HGV and coach storage at Refuse Disposal Compound, Bagshot

“Full planning permission is sought for change of use from sui generis (i.e. a class of its own) domestic recycling centre use to Class B8 (storage and distribution). The proposal would be open storage for HGVs and coaches. This application was originally also for Class B2 (general industrial) but this use is no longer sought.”

“The end user is not currently known. However, the submitted transport note provides details that a maximum of 7 HGVs/coaches could be stored on the site. While the end user is not known the applicant has said the operating hours would be from 8am – 5pm. Monday to Friday only.”

“The application site is located north of Swift Lane, which is accessed via A322. The site consists of a large flat area of approximately 2,050 sqm of concrete hardstanding. To the east of the site is gypsy and traveller site, south is an MOT/service centre and the north and west open fields. The site lies within 8 metres of a main river, the Mill Bourne and is located within Flood Zone 2. The site is also located within the Green Belt.”

“The site is currently vacant and the last use on the site was Bagshot Community Recycling Centre (CRC) which ceased operation March 2025. The site has one existing building on the site and is secured via an existing boundary fence and gates.”

“No relevant planning history determined by Surrey Heath Borough Council. The CRC was granted permission in 1983 by Surrey County Council.”

“The Bagshot Community Recycling Centre (CRC) closed in March 2025 and there are no known plans to replace the facility. Surrey County Council Minerals and Waste Planning Authority have not raised an objection to the loss of the waste management facility, therefore, in principle, the change of use is considered acceptable.”

“The site is previously developed land. Due to the previous use of the site, the openness of the Green Belt is already compromised to some extent by the recycling containers and former activity associated with the use. The proposal would not result in substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt, either spatially or visually, and so would not be inappropriate development in the Green Belt, complying with paragraph 154(g) of the NPPF.”

“County Highways Authority No objections are raised regarding highway safety and capacity or on parking grounds. Conditions are recommended for arrangements for parking, turning storage and delivers on the site, electric charging points, cycle storage and space lay on the site.”

“Environment Agency No objections subject to conditions for remediation strategy and verification report.”

“A total of 9 individual letters of notification were sent out on 15 th April 2025. A site notice was displayed on the 26 th March 2025 and a press notice published on 11 th April 2025 and 9 th…”

“April 2025. To date no letters of representation have been received.”

“Members questioned the need for a vehicle storage site and how this purpose had been identified, and if the site was suitable for additional gypsy and traveller pitches; currently there was a gypsy and traveller site to the east of the site.”

“Members wanted further clarification on the storage period of the vehicles and if the proposed vehicle operating hours could potentially disturb those residing on or near the site.”

“The officer recommendation to approve the application, subject to conditions and a legal agreement was proposed by Councillor David Whitcroft, seconded by Councillor Jonathan Quin, put to the vote and carried.”

“NOTE 2: In line with Part 4, Section D, Paragraph 18 of the constitution, the voting in relation to the application was as follows: Voting in favour of the officer recommendation to grant the application subject to conditions unanimous from Councillors Shaun Garrett, Shaun Macdonald, Liz Noble, Cliff Betton Jonathan Quin, Kevin Thompson, David Whitcroft, Pat Tedder and Richard Wilson.”

“RESOLVED that application 25/0236/FFU be approved subject to conditions.”

“The number of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), coaches, or other commercial vehicles parked, stored, or operating from the site at any one time shall not exceed 7 vehicles. No additional vehicles shall be permitted on site without the prior written approval of the Local Planning Authority.”

“The Class B8 use shall only include; open storage for HGV and coach storage, only and for no other purposes whatsoever, including any other permitted use within Class B8 of the Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended), or in any provision equivalent to that Class in any statutory instrument revoking and re-enacting that Order.”