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Knaphill Planning Update – 1 October 2013

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News

Surrey County Council submitted detailed plans for the new school on Brookwood Farm and the associated new bridge to cross the Basingstoke Canal. (PLAN/2013/0856 and PLAN/2013 /0864)

 

COND/2013/0070

Discharge of conditions 18 and 25 of PLAN/2011/0160

Sainsbury’s Redding Way, Knaphill

We have received a notification letter from WBC with reference to Sainsbury’s plans to discharge planning conditions 18 and 25 these conditions have to do with extractor fans and other technical issues. In the letter from Sainsbury’s agents there is a request for additional plant equipment and this includes equipment required in conjunction with the proposed dentistry concession unit. This is of interest because when Sainsbury’s were given planning permission for their extension the Council included planning condition 9. This reads;

No part of the total floor space of the store shall be used for separate concessions including key cuttings/shoe repair, hairdressers, banking, photo developing studios, opticians, dry cleaners or any other concession, with the exception of ‘Explore and Learn’ unless where otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

PLAN/2013/0856

New primary school on land at Brookwood Farm, Coresbrook Way, Knaphill

When plans to build 297 new dwellings on Brookwood Farm Surrey County Council also received outline planning permission for a new school. This application contains more details of the actual building and the landscaping around the school. The new school, which will be linked to Brookwood School, will accommodate 8 key stage two classes, (240 pupils). One of the main concerns remains the impact the new school will have on the traffic on the A322, Bagshot Road. The new building will be behind the Telephone Exchange.

PLAN/2013/0864

New footpath and canal bridge.

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, to a footpath that will go across the Country Park to the new school building on Brookwood Farm.

 

PLAN/2013/0775

Demolition of a former library building and redevelopment with 9 residential units comprising of

3 X 2B3P flats and 6 X 1B2P flats and memorial garden. 20 High Street, Knaphill

Since the initial plans were published there has been a change. The building has been increased in size to accommodate a 3 bedroom flat suitable for 5 people. This change reduces the number of 1 bedroom flats from 6 to 5. More detail on this proposed building can be found elsewhere on the KRA web site. Two key points, there is no dedicated parking and the private amenity space at the rear of the proposed building does not meet the Council’s own guidelines.

The KRA has submitted a letter of objection.

PLAN/2013/0974

Convert a block of offices into 8 one bedroom flats

Highclare House, 5 High Street, Knaphill

A planning application has been submitted to convert Highclare House from offices into flats, this is the building next to Head Hunters, the hairdressers.  At the time of writing this report no details of the proposed conversion had been made available.

PLAN/2013/0202

Variation of condition 6 to PLAN/1985/0686, Total (now ESSO) petrol station, 23 High Street.

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 have now lodged an appeal.

Appeal reference APP/A3655/A/13/2203626

PLAN/2013/0193

Proposed demolition of existing outbuilding and replacement with a detached 3 bedroom dwelling.

22A High Street, Knaphill

This is the site at the rear of the take-away and the old library.

The application was rejected by the Planning Officer, delegated responsibility, however the owners have appealed the decision and we must await the decision of a Planning Inspector.

Architects on behalf of the developer has pointed out to the Planning Inspector, in their final comments, that  the Local Council did not refer to any parking or highways issues in the notice of rejection of the original application. Unfortunately that is a true statement, yet another example of the County’s Highway Authority ignore the actual facts on parking in Knaphill.

Appeal reference APP/A3655/A/13/2199725

PLAN/2013/0350

Erection of a two bedroom detached dwelling in the grounds of 48 Lower Guildford Road.

Pending a decision.

PLAN/2013/0453

Retrospective application for 2 fascia signs on the southern elevation of site.

This refers to the new signage especially those on the wall of the shop facing the High Street. The main objection is to the large banner advertising the fact that they shop is open late for the sale of beer and wine.

The application has been approved.

PLAN/2013/0632

Demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings and erection of 4, 4 bedroom houses with garages, access, parking, bin storage, landscaping.

41 Highclere Road

The address 41 Highclere Road is misleading. The current bungalow that the developer wants to demolish cannot be seen from Highclere Road. All you see from Highclere Road is the long drive. The developer wants the access to the proposed 4 new houses to be from Lane End Drive.

This application has generated a lot of interest and the KRA has submitted a detailed objection.

The application is still under consideration by the Planning Office and Cllr. Saj Hussain has written to the Planning Manager asking for this application to be presented to the Planning Committee.

PLAN/2013/0756

Change of use from A1/A2 (retail or office) to A3 restaurant and café and A5 hot food takeaway including internal alterations and installation of new filtered extract system.

8, Anchor Crescent, Knaphill

These are the premises last used by Garrett, solicitors.

Do we need another food outlet?

The KRA has submitted a letter of objection.

 

If you have any questions or points on the above please feel free to contact the KRA.

Phil Stubbs

Headhunters up for another award!

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Ben Madle of Head Hunters hairdressers in the High Street was recently in the shortlist for Photographic Stylist of the Year award. Although he didn’t win, being placed so highly is in itself a huge accomplishment. Ben also recently worked at London Fashion week at which much to his surprise he was appointed Head of Hair Styling for 10 shows at the last minute which in itself must have been a great experience.

Imagine Ben’s surprise and delight then when an unknown person nominated HeadHunters for The National Hairdressers Federation Britain’s Best Stylist Of The Year 2013. The National Hairdressers Federation Britain’s Best Stylist Of The Year is a nomination only award which is decided via text voting.

Ben said –

“It was a great surprise to find out that I was nominated  by someone for this great honor”

Well done Ben and Head Hunters!

nhf stylist of the year

Police NW update 20/9/13

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Friday the 13th – Thursday the 19th of September 2013

 

In Your Area

 

I have to report that in the last week the following crimes occurred in or near to your area:

 

 

NUMBER PLATE THEFT

 

Crime Reference WK/13/5317 – Sometime between the hours of 21:45 on Thursday the 12th and 08:15 on Friday the 13th of September 2013 a vehicle parked in MEYRICK CLOSE, KNAPHILL had both the front and rear number plates stolen.

 

Criminals will often steal vehicle registration plates to place on their own vehicles in order to carry out other criminal activities in an attempt to go undetected. Protect your registration plates by securing them to your vehicle with tamper proof screws and bolts. Visit www.safe-plates.co.uk for further information.

 

 

NON-DWELLING BURGLARY

 

Crime Reference WK/13/5391 – Sometime between the hours of 17:00 on Monday the 16th and 08:30 on Tuesday the 17th of September 2013 a property in LITTLEWICK ROAD, KNAPHILL had a trailer stolen along with a back pack leaf blower and other gardening tools from an unsecured yard.

 

Crime Reference WK/13/5448 – At some time bewteen 09:30 on Wednesday the 18th and 02:00 on Thursday the 19th of September 2013 a garden shed in VICTORIA ROAD, KNAPHILL was broken into. The offender/offenders entered the rear garden via an unsecured alley gate. A man’s mountain bike was taken even though it had a lock on it. It is assumed that the lock was removed later.

 

Outbuildings should be locked at all times. Large valuable items should be placed out of view and chained up to other items or a secure anchor point within the outbuilding. Items could also be property marked via engraving or painting your house number and postcode onto them. A record of their serial number should also be kept and registered onto a national property database, visit www.immobilise.com for further information.

 

 

NUMBER PLATE THEFT

 

Crime Reference WK/13/5421 – Between the hours of 22:00 on Tuesday the 17th and 13:00 on Wednesday the 18th of September 2013 a vehicle parked in the car park of CAUSEWAY COURT, KNAPHILL had its registration plates stolen.

 

Criminals will often steal vehicle registration plates to place on their own vehicles in order to carry out other criminal activities in an attempt to go undetected. Protect your registration plates by securing them to your vehicle with tamper proof screws and bolts. Visit www.safe-plates.co.uk for further information.

