Agenda and minutes

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 7 February 2024 be approved as a correct record.

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To note the addendum tabled at the meeting which provides an update on the agenda of planning applications before the Committee.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

NOTES:

1.    The order in which the applications will be considered at the meeting may be subject to change.

2.    Plans are reproduced in the agenda for reference purposes only and are not reproduced to scale.  Accordingly dimensions should not be taken from these plans and the originals should be viewed for detailed information. Most drawings in the agenda have been scanned, and reproduced smaller than the original, thus affecting image quality.

To consider the following applications :

RESOLVED that the addendum be noted.

Demolition of existing building and redevelopment to provide 11 residential dwellings with associated amenity space, landscaping, car and cycle parking. As amended 19/10/2023, 30/10/2023, 01/11/2023, 23/11/2023, 20/12/2023 and on 23/01/2024.

The Committee considered an application at the former Merstham Library, Weldon Way, Merstham for the Demolition of existing building and redevelopment to provide 11 residential dwellings with associated amenity space, landscaping, car and cycle parking. As amended 19/10/2023, 30/10/2023, 01/11/2023, 23/11/2023, 20/12/2023 and on 23/01/2024.

Mr Paul Glasgow, the Chairman of Merstham Football club, spoke in objection to the application stating he was also representing Age Concern. The former Library site was a stand-alone site that was owned by Surrey County Council (SCC) and it had a definitive fenced off boundary along the length of the football club’s access road. SCC also owned most of the adjacent land, on which the clubhouse sat including the access road. Both Age Concern and the club have been using this for access and parking to carry out day-to-day activities.   It has worked successfully for over 40 years. Both were concerned to see that Raven now wanted to use the access to double up as access for their new residents. If this current scheme was approved with joint access, their concerns were as follows:-

The comings and goings of the residents would severely affect the day to day and evening activities of both Age Concern and the club. This would inevitably affect their ability to successfully provide the community facilities that they both, in our separate ways, currently provided. Age Concern operated from 8am to 4pm and many of their volunteer drivers bring their members and park close to the entrance to disembark, as many of the members have less mobility. This could create an issue for residents who wanted to get out quickly. The same applied to when the members went home. It might mean that the volunteer drivers would not want to put up with any aggravation and simply decide not to volunteer their service. Age Concern have several staff, who have for many years, been parking along the fence and it was noted that Raven have said that their scheme gives an extra six spaces, but there were more spaces present.  The issue with these six spaces related to:  -  

·       Who were they for, and 

·       Who would monitor it?

Parking was a very emotive subject, and the Club foresaw potential conflict between the new residents and the staff and visitors of the two organisations. The club also operated a parcels delivery and collection service, and this was on a 24/7 basis and was a benefit to many in the community. These movements would also affect the residents. It was possible to see that from the many online objections that the existing residents of Weldon Way and adjacent roads have complained that Weldon Way was already over parked and that this scheme could only make it worse. The estate was built in the 50’s and not many houses had off road parking. The adjacent St Theresa’s Church, and the Baptist Church did not have off road parking and the redevelopment of the recreation ground would only make matters worse. In conclusion, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.

The removal of 9 buildings and erection of a replacement commercial building to comprise of light industrial (Use Class E) units with associated parking and landscaping. As amended on 21/11/2023 and on 29/01/2024.

The Committee considered an application at the land rear of 19 Croydon Lane, Banstead for the removal of 9 buildings and erection of a replacement commercial building to comprise of light industrial (Use Class E) units with associated parking and landscaping. As amended on 21/11/2023 and on 29/01/2024.

RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions as per the recommendation and addendum.

Proposals are for 2 new detached houses on the rear plot of land at the existing dwellings Wild Woods and Green Linnets at Outwood Lane, Chipstead. Proposals will include a new driveway link from Outwood Lane up to the rear site and associated parking. The existing conservatory serving green linnets will be demolished. As amended on 22/06/2023, 20/10/2023, 23/11/2023 and on 06/12/2023.

