Two detached dwellings at Keyhold Cottage, West Clandon, Guildford

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing dwelling and building two detached homes with parking and landscaping.

“Location: Keyhold Cottage, The Street, West Clandon, Guildford, GU4 7TG Proposal: Proposed erection of two detached dwellings with associated parking and landscaping following demolition of the existing dwelling (amended drawings received 02.04.26, 14.05.26).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was an end-of-terrace cottage in West Clandon’s settlement boundary and Green Belt, with a long rear garden and nearby housing.

“Keyhold Cottage is an attractive cottage located within the identified settlement boundary of West Clandon and within the Green Belt. It is within the 400m to 5km buffer zone of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area and within a white newts protection area.”

“The site is fairly level, with a long rear garden (about 73m from the rear of the dwelling to the rear boundary with 15 Bennett Way), and it appears to have been largely cleared of vegetation, but there are trees and hedgerow providing screening to the rear. There is hedge screening on the boundary with Rose Cottage to the south, and a large conifer tree, which is proposed for removal.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the redevelopment was acceptable in the Green Belt and planning balance, subject to conditions and SANG and SAMM funding.

“Policy P2 allows for residential infill development within villages within the Green Belt. This can include the small-scale redevelopment of a site, as in the case of this application and it has been demonstrated that this proposal would not represent inappropriate development in the Green Belt.”

“Therefore, subject to the conditions and the completion of a s106 Agreement to secure the necessary SANG and SAMM contributions, the application is deemed to be acceptable, and the application is recommended for approval.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways and wildlife consultees raised no objections subject to safeguards, while the parish council objected to design, scale, amenity, access and other effects.

“Surrey Wildlife Trust: Additional information initially requested, prior to determination. Further information has been submitted and there are now no objections subject to conditions and SANGS contributions being secured.”

“Head of Environmental Health and Licensing: A condition for a small sites Demolition and Construction Environmental Management Plan is recommended due to the proximity of other dwellings. [Officer Note: As this would be a small-scale development, a condition is recommended with regards to working hours and an informative note with regards to other measures that should be taken during development]”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from an objector, two supporters and the ward councillor before considering the application.

Members’ discussion

Members considered West Clandon’s varied character, the housing land supply, Plot 1’s relationship with Rose Cottage and construction effects.

“In debate, Members discussed the character of the surrounding area, noting the varied nature of development within West Clandon and the absence of a single prevailing architectural style. Reference was made to the Council's lack of a five- year housing land supply and the application of the tilted balance, with Members acknowledging that any identified harm would need to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal.”

“Concerns were raised regarding the design of Plot 1 and its relationship with Rose Cottage. Whilst some Members considered the design unsympathetic to the adjoining property, others noted that the proposal had been amended and that the tilted balance was a significant material consideration.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to delegate permission was carried, with seven votes for, one against and no abstentions.

“The Chair moved the motion to delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Planning to grant planning permission for application 25/P/01261, subject to conditions, with any minor amendments that may be necessary, and subject to a Section 106 Agreement being entered into to secure the provision of SANG and SAMM contributions in accordance with the adopted tariff of the SPA Avoidance Strategy to mitigate against the impact on the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area.”

“RESOLVED: That AUTHORITY BE DELEGATED to the Assistant Director of Planning to grant planning permission for application 25/P/01261, subject to conditions, with any minor amendments that may be necessary, and subject to a Section 106 Agreement being entered into to secure the provision of SANG and SAMM Contributions in accordance with the adopted tariff of the SPA Avoidance Strategy to mitigate against the impact on the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area.”

Minutes