This week, the Runnymede Borough Council held two significant meetings: the Planning Committee on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, and the Englefield Green Committee on Thursday, 27 June 2024. Below are the key decisions and discussions from these meetings.

Planning Committee

Approval of Four Planning Applications

The Planning Committee approved four planning applications, each with unique considerations and implications for the local community.

1. Green Acres, Bittams Lane, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0QJ (RU.23/0338)

This application involved the demolition of the existing dwelling and outbuildings at Green Acres, Bittams Lane, Englefield Green, and the construction of five detached dwellings. The committee raised concerns about the sustainability of the location within the Green Belt¹ and the potential impact on the area's character. However, the benefits, including increased housing supply and biodiversity net gain, were deemed to outweigh the harms. The proposal was approved.

1. Culverdon House, Harvest Road, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0QR (RU.23/1564)

This application at Culverdon House, Harvest Road, Englefield Green, sought listed building consent for installing air source heat pumps and gas boilers. Despite initial objections due to visual impact, the committee concluded that the benefits of renewable energy outweighed the harms. The proposal was approved.

Runnymede Local Plan Production Timetable

The committee approved the proposed timetable for producing the new Runnymede Local Plan, which is due to be submitted to the Secretary of State by December 2026. This plan is crucial for guiding future development in the borough.

Consultation Period for Supplementary Planning Documents

The committee approved an eight-week consultation period for two supplementary planning documents: the Energy Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and the Pitch and Plot Allocation Scheme for Gypsies, Travellers, and Travelling Showpeople. This extension ensures ample opportunity for resident feedback, especially given the pre-election period for the 2024 general election.

Englefield Green Committee

Approval of Event Applications

The committee granted licences for four event applications, all of which included requests to sell alcohol, consistent with the council's policy to ensure events are financially sustainable. The approved events are:

• Englefield Green Cricket Club Sponsors Day: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July 2024
• Englefield Green Cricket Club Presidents Day: Saturday 17 August 2024
• Classic Car Show organised by Joe King Events: Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September 2024
• Downs Steam Fair: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September 2024

The committee also discussed the importance of ensuring these events do not damage the mature trees on Englefield Green, a material planning consideration².

Maintenance of Englefield Green

The committee reviewed a report on the maintenance of Englefield Green, which included a budget of £10,000 for the current financial year. Options for improving biodiversity, such as planting wildflowers, were considered. The committee resolved to explore the possibility of employing a contractor to undertake some of the work to maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award-winning site.