Stable, rural dwelling and retort at Woodhill Sandpit, Wonersh

“WA/2025/01457 – Erection of a stable building; siting of a caravan for rural workers dwelling; installation of a charcoal retort. at WOODHILL SANDPIT FARLEY HEATH ROAD WONERSH GUILDFORD”

“The application seeks permission for: - Erection of a stable building. - Siting of a caravan for rural workers dwelling. - Installation of a charcoal retort.”

“Woodhill Sandpit falls within both Waverley Borough Council and Guildford Borough Council administrative boundaries. The site is currently in use for forestry activities, operated by Farhill Forestry Ltd. To the east of the site (within Guildford’s boundary) is the gated access off Farley Heath Road with associated hardstanding, a large drying barn and sawmill and office.”

“The site has had a lengthy planning history regarding infilling of a historic sandpit. Only relevant permissions relating to the forestry use of the site have been included. Additionally, the eastern portion of the site crosses into Guildford Borough Council. Relevant permissions at Guildford have also been included in the planning history list.”

“Erection of a forestry building. REFUSED (15/01/2021) APPEAL ALLOWED (14/07/2021) GUILDFORD - 19/P/01981 Proposed change of use of an existing hardstanding at Woodhill Sawmills to open wood storage area with associated log cabin office (forestry use).”

“The applicant wishes to expand and diversify their forestry business with the addition of a charcoal retort. As existing, the applicant uses the waste-by product timber for woodchip and sends this off site to be used for biomass. The applicant indicated on-site that the cost of transportation means there is a limited return from such work.”

“The appraisal highlights that the expansion and diversification of the business would necessitate a rural worker to be located on the site to ensure the following amongst other requirements: - the close supervision, management and daily nutrient requirements of all horses either boxed in stables or in paddocks, which would include a daily night check late in the evening; - the close monitoring of the health and welfare of all horses on site which would include regular…”

“Support for the development is afforded in Policy P4 of the Surrey Hills Management Plan, with the development assisting in the continuation of a forestry business as well as providing small scale housing for a rural worker. Forestry activities as detailed do also further the purpose of conserving and enhancing the Surrey Hills National Landscape.”

“Overall, the lack of wider views of the proposal and that the development would assist in the continuation of a forestry business consequently does act to conserve and enhance the Surrey Hills National Landscape and AGLV. The proposal would therefore accord with Policies TD1 and RE3 of the Local Plan (Part 1) 2018 and Policies DM4 and DM15 of the Local Plan (Part 2) 2023.”

“Consultees Comments Wonersh Parish Council Call-in application to Planning Committee to consider impact to Surrey Hills National Landscape. (14/08/2025) Surrey Hills National Landscape Advisor No objection. (13/08/2025) Environmental Health – Noise / Odour No objection.”

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

“Subject to conditions 1-8 and Informatives 1-2, permission be GRANTED.”