56 later living units at Mountain House, Station Road, Godalming

What was proposed

The application proposed 56 later living units for people aged 60 and over, communal facilities, parking, landscaping, a bridge link and temporary access.

“Planning permission is sought for the erection of 56 later living units (Use Class C3) with communal facilities, together with parking, landscaping and associated works following the demolition of the existing building along with an updated bridge link to The Tannery car park and the creation of temporary access for the construction period.”

“Vehicle access is provided by the existing road into the site from Station Approach, which is to be enhanced. A shared surface and parking courtyard would be created between the proposed building and The Tannery. 26 car parking spaces are proposed, three of which would be for Blue Badge holders. A store for mobility scooters and buggies would be provided with cycle storage adjacent in a separate store. Bin storage is to the northeastern-most part of the ground floor.”

Officer report

Site and planning history

The site contains a three-storey office building near the station and town centre, within the conservation area and beside the River Ock.

“The application site is a sloping piece of land occupied by a three storey office building surrounded by roads and bounded by the River Ock to the east. It is south east of Godalming train station and close to the town centre within a mixed residential and industrial context.”

“The subject site is Mountain House (also known as Friary House), a three storey late 20th Century office building surrounded by Mill Lane to the south, Station Approach to the northeast and northwest and Station Road to the east. As the road names suggest, it is close to the Grade II listed Godalming train station to the northwest.”

Officer report

Earlier planning advice

Earlier advice concerned demolishing the office building and replacing it with about 56 apartments and approximately 30 parking spaces.

“PRE/2023/00184: Demolition of the existing office building and replaced with residential building circa 56 apartments and approximately 30 parking spaces. Advice issued 01/02/2024”

Officer report

Who spoke

A supporter made representations under the committee’s public speaking scheme.

The committee vote

The committee voted to grant the application, with 11 members in favour, none against and no abstentions.

“Following the debate the Committee voted to GRANT the application, 11 in favour, none against and no abstentions.”

Minutes

The decision

Delegated authority was granted to approve planning permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement covering occupancy, affordable housing, biodiversity and park mitigation.

“Delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director of Planning to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement to secure the occupancy of the apartments, a financial contribution in-lieu of providing affordable housing on site, Biodiversity Net Gain and a financial contribution to deliver the physical measures in Phillips Memorial Park as SPA mitigation…”

Minutes