Driveway and outbuilding conversion at 98 Yew Tree Drive, Guildford

What was proposed

The application proposed a vehicular hard standing, highway crossover, outbuilding conversion and internal alterations.

“Location: Yew Tree Drive, Guildford, GU1 1NZ Proposal: Application for a vehicular hard standing, with crossover to the highway together with conversion of outbuilding and internal alterations (amended on 16/07/2026)”

Officer report

Site and surroundings

The site is a semi-detached home in a residential neighbourhood, with an open front area already used for parking.

“Site description: The application site is situated within Bellfields & Slyfield ward in Guildford. It is situated within a residential neighbourhood comprising a majority of semi-detached dwellings. The application site comprises a semi-detached two storey dwellinghouse with tiled roof and brick elevations. It benefits from an open space in front of the house and is currently used for parking.”

“Site specific designations: • Guildford Newt Impact Zones - White • Risk of flooding from Surface Water (RoFSW) - Low • Urban Area…”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier proposal for a parking area, ramped access and rear extension was withdrawn in 2017.

“Relevant planning history: Reference: Description: Decision Summary: Appeal: 17/P/00114 Provision of new parking area and ramped access to front of property and single storey rear extension. Withdrawn 01/03/2017 N/A”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would not harm the building, surrounding character, neighbours, highway safety or drainage.

“The surrounding houses also benefit from open spaces in front of their dwellings and have paved driveways similar to the proposal. Therefore, it is considered that the proposal would be in keeping with the character of the surrounding area. The proposed hard-standing materials would appropriate for its intended use and would not appear out of keeping within the street scene.”

“The application proposes a vehicular hard standing with crossover (dropped level from the existing footpath) to the highway which would measure 2.6 metres in width and 5.4 metres in depth. Surrey County Highway Authority have been consulted for this application, and they believe that the proposal will formalise the site access and parking within the site. Therefore, the proposal would not have any material impact on the highway safety.”

Officer report

Consultation and comments

The highway authority raised no objections subject to conditions and informatives, and no third-party comments were received.

“Consultations: Surrey Highway Authority: No objections subject to conditions and informatives…”

Officer report

What was presented

The Development Management Specialist explained that only the hardstanding and crossover required planning consideration.

Members discussed the proposal

Members noted the loss of part of the grassed frontage, welcomed permeable materials and raised no concerns.

“During the debate, Members noted the loss of part of the existing grassed frontage but welcomed the use of permeable materials and raised no concerns regarding the proposal.”

Minutes

The committee voted

The recorded vote was seven for, none against and two abstentions, and the motion to approve was carried.

“FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 1. Councillor David Bilbe X 2. Councillor Catherine Houston X 3. Councillor Yves de Contades X 4. Councillor Joss Bigmore X 5. Councillor Maddy Redpath X 6. Councillor Joanne Shaw X 7. Councillor Dominique Williams X 8. Councillor George Potter X 9. Councillor Masuk Miah X TOTALS 7 0 2”

“The Chair moved the motion to approve application 26/P/00630, subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report. The motion was seconded by Councillor Williams and was carried.”

Minutes

The application was approved

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the officer recommendation.

“RESOLVED: That application 26/P/00630 be APPROVED, subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions covered the commencement period, approved drawings and matching external finishes.

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved drawings- 098/YTD/001 – Existing plans and elevations, 098/YTD/002 Proposed floor plans, elevations and site plan, red line plan…”

“The external finishes of the development hereby permitted, including making good to the retained fabric, shall match in material, colour, size, style, bonding, texture and profile those of the existing building.”

Officer report