Horticultural glasshouses and sheds at Briarwood Nursery, Woking

What is proposed

The application proposes new glasshouses and sheds, changes to an existing shed, a water pond, parking and associated works after demolitions.

“Erection of 2x glasshouses and 2x sheds for horticultural use, alterations to external materials of existing shed, creation of a water storage pond, formation of a car parking area and other associated works following demolition of 1x building, 3x glasshouses, 3x sheds and 2x polytunnels. The proposal would be used for the wholesale propagation and plant growing.”

Officer report

The site

The vacant horticultural site covers about 4.8 hectares in the Green Belt, with a public footpath along its eastern boundary and homes nearby.

“The application site forms part of Briarwood Nursery which is sited of Saunders Lane. The site was last used for wholesale growing of plants but is currently vacant. The lawful use of the site remains as horticultural. The application site is approximately 4.8 hectares and is located in the Green Belt. Public Right of Way No.32 runs along east boundary of the application site.”

“The application site includes a number of existing buildings that have been used in association with the horticultural use of the site. Vehicular access to the site is at its north-eastern corner from Saunders Lane.”

Officer report

Earlier use and applications

Earlier permissions covered a garden centre, polytunnels and glasshouses, while the site’s lawful use remains horticultural.

“PLAN/2009/0412: Certificate of Existing Lawful Use for the use of the land at Briarwood Nursery as a Retail Garden Centre (A1 Use). Permitted 08.07.2009”

“PLAN/1994/0658: Erection of a twin span polytunnel. Permitted 13.10.1994”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the scheme was appropriate Green Belt development with acceptable effects on appearance, neighbours, highways, ecology, trees and flooding.

“The proposed development comprises the erection of 2x glasshouses and 2x sheds for horticultural use, alterations to external materials of existing shed, creation of a water storage pond, formation of a car parking area and other associated works following demolition of existing building on the site. The proposed buildings would fall under agricultural use and are considered appropriate development in the Green Belt. The…”

“The proposal is considered to have an acceptable impact on the visual amenities of the surrounding area and on the amenities of neighbours. The proposal is considered to result in an acceptable impact on highways, trees, ecology and flood risk.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Natural England required a construction environmental plan, while flood, tree, wildlife, contamination and rights-of-way consultees raised no objection subject to requirements.

“Natural England: ‘We consider that without appropriate mitigation the application would destroy the interest features for which Smart’s and Prey Heath Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) has been notified.”

“Local Lead Flood Authority: No objection subject to conditions…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support, and Councillor G Cosnahan supported the application as ward member.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed restoring the site to horticultural use and local employment, while discussing access, alternative routes and tree loss.

“Members expressed broad support for the proposed redevelopment of Briarwood Nursery, noting the benefits of bringing a derelict site back into productive horticultural use and generating local employment. The modernisation of outdated glasshouses and the inclusion of water storage features were welcomed as appropriate responses to current environmental and operational needs.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement.

“That Planning Permission be GRANTED subject to conditions and S.106 Legal Agreement.”

Minutes