Plant, fencing and access works at Anchor House, Station Row, Shalford

What was proposed

The application proposed plant equipment, fencing, external building changes, parcel lockers and alterations to the existing access.

“Location: Anchor House, Station Row, Shalford, GU4 8BY Proposal: Erection of new plant equipment together with fencing, external alterations to the unit, erection of parcel lockers and alterations to existing access…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a vacant single-storey commercial building beside the A281, Station Row and railway, near shops, a school, a station and homes.

“The application site consists of a single storey detached building set within a corner plot with the A281 to the west, Station Row to the east and the railway to the south. The existing building has most recently been used as a veterinary practice within use class E, but is currently vacant.”

“The site sits at a lower elevation than the A281, with an overgrown vegetated between the application site and the road. The perimeter of the site is surrounded by a low height chain link fence which allows for views of the site from both the S281 and Station Row.”

Officer report

Relevant planning history

Earlier applications approved veterinary use changes, while a separate application for advertisement signs was refused.

“Relevant planning history. Reference: Description: Decision Summary: Appeal: 26/P/00610 Advertisement Consent for 3no. window panel signs, 2no illuminate fascia signs, 1no. non-illuminated fascia signs, 3no. small-scale vinyl signs, 'Costa' sign and 'Cook sign. Refused 23/07/2026”

“25/P/00364 Application under section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) for the removal of condition 03 (restricting rear part of premises to offices only) and 04 (interconnecting door) of planning permission 98/P/00341 approved 16/06/1998 for a Change of use of part of premises from Class B1 (offices) to veterinary surgery(amended description 10/04/25)”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highway authority and Environmental Health raised no objection subject to conditions and compliance with the noise assessment.

“Statutory consultees County Highway Authority: no objection to the development subject to the recommended…”

“Internal consultees Head of Environmental Health and Licensing: no objection to the development, subject to the proposal proceeding in accordance with the submitted details and findings of the Noise Impact Assessment.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Seventy-one letters raised concerns about traffic, parking, noise, design, village character, visual impact and the proposed lockers.

“Concerns about the adequacy of the noise impact assessment [officer note: the noise impact assessment has been reviewed by the Council's Environmental Health Officer who raised no concerns]. • Council should consider the cumulative impact of all the proposed external works. • Any approval should be subject to stringent noise limits and conditions. • Building use as a community facility would be more appropriate [officer note: this is not a material planning consideration].”

Officer report

Who spoke

A supporter addressed the committee before members considered the application, and the Senior Planning Officer presented the proposal.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed traffic, pedestrian safety, access land, biodiversity, tree removal and noise from plant and refrigeration equipment.

“During the debate, Members discussed concerns raised regarding traffic movements and highway and pedestrian safety, particularly given the proximity of a school and nursery and the constrained nature of Station Row. Members also noted that part of the access was over land managed by the Council rather than the County Highway Authority.”

“Members sought clarification on whether the proposal was subject to Biodiversity Net Gain requirements given the proposed removal of a tree. Officers advised that the area of habitat affected was below the relevant threshold.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to the conditions and reasons set out for the development.

“The Chair moved the motion to approve application 26/P/00611, subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report. The motion was seconded by Councillor Miah and was carried.”

“RESOLVED: That application 26/P/00611 be APPROVED, subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes