Councillors on January 29 2025, resolved that the Head of Planning be authorised to grant planning permission  (subject to a section 106 legal agreement as well as 23 conditions and 14 informatives) for the demolition of five existing dwellings, & construction of a new building of 3-4 storeys comprising 34 residential units with associated access, car and cycle parking, bin stores and amenity space (revised description and plans received 11/12/24).

The proposed scheme comprises an ‘L-shaped’ block and layout 3-4 storeys high with the tallest and the large and more bulky massing towards the centre and along the prominent corner of the block, tapering and stepping down to both sides. Roof forms comprised visible gables with central flat roof elements punctuated by dormer style windows. Balconies would provide private amenity space for all units apart from two one bedroom units (nos. 30 and 33). Unit 32 would have 2 recessed balconies and unit 34 one external balcony. The ground floor units fronting onto Station Road would also have small enclosed front gardens and a communal garden would be provided to the rear.

Other elements of the scheme included:-

• A car free development except for 6 parking spaces
• Replacement of 5 detached houses
• Primarily 1 and 2 bed unit scheme
• In effect a car free development
• Viability report accepted so no on site affordable units or off site contributions

• The applicant agreed to a ‘Review Mechanism’ – to capture any uplift in the scheme’s viability to be incorporated into a Section106 legal agreement

The case officer in her Planning Committee report stated there were strong ‘in principle’ reasons to support re-development of sites such as this.

In respect of design and impact on  the character of the area, the officer  said, “The development is considered to represent a quality of design which carefully considers the existing local context of the surrounding Town Centre and the design and scale of existing surrounding buildings whilst still providing a high-density development in line with policy EE1 of the 2030 Local Plan.”

She also acknowledged that the design respected privacy and limited any potential overlooking of neighbouring dwellings. She also acknowledged full compliance with the Nationally Described Space Standards.

Other matters that were considered,  included::-

• Highway considerations
• Affordable housing and housing mix
• Impact on trees
• Ecology and biodiversity
• Public Open Space
• Land Contamination 
• Noise Management and Air Quality 
• Flooding and Surface Water Drainage 
• Thames Basins Heath Special Protection Area 
• Renewable and Low Carbon Energy

The officer report showed full policy compliance with these topic areas. 

The officer concluded,  “In summary the proposal would provide an additional 34 dwellings which will contribute to housing supply in a sustainable location with good access to facilities and services and make efficient use of land. This is given great weight. There are also some economic benefits derived primarily during the construction phase of the development, and these are attributed moderate weight,” and that “the proposal offers a number of benefits identified above and is in general conformity with the development plan overall and there are no material considerations of sufficient weight to justify refusal.”

Details of the application can be found on the Runnymede Borough Council search site under reference RU.23/1654.