Builders' merchant expansion at North Weylands Industrial Estate, Walton-on-Thames

What was proposed

The application sought to expand the existing builders’ merchant with new storage, revised access, parking, servicing, fencing, landscaping and associated works.

“Planning permission is sought for expansion of existing builders' merchant (sui generis) for the display, sale and storage of building materials, timber, plumbing and heating supplies, hard and soft wall and floor coverings, kitchens, joinery, bathrooms and associated products, outside display and storage (including storage racking), comprising: refurbishment of existing trade counter building; change of use of existing industrial unit (Class B2) to form part of the…”

“Amended plans were received which involved slight alterations to the access gates, layout of materials storage areas and parking to provide inter-visibility splays and EV charging facilities while an updated landscaping scheme excluded a single new tree and grassland from the blue line area of the site so that all proposed landscaping is within the red line boundary. Neighbours were consulted for 21 days on these amendments.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included permission for a substation, refused substation proposals, demolition prior approval and older industrial development permissions.

“OFFICIAL OFFICIAL 2025/0647 Confirmation of Compliance with Condition: 4 (Landscaping detailed scheme) of planning permission 2024/1672. Compliance Confirmed 2024/1672 Installation of a substation and associated works. Granted 2024/0158 Installation of a substation and associated works. Refused 2023/2973 New substation. Refused 2022/1801 Prior Approval Schedule 2, Part 11, Class B: Demolition of existing industrial buildings.”

Officer report

Responses from consultees

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while the flood authority required a suitable drainage strategy before construction.

“Surrey County Council (SCC) Highways Authority – No objections raised, subject to conditions to secure required visibility zones at the modified access, parking and turning areas in accordance with approved plans, appropriate cycle stores, and EV charging facilities.”

“Local Lead Flood Authority (LLFA) – Object. The proposed surface water drainage scheme does not meet the requirements set out in the NPPF, its accompanying PPG and the Non-Statutory Technical Standards for sustainable drainage systems. Insufficient information has been provided/significant issues have been identified, to overcome this, the following changes and information are required. The proposed alternative drainage strategy has not met the drainage hierarchy.”

Officer report

What people said

Six letters raised concerns about noise, traffic, disruption, crime and estate-road damage, while one letter supported the proposal if roads were resurfaced.

“OFFICIAL OFFICIAL 19. A total of 36 neighbouring properties have been consulted on this application. A site notice was displayed at the application site advertising the application.”

“Six letters of observation/objection from four separate addresses and one letter of support, as summarised below: • The proposal will result in extra noise and traffic which will impact neighbouring residential amenities. • How will disruption to surrounding businesses be minimised. • It will increase traffic in the area. • There is potential for the development to attract crime.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the committee.

The committee’s decision

The committee permitted the application with the listed conditions and informatives, adding advice that landlord’s consent was needed for council-owned land.

“Additional Informative 7. Elmbridge Owned Land / Landlord's Consent Part of the subject site falls within council ownership and that the applicant leases this part of the site from Elmbridge Borough Council.”

“The applicant is reminded that landlord's consent will be required for any alterations to the council owned land/property.”

Minutes