Roof statues at Tower House, 15 Tower Road, Tadworth

“This is a householder planning application pursuant to retrospective planning permission for the replacement of two redundant chimney stacks with statues at the front of the property. It has been clarified during the course of the application that the demolition of the chimneystacks did not require planning permission and so the application only relates (retrospectively) to the two statues that have been installed on their stumps.”

“The application site is occupied by a detached dwellinghouse comprising a locally listed Water Tower built in 1898 with a house added to its northwest side facing Tower Road in 1926. The site is contained within Tadworth Conservation Area. The surrounding area is characterised by a mixture of styles of residential properties which are reasonably well-spaced and the houses are set back from the road by gardens and driveways.”

“Officers consider the presence of the statues atop the roof of the building to appear as visually incongruous features, out of keeping with the established character of the house and surrounds, in contrast to the former chimney stacks. The development appears stylistically unrelated to the architecture of the locally listed property and the character of the conservation area.”

“The statues, by virtue of the combination of the design and siting on the roof, result in a visually incongruous form of development, harmful to and out of character with the appearance of the existing building, the setting of the locally listed building, and detract from the significance and special interest of this part of the Tadworth Conservation Area. There are no known public benefits that would outweigh the harm caused.”

“The house is in the arts and crafts style and the chimneystacks formed an important part of the character and composition of the house and chimneystacks are an important feature of the Conservation Area and should be retained. The chimneystacks should be reinstated if these works are controlled as they were large and important features of the house and Conservation Area.”

“Opinions vary on the impact of the statues. The presence of the statues on the roof is odd, particularly close up or when viewed from neighbouring properties. They would also be clearly be inappropriate on an ordinary house in the Conservation Area but within the idiosyncratic character of the water tower this is less clear.”

“Letters were sent to neighbouring properties on 04 August 2026, and a Site Notice was posted on 10 August 2026. Seven representations have been received during the course of the application. Two representations are in support of the application by reason of visual amenity benefits. Five representations object to the planning application, by reason of the following matters.”

“Harm to listed building 3 See paragraph 6.6 Poor design 2 See paragraphs 6.2 – 6.12 Loss of private view 2 See paragraph 6.14 No need for the development 1 Not a material planning consideration.”

“26/01219/HHOLD - TOWER HOUSE, 15 TOWER ROAD, TADWORTH The Committee considered a retrospective application at Tower House, 15 Tower Road, Tadworth to replace two redundant brick chimney stacks (part demolition) and replace with statues. As amended on 17/08/2026.”

“A member stated that the statues referenced the water tower situated to the rear of the property. This was generally agreed by other members who felt that the statues were acceptable as a result of this and no more harmful that the empty chimney plinth, especially given they were not prominently visible. There had been 5 representations received siting harm to the conservation area and 3 representations in support.”

“The following reason for approval was proposed by Councillor Torra and seconded by Councillor Harp, whereupon the Committee voted.”

“The development hereby permitted has been assessed against development plan policies DES1 and NHE9 and material considerations, including third party representations. It has been concluded that the development is not considered to be harmful to the character of the area or the designated and non-designated heritage assets and causes no other material harm.”