Decision details

[Note1: In accordance with the procedure for public speaking at Planning Committee, Mr Andrew Grimshaw attended the meeting and spoke in objection of the application and Mr Chris White spoke in support to the application].

[Note 2: The Planning Officer advised the Committee of an additional letter of objection received which had mainly reiterated comments already summarised within the representations section of the report].

The Committee considered a planning application for the erection of a three storey building and detached two storey building to the rear comprising a total of 10 self-contained flats (nine two bedroom & one one bedroom) following the demolition of an existing dwelling, and ancillary buildings, including the provision of associated bin and cycle storage, parking, retaining walls and landscaping.

At the request of the Chairman, the Planning Officer responded to queries raised by the public speaker on parking and other developments in Sheerwater Road.  The Planning Officer commented that the proposed three storey block of flats was not common in the surrounding area.  The development had its own distinct character, imitating an entirely different street scene.  In regards to parking, it had been considered that the proposal did not meet the minimum parking standards set out in policy BE6 of the West Byfleet Neighbourhood Development Plan (WBNDP).  No appropriate evidence had been provided to indicate undue pressure to local on-street parking. 

Councillor Boote, Ward Councillor, spoke in favour of the application but expressed  concerns on the risk of flooding. 

Some members had also expressed concerns on the risk of flooding, mentioning that previous proposals presented to the Committee with similar flooding issues had been refused.  Furthermore, Members had focused on parking and the adverse impact the proposals would have to local traffic within the area.  There were also comments of the application being out of character with the area.

Following debate on the application and the recommendations before the Committee, the votes for and against refusal of the application were recorded as follows in accordance with Standing Order 22.2:

In Favour of Refusal:              Cllrs S Ashall, G Chrystie, N Martin, L Morales and

M Whitehand

                                                Total in favour: 5

Against:                                   Cllrs T Aziz and I Eastwood

                                                Total against: 2

The application was therefore refused.

          RESOLVED

          That planning permission be refused.