Author Archives: webknaphill

Development of old library site

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Woking Borough Council has published the revised planning application for this site (PLAN/2014/0215). The application calls for the demolition of the old library and the building of a three storey apartment block. The building will contain 9 apartments, 3 apartments will have two bedrooms, suitable for 4 people per apartment and 6 apartments will have 1 bedroom, suitable for 2 people.

Those who have been following the Council’s plans for this site will know that the original plans were withdrawn and Belfour Beatty on behalf of Thamesway held a public consultation to listen to residents views. They clearly ignored the comments they received because there is limited change to the number of people they wish to squeeze into the new building.

The planning application continues to use the new building opposite (Tesco’s plus 12 apartments) as the model to follow.

The proposed block for the library site will only have access from the High Street, no dedicated parking and the smallest of gardens at the rear.

A sardine tin is still a sardine tin even if you change the outer cover, and that is what the people will feel like, living in a sardine can, if the Council go ahead with the proposed plan.

This application is down to the Council, it is there land and Thamesway are the Council’s agent so if this monstrosity is built then there is only the Council to blame.

Residents can voice their opinion direct to the Council either in writing to the Planning Office or online via developmentmanagement@woking.gov.uk. You can also contact your local Councillors; Melanie Whitehand, Richard Sharp and Saj Hussain. If you do comment make sure you include the reference number PLAN/2014/0215.

Phil Stubbs
secretary@knaphill.org

Planning update 25/3/2014

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NEW PLANNING DECISIONS

 

PLAN/2013/1229

Variation to the conditions imposed on the new house built between 58 and 62 Chobham Road.

The planning application that was approved had no windows on the side of the house facing No 62. The developer went ahead and put three windows into this side of the house and then submitted a planning application for retrospective approval.

 

This retrospective application has been approved by the Head of Planning under delegated authority.

 

Application permitted. Decision taken by Planning Officer, delegated authority.

 

PLAN/2013/1081 Barnbrook Sinclair, 1 & 3 High Street, Knaphill

This is an application to gain outline planning permission to demolish the current building and build a four storey block of flats. There would be 10 flats four of which would be two bedroom flats but only 10 parking bays. This building, as well as the old headquarters of Barnbrook Sinclair, is also the home of the pet shop Pets Kingdom and PC repair A&E PC Repairs both of which will lose their premises if planning permission is granted.

 

The planning application has been rejected by the Local Planning Authority on the grounds that the village could ill afford to lose the shops and office accommodation housed in the current building.

 

Application rejected by Planning Officer.

 

PLAN/2013/1122 & 1124 Tesco’s 15 High Street

Installation of an ATM to the shop front.

The installation of 6 bollards in front of the proposed ATM and shop front.

The above two planning applications are linked. Local residents have asked if another ATM in the village is required. If Tesco’s feel that it is important for the store to have its own ATM then residents want to see it relocated from the Fosters Lane end of the building.

 

Planning Committee approved the installation of an ATM at the Fosters Lane end of the building. The number of bollards was reduced to 4 and these will be located outside the store entrance.

 

Application approved by Planning Committee.

 

PLAN/2014/0021 Heathview, Grindstone Handle Corner

Build a second storey extension above existing first floor single storey extension. Convert existing garage into a habitable room and replace existing conservatory roof with a pitch tiled roof.

 

Application approved by Planning Officer

 

PLAN/2013/1235 23 Sparvell Road

Erection of two storey rear extension

 

Application approved by Planning Officer

 

PLAN/2013/0350 48 Lower Guildford Road

Erection of a two bedroom detached house.

The original application was rejected under delegated powers. The grounds for the rejection were that the proposed development would result in an incongruous overdevelopment of the site in breach of CS21 and CS24 policies.

 

The applicant submitted an appeal on 12/12/2013.

 

The appeal has been rejected.

 

 

NEW PLANNING APPLICATIONS & APPEALS

 

PLAN/2014/0077 126-128 High Street.

Demolish current houses and build 4 houses plus one block of 2 flats.

This plot is next to Knaphill School and the new houses will be close to the school play area and swimming pool.

