Mechanical extraction system at 9 North Street, Guildford

What was proposed

Listed building consent was sought for a mechanical extraction system, with the proposal amended to remove a rear extension.

“The Listed Building consent application as originally submitted proposed a single storey extension and the installation of a mechanical extraction system associated with the kitchen use. The application was amended on the 5 June 2026, and removed the extension from the proposal.”

“The proposed single storey rear extension was removed from the proposal as officers raised concerns about this element of the proposal. The proposal solely seeks listed building consent for the installation of a mechanical extraction system.”

Officer report

The site

The vacant retail unit is in a town-centre conservation area and forms part of a two-storey Grade II listed building.

“Site description. The site comprises a vacant retail unit within the town centre located on the north side of North Street. The site is located within the Guildford Urban Area, the Town Centre boundary, primary shopping area, the building is within the secondary shopping frontage, Town Centre Conservation Area, Area of High Archaeological Potential. The building is a two storey Grade II Listed building and is attached to Grade II listed building (The Quakers Meeting House).”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier approvals covered alterations, rear extensions, a change from a public house to retail units and a later restaurant and café use.

“93/P/00594 - Alterations and rear extensions to provide store and conservatory - Approved with conditions - 03/08/1993. 93/P/00593 - Alterations and rear extensions to provide store and kitchen - Approved with conditions 14/09/1993.”

“95/P/00282 - Change of use of existing disused public house to two retail units. Approved with conditions 21/11/1995. 95/P/00283 - Listed building consent for change of use of existing disused public house to two retail units. Approved with conditions 21/11/1995. 14/P/00759 - Change of use from A1 (retail) to A3 (restaurants and cafes) - Approved 19/06/2014”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions requiring the works to start within three years and follow the approved plans.

“The works for which listed building consent is hereby granted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.”

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Existing floor plan 01, Proposed floor plan 02, Existing elevations 03, Proposed elevations 04, Existing and proposed roof plans 05, proposed block plan 06, Location plan 08 received on 5 June 2026.”

Officer report

Objections received

The application was referred to the committee after ten letters of objection were received against the officers’ recommendation.

“This application has been referred to the Planning Committee because 10 letters of objection have been received, contrary to the Officer's recommendation.”

Officer report

Public speakers

Two people spoke against the application and two spoke in support before the committee considered it.

Members’ debate

Members focused on listed building consent, historic fabric and the limited impact of internal alterations, while excluding alternative uses and existing structures.

“Officers reminded Members that the application before them related solely to listed building consent and that their consideration should therefore focus on the impact of the proposed works on the historic fabric and significance of the Grade II listed building.”

“During the debate, Members acknowledged the concerns raised by the public speakers but noted that matters relating to alternative uses of the premises and the status of existing structures did not form part of the application before the Committee. Members considered that the proposed internal alterations, including the provision of customer toilets and a kitchen, would have a minimal impact on the historic fabric of the building.”

Minutes

Vote and decision

The committee voted unanimously to approve the application subject to the conditions and reasons set out for the proposal.

“The Chair moved the motion to approve application 26/P/00194, subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report. The motion was seconded by Councillor Shaw and was carried.”

“RESOLVED: That application 26/P/00194, be APPROVED, subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes