Mixed-use building with six flats at 175 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford

“Location: Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, GU1 4TX Proposal: Demolition of the existing building and erection of a mixed-use development comprising ground floor Class E unit and six apartments (Class C3) on first to third floors together with associated car parking, cycle parking and amenity areas…”

“The site is surrounded by predominantly residential development, with two and three storey terraced housing on the southern side and a student housing development to the north which is delivered over 5 and 6 storeys. A private access road separates the student accommodation from the application site. At the rear of the site are light industrial units and an associated private car park, beyond which is the River Wey. Opposite the site is more residential housing at King…”

“The character of the Walnut Tree Close has been evolving over the last few years with large areas of redevelopment at the northern end, predominantly to provide student accommodation or residential flats. The application site bridges the transition between more modern forms of development and buildings to the more traditional two storey terraced housing.”

“Whilst there has been a number of planning applications in the area, there have been no relevant planning applications on the site.”

“The proposed development accords with national and local policies as it would make efficient use of land by providing replacement commercial floorspace and six appropriately sized and sensitively designed residential flats above within the Guildford Urban Area and adjacent to the Town Centre. The proposals as such would be in a highly sustainable location, utilising previously developed land and would represent a minor, albeit important contribution to housing supply.”

“The jobs arising from construction and commercial operations carry moderate positive weight and the contribution to shops, services and the viability of the town centre are also given moderate positive weight. The design and layout achieve a high quality level of accommodation with appropriate levels of amenity space in comparison to the site's location which also afford significant positive weight.”

“During the discussion, members noted that the application had come before the Committee only because the applicant’s agent was related to a member of the Council; otherwise, it would have been determined under delegated powers.”

“The Committee reflected on the character of the existing building, noting the description as a typical light industrial building of its era and regretting the loss of a small part of Guildford’s working heritage, although raising no objection to the scheme itself. Another member sought clarification about Natural England’s response and conditions relating to drainage and water mitigation. Officers confirmed that standard conditions would apply as in similar cases.”

“The Chair moved the officer recommendation, seconded by Councillor Akhtar, which was carried.”

“RESOLVED: That application 23/P/02137 be approved, with delegated authority granted to the Joint Assistant Director of Planning to agree the final wording of the planning conditions and grant permission subject to a Section 106 Agreement securing the provision of SANG and SAMM contributions in accordance with the adopted tariff of the SPA Avoidance Strategy to mitigate the impact on the Thames Basin Heath Special protection area.”