Five-year extension for eight flats at Harry Fletcher House Community Walk, Esher

“OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Application: 2026/1301 Case officer: Jack Trendall Proposal: Variation of Condition 1 (Temporary Time Limit) of Planning Permission ref: 2021/3927 (Detached two-storey block of 8 flats for a temporary period with associated parking, bin and cycle stores following demolition of existing building). Variation to consist of extension to temporary approved period by a further 5 years.”

“The application site contains a detached two-storey building consisting of 8 flats and their associated amenity spaces, bin stores, cycle parking and visitor parking space. The site is located on Community Walk, to the south of Esher High Street and adjoins Esher Theatre, the Civic Centre and the Civic Centre public car park.”

“The 8 flats provide accommodation for homeless persons or persons in need of interim accommodation. Each unit has its own external front door and an external staircase provides access to the first floor units via a walkway. The dwellings are modular in design and construction.”

“Reference Description Decision 2023/0694 Confirmation of Compliance with Conditions 7 (Site Supervision) and 10 (Post- completion Internal Noise Assessment of planning permission 2021/3927. Confirm Compliance 2023/0321 Confirmation of Compliance with Conditions: 5 (Tree pre-commencement meeting), 13 (Electric Vehicle Charging) and 14 (Landscaping Scheme) of planning permission 2021/3927.”

“OFFICIAL OFFICIAL 2021/3927 Detached two-storey block of 8 flats for a temporary period with associated parking, bin and cycle stores following demolition of existing building. Granted 2018/3369 PD Prior Notification Demolition: Demolition of single-storey building.”

“Turning to this application, as evidenced by Housing Services (the applicant), the need for this and other forms of emergency accommodation has increased since the granting of the original temporary permission. At the time the original temporary permission was granted the Council was accommodating 70 homeless households in temporary accommodation. As of 31 December 2025, the Council was accommodating 148 households in temporary accommodation.”

“It is considered by officers that it is clear that there is still a significant need for this form of accommodation, in fact the need has increased since the original application. The loss of the units without an alternative form of accommodation being provided would have a significant impact on the Council’s ability to provide emergency accommodation to those experiencing homelessness.”

“There has been a decline in the safety, security and general amenity of the area. • Have been incidents of crime, intimidation and anti-social behaviour. • Residents of neighbouring properties don’t feel safe. • Time limit should not be extended on the basis of the above.”

“OFFICIAL OFFICIAL 32. The concerns raised identify that incidents of crime, intimidation and anti-social behaviour have arisen as a result of the approved development, however it is not clear from the comments if the perpetrators have been occupants of the units. It is most certainly regrettable that such incidents have occurred, however these are the actions of individuals and are matters for the relevant emergency services to respond to, and for Housing Services to review.”

“A further letter of objection, together with a further letter of support had been received.”

“Permit with the conditions and informatives as outlined in the agenda.”