The Committee considered an application at Green Linnets & Wild Woods, Outwood Lane, Chipstead for 2 new detached houses on the rear plot of land at the existing dwellings Wild Woods and Green Linnets at Outwood Lane, Chipstead. Proposals will include a new driveway link from Outwood Lane up to the rear site and associated parking. The existing conservatory serving green linnets will be demolished. As amended on 22/06/2023, 20/10/2023, 23/11/2023 and on 06/12/2023.

Mr Arnold, a local resident from a neighbouring property, spoke in objection to the application stating that his property was the nearest property to the proposed development. The entire rear of his property was glass and currently they benefited from complete privacy. Two 5 bedroomed properties were too much for the site and one 1.5 storey chalet style property would suit the plot far better. There were also highway safety concerns due to more cars using the road.

Mr Andrew Telling, the agent, spoke in support of the development stating that it would provide two robust family dwellings within the village, and this was key in providing sustainable new housing. This scheme was a positive enhancement from the original application. The developer had worked with the Council and made numerous additional changes in discussion and agreement with the Local Planning Authority and taken on the various planning and consultee comments and the comments from the officer. In all cases, they worked to achieve the supported position and take on board the layout comments. Access and egress from the site would be in a safe manner, and this has been confirmed by the Highways Authority, which included the access onto Outwood Lane. It was felt that proposal would not impact the neighbouring property Ashdene as there was separation and a walkway between the properties. There would be retained landscape planting that would come forward with the scheme. Additionally, the new dwellings only provided aspect to the front and rear and therefore they would create no visual overlooking or impact to this neighbour. The proposals represented a robust application in keeping with the area.

Due to the topology, members were concerned about refuse lorries accessing the site however the County Highway Authority was not concerned about this or any other highway safety matters.

RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions as per the recommendation and addendum.

To report the results of the public consultation on the proposed Conservation Area designation to the north of the present Elmore Road Conservation Area and consider the designation of this as the Chipstead Walpole Avenue & Starrock Green Conservation Area.

Councillor Stevens was not present for this item.

The Conservation Officer gave an overview of the results of the public consultation on the proposed designation of Chipstead Walpole Avenue and Starrock Green Conservation Area. The benefits for the designation were outlined. The definition of a conservation area was an area of special, architectural or historic interest that was desirable to preserve or enhance. The benefits of a conservation area were statutory controls in terms of demolition and tree controls that prevented pre-emptive felling and the consideration of design in terms of preserving or enhancing the character.

A review of the borough’s conservation area was undertaken in January 2023 and public consultation took place from July onwards. The purpose of the consultation was to consider views in the area and also to consider the boundaries of the areas proposed. It was noted that 8 residents had requested exclusion from the designation rather than 9 as per the report. A petition for exclusion from the scheme had been received but many signatories were from households outside of Surrey.

Historic England fully supported the designation and the County Conservation officer also strongly supported the designation but suggested omissions which were outlined. The proposed designation was amended and now it centred around Walpole Avenue and Doghurst Lane and the designation was in 2 parts.

The plan of the consultation area was shown, and it contained many properties designed by the Arts and Crafts designer Blair Imrie.

The Conservation Officer outlined 4 key issues:

·       Exclusions: it was concluded that 2 buildings were of a modern design but were embedded in the area and other buildings contributed to the area.

·       Controls: there were some additional controls within a designated conservation area, however solar panelling and double glazing fell under permitted development, subject to minimising the impact.

·       Residential Areas of Special Character (RASC): A RASC alone did not provide any statutory controls on trees or demolition and was not a heritage designation.

·       Tree Controls: some people were concerned about tree controls, but the Council stated that this was only for significant works that would generally involve a tree surgeon. For the average householder, looking at other areas, people have only had to apply every 10 years for such works, and they could include a number of works in such an application.

In response to a member question regarding tree work a household would need to submit a notice 6 weeks prior to undertaking work and either a permit would be given, or a tree preservation order would be served.

Members were reminded that conservation areas were an asset.

RESOLVED that the proposed Chipstead Walpole Avenue & Starrock Green Conservation Area is designated, as delineated on the attached plans in pursuance to the provisions of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation

Areas) Act 1990 and that the appropriate statutory procedures had been undertaken.

To consider any item(s) which, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered as a matter of urgency.

There was none.