 and informatives 1-14 and completion of a S106 Legal Agreement to secure the provision of affordable housing, management and maintenance of the SuDS, on-site foul water package treatment plant and public open space, and infrastructure improvements to the highway network and education provision within 2 months of the date of this resolution to grant permission.

Recommendation B:

That in the event that the requirements of recommendation A are not met, permission be refused.

Proposed development

Application under Regulation 3 for alterations and extension to an existing multi-use community facility to provide additional community services at Memorial Hall, Babbs Mead, Farnham, GU9 7DX (as amended by plans received 24/07/2015)

With reference to the report circulated with the agenda, Officers presented a summary of the planning context for making a decision on the application, and the proposed development including site plans and the layout. Officers outlined the determining issues  and those matters of a more subjective nature.

Officers drew attention to the Update report and advised Members that there had been one further letter of objection raising points which had been addressed in the officers report. There was also consultee responses from the County Highway Authority and Thames Water. The applicant had also provided some points of clarification on certain issues that Members had raised, specifically in relation to foul water run-off. Officers provided additional information regarding the comparison of dwelling density between the application site, Clappers Meadow and Chilton Close.

Public speaking

In accordance with the Council’s arrangements for public participation at meetings, the following made representations in respect of the application, which were duly considered:

Cllr Adrian Erica – Alfold Parish Council

Grant Stevenson - Supporter

Cllr Kevin Deanus also addressed the Committee.

Discussion

The Committee discussed the application which sought outline permission for the development proposal with all matters reserved except access. Members were reminded that all other matters were to be reserved for future consideration and that this type of planning application sought a determination as to the acceptability of the principle of the proposed development.

The Committee noted that this was a much reduced scheme from that previously submitted last year which was for 120 dwellings. This scheme had been refused but was currently at appeal. Members were advised that the National Planning Policy Framework was a material consideration in the determination of this application. Paragraph 215 stated that where a local authority did not have a development plan adopted since 2004, due weight may only be given to relevant policies in existing plans according to their degree of consistency with the NPPF. The report identified the relevant Policies in the Local Plan, which related to the proposals and each section concluded on the amount of weight that was afforded to those Policies.

The Committee noted the concerns from the Local Ward Councillor and the Parish Council who did not feel that the application addressed objections to the previous schemes on the site despite the reduced number of dwellings. Concerns related to the housing need and increased traffic as a result of the development, particularly on Alfold Crossways junction and the northbound A281 and when taking into account the additional traffic which would be generated from the Wildwood Golf Club development, which was soon to be implemented, and other proposed developments in the village and surrounding areas. It was not felt that the development was in a sustainable location and access by non-car modes of transport including public transport was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.