 

PLAN/2014/0215 Old library, 20 High Street.

Demolish old library and build a 9 residential unit (3 x 2 bedrooms + 6 x 1 bedroom)

Awaiting details

 

OUTSTANDING PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

PLAN/2013/1114 New Haweli, 22 High Street

Application is to fit black tiles on the front of the take-away.

 

PLAN/2014/0067 41 Highclere Road

Demolition of existing dwelling and outbuilding and the erection of 3 detached houses with garages.

 

Note although the address is given as Highclere Road access to the new houses will be in Lane End Drive.

 

PLAN/2014/0081 Land at Brookwood Farm, Coresbrook Way

Application for new footpath and canal bridge to link new junior section of Brookwood Primary School and existing school.

 

In looking at the detail the footpath appears to have become footpath and cycle way.

 

 

AMEND/2014/0087 Tesco, 15 High Street

Variation of condition 2 to allow a 5 minute newspaper and magazine drop off.

 

Condition states no deliveries before 8.00am and after 8.00pm.

 

 

PLAN/2013/0856 – Brookwood Farm

Reserved matters application for the access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the erection of a primary school.

In December Woking Borough Council (WBC) Planning Committee deferred making a decision on the above application. One of the main reasons for deferment was due to the fact that Surrey County Council (SCC) had withdrawn a planning application for a new footpath and bridge connecting the two school buildings (more on this later in this report). There was also concern with regards general access to the school both on foot and for vehicle access. SCC had also failed to give any details on the materials to be used in the construction of the school and the Planning Officer stated in his report that if the materials are not carefully selected it could result in stark form of development within the landscape. Finally Councillors have issues with parking for parents dropping or collecting children.

 

Note: The developer has added more details to the plans in line with the request from the Planning Committee.

 

 

PLAN/2013/0864 Brookwood Farm

New footpath and canal bridge.

This application is linked to the planning application, reported on above, for the building of a new school building on Green Belt land in Brookwood Farm. The footpath and bridge are to link the new school building to the school on Connaught Road. Surrey County Council plan for a new bridge to cross the canal, at the rear of the Connaught Road School and linked to a footpath that will go across the Country Park to the new school building on Brookwood Farm.

This application has been withdrawn by SCC. First, Natural England has raised a number of objections to the plan and secondly, local residents in Brookwood were opposed to the public footpath continuing through the school grounds and onto Connaught Road. See PLAN/2014/0081 above.

PLAN/2013/0940 16 – 39 Chequer Tree Close

This application from the above residents is to change of use of open amenity land to become residential land by moving fence line.

Brookwood Farm Development

We understand that there are ongoing negotiations between Woking Borough Council and Cala Homes over the purchase of the land owned by WBC. Cala Homes have closed their Information Centre in Connaught Road, Brookwood.

 

Esso Service Station, High Street

The owners of the Esso Service station have applied for a change to the premises licence. They are seeking permission to sell alcohol from 06.00 to midnight seven days a week plus permission to sell hot food from 23.00 to midnight seven days a week.

 

Note This report does not attempt to cover all planning issues in Knaphill. If you have any questions or points on the above please feel free to contact the KRA.

Phil Stubbs

24/03/2014

Knaphill Cricket Club

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Andy Hills has set up a project looking at the potential for a new cricket club in the village.

“Knaphill Cricket Club, you say?” But there’s no such thing!

Correct! Yet. People from separate areas have been expressing an interest to me in creating a cricket club in the village. The question firstly is can we get enough support and members to start such a venture? Questions are obviously raised such as who, where, when, how, costs…?

Although very early days, in the first instance get in touch and mention that you might have an interest in membership. If we get enough numbers a small committee may be formed to take over planning and direction.

I can almost taste the cucumber sandwiches and Pimms now…

Website knaphillcc.wordpress.com. Please direct all email to knaphillcc@mail.com or via twitter @hillsy101

 

Regards, Andy Hills

Woking Crime Summit 2014

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Something that should be of interest to residents – an event with senior police members to explain their roles and listen to what matters most to you. This is YOUR chance to influence policing in the area.

WHEN: 18.30-21:30, Wednesday 26th March
WHERE: HG Wells Centre, Woking

From the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey –

Woking residents are invited to the Borough’s first Crime Summit. This event will see senior figures from Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, Woking Borough Council join Kevin Hurley, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, to talk about their work and hear from local people about the issues that matter to them in their communities.

The event is an opportunity for residents in Woking to hear about community safety work in the area; raise the issues that are affecting their lives and discuss with all of the public agencies working in the area how we can work together to solve those problems.
Refreshments will be provided from 18:00.

You can register:
Online: http://wokingsummit.eventbrite.co.uk/

Contact:
Telephone: 01483 630 200
Email: SurreyPCC@Surrey.police.uk
Post: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, PO Box 412, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1BR

 

New book from a Knaphill author

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Image of Andrea CorrieLocal author Andrea Corrie has released a new book – Into the Mourning Light.

Andrea says

“Into the Mourning Light, which describes the grieving process following the loss of my 19 year old son to accidental drowning in 2005. My book is not a misery memoir, rather it is intended as a helpful and positive resource to bereaved parents and those supporting them.”

 

 
[Book synopsis from Amazon.co.uk]

The unexpected loss of a child is something that no parent can ever imagine. This book, told mainly from the maternal viewpoint, explores the tragic accidental death of a 19-year-old. Andrea Corrie gives a direct and honest account of the emotions and the practicalities of working through the shock and grief of losing James, a much loved son, stepson, brother and friend. Into the Mourning LightThe message of the book is one of hope; its intent is to leave the reader feeling optimistic for the future, not despondent about the past. The non-linear process of working through grief and sorrow is examined. The book spans the eight year transition from the dark days of early loss in 2005 to a gradual return of living in the light today. Andrea also explores some of the resources available, particularly via the internet, to those who are grieving, as well as discussing the most constructive ways to channel energies into overcoming the agonies of child bereavement. Particular attention is paid to TCF (The Compassionate Friends – a charitable organisation run by bereaved parents for bereaved parents) and the online US based group DSN (Drowning Support Network, a Yahoo group). Members of both groups, along with family and friends have contributed, sharing their own experiences. Issues specific to loss through drowning are discussed as is Andrea’s successful campaign to institute safety features at the riverside in Kingston upon Thames where her son lost his life. This book offers reassurance to anyone living with loss, demonstrating that it is possible to return to joyful, meaningful living after the death of a child. Its readership need not be limited to bereaved parents as the subject matter provides useful insight to anyone supporting those who have lost a child, as well as those in the caring professions.

Into the Mourning Light is available from Amazon in paperback and Kindle

Knaphill Planning Update – 12 February 2014

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NEW PLANNING DECISIONS

PLAN/2013/0202 Total (now Esso) Garage, 23 High Street

Variation of condition 6 to PLAN/1985/0686

Currently the petrol station and associated shop have opening hours of 07.00 to 23.00 hrs. The application was to be allowed to open from 06.00 to midnight. In July the Planning Committee rejected this application but the owners lodged an appeal.

The Planning Inspector has permitted the extended opening hours for a trial period of 12 months.

PLAN/2013/0991 Alpha hospital, Rose Lodge, Barton Close

Alterations to PLAN/2012/0700

This application is to take account of the fact that the original plans that were approved had the construction traffic entering the site via Barton Close where after representation it was changed to direct entry from Redding Way.

Application approved.

PLAN/2013/1229

Variation to the conditions imposed on the new house built between 58 and 62 Chobham Road.

The planning application that was approved had no windows on the side of the house facing No 62. The developer went ahead and put three windows into this side of the house and then submitted a planning application for retrospective approval.

This retrospective application has been approved by the Head of Planning under delegated authority.

PLAN/2013/1081  Barnbrook Sinclair, 1 & 3 High Street, Knaphill

This is an application to gain outline planning permission to demolish the current building and build a four storey block of flats. There would be 10 flats four of which would be two bedroom flats but only 10 parking bays. This building, as well as the old headquarters of Barnbrook Sinclair, is also the home of the pet shop Pets Kingdom and PC repair A&E PC Repairs both of which will lose their premises if planning permission is granted.

