Agenda item

Outline application for the erection of a part single storey, part 3 storey building (with additional basement) for extra care accommodation, comprising self-contained apartments, staff and communal facilities and associated parking, including new vehicle access from Barley Mow Road. Appearance and landscaping reserved.

Officers:

Dawn Horton-Baker, Planning Development Team Manager

James Lehane, Principal Transport Development Planning Officer

Officer introduction:

1. The Planning Officer introduced the report and update sheet, providing Members with a brief overview. Members noted that the outline application was for the erection of a part single-storey, part three-storey building (with an additional basement) for extra care accommodation, comprising self-contained apartments, staff and communal facilities, and associated parking, including a new vehicle access from Barley Mow Road. Appearance and landscaping were reserved matters. Full details were outlined within the published report. Officers highlighted an error within the update sheet, which referred to Condition 47 but should have stated Condition 17.

Speakers:

Carol Bell spoke on behalf of the applicant and made the following points:

1. That the site was one of the programmes for extra care housing projects which the council was delivering to address the critical gaps in provision of affordable housing for older people in need for care and support.
2. That the programme offered a higher level of care than traditional, sheltered housing because it included personal care, meals, other daily living activities but allowed residents to maintain a high level of independence.
3. That the site was specifically selected for this use because it meets key sustainability criteria.
4. That the site was close to the village centre, had good transport links via buses, and could be supported by the local health infrastructure.
5. That the location reduced reliability on cars for both residents and staff and encouraged people using the facility to socialise and exercise locally.
6. That the proposal was designed with sustainability in mind.
7. That vehicle charging would be installed throughout for both cars and mobility scooters.
8. That the development contributed to the council’s ambitious targets for delivering 725 new affordable homes by 2030. It also aimed to deliver against the net-zero targets and supported the community vision for Surrey to ensure everyone has the health and social care support and information they need, at the right time, and that everyone has a place they can call home with appropriate housing for all.

Members noted that the drainage ditch immediately outside would be maintained. Officers added that details related to access, including drainage, were due to be submitted subject to a full technical approvals process.

In relation to the elevations and external treatment, the Chairman suggested that it would be beneficial to be informed about the materials proposed for use. Officers clarified that, given the site's proximity to the conservation area, planning officers would consult with the council’s heritage team to ensure the materials selected were suitable and in keeping with the surrounding area. The speaker added that they were fully aware of the Runnymede design code and the proximity of the heritage area,

The Local Member, Cllr Marisa Health, was registered to speak but was unable to attend due to an emergency.

Key points raised during the discussion:

1. A Member stated that the situation on the site was positive and that he did not consider it to be controversial.
2. A Member proposed that the committee take responsibility for the reserve matters which was agreed.
3. A Member noted that the local school required access through the site to maintain its playing field and inquired whether it would be appropriate to include a condition to facilitate this. Officers confirmed that it would be possible to add such a condition but recommended that the final wording be approved by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman outside the meeting.
4. A Member agreed that the reserved matters should be considered by the committee and emphasised the importance of ensuring that the highways and drainage matters on site were appropriately addressed and compatible.
5. A Member expressed concerns raised by local residents regarding the potential loss of privacy, particularly on St Jude’s Road, and asked officers for clarification on this matter. Officers explained that there was significant existing tree screening, some of which was located in neighbouring gardens, and that the council would seek to ensure the retention of all trees along the boundary. Additionally, an informative had been included to recommend that consideration be given to the placement of windows and balconies during the reserved matters stage.
6. Members were presented with photographs and plans of the site as included within the published agenda.
7. Members noted that, following discussion at the meeting, the resolution would be amended to state that the reserved matters application should be brought back to the committee for review. Additionally, a condition would be included to ensure that access for the school is maintained. The final wording of the condition would be approved by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman outside the meeting.
8. The Chairman moved the amended recommendation which received unanimous support.

Actions / further information to be provided:

None.

Resolved:

Pursuant to Regulation 3 of The Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992, the Committee resolves to grant outline planning permission for application ref: RU.24/0071, subject to the planning conditions outlined in the report and update sheet, with the following amendments:

The reserved matters application shall be brought back to the committee for further review.

An additional condition shall be included to ensure that access for the local school to maintain its playing field is preserved. The final wording of this condition shall be approved by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman outside the meeting.