Agenda and minutes

An apology was received from Councillor Fiona White and Councillor Jane Tyson attended as her substitute.

In accordance with the local Code of Conduct, a councillor is required to disclose at the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI) that they may have in respect of any matter for consideration on this agenda.  Any councillor with a DPI must not participate in any discussion or vote regarding that matter and they must also withdraw from the meeting immediately before consideration of the matter.

If that DPI has not been registered, you must notify the Monitoring Officer of the details of the DPI within 28 days of the date of the meeting.

Councillors are further invited to disclose any non-pecuniary interest which may be relevant to any matter on this agenda, in the interests of transparency, and to confirm that it will not affect their objectivity in relation to that matter.

23/P/00679 – Garages, land to the rear of Bishopsmead Parade, East Horsley, KT24

Councillor David Bilbé declared a non-pecuniary interest in the above application owing to the fact that one of his son’s lived in East Horsley.  However, the site was not in close proximity to his son’s place of address and would not affect his objectivity in the consideration of this application.

Councillor Jo Shaw declared a non-pecuniary interest in the above application owing to the fact that her father lived in East Horsley.  However, the site was not in close proximity to her father’s place of address and would not affect her objectivity in the consideration of this application. 

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 13 September 2023 as attached at Item 3. A copy of the minutes will be placed on the dais prior to the meeting.

The minutes of the Planning Committee held on 13 September 2023 were agreed and signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman of the Committee.

The Committee noted the Chairman’s announcements.

The Committee considered the above-mentioned full application for proposed erection of two detached, two storey dwellings with associated parking, refuse and cycle store following the removal of thirteen purpose-built garages.

Prior to the consideration of the application, the following persons addressed the Committee with Public Speaking Procedure Rules 3(b):

·        Mr Andrew Rowe (to object);

·        Mrs Christine Hamilton (to object) and;

·        Mr Jonathan Tan (Agent) (in support)

The Committee received a presentation from the Senior Planning Officer, Morgan Laird. The Committee noted that the application site was located to the rear of the shops and close by was a Theatre. To the north was pair of semi-detached dwelling houses. The site was also partially within the East Horsley Conservation Area which incorporated only one of the thirteen garages. TPO trees were located to the south and access to the site was through an archway between the shops.

The garages proposed to be demolished were used for storage only and were not sized in accordance with existing parking dimensions. The garages were not used for retail and therefore there would be no loss of retail space. Both dwellings proposed would have a roof terrace on the first floor, two car parking spaces and cycle storage. The row of trees by the garages were subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

The dwellings were contemporarily designed with articulated roofs using materials of flint and red brick. This was consistent with the architectural design that was common in East Horsley. The articulated roof design and use of materials would break up the bulk from the front elevation. The dwellings were moderate in height and below the ridge height of the dwellings to the rear. The dwellings had also been positioned to avoid any direct overlooking and would not face directly into the first-floor windows of these units.

In conclusion, it was the planning officer’s view that the proposal would deliver the net increase of two dwellings in a sustainable location. The proposal would not be harmful or affect the character or appearance of the site or conservation area and would not result in an unacceptable adverse impact on neighbouring properties. There would not be a material impact on highway safety or operations and the design would provide sustainability and biodiversity enhancement measures. Subject to conditions, the application was therefore recommended for approval.

In response to comments made by public speakers, the Senior Planning Officer, Morgan Laird confirmed that condition three ensured the protection of the trees prior to the commencement of any works taking place.

The Committee discussed the application and noted that the design was very contemporary in comparison to the historic Lovelace style employed throughout much of East Horsley. It was also noted that there were in fact three entrances to the parade as well as via the archway in the centre. Access could therefore be achieved to the houses from Ockham Road North. An entrance at the north or south would assist increasing traffic flows caused by the proposal.

The Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item PL5

Committee members are asked to note the details of Appeal Decisions as attached at Item 6.

The Committee considered and noted the appeal decisions.