Five homes at Starcross Farm, Tilford, Farnham

What was proposed

The application sought five homes with landscaping after demolishing the existing dwelling and equestrian buildings.

“WA/2025/00031 – Erection of 5 dwellings with associated landscaping following demolition of existing dwelling and equestrian buildings. at STARCROSS FARM GREEN LANE TILFORD FARNHAM GU10 2AP”

“The application seeks permission for: - Erection of 5 dwellings with associated landscaping following demolition of existing dwelling and equestrian buildings.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site contains a large dwelling, staff unit, stables, barns and a sand school in a rural area outside Tilford’s settlement boundary.

“Starcross Farm is situated 0.8km from the northern boundary of the Tilford Settlement Area. The site comprises a six-bedroom residential unit with integral two-bedroom staff unit, stables, dutch barns and sand school with two points of access off Green Lane. The dwelling and associated structures subject to this application are largely of 1960s build.”

“The immediate character is rural in nature. Adjacent to the site is a tree nursery (Red Leaf Nursery) with residential unit sat on the western flank boundary. Other properties in the wider area, largely detached, are set back from the lane on spacious verdant plots.”

Officer report

Planning history and land use

Earlier permissions covered the dwelling, stables, barns and a swimming pool, while officers concluded the site had residential and equestrian uses.

“Officers have included the relevant planning history of the Starcross Farm site (red-line site):”

“Reference Proposal Decision WA/1979/0231 Enclosure of existing swimming pool GRANTED (09/03/1979)”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most consultees raised no objection, usually subject to conditions, while the parish council and Surrey Hills adviser objected on housing, landscape, access and land-use grounds.

“Consultees Comments Lead Local Flood Authority No objection (subject to conditions) (24/07/2025) Surrey Highways Authority No objection (subject to conditions) (17/09/2025) Natural England No objection. (15/01/2025) Internal Consultation – Trees and Landscape Officer No objection (subject to conditions) (06/08/2025) Surrey Wildlife Trust Further information required. (03/03/2025) County Archaeologist No objection (subject to condition) (28/01/2025)”

“Following the reconsultation period after the item was taken off the January Committee Agenda, Tilford Parish Council provided a further letter of objection: - Lack of affordable housing. - Unclear of land designation and therefore impact of this application on this designation and whether it complies with GB/AONB rules - The council believes that the statement regarding the historic equestrian use of land is inaccurate.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The public speakers included objectors, supporters, a parish council representative and two ward or borough councillors.

The committee vote

The committee supported the officers’ recommendation by seven votes to two, with no abstentions.

“Following the debate, the Committee voted in favour of the officers’ recommendation to grant permission 7 in favour, 2 against and no abstentions.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to 21 conditions and two informatives.

“Planning permission be GRANTED, subject to conditions 1-21 and informatives 1-2.”

Minutes