2-metre boundary fence at 1 Guildcroft, Guildford

What was proposed

The application proposed a two-metre-high close-boarded timber fence along the southern boundary beside Epsom Road, retaining the existing hedge.

“Planning permission is sought for the erection of a 2-metre tall fence adjacent to Epsom Road. The fence would enclose the southern boundary of the residential garden associated with 1 Guildcroft, a detached two storey residential dwelling.”

“Planning permission is sought for the erection of a 2-metre high close boarded fence to the southern boundary of the application site, adjacent to Epsom Road. The fencing would comprise timber panels with 100mm by 100mm posts.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a detached house on a private cul-de-sac, set below Epsom Road and enclosed by trees, hedges and fencing.

“The application relates to a residential plot on the west side of Guildcroft which comprises a detached two storey residential dwelling. Guildcroft is a private road and cul-de-sac accessed via Epsom Road and is composed of eight detached two storey dwellings with off-street parking.”

“The application site is located adjacent to Epsom Road and land levels fall drastically from south to north. Whilst set on the higher level of the cul-de-sac, it is set down from the pavement on Epsom Road and the development area comprises an area of garden and is enclosed by trees, hedges and close boarded fencing.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications for fencing and dwellings were refused, including a historic refusal concerning visibility and highway safety.

“[Officer note: 83/P/01189 - This application involved the relocation of the boundary fence to broadly be in the position of the existing boundary fencing and was refused on the grounds of restricting the sight light at the junction of Guildcroft with Epsom Road and interfering with traffic, causing danger and inconvenience to other highway users. The application was dismissed at appeal on the…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the fence would respect the street scene, protect neighbour amenity, retain vegetation and maintain acceptable visibility.

“It is recognised in application reference 22/P/01790 (see details above), that a 1.8 metre high fence adjacent to Epsom Road would be considered acceptable in design terms and would not adversely impact on the street scene. The proposed development in this application would be 0.2 metres taller which is considered to be a minor increase.”

“As such, the proposal would have an acceptable impact on the visual amenity of the street scene and would not be out of character, in accordance with Policies D4 and H4 of the LPDMP.”

Officer report

Public speakers

Two people spoke against the application and one person spoke in support before the committee considered it.

Members’ debate

Members considered residents’ concerns, highway safety, visual harm, the hedge’s screening effect, height, privacy and amenity benefits.

“In debate, Members acknowledged residents’ concerns but gave weight to the absence of highway objection and to the officer’s assessment that the fence would not cause unacceptable RECORDED VOTE LIST”

Minutes

The committee vote

The motion to approve was carried, with fourteen votes for and one against.

“FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 1 Cllr Bilal Akhtar X 2 Cllr Richard Mills X 3 Cllr Gillian Harwood X 4 Cllr George Potter X 5 Cllr Howard Smith X 6 Cllr Cait Taylor X 7 Cllr Vanessa King X 8 Cllr Patrick Oven X 9 Cllr Maddy Redpath X 10 Cllr Joanne Shaw X 11 Cllr Stephen Hives X 12 Cllr David Bilbe X 13 Cllr James Jones X 14 Cllr Masuk Miah X 15 Cllr Sue Wyeth-Price X TOTALS 14 1”

“The Chair then moved the motion to approve application 25/P/00969. The motion was seconded by Councillor Akhtar and was carried.”

Minutes

The final decision

The application was approved subject to the conditions and reasons set out for commencement and compliance with approved plans.

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:”

“Reason: To ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with the approved plans and in the interests of proper planning.”

Officer report