Councillors on January 29 2025, granted planning permission for the construction of for the  erection of 4 detached houses at Sheepleas House, Epsom Road for Black Onyx Projects Limited.

The proposed development consisted of a new access road to the west of Sheepleas House and the construction of 4 detached dwellings with associated garages and garden space at the rear of the site.

Other elements of the scheme included:-

• Proposed housing mix was considered appropriate for this location on the edge of a settlement boundary in a transitional location on the boundary with the Green Belt.
• Fully compliant with Nationally Described Space Standards. 
• No loss of trees across the whole site
• Reduction from five units to four units
• Demolition of garage/workshop outbuilding to the west of Sheepleas and distances between access road and Sheepleas increased
• Biodiversity Net Gain 20% compliant with local GBC policy

The case officer in her Planning Committee report stated “The site is located within the settlement area of East Horsley, in an area inset from the Green Belt where there is no objection in principle to residential development”.

Other matters that were considered,  included::-

• Highway considerations
• Affordable housing and housing mix
• Impact on trees
• Impact on neighbouring amenity
• Heritage considerations
• Surrey Hills National Landscape
• Archaeology
• Noise
• Ecology and biodiversity
• Flooding and Surface Water Drainage 
• Renewable and Low Carbon Energy

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

The officers summary of considerations and constraints stated:-

• The principle of the proposed development is found to be acceptable. 
• The proposed housing mix is considered appropriate for this location on the edge of a settlement boundary in a transitional location on the boundary with the Green Belt. 
• The proposal would not have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area. 
• It would not cause a harmful impact on neighbouring amenity or highway safety. 
• The proposal is also considered to be acceptable in terms of impact on trees, ecology and sustainability. 
• The application is recommended for approval.”

Details of the application can be found on the Guildford Borough Council planning application search website. Reference no. 24/P/00520.