The planning application has been rejected by the Local Planning Authority on the grounds that the  village could ill afford to lose the shops and office accommodation housed in the current building.

PLAN/2013/1122 & 1124 Tesco’s 15 High Street

Installation of an ATM to the shop front.

The installation of 6 bollards in front of the proposed ATM and shop front.

The above two planning applications are linked. Local residents have asked if another ATM in the village is required? If Tesco’s feel that it is important for the store to have its own ATM then residents want to see it relocated from the Fosters Lane end of the building.

Planning Committee approved the installation of an ATM at the Fosters Lane end of the building. The number of bollards was reduced to 4 and these will be located outside the store entrance. 

PLAN/2013/1225 15 High Street

Application to relax condition 24 of planning permission 2010/0085 to require that only the first and second floor windows in the west elevation be obscure glazed in perpetuity except windows 1 and 3 on the approved plan.

This is yet another planning application from the developer of the old Clifton’s site.  The condition in the original planning decision was added because the new building is very close to the houses in Fosters Lane and what then was HSBC bank. Woking Borough Council imposed a condition that the first and second floor windows in the east (facing the old HSBC bank) and west (facing Fosters Lane) shall be obscure glazed in perpetuity. The Council’s reason for this condition was to avoid overlooking into adjoining property.

The councillors on the Planning Committee unanimously rejected the application even though the Planning Officer recommended acceptance.  

PLAN/2013/1256 92 High Street

Erection of a two storey side and rear extension

Plans approved.

PLAN/2013/1222 35 Grindstone Crescent

Insertion of a second storey window

Plans approved.

NEW PLANNING APPLICATIONS & APPEALS

PLAN/2013/1114 New Haweli, 22 High Street

Application is to fit black tiles on the front of the take-away.

PLAN/2014/0021 Heathview, Grindstone Handle Corner

Build a second storey extension above existing first floor single storey extension. Convert existing garage into a habitable room and replace existing conservatory roof with a pitch tiled roof.

PLAN/2014/0067 41 Highclere Road

Demolition of existing dwelling and outbuilding and the erection of 3 detached houses with garages.

Note although the address is given as Highclere Road access to the new houses will be in Lane End Drive.

PLAN/2014/0081 Land at Brookwood Farm, Coresbrook Way

Application for new footpath and canal bridge to link new junior section of Brookwood Primary School and existing school.

In looking at the detail the footpath appears to have become footpath and cycle way.

AMEND/2014/0087 Tesco, 15 High Street

Variation of condition 2 to allow a 5 minute newspaper and magazine drop off.

Condition states no deliveries before 8.00am and after 8.00pm.

OUTSTANDING PLANNING APPLICATIONS

PLAN/2013/0350 48 Lower Guildford Road

Erection of a two bedroom detached house.

The original application was rejected under delegated powers. The grounds for the rejection were that the proposed development would result in an incongruous over development of the site in breach of CS21 and CS24 policies.

The applicant submitted an appeal on 12/12/2013.

PLAN/2013/0856 – Brookwood Farm

Reserved matters application for the access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the erection of a primary school.

In December Woking Borough Council (WBC) Planning Committee deferred making a decision on the above application. One of the main reasons for deferment was due to the fact that Surrey County Council (SCC) had withdrawn a planning application for a new footpath and bridge connecting the two school buildings (more on this later in this report).  There was also concern with regards general access to the school both on foot and for vehicle access.  SCC had also failed to give any details on the materials to be used in the construction of the school and the Planning Officer stated in his report that if the materials are not carefully selected it could result in stark form of development within the landscape. Finally Councillors have issues with parking for parents dropping or collecting children.

Note:  The developer has added more details to the plans in line with the request from the Planning Committee.

PLAN/2013/0864 Brookwood Farm

New footpath and canal bridge.

