20 flats and community facility at Royal Oak (PH), Leatherhead

What was proposed

The application sought changes to an approved scheme for 20 flats and a community facility, including removal of affordable housing and its financial contribution.

“Variation of Condition 1 of MO/2018/0980 (Appeal Reference: APP/C3620/W/19/3223148 ) for the demolition of the former Public House; erection of two buildings comprising 20 No. flats and a Community Facility with associated landscaping, access and parking to allow amendments to the building due to changes in the Building Regulations: Part B (Fire Safety; Part E (Sound); Part F (Ventilation); Part L (Conservation of fuel & Power) and Part O (Overheating).”

Minutes

Who spoke

Ted Smith represented local residents and spoke against the application.

Members’ concerns

Members discussed the late stage review, the loss of affordable housing and whether the community space would be delivered.

“Members sought clarification regarding the Late Stage Review (LSR). The Service Lead for Housing explained that a trigger is put in place for a LSR, such as when 75% of the properties were sold. At this point a clearer true financial position would be known – such as the build costs and required contingency funds would be known. These finances would be inputted into the LSR formula which takes account of an element of developer profit.”

“Following this, a second viability report had been undertaken and between the two viability appraisals build costs had increased by 35% whilst house prices had only increased by 4%. This change in finances had made the scheme unviable. Members also expressed concern that the community space included in the application would not be built. The Planning Officer confirmed that the requirement to provide the community space had been written into the 106 agreement.”

Minutes