Four two-storey houses at Rear of 12 Sandy Lane, Walton-on-Thames

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing existing buildings and building four two-storey houses with roof rooms, parking, bin stores and cycle stores.

“Application: 2025/0710 Case officer: Graham Healey Proposal: A terrace of 4 two-storey houses with rooms in the roof space and associated parking and bin and cycle stores, following demolition of existing buildings.”

“Planning permission is sought for a terrace of 4 two-storey houses with rooms in the roof space and associated parking as well as bin and cycle stores, following demolition of the existing buildings.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications included permissions for workshops and garages, while applications for a bungalow and other uses were refused or withdrawn.

“Reference Description Decision 2002/0176 Relaxation of condition 3 of planning permission 1992/0550 to allow garage to be used for car valeting Refused 1995/0551 Detached double garage following demolition of 2 single garages. Granted 1992/0550 Detached single-storey workshop building following demolition of existing workshop and ancillary car parking. Granted 1991/1181”

“Continued use of workshop for the repair and maintenance of cars (Renewal of planning permission EL 86/1154) Withdrawn 86/1154 Continued use of workshop for the repair and maintenance of cars Granted 67/12205 Erection of a hobbies shed and a builder store Refused 64/10129 Erection of a bungalow Refused; Appeal Dismissed…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the housing would reuse brownfield land, meet local need and provide wider community benefits than the existing use.

“The delivery of four new 2-bed houses would meet the identified needs and contribute toward the substantial housing needs in the borough. As such, the proposal would, particularly given the Council’s substantial housing needs and significant distance from meeting a 5-year housing land supply, be a benefit to the wider community.”

“The proposed use as residential, as established above, would address an identified need within the borough for housing and the delivery of much needed new housing that meets the identified need is considered to provide greater benefits to the community than the existing use of the site.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while 40 objection letters cited amenity, privacy, design, highways, parking, refuse and construction concerns.

“Surrey County Council (SCC) Highways Authority – no objections raised subject to conditions to ensure parking and access is laid out prior to occupation, provide EV charging facilities, secure suitable cycle storage and for a Construction Transport Management Plan.”

“We have received 40 letters of objection from approximately 30 addresses and one letter of support, as summarised below: • The proposal will harm the residential amenities of neighbours. • It will result in overlooking and loss of privacy to neighbours. • The proposal will have an overbearing impact and cause a loss of outlook. • It will increase highway safety risks, particularly important given proximity to a primary school.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector addressed the sub-committee, followed by the agent speaking on behalf of the application.

The committee decision

The sub-committee permitted the application with the conditions and informatives set out in the agenda.

“The Sub-Committee was addressed by [name withheld], an objector, and by Neil Davis, the agent on behalf of the application.”

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

Minutes