Former Surrey County Councillors Victoria and Alan Young want to build 14 homes after demolishing the bungalow, Tree Tops, in Mapledrakes Road, Ewhurst.
A scheme described by councillors as “horrific” and “mind-boggling”, which was neither “sympathetic nor sustainable “for the village, was unanimously rejected.
Waverley Planners recommended refusal for a host of planning reasons. An officer described the background to the latest bid by the owners to build on a site near an Ancient Woodland, designated as a site of Nature Conservation and Importance for Wildlife. On this site, trees had previously been illegally felled, and the site’s ecology had been damaged. There were five pages summarising objections from villagers, including the parish council.
Speakers, including a representative from Ewhurst and Ellens Green Parish Councils, stated that the strength of local opposition was enormous and that the latest plan offered no solutions to address the significant local concerns.
After councillors heard that 146 objection letters had been received, Chief Planning Officer Clare Upton Brown was asked why the plan had been brought to the committee for consideration. She said rules permitted this, as there had been 20 letters of support.
Former County Councillors – the Young Duo turn developers?
Tory Councillors – The Young duo – bang in another planning application.
Over the past five years, hundreds of objections have been registered, spanning a long history of planning applications and dismissed appeals.
Schemes for 20 homes – then 18 homes were either refused by Waverley or by a Government inspector at appeal.
Speakers included the borough councillor for Ewhurst, Michael Higgins, who said, “Now you have another application this time for 14 homes before you.” However, the situation remains the same, both then and now. It is outside the settlement on a sensitive site with nothing to commend it.
Farnham Cllr Carole Cochburn described the scheme as “horrific” and, while 146 objectors are not always right in this instance, she could see absolutely nothing to disagree with their sentiments, saying there was nothing to commend it.
To mow down a bungalow and attempt to build in a beautiful landscape goes against the grain. She said areas around Sayers Craft on sites such as this had to be protected and remain special. Not just shove up something urban in a beautiful place, I will not hesitate to refuse this.”
Reasons for refusal
For refusal.