Restaurant frontage alterations at Averna, The Green, Claygate, Esher

“Planning permission is sought for alterations to the front fenestration and the repositioning of the front entrance to the restaurant.”

“The application site comprises The Averna Restaurant, located on The Green, St Leonard’s Road, Claygate. The property lies within the Claygate Village Conservation Area and forms part of the established built frontage around The Green.”

“The building is a terraced property within a row of similar traditional buildings. It is currently in restaurant use, with an active frontage.”

“Reference Description Decision 2019/0924 Retrospective application for single-storey rear outbuilding and alterations to finish of rear extension.”

“The Council’s Conservation Officer has reviewed the proposal and noted that the existing shopfront has a pleasing symmetrical appearance which would be lost. However, they also concluded that, subject to matching finishes, the repositioning of the entrance door would not have a significant impact on the visual character of the shopfront and that the character and appearance of the Conservation Area would be preserved. This assessment is given weight.”

“Overall, while the proposal would result in some loss of symmetry to the restaurant frontage, the extent of change would be modest and confined to the shopfront. Subject to a condition requiring the external finish to match the existing, the proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the Claygate Village Conservation Area and would not result in unacceptable harm to the host building, street scene or wider area. The proposal would therefore…”

“The proposed relocation of the door would disrupt the symmetry resulting in an unbalanced frontage at a key location of the Conservation Area.”

“Harm to the character and appearance of the Claygate Conservation Area. • Loss of the existing symmetrical frontage through the relocation of one entrance door. • Visually incongruous alteration that fails to respect the architectural composition of the host building. • Conflict with the Elmbridge Design Code 2024 in relation to coherent elevations and visual harmony within the street scene.”

“One further letter of objection received.”

“Permit with the conditions as outlined in the agenda.”

“Time limit (full application) The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.”

“Reason: To comply with Section 51 of Part 4 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. List of approved plans The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in strict accordance with the following list of approved plans: Drawing No. 1 - 247, 2 - 247, 3 - 247 received on 20/03/2026.”