Agenda item

The Committee considered the above-mentioned full application for conversion of agricultural buildings to six residential dwellings.

The Committee received a presentation from the Senior Planning Officer, Sakina Khanbhai.  The Committee noted that the site was located in the Green Belt and lies within 400 metres to 5 kms of the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area (TBHSPA).  Immediately to the south of the agricultural buildings was the exclusion zone of the TBHSPA.  The site was also in close proximity to the boundary with Woking Borough Council but was within Guildford Borough.

The site was part of a wider complex of residential and agricultural buildings and paddocks accessed by a track road and existing vehicle access from Burdenshott Road to the north-east.  

The application site was comprised of a cluster of three agricultural buildings with approved consent schemes for the change of use of some of the buildings under class Q of the General Permitted Development Order.  Each proposed residential unit would have its own individual amenity space and parking facilities.

The proposal would result in the conversion of three buildings which were structurally sound to create 6 dwellings which complied with the objectives of the NPPF and local planning policies.  The proposal also fell within the exceptions list within paragraph 155D of the NPPF and would have no greater impact upon the openness of the Green Belt.  The buildings would retain the character and be in keeping with the small cluster of residential dwellings within the immediate vicinity.  The application had therefore been recommended for approval subject to a S106 Agreement to secure mitigation measures for the Special Protection Area.       

The Committee discussed the application and wished to receive clarification on the agricultural buildings, which looked run down overall and whether they had ceased being used for the homing of livestock.  The Planning officer confirmed that this was the case and that a statement from the owners of the site was not a requirement, to confirm that the buildings would no longer be used for agricultural purposes.  In addition, it was confirmed that both Woking and Guildford Borough Councils would be working together in making decisions that were consistent with the NPPF and local planning policies.  Whilst local planning policies might be worded slightly differently between boroughs,  the NPPF was clear around the re-use of rural buildings.  The policy promoted their re-use however it was acknowledged, that by their nature the buildings were often not located in sustainable locations.

The Committee considered that given there was no increase to the scale of the buildings overall the cluster of residential dwellings would not be out of keeping with the surrounding area.

A motion was moved and seconded to approve the application which was carried.

In conclusion, having taken consideration of the representations received in relation to the application, the Committee;

RESOLVED to approve application 23/P/00313 subject to a Section 106 Agreement securing an appropriate financial contribution to secure mitigation against the impact of the proposals on the Thames Basin Heath SPA and subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed in the report.