Plant room and heat pumps at Farnham Sports Centre, Farnham

“WA/2025/00815 – Erection of plant room with mounted evaporator deck and installation of air source heat pumps with associated fencing. at FARNHAM SPORTS CENTRE DOGFLUD WAY FARNHAM GU9 7UD”

“The application seeks planning permission for the erection of a plant room, with mounted evaporator deck and air source heat pumps and associated fencing, to the rear of the Farnham Sports Centre.”

“The site is located within the built-up area of Farnham in a Town Centre location, and is surrounded by both commercial and residential buildings.”

“The application site is located to the rear of the Farnham Sports Centre, within the Farnham Town Centre. The site is surrounded by commercial and business centres to the north and west and residential properties to the south-west and east. The site levels are relatively flat.”

“There is extensive planning history at the application site, out of which, relevant to this proposal are the following:”

“Reference Proposal Decision NMA/2010/0079 Amendment to WA/2009/1085 to provide new door opening for emergency access to new viewing area. NMA Allowed 03/06/2010 NMA/2010/0039 Amendment to WA/2009/1085 to provide new external louvres/flues and plant equipment. NMA Allowed 31/03/2010 WA/2009/1085 Erection of two storey extension (as amended by plan received 10/9/09). Granted 25/09/2009 WA/1996/0091 Consultation under regulation 3. Erection of a single storey extension.”

“The planning balance assessment concludes that the proposal is in accordance with the Development Plan, as such, planning permission is recommended for approval.”

“That permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

“Overall, it is considered that the proposal would be acceptable in terms of form, scale, mass and design, as well as use of materials, and would not result in harm to the character of the host building and the wider character of the area.”

“Given that the proposal would result in the leisure centre being modernised and future proofed by completely removing the need for fossil fuel heating, the loss of parking spaces is considered to be acceptable.”

“WBC Environmental Health – No adverse comments, Informative recommended.”

“Following the debate, the Committee voted in favour of the officers’ recommendation to grant permission 11 in favour, none against and no abstentions…”

“Subject to conditions 1-3 and Informative, permission is GRANTED”

“The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans. No material variation from these plans shall take place unless otherwise first agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority.”

“Reason: In order that the development hereby permitted shall be fully implemented in complete accordance with the approved plans and to accord with Policy TD1 of the Local Plan (Part 1) 2018 and Policies DM1 and DM4 of the Local Plan (Part 2) 2023.”