Five detached homes at 94 Potters Lane, Send, Woking

The site and surroundings

The site has an existing home, open garden, hedging and access, near the Wey Navigation, a footpath and protected habitats.

“The application site currently has a detached dwelling (which is to be retained) and a large open garden area which is currently laid to grass and enclosed by hedging. The site has an existing access between Nos 96 and 92 Potters Lane. Potters Lane is a predominantly residential with properties of varied style set back from the road with off street parking and with spacious plots.”

“To the west of the site is an existing farm which includes a large detached agricultural building. The Wey Navigation Conservation Area lies approximately 100 - 140 metres to the west of the site. Footpath No 55 runs to the south of the site being separated from the site by the adjacent agricultural unit.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and legal history

A previous 29-home scheme was dismissed on character, conservation area, neighbouring amenity and highway grounds, while an earlier permission was quashed.

“The site was subject to a previous application for 29 units which was dismissed by the Planning Inspector on grounds of the impact on the character and appearance of the area, the setting of the River Wey Conservation Area, impact on the amenities of the occupiers of the adjacent neighbouring properties, particular No. 90 and on grounds of highway safety.”

“The application has less properties than the previous scheme and would be set away from boundaries of the site than the previous dismissed scheme.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the revised design, landscaping and spacing would provide homes without material harm to the area or conservation setting.

“The proposal would affect the setting of the Corridor of the River and Godalming Navigations; however, it is considered that by nature of the landscaping and the design of the development and the high quality appearance of the proposed units and materials the proposal would result in less than substantial harm to this asset.”

“The Inspector commented that the proposal would have views to and from the Wey Navigation Conservation Area and notes the change in character of the Conservation Area the closer you get to Send Bridge to the North of the site. The Inspector commented that the proposal would have a moderate less than substantial harm to the Conservation Area.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, wildlife, environmental health and operational services raised no objections, while the parish council and National Trust objected.

“Send Parish Council - Object for the following reasons: • The Council has a five year supply of housing and there is no need for further housing. • The increased use of the access way would result in noise and vibration and lead to a loss of amenity to the occupiers of the adjacent neighbouring properties • The buildings would be clearly visible in the area especially from the Towpath of the Navigation.”

“National Trust: Raise concerns about the proposed development of the application site which it considers would be out of keeping with the character and appearance of this stretch of the Wey and Godalming Navigations Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A supporter addressed the committee, followed by the chair of Send Parish Council speaking against the application.

What members debated

Members accepted some heritage harm but considered the benefits greater, and were satisfied with the design, surrounding impact and proposed mitigation.

“In debate, members recognised that the proposal resulted in some heritage harm but considered that the overall benefits of the scheme outweighed this. While noting the site’s proximity to the River Wey, Members were satisfied with the design and its impact on the surrounding area.”

“Having considered the application, the committee accepted the officer assessment that the development would not give rise to unacceptable harm to neighbouring amenity, the character of the area, or the conservation area, and that the impacts identified could be mitigated by condition.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

All thirteen members voted for approval, with delegated authority and conditions subject to a legal agreement securing SANG and SAMM contributions.

“The Chair moved the motion to approve application 22-P-01966, with delegated authority granted to the Assistant Director of Planning to grant planning permission subject to a S106 agreement being entered into to secure the provision of SANG and SAMM Contributions, and subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report. The motion was seconded by Councillor Taylor and was carried.”

“RESOLVED: That application 22-P-01966 be approved, with delegated authority granted to the Assistant Director of Planning to grant planning permission subject to a S106 agreement being entered into to secure the provision of SANG and SAMM Contributions, and subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes