We were here at the Waverley Web, resigning ourselves to yet another appeal being granted by the Government in the Waverley Borough, and then…
Along comes Mr J Woolcock BNatRes (Hons) MURP DipLaw MRTPI…, who shocks us all and kicks out a scheme for 162 homes on land owned by shop owner and restaurateur Richard Graham in Knowle Lane.
Waverley was again joined by residents at a costly public inquiry in an attempt to defend the countryside from builder Gleeson Homes Ltd- and succeeded. Wow!! That’s a turn-up for the books.
It came hot on the heels as Farnham Town Council and Waverley Planners were still licking their wounds from another Inspector’s decision that opened up a swathe of land for 56 homes just off the roundabout at Weybourne Road & Farnborough Road in Farnham.
A developer was finally given the green light – overriding a previous dismissal by the Secretary of State. It flew amid strong objections from Farnham Town Council, residents and elected members.
Here’s his Conclusion and the link to the Inspector’s report.
The proposed development would have an unacceptable adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area and would result in unacceptable harm to designated heritage assets. The proposal conflicts with the development plan. The planning balance falls against the proposal, and the scheme gains no support from the NPPF when taken as a whole. There are no other material considerations in this case to indicate that the development plan should not be followed. I have considered all other matters raised in evidence, but I have found nothing of sufficient weight to alter my conclusions. For the reasons given above,
I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed.
Developers earmark Knowle Lane, Cranleigh, as THE growth area for new homes. Knowle Lane planning application WA/2023/00294 Appeal
2023-Aug-Knowle-lane-appeal-Renotification_4705833
An Outline Application with all matters reserved except access for the erection of up to 162 dwellings (including 30% affordable dwellings) built in up to 3 phases, including access road, pedestrian and cycle accesses, parking, public open space, biodiversity enhancement and landscaping and other associated infrastructure and works.
Application Reference: WA/2023/00294 Planning Inspectorate Reference: APP/R3650/W/23/3326412
“The planning balance falls against the proposal, and the scheme gains no support from the NPPF when taken as a whole.” It is very welcome that the Planning Inspector follows the Government policy that the NPPF must be taken as a whole, when too many others engage in planning consider this too much of an inconvenience.
I just wish we could have had this Inspector at some of the Appeals in Alfold, But then we are just considered a rather Grubby Little Village in the middle of nowhere so who cares??? I am sure WBC will be revisiting their 5yr Land Supply and trying to figure out how many more we can ram into the Village!