The Waverley Borough Council Planning Committee met on 1 October 2025, to discuss a range of planning applications and related matters. The committee approved a non-material amendment, granted certificates of lawfulness for existing developments, and approved, with conditions, applications for new dwellings, tree removal, and a forestry-related development.

Here's a breakdown of the key topics discussed:

Planning Appeals

The committee noted several appeal decisions that had been circulated with the Public reports pack. These decisions, made by the Planning Inspectorate, offer insights into how local policies align with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other relevant guidance. The appeals included:

• Land north of Miller Lane and Alfold Road, Dunsfold, Godalming - Appeal Allowed
• Land south of 70 Wrecclesham Hill, Wrecclesham, Farnham - Appeal Allowed
• Brook Cottage, Station Lane, Enton, Godalming - Appeal Dismissed
• Hurst Gate Portsmouth Road, Milford, Godalming - Appeal Dismissed
• 2 Burstock Close, Farnham - Appeal Dismissed
• Land between Chennels Cottage and 1 Burdocks, the Green, Dunsfold, Godalming - Appeal Invalid

Land at Green Lane, Churt - Erection of up to 4 dwellings

The committee considered an application for Permission in Principle (PIP) for the erection of up to four dwellings at Land Centred Coordinates 485912 137930, Green Lane, Churt, Farnham. The application was brought to the committee due to the number of objections received.

The application followed a previous refusal (PIP/2023/02151) and dismissed appeal, with the primary reason for refusal being the impact on the Green Belt. However, the council considered that the application site now complied with the definition of 'Grey Belt' following revisions to the NPPF, and therefore the proposal would not constitute inappropriate development within the Green Belt.

The committee voted to grant permission in principle, subject to conditions.

Quarry House, Lower Bourne, Farnham - Erection of 4 dwellings

The committee considered an application for the erection of four dwellings at Quarry House, Gardeners Hill Road, Lower Bourne, Farnham, following demolition of the existing dwelling, garage, and outbuildings. The application was before the committee due to the number of objections received.

The recommendation was to grant delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Planning to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement to secure a contribution towards highway improvements.

The committee voted to grant delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Planning to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement to secure a contribution towards highway improvements.

Mountain House, Station Road, Godalming - Erection of 56 later living units

The committee reviewed an application for the erection of 56 later living units with communal facilities at Mountain House, Station Road, Godalming, following demolition of the existing building. The application also included an updated bridge link to Tannery car park and the creation of temporary access. The application was before the committee due to the number of objections received.

The recommendation was to grant delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Planning to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement to secure the occupancy of the apartments, a financial contribution in-lieu of providing affordable housing on site, Biodiversity Net Gain and a financial contribution to deliver the physical measures in Phillips Memorial Park as SPA mitigation.

The committee voted to grant delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Planning to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement to secure the occupancy of the apartments, a financial contribution in-lieu of providing affordable housing on site, Biodiversity Net Gain and a financial contribution to deliver the physical measures in Phillips Memorial Park as SPA mitigation.

Land known as the Nest Nursery, The Long Road, Farnham - Application for removal of trees

The committee considered an application for the removal of trees subject to Tree Preservation Order 26/24 at Land known as the Nest Nursery, The Long Road, Farnham. The application was before the committee due to the number of objections received.

The recommendation was that consent be granted subject to a condition.

The committee voted to grant consent subject to a condition.

Site C, Ockford Ridge, Godalming - Amendment to approved plans

The committee reviewed an application for a non-material amendment to planning permission WA/2021/0122 at Site C, Regeneration Area, Ockford Ridge, Godalming. The proposed amendment involved changes to the design of two patio doors on Flat Block A and repositioning of the bin/bike store to the rear.

The recommendation was that, subject to a condition on plan numbers, the non-material amendments be approved.

The committee voted to approve the non-material amendments, subject to a condition on plan numbers.

Wonersh House, The Street, Guildford - Certificate of Lawfulness

The committee considered an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness under Section 191 to confirm the implementation of planning permission WA/2023/01504 by excavation of foundations at Wonersh House, The Street, Guildford.

The recommendation was that a certificate be issued.

The committee voted to issue a certificate.

Woodhill Sandpit, Farley Heath Road, Wonersh - Erection of a stable building, siting of a caravan, and installation of a charcoal retort

The committee reviewed an application for the erection of a stable building, siting of a caravan for rural workers dwelling, and installation of a charcoal retort at Woodhill Sandpit, Farley Heath Road, Wonersh. The application was before the committee at the request of Wonersh Parish Council to assess the impact on the Surrey Hills National Landscape.

The recommendation was that, subject to conditions, permission be granted.

The committee voted to grant permission, subject to conditions.