Self-build residential unit at 96 Chertsey Road, Chobham, Woking

“This application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of the land including the creation of new access, roof and elevation alterations to, and conversion of, the existing buildings to facilitate the creation of a new self-build residential unit together with ancillary outbuilding, landscaping and parking.”

“The application site comprises 0.13 hectares and is part of a former dairy farm and contains a redundant cattle shed and Dutch barn. The site is currently covered by extensive hardstanding, with a number of buildings ancillary to the use of 96 Chertsey Road within it, including three greenhouses and three sheds. These buildings are part of the wider Oaklands Farm that covers an area of 5 hectares.”

“To the north of the site is a residential dwelling (Bridgewater Farm) with open space beyond. To the east and south of the site lies the Chobham Water Meadow SANG with public footpath 11 extending immediately from the eastern front corner of the application site. To the west beyond 96 Chertsey Road is the settlement area of Chobham, approximately 40 metres from the boundary of the application site.”

“82/0565 Erect a Dutch barn (Approved 30.11.1992). 3.2 15/0427 Change of use of land from agricultural to Site of Alternative Nature Greenspace (SANG) and associated works (Approved 05.08.2015).”

“23/0774/PMR Removal of condition 3 of appeal decision JRN/EG/P/1419 (4 January 1974) relating to occupation by Agricultural working at 96 Chertsey Road (Withdrawn 17.10.2023).”

“County Highways Authority No objections are raised regarding highway safety and capacity or on parking grounds. Conditions are recommended for visibility splays, electric charging points and cycle storage…”

“(See Annex A for a copy of their response). Lead Local Flood Authority No objections are raised to the surface water flood risk to and from the site and the LLFA recommends the drainage details to be carried out in the accordance with the submitted details. Joint Waste Solutions No objection. Surrey Wildlife Trust No objection subject to conditions.”

“A total of 6 individual letters of notification were sent out on 21 st April 2026, and re-issued on 9 th June 2026 following a change to the description. A site notice was displayed on the 16 th April 2026 and To date 3 letters of representation have been received, 1 in support of the proposal and 2 objections.”

“The site lies in the Green Belt The proposal complies with the exceptions set out in paragraph 154 (c) and (h) of the NPPF and would not be inappropriate development in the Green Belt. Drainage and Flood Risk…”

“Prior to first occupation of the development hereby approved, the height of the Dutch barn shall be lowered in accordance with the approved plans (drawing no. CR98-050 Rev A) and all material removed from site. Once lowered the Dutch barn shall be retained for purposed ancillary to the new dwelling only, and shall be maintained as an open structure.”

“Reason: The development permitted was exempt from mandatory biodiversity net gain as set out in the Environment Act 2021 due to it being a self-build development. This condition is required to ensure the development is a self-build in accordance with the definition. If the development was not self-build mandatory biodiversity net gain would be required.”

“The item was for change of use of the land including the creation of new access, roof and elevation alterations to, and conversion of, the existing buildings to facilitate the creation of a new self-build residential unit together with ancillary outbuilding, landscaping and parking. This application was being reported to the Planning Applications Committee because the applicant was an employee of Surrey Heath Borough Council.”

“Note 1: As the Applicant was a staff member, several members of the committee would likely have had dealings with him over the years. Note 2: In accordance with Part 4, Section D, Paragraph 18 of the Constitution, the voting for the officer’s recommendation to grant the application, subject to conditions was unanimous as follows: Voting For: Councillors Cliff Betton, Jonny Cope, Mary Glauert, Dave Hough, Shaun Macdonald, David O’Mahoney, Jonathan Quin, Victoria Wheeler,…”