 

 

CRIMINAL DAMAGE

 

Crime Reference WK/13/5412 – Sometime between the hours of 09:00 and 12:00 on Wednesday the 18th of September 2013 a vehicle parked in CARDIGAN CLOSE, KNAPHILL had a side window smashed however nothing was taken.

 

 

If you feel that you have witnessed any incident that may relate to the above crimes please call 101 quoting the relevant crime number.

 

 

If you have any queries please feel free to email me. As I’m only in the office on Wednesday and Friday mornings I may not be able to respond immediately, however, I’ll be sure to reply as soon as I can.

 

It is also possible to email the Woking Borough Safer Neighbourhood Policing Teams on woking@surrey.police.uk. This e-mail box is regularly monitored from 07:00hrs – 15:00hrs from Monday to Friday.

 

For non-urgent notification of a crime or something suspicious that you have seen, please contact 101 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). If you are unable to use the 101 service you can dial 01483 571212.

 

If you have a serious crime, accident or another emergency to report, always dial 999.

 

If you are hard of hearing or speech impaired, textphone on 08001 101 (non-emergency) or 08000 101 (emergency) or text us on 07786 204020 or 999 (register at www.emergencysms.org.uk) or you can also use the online crime reporting facility available at https://my.surrey.police.uk/reportonline/ReportIt/

 

For local news, dates of local surgeries or your next Police Public panel meeting please visit www.surrey.police.uk and go to ‘My Neighbourhood’

http://www.surrey.police.uk/my-neighbourhood

 

 

Yours Sincerely

 

 

Arthur Brown

Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer

Police: Missing person Esme Smith

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UPDATE 23/9/2013

Missing Farnham teenager Esme Smith has been found safe and well.

A call was made to Surrey Police by the Metropolitan Police around 9-40am today (23 September) to say that the 14-year-old, who went missing on 12 September, was at a North London police station.

Her safe return is thought to be as a direct result of the media appeals, and the media and public are thanked for their assistance.

———————————————————————————————————————-

Surrey Police is growing increasingly concerned for the safety of a 14-year-old from Farnham who has not been seen since Thursday afternoon (12 September).

Esme Smith left All Hallows School in Farnham around 3-15pm, telling her friends that she was going to Woking and then on to a party. She boarded a train at Aldershot train station just after 4pm and was then seen getting off a train at London Waterloo around 5pm and has not returned home or made contact since.

She is described as white, 5 ft 3 tall, slim to medium build, with shoulder length brown hair that may be tied in a bun. She has brown eyes and a tanned complexion and wears size 6 shoes. She is believed to have changed out of her school uniform at the train station into a white flowery dress and denim jacket and was carrying a black school bag and a black floral bag with chain straps.

She is known to frequent the areas of Farnham, Farnborough and Woking.

PC Ian Matthews from the Surrey Police Missing Persons Unit said: “We are growing increasingly concerned about Esme’s welfare. Anyone who has seen a girl matching her description or who knows her and has any information about her whereabouts is urged to contact us as soon as possible. Similarly, if Esme sees this appeal please get in contact to confirm that you are safe and well.”

Anyone with any information or any sighting should be reported to Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference number M/13/900 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Second image to follow thought to be Esme has taken from CCTV at Waterloo train station.

Please remember any photographs released by Surrey Police should only be used while a Surrey Police appeal to find the person is being made. It should not be used after the person has been found. Surrey Police/the owner of the photograph retains the copyright. Your acceptance of the image confirms that the force will be indemnified in the event of any proceedings arising from unauthorised use by you/any news organisation(s) you represent

Please can you call 101

Esme SMITH M.13.900

Development of old library site in the High Street, Knaphill

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In October last year Woking Borough Council announced that they had purchased the old library site from Surrey County Council and planned to develop the site for housing and a memorial garden. The announcement went on to add ‘Given its central location and the increasing need for suitable accommodation for elderly people, consideration will be given to providing elderly person accommodation in this location as it is close to local services’.  If consideration was given to building flats for the elderly it was quickly rejected.

