UPDATE: Application passed by Eastern Area Planning Committee 13 July 2016.
Dangerous Precedent on Cranleigh Green Belt
Object TODAY as goes before Waverley Eastern Planing Committee tomorrow (13 July 2016 5pm): http://planning.waverley.gov.uk/live/wbc/pwl.nsf/(RefNoLU)/WA20160846?OpenDocument
We have only just found out about this application on Green Belt at Gaston Gate for the erection of mixed use building to provide B1 Offices and 2 dwellings following demolition of existing dwelling and associated outbuildings, Applicant Company: Stennetts Ltd.
This is a substantial development which is being surprisingly recommended for approval by Waverley Borough Council Officers at the Eastern Area Planning Committee tomorrow evening – 13th July at 5pm. This is an exception to policy and if approved this will set an extremely dangerous precedent for redevelopment of houses in Rowley on the green belt and for significant infilling in this area as well. This will change the rural nature of Rowley completely.
The application went before Wonersh Parish Council, Cranleigh Parish Council were not consulted, and this was all they had to say about this significant development in the GREEN BELT. Although looking back they have not previously supported development in this area.
This development contravenes both Waverley’s own planning policies and the National Planning Policy Framework and Waverley’s planning officers have very good grounds to refuse it and yet they are recommending that permission be GRANTED. We cannot understand why such a significant development at the rural fringe of Rowley is being recommended for approval.
You can object to this application on the following grounds by clicking on the link http://planning.waverley.gov.uk/live/wbc/pwl.nsf/(RefNoLU)/WA20160846?OpenDocument then click on the button to the right of the screen On-line Comment
( Full instructions on how to object are here https://www.cranleighsociety.org/2016/07/12/waverley-planning-portal/. ):
- The proposal conflicts with national, and local planning policy regarding protection of the Green Belt as set out in Waverley’s policy C1 and the NPPF. There is clear presumption against inappropriate development in the green belt and development which adversely affects the openness of the Green Belt. This development would clearly be harmful to the openness of the green belt and its visual amenity. There are absolutely no special circumstances which justify this development that overcome or outweighs the harm.
- The site is situated in Green Belt, of which Cranleigh has very little, and the NPPF is very clear on Green Belt status and its protection. Waverley as a planning authority has a statutory duty to protect this land. With nearly 900 dwellings already granted by Waverley in Cranleigh there can be no justification to attack the green belt as well. This also sets a dangerous precedent for this area.
- The vast increase in development on this site conflicts with the inherent openness and rural location on the outskirts of Rowley.
- Visual amenity will be diminished by virtue of the increase in size, bulk and the built height and footprint of the replacement structure, which will be very visible and overbearing due to its location.
- This conflicts with Waverley’s policy RD2A – Replacement of Dwellings in the Countryside as the building is materially much larger than the previous building, including its bulk and height, is not of appropriate design compared to its locale and will be intrusive and detract from the rural character of Rowley.
- It will result in a clear loss of privacy for the neighbouring property as well as an increase in noise and disturbance.
- If refused by councillors it will NOT result in a loss of employment land – this is currently a residential dwelling house not a commercial property.
- There is insufficient parking provision for the flats and the offices proposed, which contravenes Waverley’s adopted parking guidelines.
