Nine apartments at 267 Hillbury Road, Warlingham

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing dwelling and building nine apartments with access, parking and landscaping.

“Application: 2025/904 Location: Hillbury Road, Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9TL Proposal: Demolition of the existing dwelling on site and development of nine apartments with associated access, parking and landscaping. Ward: Warlingham West…”

Officer report

The site

The site contained a derelict former dwelling in the Green Belt beside residential properties and approved housing development land.

“The site is located within the Green Belt and borders the urban area of Warlingham The site would be bordered by residential properties at Hillbury Road and the land to the north has gained planning approval for residential development under planning reference 2022/267, which was decided at Committee on 7 th Dec 2023 and the decision issued on 20 th June 2025 due to requirement to secure an appropriate S106 legal agreement.”

“The site at present contains 267 Hillbury Road, a derelict building, which was last used for residential purposes.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the previously developed site’s Green Belt impact was acceptable and other impacts could be controlled by conditions.

“RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE, subject to conditions…”

“The application site is located in the Green Belt and the site is considered to constitute previously developed land. The Green Belt test of impact on openness due to the larger building is a key consideration and considered acceptable. There are no concerns regarding highway safety, residential amenity, landscaping, biodiversity or Biodiversity Net Gain, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The highway authority, flood authority, historic building adviser and wildlife trust raised no objection, subject to specified conditions, while the parish council strongly objected.

“County Highway Authority – The County Highway Authority has undertaken an assessment in terms of the likely net additional traffic generation, access arrangements and parking provision and is satisfied that the proposed development would not have a material impact on the safety and operation of the adjoining public highway, subject to the recommended conditions.”

“Surrey Historic Building - I have assessed this application in line with paragraph 208 of the NPPF and have not identified any built heritage assets affected by the proposal. While having a distinct character, 267 Hillbury Road does not meet the criteria for statutory or local listing due to its relatively recent construction date and the number of later alterations.”

Officer report

What people said

Third parties raised concerns about Green Belt impact, design, flats, affordability, biodiversity, traffic, character, trees, security and cumulative effects.

“Impact on the Green belt • Not good design and too many flats; • No affordable housing: • Lack of Biodiversity Net Gain on site: • Traffic hazard • Out of character; • Over development; • Loss of an architecturally historic dwelling • Does not meet golden rules…”

“Impact on trees • Layout gives rise to security, safety and other concerns • Construction traffic will cause highway safety concerns • Cumulative impact of the adjoining site and this development is not being considered • No need for this development • Impact on the future and existing amenities of occupiers…”

Officer report

Who spoke

[name withheld] spoke in favour of the application on behalf of the applicant.

What members debated

Councillor Prew proposed refusal because the building would harm Green Belt openness and the street scene and would not respect local character.

“The proposed development is inappropriate development in the Green Belt because it is materially larger, resulting in a built form that would substantially harm the openness of the Green Belt in this area, contrary to NPPF paragraphs 154D and G and Tandridge District Council Detailed Policies 2014, DP10B and DP13G.”

“The proposal would have a detrimental impact on the street scene by removing a building of significant character and identity and replacing it with a building that would not respect the character setting and local context of the area, contrary to NPPF paragraph 135C and Tandridge District Council Policy 2008 CSP 18, and DP7 of the Detailed Policies Part 2 of the Tandridge Local Plan 2014.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Lockwood seconded the refusal motions, which were approved when put to the vote.

“The motions were seconded by Councillor Lockwood. Upon being put to the vote the motions were approved.”

Minutes