The plan is to build a three storey block of flats to house one 3 bedroom flat suitable for 5 people, three 2 bedroom flats suitable for 3 people in each and five one bedroom flats suitable for two people.  From this information it is clear that four of the flats are designed for families.

To accommodate this number of flats, some of which have multiple bedrooms, the developer has designed a very large building. In fact it is as tall as the building currently being erected across from the old library on the former Cliftons site. The designer of this building uses the Cliftons building as a good example of higher density residential development that is suitable for the centre of Knaphill. The proposed density or number of dwellings on this amount of land is way beyond Woking’s own policy statement on residential development density.

The Council has not indicated that they made any attempt to purchase the waste land at the rear of the old library site which could have given these residents private parking and or private amenity space. Therefore given the size of the building there is no dedicated parking for these families. They are expected to use public transport or if they have a car park it in the public car park.

Finally as stated the larger flats appear to be designed for families and you could have up to 10 children living in these units. There is a small private garden area at the rear of the property but the developer actually states that this space fails to meet the planning guidance standards set by Woking Borough Council. So are the children expected to play in the public car park?

As Knaphill residents you are entitled to make your opinion known to the Council’s planners. Their email address is developmentcontrol@woking.gov.uk. It is important that if you do contact the Council you use the planning applications reference number PLAN/2013/0775.

Full details of the proposed building can be found on WBC’s web site under Planning, view an application. Again use the above reference number to gain access.

Please feel free to contact the KRA with any comments.

Committee meeting minutes June 2013

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Attendees: – John Butler (chairman), Rachel Carney, Andy Hills, Tony Hayes-Allen, Antony Polak, Phil Stubbs.

Apologies: – Ann Mason, Debbie Harlow, Martin Dunham. Neville Hinks.

Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 May were approved and agreed for publication.

Matters Arising

All action points are covered by the agenda items and will be covered under their own heading.

Projects

Village Show

Plans progressing.

John had agreed with Robert, who delivers the majority of the newsletter, to deliver village show flyers. Andy stated that he had around 4000 flyers for distribution.

Action point: – John to contact Robert re distribution of show flyer.

Planning

31-33 Broadway, Almond Villa

The Head of Planning has approved, under delegated authority, the building of 10 new houses with parking for 18 cars. The development will comprise of 4 four bed, 3 three bed and 3 two bed houses. Plots 5 to 9 are 2.5 storeys high and these houses will be directly opposite Broadway House. The distance between the two sets of building is only 16.5m. The latest set of drawings from the developer show cars parked outside the new houses on the Broadway and the spur road to The Vyne.

Given that the decision was taken by delegated authority and not debated at Planning Committee Phil has written to Development Manager WBC Planning with a number of key questions.

Esso Garage

Two outstanding planning applications:-
To change the condition on the opening times of both the garage and shop from
07.00 – 23.00 to 06.00 – 00.00. Condition is to protect local residents from noise and light disturbance.

Retrospective planning application for new signs especially the ones erected on the side of the shop that faces the High Street. The main advertisement is for late night alcohol licence.
Both planning applications are still under consideration.

13 High Street, Coral’s

Two planning applications-
Illuminated fascia and projected signs – this has been agreed.

Replacement of shop front, rear external staircase and the erection of two satellite dishes – this application is still under consideration but the work has almost been completed.

Development Planning. Given the uncertainty over the future of Kings House the planned informal meeting for residents on development planning and neighbourhood planning has been postponed. It was agreed that a new date will be fixed in agreement with Ward Councillors.

Membership Secretary Report

Nothing new to report. Anthony stated that he would be happy to run a membership drive.

Chairman’s Report

Nothing to report.

Treasurer’s Report

Nothing new to report.

Secretary’s Report

Brookwood School
SCC has opened a consultation on the proposed new school building that SCC want to build on Brookwood Farm. Two public meetings were held at Brookwood School in Connaught Road. The meetings had targeted parents with children at Brookwood School. The new building will be part of Brookwood School and the school will go from a single form entry school with a maximum 210 pupils to a two form school with 420 students. The new building is scheduled to be available from September 2014. Phil reported that he had attended one of the public meetings and from what he heard and saw the current Head Teacher came across as a someone who had a clear vision of how the twin sites will operate. To this end she stated that unless a new bridge across the canal and a dedicated footpath linking the two buildings was included in the final plan then the Governors of Brookwood School would refuse to operate the two sites. The Head Teachers plan is for parents to drop off the children at the building nearest to where the family live and then the school staff will get the children to the right building, walking buses.

