Maple Stud Equestrian Centre, Cranleigh Road, Ewhurst, Cranleigh
WA/2023/01136 (3337539) – Erection of 4 dwellings, with associated parking and landscaping following demolition of existing outbuildings.
The appeal was lodged because the planning application was not determined within the given time. No surprise there, then!
However, Waverley Planners were concerned about the development’s effect on the setting of the Grade 11-listed Slythehurst Farm House.
It was once the home of the Rt Hon. Janet Kidd, daughter of Lord Beaverbrook, who lived there until her death. She spent many happy years there and at her home in Barbados.
Main Issues:
• whether the proposed site would provide a suitable location for four houses, having regard to the proximity of services and facilities; the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside;
• whether the proposal would preserve the setting of the Grade II listed building known as Slythehurst Farm House;
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, with particular reference to noise and disturbance, privacy and outlook;
• whether the proposal would provide an appropriate mix of housing to meet identified local needs and the proposal’s effect on biodiversity.
The Inspector’s Concluded :
Given the proximity of services and facilities, the proposed site would not be suitable for four houses and would harm the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside.
The proposed development would not preserve the setting of the listed building known as Slythehurst Farm House.
The resulting harm to the building’s significance as a designated heritage asset would be less than substantial.
However, he concluded that the proposal would have an unacceptable effect on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, particularly in terms of noise and disturbance.
Ewhurst Parish Council objected for the following reasons: i
The Parish’s Neighbourhood Plan, made in 2022, states explicitly that there is no requirement for further housing in Ewhurst, as the parish has far exceeded its quota of 100 houses.
To comply with the NPPF, any new building has to be within the settlement boundary. This site is some distance from the settlement boundary. It is also in the Countryside within the Green Belt, AGLV, and near ancient woodland.
The Neighbourhood Plan states that the undeveloped gap between Ewhurst and Cranleigh should be maintained.
This development will overlook the other properties on the site on all sides, is overdevelopment, and threatens the rural aspect of the area.
The development will be close to a Grade II-listed building. There is no mains water, and there appears to be no plan for disposing of foul sewage.
The plans and the narrative are inaccurate: the red-lined area shows an area of less than 1000 metres. However, the narrative clarifies that the development will be over 1000 metres and thus eligible for affordable housing or a payment in lieu.
Access to the busy Ewhurst Cranleigh Road will be very difficult. The track is only single-width and very long. This will result in vehicles having to back onto the main road, where there are poor sight lines.