This application is linked to the planning application, reported on above, for the building of a new school building on Green Belt land in Brookwood Farm. The footpath and bridge are to link the new school building to the school on Connaught Road. Surrey County Council plan for a new bridge to cross the canal, at the rear of the Connaught Road School and linked to a footpath that will go across the Country Park to the new school building on Brookwood Farm.

This application has been withdrawn by SCC. First, Natural England has raised a number of objections to the plan and secondly, local residents in Brookwood were opposed to the public footpath continuing through the school grounds and onto Connaught Road.

Note:  See new planning applications above.

PLAN/2013/0940 16 – 39 Chequer Tree Close

This application from the above residents is to change of use of open amenity land to become residential land by moving fence line.

PLAN/2013/1235 23 Sparvell Road

Erection of two storey rear extension

Brookwood Farm Development

The new road, Brookwood Farm Drive is now open and is the only vehicle access to Raynes Close.

Cala Homes have taken over the old Post Office in Connaught Road and converted it into an Information Centre for the proposed housing estate at Brookwood Farm. We understand that Cala Homes and Woking Borough Council are still negotiating the price of land currently owned by WBC.

Note This report does not attempt to cover all planning issues in Knaphill. If you have any questions or points on the above please feel free to contact the KRA.

Phil Stubbs

12/02/14

Boundary Changes

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A lot has been written about boundary changes. There are two opportunities to learn more about the impact on Knaphill and get your views heard. On Friday 14 February there will be a display and Council Officers at The Vyne, Broadway Knaphill between 10.00am and 2.00pm. Secondly there will be an open meeting in the Council Chamber, Civic Offices, Woking on 18 February starting at 7.00pm. It is hoped that by the time of the meeting on the 18th the Council will be in a position to announced their preferred ideas.

Is Tesco actually a benefit to the village?

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Tesco KnaphillGuest post from Andy Hills (Twitter @Hillsy101)

In two surprising moves, Tesco, the new supermarket on the block, has already contributed to residents and the community of Knaphill.

A £500 donation has been organised for the Cabin youth club and the resurfacing of Fosters Lane has been paid for by the supermarket.

This is in stark contrast to both existing supermarkets in the village and to the developers now finishing off the building at 15 High Street. Co-op has been fairly innocuous in it’s business neither positively nor negatively affecting village life, whereas Sainsbury has a fairly long history with bullying the village and getting exactly what it wants.

Could this mean that Tesco, far from being the final nail in the High Street that I expected, is in fact, a positive contributor?  Please don’t get me wrong – I would have desperately preferred an independent retailer in the High Street, as I’m sure many existing retailers and residents would have, but in a mere few days Tesco has shown it is willing to support community interests whereas the others have spent years ignoring them.

Perhaps the other supermarkets could learn that supporting the community even in small ways, can help build relations. Some may refer to the new Knaphill village signs – ostensibly paid for by Sainsbury’s – but it took years and years to achieve those after long discussions and dealings. They are nice (thank you Mal, Melanie) but I can’t help feeling Sainsbury’s Brookwood Knaphill resisted when such a small expenditure would have gone a long way to build goodwill early on.

Of course, this early investment in the community from Tesco may well be it, time will tell, but I’m glad for the time being that Tesco is not being the monster it easily could have been and I genuinely appreciate the gesture from them. I am also exceptionally cautious regarding the deliveries to the store, with chaos already having been caused in the village before the store has even opened. Must write the thank you letter to WBC and Surrey Highways for the genius decisions made in this development…

Tesco opens 11th February.

 

Woking Borough Council issue an Air Quality Management Order

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On the 1st of February WBC issued an Air Quality Management Order for the area at the top of Anchor Hill. The designated area incorporates the top of Anchor Hill at the junction with Lower Guildford Road, Highclere Road and High Street. The order his been issued because of the high levels of nitrogen dioxide that has been detected over a period of years.

By issuing this order the Council have to produce a plan within 18 months. The plan should identify steps which can be implemented to try and reduce the levels of nitrogen dioxide.

Residents living in the area covered by this Order should have received a letter direct from Woking Borough Council. Full details of the Order and a Q & A page can be found at www.woking.gov.uk/airquality.