Four dwellings at Quarry House, Lower Bourne, Farnham

What was proposed

Four detached homes, garaging, parking, landscaping, air source heat pumps and solar panels were proposed after demolishing the existing dwelling and outbuildings.

“WA/2025/00281 – Erection of 4 dwellings with installation of air source heat pumps and solar panels; associated garaging, parking and landscaping following demolition of existing dwelling, garage and outbuildings. at QUARRY HOUSE GARDENERS HILL ROAD LOWER BOURNE FARNHAM GU10 3JB”

“Planning permission is being sought for the erection of 4 detached dwellings with associated garaging, parking and landscaping following the demolition of the existing dwelling and outbuildings.”

Officer report

The site

The site covers about 0.71 hectares west of Gardeners Hill Road, with a dwelling, outbuildings, garden, trees, changing levels and an existing access.

“The application site is located to the west of Gardeners Hill Road and comprises two joint parcels of land that are accessed from an existing gated access. The southern part comprises a detached single storey dwelling and several outbuildings of varying scale whilst the northern part comprises an enclosed garden area with ornamental planting and a summer house.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal would contribute three homes, fit the development plan and avoid undue harm to countryside, neighbours, highways, trees and biodiversity.

“Planning Committee 01/10/2025 RECOMMENDATION That, delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director of Planning to grant planning permission subject to conditions, and a S106 Agreement to secure a contribution towards highway improvements, permission be GRANTED”

“It is considered that the proposal would fully accord with the Development Plan, being of a sustainable design that would not result in harm to the Countryside Beyond the Green Belt. In addition, the proposal would not result in undue harm to the amenities of the occupiers of the neighbouring properties. Further, the proposal would have an acceptable impact on highways, trees and biodiversity, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Farnham Town Council objected, while highways, ecology, trees, drainage, archaeology and other consultees raised no objection subject to conditions or an agreement.

“Consultee Comment Farnham Town Council Objection • Outside Built Up Area Boundary • Unsuitable location in transport/traffic terms • Design • Unacceptable risk to flooding…”

“Officers response: sites outside the built up area boundary can be considered for housing; the rest of the issues raised are addressed in the relevant sections of the report below Natural England No objection SCC Archaeology No objection subject to condition SCC Highways No objection subject to conditions and a S106 agreement to secure a contribution of £10,000 for highways improvements SCC SuDS & Surface Water Drainage No objection Insufficient information submitted at this…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A supporter and the ward councillor made representations under the public speaking scheme.

The committee debate

The committee voted against the officers’ recommendation before considering an alternative recommendation to refuse permission.

“Following the debate, the Committee voted against the officers’ recommendation to grant permission 5 in favour, 6 against and no abstentions.”

“Cllr David Beaman then submitted an alternative recommendation to refuse the application and Cllr carole Cockburn seconded. The Committee voted in favour of the recommendation to refuse permission 6 in favour, 5 against and no abstentions.”

Minutes

The final decision

Permission was refused because the site was outside Farnham’s settlement boundary and future residents would rely on cars to reach shops, services and facilities.

“Planning permission is REFUSED for the following Reasons:”

“The proposed development is located outside the Settlement Boundary of Farnham, with future residents of the development having to rely on car journeys to access shops, services and facilities. The location is therefore considered to be an unsustainable location. This would be contrary to Policies SP2 and ST1 of the Local Plan (Part 1) 2018, Policies DM9 and DM15 of the Local Plan (Part 2) 2023 and Policy FNP30 of the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan (2024) and the NPPF (2024).”

Minutes