Front driveway, fence and gate at Chewton, The Street, Slinfold

What was proposed

The application proposed a new front driveway, replacement fence and gate, with the driveway reduced during the application.

“This application seeks planning permission for the erection of a new front driveway, replacement fence and gate. During the course of this application amendments were negotiated to reduce the extent of the front driveway. The application form states that the driveway will comprise pea shingle with a brick surround, with the new fence to comprise post and rail.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site contains a Grade II listed dwelling in the Slinfold Conservation Area, surrounded by several listed buildings.

“The application site is located on the southern side of The Street in Slinfold. The main property is a Grade II listed two-storey dwelling, with the listing details as follows:”

“The application site falls within the defined built-up area of Slinfold and also within the Slinfold Conservation Area. The site is surrounded by a cluster of grade II listed buildings, namely St Peters Church situated to the north of the site, no. 4 Church View located to the east and Starr Inn House which adjoins the west elevation of the main dwelling. Further listed buildings are located along The Street to the east and west.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier driveway and extension applications were refused or permitted, including a previously refused larger driveway proposal.

“DC/25/0955 Removal of Condition 3 of previously approved application DC/23/1698 (Demolition of single storey rear extension and erection of a single and two storey rear extension (Listed Building application)) Relating to the rooflights. Application Permitted on 04.08.2025”

“DC/25/1897 Variation of Condition 1 of previously approved application DC/23/1697 (Demolition of single storey rear extension and erection of a single and two storey rear extension (Householder)) relating to changes to windows. Application Permitted on 23.01.2026”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the amended single-bay parking area balanced limited heritage harm with public benefits and raised no unacceptable highway or amenity concerns.

“Whilst the wording to national policy has changed, Officers do not consider this to alter how the Conservation Officer’s comments should be assessed. Nevertheless, Officers disagree with the level of harm identified by the Conservation Officer. It is not uncommon for there to be discrete and sympathetic parking areas in front of listed buildings and indeed there are some examples of this locally within the village.”

“Taken overall, Officers are of the view that the landscaping and parking area as amended is sufficiently reduced such that it appropriately balances the preservation of the listed building and conservation area with public benefit, in accordance with Policies 32, 33 and 34 of the HDPF, Policy 1 of the SNP, and Policy HE6(4) of the NPPF 2026, and would not result in amenity issues of highway safety or capacity issues.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The conservation officer and parish council objected, while the highway authority raised no objection.

“Following amendments to reduce the extent of the parking area (02/07/2026): The Parish Council objects to the proposed new driveway/access on highway safety grounds. The site is opposite a school and close to a junction, where traffic and pedestrian movement are already high, particularly at school start and finish times. This is not a safe location for an additional access point.”

“Initial comments (03/03/2026) The Parish Council objects to this application. It cannot see it is materially different to applications DC/22/1413 & DC/22/1414 and refers to the senior conversation officer’s comments to application DC/22/1414 as reasons for objection.”

Officer report

Who spoke

One member of the public spoke in support, and two further public statements supporting the application were read out.

Members' discussion

Members discussed the listed building’s character and raised highway and pedestrian safety concerns before officers confirmed no highway objection.

“Members discussed the possible impact of the proposal on the character of the listed building.”

“Members raised concerns in relation to the proposed parking arrangements for highway and pedestrian safety. Officers confirmed that WSCC Highways had raised no objections to the arrangements.”

Minutes

The committee's decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“That DC/26/0106 be approved in accordance with the officer recommendation.”

Minutes