Rear access footpath at Flat 7, Parsons Green, Guildford

What was proposed

A one-metre-wide, approximately 8.3-metre rear footpath would provide access to ground-floor Flat 7 and connect to an existing private footpath.

“Location: Flat 7, Parsons Green, Guildford, GU1 1QY Proposal: Proposed rear access footpath.”

“Proposal: The application proposes construction of a rear access footpath to the ground floor apartment no.7. The proposed footpath would measure 1 metres in width and approx 8.3 metres in length. It would connect to the existing private footpath to the south. It would also have a surface water channel near the entrance door. During the course of the application process, amendments were received to change the address from "Garage 7, Parsons Green" to "Flat 7, Parsons Green".”

Officer report

The site

The site is a ground-floor apartment in a three-storey building, with a grassed area to the south and a small playground to the north.

“Site description: The application site is situated in Bellfields & Slyfield ward in Guildford. It is located in a neighbourhood with semi-detached houses and apartments. The site comprises a ground floor apartment within a three storey apartment building with grassed area to the south of the building and small playground to the north of the building.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for replacement heating at 19 flats was approved in March 2019.

“Relevant planning history: Reference: Description: Decision Summary: Appeal: 19/P/00093 Replacement of existing night storage heaters to 19 flats with individual conventional radiator wet system heated by air source heat pump (ASHP). Approve 15/0 3/2019 N/A”

Officer report

Consultation and comments

The Highway Authority had no objection, one supporting comment was received, and no letters of representation were submitted.

“Statutory consultees: Surrey County Highway Authority: The application would not have a material impact on the safety and operation of public highway. Therefore the Highway Authority has no objections…”

“Third party comments: One supporting comment from an occupational therapist has been received saying that the client is unable to independently manage communal entrance with step and internal fire doors, hence this footpath would be helpful.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Planning Applications Area Team Leader presented the proposal, and an officer explained its access and amenity benefits.

Members’ discussion

Members asked about the footpath’s purpose and welcomed its benefits for the flat’s occupier.

“In debate, Members sought clarification regarding the purpose of the proposed footpath. Officers confirmed that the proposal would provide an improved and more accessible means of access to the property.”

“Members welcomed the benefits of the proposal for the occupier of the flat.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions and reasons in the officer recommendation.

“Following the debate, the Chair moved the motion to approve application 26/P/00294 subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report. The motion was seconded by Councillor Miah and was carried.”

“RESOLVED: That application 26/P/00294 be APPROVED, subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes