Six terraced homes at Matthews Corner Garage Matthews Corner, Windlesham

The site and surroundings

The site was a car sales business in the Green Belt and conservation area, opposite open land and near a listed building.

“The car sales unit at the rear wraps around the adjacent building to the north (which sits on the corner junction), backing onto Kennel Lane although access is solely provided through Church Road. It comprises a single storey pitched roof building, with the totality of the site laid of hardstanding where cars are displayed. Metal fencing is installed to the front of the site, although setback from the public highway.”

“The application site lies within Green Belt land and forms part of the Church Road, Windhlesham Conservation Area. Walnut Tree Farm, a Grade II listed building sits to the north of the application site.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier housing schemes were refused for Green Belt, character, parking or Thames Basin Heaths reasons, including the same six-home scheme in 2021.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY 3.1 10/0556 Erection of 5 detached dwellings comprising of 4 detached two storey dwellings with roof space accommodation and 1 chalet bungalow, and two detached double garages with associated parking and access. Refused in 2010 on grounds of inappropriate development in the Green Belt, harm to the character and appearance of the area and harm to the neighbouring occupiers amenity.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site qualified as grey belt, mitigation had been paid, and modest character harm did not outweigh housing benefits.

“SUMMARY 1.1 The application site is located on the eastern side of Church Road, outside the settlement areas of Windlesham, within the Green Belt and the Church Road Conservation Area. The application site currently comprises a commercial car sales business. The site faces open land on the other side of Church Road. The proposal is to replace the existing business with six dwellings in the form of two terraced buildings.”

“The harm to the character and appearance of the area would not be substantial and no other harm exists. This harm would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the development. These benefits include contributing to the Council’s lack of a 5-year housing land supply and making effective use of brownfield land. It would also provide a mix that is considered as priority housing as per the Windlesham Neighbourhood Plan.”

Officer report

Support for the proposal

Supporters described the existing building as unattractive, said the homes were needed and considered that removing parked cars would improve safety.

“Existing building is an eyesore, and the proposal would represent an improvement. The proposal is considered to be a betterment of the site. Would provide much needed homes. The proposal would contribute towards the Council’s 5YHLS and overall housing need. Removal of parked cars outside the site, improving safety. No objections are raised by the CHA.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two people spoke against the application and the agent spoke in favour.

What members discussed

Members questioned grey belt land and the golden rules, while officers explained that character harm would not outweigh housing and brownfield redevelopment benefits.

“Members questioned officers on the definition of grey belt land and the golden rules. The case officer confirmed that the application satisfied the tests of paragraph 155 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and would contribute to the Council’s lack of a 5-year housing land supply.”

“The Development Manager highlighted that the officer’s interpretation that the degree of character harm was therefore not considered significant and would not outweigh the benefits of housing and redevelopment of a brownfield site.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The recommendation to approve subject to conditions was proposed, seconded and carried, with seven votes in favour, one against and one abstention.

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

“Voting in favour of the officer recommendation to grant the application subject to conditions: Councillors Shaun Garrett, Mary Glauert, David O’Mahoney, Jonathan Quin, David Whitcroft, Helen, Whitcroft and Richard Wilson.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions.

“RESOLVED that application 25/0393 be approved, subject to conditions.”

Minutes