This planning application covers a replacement for Locke King House with a 3 storey block comprising 10 flats which would occupy a significantly greater proportion of the site than the current building (which is the Old Weybridge Cottage Hospital). It is the view of the Society, the Weybridge Conservation Area Advisory Committee and the Elmbridge Borough Council Conservation Officer that the proposed development is totally unacceptable for the location, which is sited within a conservation area.
On 5 November 2018 the South Area Planning Committee recommended approval of the application by a split vote. This decision was in line with the advice given in the officer’s report which relied solely on the opinion given by the Listed Buildings Adviser (who for some unknownm reason changed his mind during the progress of the application) that the proposed development was acceptable.
The application is now due to be determined by the Main Planning Committee at its meeting on 27 November 2018. We would ask that as many of you as possible attend the meeting to indicate your opposition to the application.
The Society would encourage you to read the Society’s Objection of October 30th and make your views known to the members of the Elmbridge Planning Committee (as well as this please make your views known to as many as possible of the Elmbridge Cllrs.). This can be done by sending an email to the committee’s secretary (Ms. M. Bailey Direct Line: 01372 474179 E-mail: mbailey@elmbridge.gov.uk) and asking that your views are communicated to all committee members.
The Society believes that grant of the application would have major impact on one of two of the most important heritage areas of Weybridge town centre. To support this opinion, the Society is seeking the views of Professional Architects and Conservation experts and would welcome suitable contacts from any member who may be able to help in this regard.
If you have any comments then please contact the Chairman at chairman@weybridgesociety.org.uk or the Society’s Planning Panel on planning@weybridgesociety.org.uk .
We thank you in anticipation of any support you can give the Society on this important issue.