Mechanical extraction system at 9 North Street, Guildford

What was proposed

The application sought a mechanical extraction system for a kitchen, with the flue rising through the existing single-storey roof.

“This planning 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 planning permission for the installation of a mechanical extraction system.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a vacant town-centre retail unit in a conservation area, within 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…”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered alterations, extensions, retail conversion, listed building consent and a change from retail to restaurant 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.”

“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 controlling installation, maintenance, fumes, odour, grease, steam and noise.

“The development comprising the installation of a mechanical ventilation system, to extract all fumes from the cooking processes, shall be installed and maintained in strict accordance with the details and maintenance set out in the Ventilation System Specifications by Pera Solutions Ltd dated 10/01/2026 and Odour Assessment by Nendle Manufacturing Ltd (NML) dated 26/04/2026, or in accordance with a scheme for the fitting of suitable ventilation and filtration equipment to…”

Officer report

Consultation findings

Environmental Health officers reviewed the noise and odour information and raised no objection subject to conditions.

“A noise impact assessment issue 03 dated 3 June 2026 accompanies the application and this has been reviewed by Environmental Health officers. An Odour assessment dated 26.04.2026 accompanies the application this has been reviewed by Environmental Health officers.”

Officer report

Public speakers

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

Members’ debate

Members recognised neighbours’ concerns but considered the application’s limited scope, consultees’ views and public benefits outweighed the identified harm.

“The Development Management Specialist advised that the extraction flue would extend from the existing single-storey rear extension and upwards adjacent to the rear wall of the building. The Council’s Listed Buildings Officer had assessed the proposed works and concluded that there would be no impact on historic fabric or the historic plan form of the building.”

“During the debate, Members acknowledged the concerns raised by neighbouring occupiers, but noted the limited scope of the application and the absence of objections from statutory consultees. Members considered that the identified harm arising from the extraction system was outweighed by the benefits of the proposal.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to approve the application subject to the officer-recommended conditions was seconded and carried.

“The Chair moved the motion to approve application 26/P/00089, subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report. The motion was seconded by Councillor Miah and was carried.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the officer’s report.

“RESOLVED: That application 26/P/00089, be APPROVED, subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes