Estate refurbishment works at Colliers Close 1-79 Sythwood 25-40 Cobbetts Close 1-20 And 25-52 Frenchs Wells 45-60 106-137 And 2-64 Evens 65-103 Odds

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing cladding, roofs, gutters, fascias, windows and doors, alongside insulation, refurbishment and associated works.

“Replacement of cladding, roofs and fenestration, refurbishment works, and associated works.”

“Planning permission is sought for replacement of cladding, roofs and fenestration, refurbishment works, and associated works. To accommodate the new cladding and insulation, roofs, gutters, fascias, rainwater downpipes, windows, and doors will also be replaced.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site comprises fourteen residential blocks in an established residential area, with brickwork, timber cladding, shared walkways and PVCU windows.

“The site is known as “Lakeview Estate, Nos. 1-31 & 33-79 Colliers Close, 25-40 Sythwood, 1-20 & 29-52 Cobbetts Close, 2-28 (even only), 30-64 (even only), 65-103”

“(odd only), 70-104 (even only), 155-185 (odd only) & 187-213 (odd only) Brookfield, 45-60, 106-121 & 122-137 French’s Wells, Woking”. It encompasses 14 residential blocks which largely share a comparable design approach, featuring shared open stairwells that access a second-floor walkway. The buildings comprise 2no two- storey maisonettes, each with internal staircases, occupying the building's four levels.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for 26 dwellings, parking spaces and replacement garages across the estate was permitted in 1989.

“PLAN/1989/0545 - Erection of a total of 26 dwellings,41 car parking and 76 replacement garages throughout the estate – Permitted 30.10.1989.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the works acceptable because they would modernise the estate, improve its appearance and protect residential amenity, highways, trees and biodiversity subject to controls.

“The proposed works as described would take place across fourteen residential blocks; each of four storeys in height, over 9,986sqm of site area. The proposed construction materials, which would be applied across a majority of the facades of all fourteen blocks (notwithstanding the retained exposed brickwork which would be cleaned and repaired) would differ considerably from the existing materials; consisting chiefly of brickwork and cladding.”

“Overall, it is considered the proposed development would serve to visually improve and enhance the facades of the existing buildings; and would be of an appropriate design, character and appearance relative to the buildings in question and the surrounding area, such that the works would not have an adverse visual impact, and would therefore not be detrimental to the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, flood, heritage and contaminated-land consultees raised no objection, while environmental health and wildlife advice led to recommended conditions.

“Environmental Health Officer: No objection subject to conditions relating to window replacements, acoustic materials and construction work.”

“Contaminated Land Officer: “I have no comments re contaminated land as it is assumed no external ground breaking / material excavation is taking place and no changes to current use of the external areas. A condition is recommended regarding asbestos”.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Three representations raised concerns about parking, construction noise, lighting, roof alterations, communal aerials and the costs passed to leaseholders.

“REPRESENTATIONS Three have been received, raising the following summarised comments:”

“Impact of the works on parking in Colliers Close – please ensure that no further closure of parking spaces will occur. • Noise and disturbance relating to construction works – please ensure that these are kept to a minimum. • Please ensure security lights are dimmed. • Costs of the works should not fall on the shoulders of leaseholders. • It is unclear as to why the roofs are being raised/altered. • There is no need for the separate cost of communal aerials.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward councillor welcomed the application and supported replacing cladding removed for health and safety reasons.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed insulation and new stairwell windows, questioned tree planting and sought reassurance about the replacement cladding’s durability.

“Members welcomed the improved insulation and new windows in stairwells, highlighting the benefits for energy efficiency and climate change. The location of the proposed tree planting was questioned, which the Planning Officer confirmed would be within the blue line boundary and secured by condition.”

“Members sought reassurance regarding the durability of the replacement cladding. The Planning Officer advised that the applicant had undertaken comprehensive studies and that building control requirements would ensure the use of appropriate materials.”

Minutes

The committee’s resolution

The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to the recommended planning conditions and biodiversity undertaking.

“That planning permission be GRANTED subject to:”

“(i) Planning conditions set out in the report; and…”

Minutes

What was decided

Permission was granted with conditions and a unilateral undertaking securing a habitat management and monitoring plan and a biodiversity monitoring contribution.

“A Biodiversity Net Gain Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (BNG HMMP) · BNG Monitoring Contribution…”

Minutes