20 residential dwellings at Land South Of Beach House, Woodlands Lane, Windlesham

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for 20 homes, demolishing 1 Broadley Green and creating access from Broadley Green, with most details reserved.

“SUMMARY 1.1 The application relates to outline planning permission for the demolition of 1 Broadley Green and the construction of twenty residential units (net nineteen) (C3 Use Class). The application in addition to the principle of the development seeks to establish the means of access off Broadley Green with all other matters (appearance, layout, landscaping, and scale) reserved.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is open undeveloped land in the Green Belt and Flood Zone 1, adjoining Windlesham and surrounded partly by homes and open fields.

“The application site relates to a parcel of open, undeveloped land situated to the south of Woodlands Lane towards the junction with Broadley Green outside of the settlement…”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included permissions for affordable homes and a 2024 permission for 20 age-restricted homes, none of which had been implemented.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY 3.1 17/0526 Outline Application for the erection of fifteen affordable dwellings (all social rented) with access off Broadley Green. Access only with all other matters reserved. Granted 16 February 2018 (not implemented). 3.2 17/0533 Outline application for the erection of fifteen affordable dwellings (six managed by the Windlesham Community Homes Trust and nine intermediate affordable dwellings) with access off Broadley Green.”

“18/0734 Outline application for the erection of fifteen affordable dwellings (six for affordable rent and nine for affordable shared ownership) with access off Broadley Green. Access only with all other matters reserved. Reported to the Planning Applications Committee on 15 August 2020 with an officer recommendation to approve. Granted 30 September 2020 with a legal agreement securing the affordable housing and SAMM (not implemented and has expired).”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the site grey belt land, the homes needed, the location sustainable and the scheme compliant with affordable housing, infrastructure and green-space requirements.

“The NPPF defines grey belt land as “land in the Green Belt comprising previously developed land and/or any other land that, in either case, does not strongly contribute to any of the purposes (a) to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas, (b) to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another, or (d) to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; in paragraph 143.”

“The site forms part of land parcel WN12, which was assessed as part of the Council’s Green Belt Review (2022) document, which sets out that the site does not function strongly against purposes (a), (b) or (d). The site does not benefit from or as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Local Green Space, National Landscape, National Park, Heritage Coast, irreplaceable habitats, designated heritage assets or area at risk of flooding or coastal change.”

Officer report

Who spoke

[name withheld] spoke against the application and [name withheld] spoke in favour.

What members discussed

Members discussed whether the access would reduce on-street parking, affordable housing, and whether infrastructure and highways information reflected residents’ experiences.

“Members questioned whether the creation of an access point for the new units would reduce the current levels of on street parking for residents of Broadley Green.”

“A couple of Members expressed concerns about the information obtained by Surrey County Council regarding local infrastructure and highways usage that did not reflect the lived experiences of residents in the area.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The officer recommendation was proposed, seconded and carried, and the application was approved subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

“The officer recommendation to approve the application, subject to conditions was proposed by Councillor David Whitcroft, seconded by Councillor David O’Mahoney, put to the vote and carried.”

“RESOLVED that application 25/0020/OOU be approved, subject to conditions and a legal agreement.”

Minutes