It is essential that SCC give the staff their full support in the development of the new building.

The briefing from SCC stated that the Welsh Regiment is expected to transfer to Pirbright between April and November 2014.

Licencing

Knaphill Working Men’s Club had applied to extend their alcohol licence to 00.30 on Saturdays and extend the licence to play live music until 23.45 on a Saturday. The extension to the alcohol licence was rejected but the extension to the music licence was granted.

The Co-op in the High Street had applied for a licence to sell alcohol from 07.00 to 23.00hrs seven days a week. The Licencing Committee granted the licence.

Any other business

Tony Hayes-Allen informed the Committee that Keith Henderson, probably the longest serving retailer in Knaphill was to retire and he suggested that the KRA write to him wishing him all the best in his retirement.

Date of next meeting
Wednesday 28th August, Garibaldi starting at 7.45pm

Meeting closed

Knaphill Planning Update – August 2013

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PLAN/2013/0202

Variation of condition 6 to PLAN/1985/0686, Total (now ESSO) petrol station, 23 High Street.

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.

Cllr Hussain called this application in for consideration by the Planning Committee. This proved important as the Planning Officer recommended acceptance. Cllr Saj Hussain proposed that the application should be rejected, this was seconded by Cllr. Richard Sharp and the Planning Committee rejected the application.

We now have to wait to see if the owners of the petrol station appeal.

 

PLAN/2013/0453

Retrospective application for 2 fascia signs on the southern elevation of site.

This refers to the new signage especially those on the wall of the shop facing the High Street. The main objection is to the large banner advertising the fact that they shop is open late for the sale of beer and wine.

The application is still with the planning office, ‘pending consideration’.

 

PLAN/2013/0193

Proposed demolition of existing outbuilding and replacement with a detached 3 bedroom dwelling.

22A High Street, Knaphill

This is the site at the rear of the take-away and the old library.

The application was rejected by the Planning Officer, delegated responsibility, however the owners have appealed the decision and we must await the decision of a Planning Inspector.

 

 

PLAN/2013/0314

Proposed replacement of existing shop front and proposed erection of a rear external staircase, installation of two satellite dishes to side elevation and the removal of 3 air conditioning units.

Corals, 13 High Street

This is the old HSBC bank and one of the Ward Councillors asked why the new front had to be the bright blue. Corals already have a set of premises in the bright blue colours and the Councillor has found that Corals also use a grey shop front if it is in the sensitive area.

The application was raised at the last Planning Committee and the Councillors deferred a decision. I had left the meeting before this item was discussed and as I write this report the draft minutes of the meeting have yet to be published.

 

PLAN/2013/0632

Demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings and erection of 4, 4 bedroom houses with garages, access, parking, bin storage, landscaping.

41 Highclere Road

The address 41 Highclere Road is misleading. The current bungalow that the developer wants to demolish cannot be seen from Highclere Road. All you see from Highclere Road is the long drive. The developer wants the access to the proposed 4 new houses to be from Lane End Drive.

This application has generated a lot of interest and the KRA has submitted a detailed objection.

The application is still under consideration by the Planning Office and Cllr. Saj HUssain has written to the Planning Manager asking for this application to be presented to the Planning Committee.

 

PLAN/2013/0636

Variation of condition 3 of permission PLAN/1992/1112 to alter opening hours to 7.00am to 6.00pm seven days per week.

Kings House, High Street

As you know Kings House closed and the premises have reopened under the name Stefs café. Kings House had opening hours of 9.00am to 10.00pm and it is these hours that the new owners want to change.

Pending consideration.

