Three new homes at The Winning Horse, Claygate, Esher

What was proposed

The application proposed a detached two-storey house and conversion of the public house into two semi-detached two-storey houses.

“The application seeks planning permission for a detached two-storey house and conversion of public house to create a pair of semi-detached two-storey houses following partial demolition of existing public house.”

“The proposed dwellings would all be served by an existing access road adjacent to the northern boundary. Each of the dwellings would be provided with two car…”

Officer report

The site

The site contained a vacant public house that had ceased trading in September 2019 and remained closed thereafter.

“The applications site contains The Winning Horse, a vacant public house on the eastern side of Coverts Road in Claygate. The Winning Horse is a detached two- storey building with a single-storey rear projection. The pub ceased trading in September 2019 although was re-let for a short period of time following this until January 2020. It has remained close since.”

“The building was designated as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) in August 2022 which is in place for a period of five years. Therefore the building will remain as such until August 2027.”

Officer report

Planning history

Earlier applications included a refused scheme and a later permitted scheme for retaining the public house and building several houses.

“Reference Description Decision 54/10485 Timber framed building at rear of Winning Horse Granted 60/10485 Timber framed building at rear of Winning Horse Granted 69/0103 Display of illuminated board sign fixed above existing pole swing sign Granted 2006/1751 Retention of public house and erection of one pair of semi detached houses, one with attached garage and one row of three two storey terraced houses, one with attached garages and detached double garage, together with…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the scheme provided needed homes, biodiversity gain and economic benefits, while identified overlooking harm was limited.

“The application would provide a number of benefits including the provision of additional homes in the Borough for which there is an overwhelming need, a net gain in biodiversity, short and long-term economic benefits and a CIL payment. In terms of the harm arising, the loss of the community facility has been demonstrated to be in accordance with the requirements of the local plan and the NPPF so no harm is found in this regard.”

“The benefits arising cumulatively carry significant weight which outweigh the limited harm identified. As such, the harm arising would not significantly or demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme and as a result, in line with the requirements of para. 11d. of the NPPF 2024, planning permission should be granted. Accordingly, the officer recommendation is to grant permission subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The parish council objected, while highways, environmental health, waste, bat and wildlife consultees raised no objection or sought conditions.

“Claygate Parish Council – Objection raised. The Claygate Community Benefit Society (CCBS) intend to convert the building into a community building. The building remains listed as an ACV. Design concerns including lack of cycle storage, EV charging points, space standards, refuse collection, garden sizes, safety implications of the basement and privacy.”

“Environmental Health Contaminated Land – No objection subject to conditions and informatives.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and a representative speaking for the agent addressed the Sub-Committee.

The committee’s decision

The Sub-Committee permitted the application with the conditions and informatives set out in the agenda.

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

Minutes