Three detached homes at Vacant Land Rear Of 37 The Avenue, Tadworth

What was proposed

The application proposed three detached four-bedroom homes with gardens, landscaping, parking and access from Lothian Wood.

“Planning Committee Agenda Item: 5 25 June 2025 25/00387/F This application is referred to Committee in accordance with the Constitution as the application site is for net 3 dwellings. SUMMARY The application is for the sub-division of the existing plot and the erection of three detached 4 bedroomed properties along with associated landscaping and off-road parking to the front of each property. All of the properties would have rear gardens laid to lawn.”

Officer report

Earlier application

An earlier three-home scheme was refused and its appeal dismissed, with concerns about bulk, character and biodiversity; the new scheme reduced roof accommodation and hard landscaping.

“23/01357/F - Three detached new build homes within vacant and derelict land rear of 37 the avenue, with existing access down Lothian Wood – refused for the following reasons: The proposal, by virtue of the sub-division of the plot to create three additional dwellings, along with the scale, bulk and massing of the proposed dwellings would create an overdevelopment of the site with properties more bulky than the prevailing pattern of development, along with plot sizes…”

“A subsequent appeal was dismissed, with the planning inspector partially upholding reason no:1. However, the inspector did not agree with the Council in regard to reasons 2 and 3.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was considered policy-compliant, would provide housing and would not cause material harm to neighbours, parking or trees.

“The application site is located within the urban area and the principle of residential units in this location is considered acceptable. A sub-division would provide an effective and efficient use of the site, allowing for additional dwellings within the urban area. The proposal will deliver a contribution towards housing delivery, provide a type of housing within demand in the Borough and opportunity for economic growth.”

“There is sufficient parking on site for 2 cars per property which is compliant with policy. The amount of hard landscaping has been significantly reduced from the previous application but there is still sufficient car parking for each property.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways raised no objection subject to conditions, while ecology and tree consultees supported safeguards for biodiversity, badgers and protected trees.

“We appreciate the development has to be considered as submitted but we feel that either the removal of one dwelling, in view of the cramped form of development at the northern end of the site, or the substitution with smaller dwellings will be necessary if the RASC setting and street scene are to be protected and respected. We note the failure to meet the BNG 10% increase in biodiversity and consider it regretful if any increase is off site.”

“Surrey Wildlife Trust: recommends conditions relating to badgers and further improvements relating to ecology. Originally, SWT requested further information regarding the trees and this has been forthcoming.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The visiting ward member opposed the development, and the Development Manager addressed housing demand, character, density and infrastructure contributions.

Members’ debate

Members discussed lost amenity space, the character of the site, concrete, planting, intensification and a request for screening behind unit 3.

“Councillor Ashford, a visiting member, stated that he was the ward member for this area. It was felt that amenity space was being lost with this development and this site was a much-loved garden and not a derelict site as described. People moved to this area to be in their forever homes; this green space would be changed in perpetuity with this development. Tadworth has seen a lot of backland development.”

“Members thanked officers for the site visit. If approved, it was requested that a specific tree be planted to secure screening behind unit 3 and this be specified in condition 5.”

Minutes

The vote

A proposed refusal based on excessive frontage hard surfacing and harm to local character was defeated.

“The following reason for refusal was proposed by Councillor Harp and seconded by Councillor Snuggs, whereupon the Committee voted, and the motion was defeated.”

“The proposed development by reason of the excessive amount of frontage hard surfacing would result in the site appearing as over developed and detract from the character and appearance of The Avenue: Tadworth RASC and Lothian Wood.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the recommended conditions, with extra wording requiring screen planting behind unit 3.

“RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions as per the recommendation and addendum with the additional wording to condition 5 regarding landscaping to secure screen planting to rear from unit 3.”

Minutes