Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence and substitutes.

Where a Member of the Committee is unable to attend a substitute Member may

attend, speak and vote in their place at that meeting.

Members are advised that in order for a substitute to be arranged a Member must

give four (4) clear working-days’ notice of their apologies.

For this meeting the latest date apologies can be given for a substitute to be

arranged is Wednesday 3 Janaury 2024.

There were no apologies for absence received.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2023, and published on

the Council’s website, as correct record of the meeting

The Committee agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2023 and published on the website were a complete and accurate record.

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.

Cllr John Robini declared that he is a member of the Haslemere Society.

The Chairman to respond to any questions received from members of the

public in accordance with Procedure Rule 10.

Submission of questions must be received by Tuesday 2 January 2024.

There was a question received from Mr Tim House.

The Executive Head of Planning Development noted that the question relates to a planning application for the discharge of condition and is not a matter to bring before the Committee. An email response will be sent directly to Mr. House.

The Chairman to respond to any questions received from members in accordance with Procedure Rule 11.

Submission of questions must be received by Tuesday 2 January 2024.

There were non received.

Officers to update the Committee on any changes to the planning environment of which they should be aware when making decisions.

The Executive Head of Planning Development noted that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) had been published in December 2023. A comprehensive note will be circulated to all Members to set out the changes made and how they will effect Planning in the Borough.

Outline application with all matters reserved except access for the erection of 4 dwellings following demolition of 2 dwellings, garages and parking area (revision of WA/2023/00682)

Recommendation

That permission be REFUSED

Motion proposed By Cllr Carole Cockburn and Seconded by Cllr John Robini to GRANT outline permission for the application, delegating authority to the Executive Head of Planning Development to add relevant Planning Conditions to ensure the outcomes expressed by the Committee.

9.1       The Chair noted that a formal request had been received from the applicant to make  a representation at the Committee. In the interests of openness and transparency Chair advised he was willing for the applicant to address the Planning Committee on this application for which there was an officer recommendation for refusal. The Chair exercised his discretion to allow the applicant, Ryan Snow, to make a representation before the Planning Committee for the allocated 4 minutes.

Cllr Terry Weldon, Ward Councillor and Member of the Planning Committee, was also allowed to make a statement on the application and was allocated 4 minutes.

9.2       The meeting began with a verbal update on the application following the call-in from Cllr Weldon. The focus was on Section 10, addressing the five-year land housing supply position and the Section.23 conclusion of the officer's report. It was noted that Council Policy emphasised the need for a presumption in favor of sustainable development. However, attention was drawn to the revised NPPF under paragraph 11d(i), which supplies the Tilted Balance in cases where policies protecting specific areas or assets provide a clear reason for refusing the proposed development. Footnote 7 of the NPPF contains a comprehensive list of NPPF policies protecting areas or assets of particular importance. Notably, policies related to an area of outstanding natural beauty were discussed, with a requirement for decision-makers to assess the proposed development's impact on landscape and scenic beauty. The officers' view was presented, indicating that, in their assessment, the Tilted Balance had not been engaged. However, should the Committee resolve to decide otherwise, then the Titled Balance exercise could be engaged.

9.3       In principle, the Committee were in agreement with the proposals set out in the Outline application. The Committee were satisfied that the application had not been objected by the AONB Officer, Haslemere Town Council or the Haslemere Society and did not believe that this application was in breach of Policy RE1. The Committee stressed the importance of building family homes in the area. Furthermore, the Officer confirmed that there were no lower vantage points for this site and was therefore generally well screened.

9.4       The Committee, however, urged that the design details must be considered carefully given the heritage asset and Longdene House near the site and the building/design should be implemented in a sympathetic manner to the neighbouring buildings in the area. Cllr Keen supported this point and expressed disappointment that the homes would not be regarded as affordable.

Motion proposed By Cllr Carole Cockburn and Seconded by Cllr John Robini to GRANT outline permission for the application, delegating authority to the Executive Head of Planning Development to add relevant Planning Conditions to ensure the outcomes expressed by the Committee.

[There were 11 votes in favour and 3 abstentions]

To consider any legal advice relating to any applications in the agenda.

There were no applications subject to legal advice.