Planning Applications considered by MRA
• Merrow Park and Ride and Golf Course.
Park-and-Ride -- it came into operation in September 08 and is now running at around 50% capacity. The landscaping of the site has been completed and it is hoped a waiting room and CCTV will be added later in the year. MRA are still concerned that some lights remain on throughout the night which is a waste of energy.
New Pay and Play golf course. -- construction of the first nine holes is virtually complete but will not become operational until spring 2010. At that time the developers may wish to provide a temporary clubhouse to enable play to commence.
Footpath diversion. -- the fencing of the diverted footpath 582 has been completed and follows round holes two and three. It is sad to have to report that the fencing has been subjected to wanton vandalism in a number of places. The diversion has been subject to the appropriate legal process and so the time for any objection is now past.
• Linden Homes/former DEFRA site.
Consent was granted in February for 199 dwellings of which 70 will be for affordable housing, and Uplands House will be retained as the centrepiece of the development. There will be public access from this site onto the Downs and special lighting provision for properties along the southern boundary.
However concerns remain, in particular relating to on-site parking provision, use of garages, potential problems of off-site parking and likely traffic congestion at the Epsom Road/Boxgrove Road traffic lights at peak hours. These issues plus maintenance of the trees and shrubs forming the southern boundary outside the site are being pursued with GBC. Demolition work on the site has now commenced.
• Temple Court Business Park.
An application for demolition of various agricultural buildings on land to the north of Temple Court, Clandon Park followed by construction of a business courtyard development with mixed-use, and access from the new Park & Ride roundabout on the A246 was refused in February following strong local opposition by MRA, National Trust (the owners of Clandon House and Park), Clandon Society, West Clandon Parish Council, CPRE and others. It was considered as inappropriate development in the green belt with access only attainable by car, and crossing part of the original Clandon House landscaped gardens created by Capability Brown in 1780.
• Tretower House, Merrow Street.
An application for residential development of 13 houses plus 29 car parking spaces and 28 bicycle spaces in the gardens of Tretower House was refused in January. The proposal was considered as overdevelopment of the site which would be out of character with surrounding properties in Merrow Park. MRA also considered the access via Chatfield Drive, Stonecrop Road and Clayhanger unsuitable.
• Redevelopment of 251 - 263 Epsom Road.
Construction started in July 2008 and consists of retail ground floor units with 11 apartments on the first and second floors and 11 parking spaces under plus 2 spaces for shoppers parking. The ground floor could consist of two, three or four retail units depending on demand. The development should be completed towards the end of this year.
• M&S opening hours 215 - 219 Epsom Road.
An application was submitted in October 2008 for 24-hour opening of the M&S food store. The previous owners had been granted all-night opening in line with the BP service station but never implemented it. MRA and many local people objected. Permission was refused in December 2008 but was granted on appeal.
• 1 Gales Close, Merrow Park.
A retrospective application for erection of wooden fencing along a new boundary line was approved in November with no conditions. MRA did not object.
• 207 Epsom Road.
The premises had previously been occupied by Capelli hairdresser and following permission for change of use to become a restaurant Merrow Dynasty took over the premises, opening in January.
• Shop unit 1, Kingfisher Drive.
Permission for internally illuminated signs for Boots/Alliance was granted and signs erected in December 2008.
• 1 Hall Dene Close.
The application was for change of use of adjacent 27m x 3m strip of land to enable this land to be fenced off and become residential. MRA opposed this change of use as the land currently forms part of the open spaces which are an integral feature of the Bushy Hill Estate. Permission was refused in January.
• Clavadel Hotel, Epsom Road.
Although permission for change of use from hotel to nursing home was granted for a scheme retaining the existing hotel, building work has not commenced.
Hunters Moon, 3 The Paddock.
The application for demolition of existing property and replacement by two apartment blocks was refused by GBC and subsequently went to appeal. The appeal was dismissed in November 2008.
• 1 Three Gates.
Permission for demolition of 1 and 3, Three Gates and erection of three terraced houses plus 3 parking spaces and a new vehicular access was granted in December 2008. MRA made no comments.
• Wentworth, Merrow Street.
A retrospective application for a pair of two-storey four-bedroom semi-detached houses plus new vehicular access was refused by GBC in May 2008. The applicant appealed against both the refusal and the subsequent enforcement notice. In March the Inspector allowed the appeals, granted planning permission and quashed the enforcement notice.
• 12 Downsway.
An application to erect a two-storey four-bedroom detached house plus integral garage in the garden of number 12 with a new vehicular access onto Trodds Lane. Although number 12 has access onto Downsway the proposed house will require separate access directly onto Trodds Lane at a point nearly opposite Swaynes Lane where traffic is travelling at speed both up and down the hill. MRA have objected to the access which it believes will create a real danger of accidents on that stretch of road where visibility is limited in both directions and also to its proximity to a neighbouring property. The application has since been withdrawn.
MRA
regularly monitors planning applications in Merrow and will
offer comments or objections to GBC when overall issues of
inappropriate development, density or design are involved
within the context of the Local Plan and new Design Guide.
Individual
residents are free to comment on applications, either because
they are immediately affected or generally as a ratepayer,
and details of new applications are published weekly in/ Surrey
Advertiser. Ten letters of objection are required to ensure
an application has to go
before the Planning Committee.
We
draw your attention to a new on-line service which has recently
been introduced by GBC through their website - applications
and plans can be viewed and downloaded electronically. To
reach GBC website go to www.guildford.gov.uk
-
from Home page select "P" from the A-Z of Services
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from next page select "Planning Helpdesk"
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click on "Online Planning Application Search".
You
can also telephone Planning Office on 01483 444609 or email:
planningenquiries@guildford.gov.uk
or go in person to Millmead offices
for the traditional method of examining planning files which
are open to
members of the public on request. |
