Here are details of our actions on some local planning applications and those we are following.
Please note that new applications are always coming in to Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC), so this is not a complete listing. The Society only acts when applications threaten the wider community interest, not on the basis of individual needs. If you’d like further information or to take up action with the council, please contact EBC directly via their website at https://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/planning/
2018/2252 CLIVE HOUSE, QUEENS ROAD – part two/part three storey detached building with rooms in the roof space to provide 31 ‘age restricted’ apartments.
2019/2286 CLIVE HOUSE, QUEENS ROAD – a slightly modified scheme with 30 ‘age restricted’ apartments.
These two applications by Pegasus Life were refused permission by Elmbridge, and an Appeal has been lodged. The applications were co-joined for the Appeal hearing which took place on 21st July 2020 with a site visit on 22nd July. The Society responded to the Appellant’s 750 page submission with a comprehensive letter of objection to the Inspector.
We are pleased to report that both applications were dismissed by the Inspector on the basis that the development’s impact on the character and appearance of the area – particularly views of the adjoining Salisbury House – would outweigh the benefit of providing additional specialist housing. This is an excellent outcome for local residents, although we haven’t had to wait long to find about what the future holds for this site as a new application has just been submitted.
2020/2173 CLIVE HOUSE, QUEENS ROAD – Prior approval for a change of use from offices to residential.
This recently submitted application is for 44 open plan ‘studio’ apartments each measuring 30m2. The existing elevations and site layout are unchanged, although storage for 44 bicycles in the rear car park area has been added. The main pedestrian entrance is from Queens Road with vehicle access via York Road.
While Weybridge Society is not against change of use for this site in principle, the dimensions indicated do not meet the minimum standard set by the government for one bedroom dwellings, which is set at 37m2. The Society’s Planning Panel has therefore written an objection letter to EBC.
2020/0265, 0473, 1288 & 1333 FORMER CAFE ROUGE, 85 QUEENS ROAD — The Society’s letter of objection to the first application in support of the many local residents and the Triangle Residents Group was submitted 3rd April 2020. A further three applications were submitted for this site, and all four applications were debated together at the South Area Planning Sub-Committee meeting on 20th August 2020. Each of these applications was recommended for approval by the Planning Officer. However, the Committee took a different view and refused two of the applications (one for 5 one-bedroom flats and the other for 3 flats) on the grounds of lack of parking provision. A further application for a two bedroom apartment in a mansard roof extension was refused on grounds of the extension being detrimental to the host building. Application 2020/1333 for a ground floor extension to the restaurant was permitted.
The Planning Committee discussed at length the issue of parking stress in this area, noting in particular the disappointing Appeal decision by the Inspector who permitted the development of 9 flats with no parking on Wessex (2019/0657) a detached property with parking in South Road.
2020/1492 LAND TO THE REAR OF 85 QUEENS ROAD — An application to construct offices (with no parking provision) on the former car park of Café Rouge has been withdrawn. It should be noted that this parcel of land is excluded from the permitted extension to the Cafe Rouge restaurant application (2020/1333). It is anticipated that a revised application for this parcel of land will be submitted in due course.
2020/1007 LAND TO THE REAR OF 91 QUEENS ROAD — This application is to demolish the ‘factory’ building to the rear of 91 Queens Road and construct a two storey building with 6 one-bedroom apartments with secure cycle storage but no parking provision. Although the application refers to Queens Road, the site is wholly in South Road and is directly opposite Wessex (mentioned above). This is a further encroachment on this narrow cul-de-sac, which has very limited parking for the current residents and simply cannot absorb further dwellings and vehicles. The developers consider that the site is centrally located with good bus and railway links. Those living locally have a different view and in their support, Weybridge Society has submitted a letter of objection.
2020/0691 8 TO 14 OATLANDS DRIVE — This application for the construction of three blocks containing 51 flats following demolition of four bungalows is close to the very busy Walton Bridge/Oatlands Drive junction. A new access road would be provided adjacent to 16 Oatlands Drive. More than 200 local residents wrote to Elmbridge to object to this scheme and Weybridge Society added its support by submitting a letter of objection on 20thJuly and, following some minor amendments by the developer, a further letter on 18th August. The application was recommended for refusal by the Planning Officer and was heard by the Planning Committee on 8th September 2020. Surprisingly, six local Councillors voted to approve the proposals, but nine voted to refuse permission on the grounds of the proposal being an over-development of the site.
2020/0224 SILVERMERE HAVEN PET CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM, BYFLEET ROAD — On 18 May 2020, Elmbridge objected to this Consultation from SCC due to its impact on the Green Belt, and it was also refused by SCC. 2020/2215 – an amended application has recently been submitted for this site. These amendments will be evaluated by the Planning Panel and a further letter of objection submitted.
2019/3370 HILLVIEW NURSERIES, SEVEN HILLS ROAD – This application for construction of a dementia care home facility on Green Belt was permitted by Elmbridge on the grounds that the proposals were ‘exceptional,’ but Councillors warned that any other applications to encroach on Green Belt would not be favourably received.
It is noted that a ‘For Sale’ sign is now displayed on the parcel of land on the northern boundary of this site (identified on the application as ‘the Orchard’) and that the two cottages on the southern boundary have recently been sold. The Society will be keeping an eye on any further applications.
2020/1560 1 CRANMER CLOSE – This is an audacious application to construct six flats following demolition of a single bungalow at the head of a small cul-de-sac. The Society submitted an objection letter on 24th August in support of the 92 local residents who had objected. It is noted that 101 households have now objected to this scheme. We can report that this scheme was refused permission by Elmbridge on 8th September due to the overall design, scale and appearance resulting in a cramped, dominant and incongruous form of development.
2020/1994 OATLANDS PARK HOTEL – This is an ambitious application for a Conference and Spa Facility with an additional 36 Bedrooms following demolition of the original stable block.