 

PLAN/2013/0756

Change of use from A1/A2 (retail or office) to A3 restaurant and café and A5 hot food takeaway including internal alterations and installation of new filtered extract system.

8, Anchor Crescent, Knaphill

These are the premises last used by Garrett, solicitors.

Do we need another food outlet?

The KRA has submitted a letter of objection.

 

PLAN/2013/0350

Erection of a two bedroom detached dwelling in the grounds of 48 Lower Guildford Road.

Pending a decision.

 

If you have any questions or points on the above please feel free to contact the KRA.

 

Phil Stubbs

Not another take-away!

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Woking Borough Council has received and published a planning application from a London based company to convert the shop/office that sits on the corner of Anchor Crescent into a restaurant/café/take-away. These premises were last occupied by Mackrell Turner Garrett, solicitors. The planning application is a formal request to change the use of the premises from A1/A2 to A3/A5. A3 stands for restaurant/café and A5 stands for hot food take-away. The applicant has also requested permission to remain open until 11.00pm at night.

If you want to express a view on this planning application you can either register on the WBC Planning web site or send an e-mail to developmentcontrol@woking.gov.uk  If you do intend to write to WBC it is important that you quote the planning application reference number PLAN/2013/0756 and the property address 8, Anchor Crescent, Knaphill.

The KRA are planning to use this web site to give residents more information on planning applications and developments within the village, more to come.

Surrey Police: Police Support Volunteers Required

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The Junior Citizens Scheme aims to encourage children to be the responsible citizens.  It is an imaginative way of teaching primary school children how to identify risk and make positive decisions in everyday life. It provides practical learning for young people who are due to make the transition to secondary school, while at the same time encouraging good citizenship and sense of community responsibility.

Junior Citizens schemes are an annual event run on a district/borough basis as a joint initiative between district and borough councils, Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and volunteers. Children take part in interactive learning sets which require them to make decisions about personal safety and the safety of others, while raising their awareness of danger and the consequences of criminal actions.

Each scheme runs over two or three weeks, depending on the number of schools attending.  There are two sessions each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.  Each session will accommodate one or two schools dependent on numbers. On arrival the children are split into groups and will visit each ten minute learning set in rotation.

Learning sets include some or all of the following ( usually 8-10 sets):

  • Fire Safety
  • Rail Safety
  • First Aid
  • Water Safety
  • Road Safety
  • 999 emergencies
  • Internet Safety
  • Stranger Danger
  • Electrical Safety
  • Garden Safety
  • Park Safety
  • Anti-social Behaviour

This is where you come in.  Surrey Police are after volunteers to assist with the delivery of this scheme in the following areas:-

  • Guildford
  • Woking
  • Spelthorne
  • Elmbridge
  • Runnymede

You do not have to be resident in the area, but you must be able to travel to and from the location of the scheme easily.  Travel expenses will be paid.

If you are interested please email volunteer@surrey.pnn.police.uk to request an application pack.

Kind regards

Nikki Percy

Police Support Volunteer Co-ordinator

Surrey Police

Parking in Knaphill is it an issue?

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A report on on-street parking was presented at last month’s meeting of Surrey County Council’s Local Committee for Woking. The report contained SCC’s proposals for changes to on-street parking in and around Woking. The report states that the County Council’s parking team had carried out a review of on-street parking restrictions within the Borough and had identified changes which would benefit road safety and reduce instances of obstruction and localised congestion. The report goes on to state that the starting point of the study was an assessment of over 130 requests for parking restrictions from residents, councillors and emergency services! The report then breaks the whole of Woking down into specific areas and Knaphill, I assume, came under the heading Woking South West. I say assume because there was not a single mention of Knaphill. Does this mean that the County Council are completely happy with the level of parking on pavements, especially in the High Street, and with the congestion and accidents caused by cars and delivery vehicles parking outside the approved areas? I am pleased to report that the County Councillors who represent Brookwood and Knaphill rejected the section of the report covering our area. So if you have any views on street parking in Knaphill I suggest you contact linda.kemeny@surreycc.gov.uk or saj.hussain@surreycc.gov.uk.