Garage with home office at Danescross, Pond Road, Woking

What was proposed

The application sought an amended detached garage with accommodation used as a home office above, an external staircase and a replacement for the existing garage.

“The planning application seeks permission for the proposed erection of a detached garage with accommodation (home office) above with an external staircase, following demolition of the existing garage.”

Officer report

The site

The detached dwelling sits behind a shared gravel drive, within the Fishers Hill Conservation Area and near locally listed buildings.

“The application site comprises of a detached dwelling, set well back from main highway Pond Road and accessed via a long-shared gravel driveway. The main building, Danescross, was originally a large Edwardian/Arts and Crafts dwelling, which is now part of a loose group of four buildings where the two buildings either end are locally listed, one is Danes Court, to the east and the other is Danes Lodge to the northwest, just beyond Danesbrook, which is attached to Danescross.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions included a dining-room enlargement, detached garages and changes creating separate houses.

“PLAN/1998/0114 – Single storey enlargement of existing dining room bay windows – Permitted - 02.04.1998.”

“WOK/12147 – DETACHED GARAGE DET G – Permitted - 30.071959.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would preserve heritage character, avoid unacceptable neighbour impacts and provide acceptable parking.

“Overall, the proposal is considered to preserve the special character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the character of the Locally Listed buildings. The proposal is considered to have an acceptable impact on Heritage Assets and the character of the Fishers Hill Conservation Area, as a whole.”

“Overall, the proposal is considered to have an acceptable impact on the setting of the locally listed buildings of Danes Lodge and Danescourt, the Fishers Hill Conservation Area and the surrounding area. It would have an acceptable impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties and would retain an acceptable level of on-site car parking, in respect of other planning considerations as noted in this report.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The arboricultural officer accepted the tree information, the conservation officer found no significant heritage harm, and the neighbourhood forum made no comment.

“Arboricultural Officer: Comment highlighted below.”

“The Arboricultural information provided is considered acceptable and should be complied with in full. This includes a pre commencement meeting between the LA tree officer, Project manager and the Project Arboriculturalist.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor L Rice spoke against the application, raising concerns about responsibility, character, privacy, rights, proximity and ownership information.

Committee discussion

Members considered the design, overlooking, separation distance, ancillary office use, staircase position and whether its door should be obscure glazed.

“Some Members commented that the proposed design was quite attractive. Although there was some concern about potential overlooking from the staircase, it was noted that this area would not typically be used for extended periods, and the separation distance of 20 metres was regarded as sufficient.”

“A question was raised about whether the door at the top of the staircase could be obscure glazed to prevent overlooking. The Planning Officer confirmed that no such condition was currently in place but agreed it would have been appropriate to add one if the Committee was minded to do so. Councillor L Morales proposed, and it was duly seconded by Councillor T Spenser that a condition be added to require the door to be obscure glazed. This was agreed by the Committee.”

Minutes

The vote

Seven councillors voted for approval, one voted against, and one member was present but did not vote.

“In accordance with the Standing Order set out in the Constitution, the Chairman deemed that a division should be taken on the recommendation to approve the application. The votes for and against approval of the application were recorded as follows.”

“In favour: Cllrs R Leach, L Lyons (Chairman) C Martin, L Morales, J Pearce, T Spenser and M Sullivan.”

Minutes