Three houses at 1 French Gardens, Cobham

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing a bungalow, garage and shed to build three two-storey houses with roof rooms, dormers, parking and landscaping.

“Reference Description Decision 2022/0650 A terrace of 3 two-storey houses with rooms in the roof space, dormer windows, parking and associated landscaping following demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The corner site at French Gardens and Hogshill Lane was occupied by a single-storey detached bungalow and included several planning constraints.

“The application site is located on the corner of French Gardens and Hogshill Lane and is currently occupied by a single storey detached bungalow.”

“The relevant planning constraints are: • Unclassified Road • Right of Way • Thames Basin Heaths (Special Protection Area) 400m - 5km buffer • SSSI Impact Risk Zone…”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A similar proposal was refused and dismissed at appeal, with the Inspector agreeing that its unit sizes, mix, design, height, mass and bulk were unacceptable.

“A similar proposal was previously refused under application 2022/0650 for the following Reasons for Refusal (RfR): The proposal, by reason of the excessively large unit sizes and unit mix, would fail to maximise the most efficient and effective use of land within the urban area in order to meet the Borough's identified housing need. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies CS17 and CS19 of the Core Strategy 2011 and the NPPF 2021.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the revised three-bedroom scheme to meet housing need, respect the area’s character and avoid unacceptable effects on neighbours, highways, trees or ecology.

“The provision of smaller dwellings is considered vital for widening the choice of homes within the Borough and there is an identified overwhelming need for smaller dwellings. There has been an oversupply of large, four or more bedroom properties and that going forward this size of home does not make a positive contribution towards meeting local housing need.”

“Respondents have highlighted that the scheme is unrepresentative of the site and the area in general, stating that such a development is an overdevelopment and out of keeping with the area. These concerns are acknowledged, however as stated above low-density dwellings cannot be sustained and as such more intensive developments need to be applied while preserving the character of the area.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection or accepted the proposal subject to conditions, while Natural England requested further information and Surrey Bat Group raised bat-protection concerns.

“Natural England – Further information required to determine recreational pressure impacts to European Sites (habitats sites).”

“Surrey Wildlife Trust – Initially requested clarifications. Following the receipt of updated information, raised no objection subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

An objector and the applicant addressed the Sub-Committee.

The committee’s decision

The Sub-Committee permitted the application with the agenda conditions and informatives, adding limits on permitted development and construction management, and amending landscaping requirements.

“Permit with the conditions and informatives as outlined in the agenda subject to the following additional and amended conditions.”

“Construction Management Plan No development shall commence until a Construction Management Plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The plan shall detail how the demolition/construction activities shall take place. Only the approved details shall be implemented during the construction of the development.”

Minutes