100% affordable housing at 99 - 101 Guildford Road, Lightwater

“The reason the applicant is now proposing to change the housing tenure mix is that the site has been acquired by a Housing Association, which intends to deliver the site as 100% affordable housing. Approval 24/0136/FFU would have delivered a policy compliant scheme of 40% affordable housing. Given the unmet need for affordable housing, this minor material amendment proposal is a betterment compared to the approved scheme and no objection is raised.”

“The application site is located in the settlement of Lightwater measuring 0.38 Ha and is situated to the southwestern side of Guildford Road. St Annes House (and Crossley Club beyond/rear) are sited to the northwest of the site, 6 Grasmere Road to the rear, 12 Grasmere Road and 8 and 9 Ullswater Close to the south corner and 97a Guildford Road and 3 Coyne Close to the southeast flank of the application site.”

“The site was previously operated by a car sales, repairs and MOT service business (Sui generis use), last operating in October 2020. The site last operated a car sales business and car washing facility. This was on a short term lease with the land owners to store car for sale on the land. However, since the grant of planning permission on the site this use has ceased and the site has been enclosed with hoarding and is vacant.”

“25/0206/DTC Submission of details to comply with condition 13 (Electric Vehicle charging) attached to planning permission 24/0136/FFU for Development of site to provide 21no. Dwellings with associated access, hardstanding, landscaping and parking. Granted.”

“25/0298/DTC Submission of details to comply with condition 17 (Arboricultural Method Statement) attached to planning permission 24/0136/FFU for Development of site to provide 21no. dwellings with associated access, hardstanding, landscaping and parking. Granted.”

“The proposed housing mix would result in 5% 1 bedroom; 5% 2 bedroom and 90% 3 bedroom units, which has not altered from the approved scheme. In terms of the split between market, shared ownership and affordable rent the proposed breakdown is shown below:”

“The Council’s Housing Officer is in full support of this change as there is significant need for affordable housing in the borough. This provision of 100% affordable housing is a betterment compared to the approved scheme and this would make an invaluable contribution to the Council’s unmet need.”

“The proposed development would lie within the 5km buffer of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA. Provided that sufficient SANG capacity is available in the Borough, it can be allocated to minor development proposals and the financial contribution towards SANG is now collected as part of CIL. However, the development is not CIL liable due to the 100% affordable housing provision. Therefore the SANG needs to be secured through a legal agreement.”

“There is a significant unmet need for affordable housing and this proposal would deliver a 100% on-site provision. This is betterment compared to the extant scheme. The proposed amendments are therefore considered acceptable, in line with the aims and objectives of the adopted Surrey Heath Core Strategy and Development Management Policies Document 2012 and the NPPF. This is subject to deed of variations being completed.”

“The officer recommendation to approve the application, subject to conditions was proposed by Councillor Shaun Garrett, seconded by Councillor Cliff Betton, put to the vote and carried.”

“Voting in favour of the officer recommendation to grant the application subject to conditions was unanimous from: Councillors Shaun Garrett, Cliff Betton, Ying Tong-Perrett, David O’Mahoney, Murray Rowlands, Shaun Macdonald, Vicotria Wheeler, David Whitcroft, Valerie White, and Richard Wilson.”

“RESOLVED that application 25/0297/PMR be approved, subject to conditions and a variation to the legal agreement.”