The Elmbridge Council Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on 14 October 2025 to discuss several planning applications, reports from area planning sub-committees, and a summary of recent planning appeals. Among the key items for consideration are an outline application for up to 60 dwellings on land north of Raleigh Drive in Claygate, and a change of use application for the Village Hall on Stoke Road in Stoke D'Abernon. The committee will also review appeal decisions received in the last quarter.

Land North of Raleigh Drive, Claygate

The committee will be asked to consider an outline application for up to 60 dwellings, associated landscaping and open space with access from Raleigh Drive. The application, submitted by Claygate House Investment Ltd and MJS Investments Ltd, is for access only, with all other matters reserved.

This application was previously refused, and that decision was upheld at appeal. According to the agenda frontsheet, Recommendation A is to grant permission subject to the completion of a satisfactory legal agreement to secure on-site affordable housing, a car club, highway improvements and biodiversity net gain within 3 months of the resolution to grant permission, or a longer period as agreed by the Head of Planning and Environmental Health. Recommendation B is that If a satisfactory legal agreement to secure the on-site affordable housing, a car club, highway improvements and biodiversity net gain is not received within 3 months of the resolution to grant permission, or a longer period as agreed by the Head of Planning and Environmental Health, delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning and Environmental Health to refuse planning permission.

The report pack notes that since the previous planning committee meeting on 16 September 2025, changes to planning practice guidance have been published, and that the purpose of this meeting is to re-examine the application and the planning balance, exclusively on the basis of:

• Grey Belt status specifically the flood risk component in terms of whether it would amount to a strong reason for refusal.
• Flood risk both in its own right and as part of the Grey Belt test.
• The amended Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) advice on flood risk, including its advice on Housing Land Supply considerations.
• The overall planning balance in light of the above issues.

The report pack states that officers are of the view that the site comprises Grey Belt¹ as defined in the NPPF glossary and therefore there is no 'strong' reason for refusal which would prevent it from being considered as such.

The report pack also notes that three further letters from two consultees have been received which can be summarised as follows:

• SCC Lead Local Flood Authority: Continue to raise no objection subject to conditions in relation to surface water drainage design and a verification report.
• Claygate Parish Council:
  • The Committee should now consider raising Green Belt purpose b) as a concern instead of purpose a).
  • The Inspector of the previous appeal failed to fully consider the implications of the conflict with purpose b).
  • Highway concerns.
  • Suggested planning conditions in relation to highways are inadequate.
  • Officer report fails to fully consider the highway implications and submitted transport report.
  • Compliance with Golden Rules is subjective.
  • The County Highway Authority have failed to consider the implications of the development in full.

Village Hall, 63 Stoke Road, Stoke D'Abernon, Cobham

The committee will also consider a planning application for a change of use at the Village Hall, 63 Stoke Road, Stoke D'Abernon, from a local community facility (F2) to a children's day nursery (E(f) - Childcare). The applicant is Ivy House Nursery and the report pack notes that this application is before planning committee as the land and building are owned by Elmbridge Borough Council.

The report pack states that although there is a history of nursery use at the site, this was ancillary to the main and permitted use as a Guide Hut, and that the use of the site as a nursery appears to have continued after the 1987 permission expired but the building may not have been in continuous use as a nursery. As such planning permission is required for the change of use.

The Council's Asset Management Team is said to be supportive of the application for a change of use so the building can be used as a nursery full time.

Surrey County Council Highways initially requested further information relating to trip generation, parking capacity to ensure the development would not impact the capacity and safety of the Highway, but after such information was provided, they confirmed they have no objection subject to necessary conditions.

Unit 4 Kingston House Estate, Portsmouth Road, Long Ditton

The committee will also consider an application relating to Unit 4 Kingston House Estate, Portsmouth Road, Long Ditton. The application seeks permission for the demolition and redevelopment of the existing industrial unit with a terrace of three units (Use Classes E(g), B2 and B8², and Car workshop (Sui Generis Use)) (1057 sqm) and associated works. The applicant is Thamesbury Estates Ltd and the report pack notes that Councillor Neil Houston has promoted the application.

The report pack notes that amended plans and an amended application form were sought from the applicant to clarify exactly what the proposed sui generis use would consist of as it is not possible to grant a blanket sui generis use as each sui generis use is separate and distinct from each other and planning permission is required to change from one sui generis use to another. The applicant amended the description of the development to include car workshop (sui generis). Neighbours and interested parties were re-consulted on the amended application form and plans and given the opportunity to provide additional comments.

Elm Grove, Hersham Road, Walton-On-Thames

The committee will also consider an application relating to Elm Grove, Hersham Road, Walton-On-Thames. This application seeks confirmation of compliance with Condition 3 (Biodiversity Mitigation) of planning permission 2024/0585. The applicant is Elmbridge Borough Council.

The report pack notes that application 2024/2508 for Confirmation of Compliance with Condition 4 (Bat precautionary method of working) was refused prior to submission of the current application. It was concluded that '18. The submitted information is sufficient to comply with Condition 4. However, it is not possible to discharge the above condition given its trigger required details to be submitted and approved prior to demolition.' As such, the applicant was invited to submit a further application to discharge Condition 3 to ensure compliance.

Planning Appeals Summary

The committee will review a summary of planning appeal decisions received in the last quarter. The report pack notes that during Q2, 2025-26, 64% of appeals were dismissed. The report pack provides a breakdown of the decisions by area:

The report pack states that copies of appeal decisions are circulated to Ward Members upon receipt and are posted on the Council's website against the relevant application.

Reports of the Area Planning Sub-Committees

The committee will also note the reports of the East, North and South Area Planning Sub-Committees.

The East Area Planning Sub-Committee met on 8 September 2025. According to the Minutes - EAPS - 080925, the sub-committee considered applications relating to 31 Stevens Lane, Claygate and The Winning Horse, 35 Coverts Road, Claygate.

The North Area Planning Sub-Committee met on 9 September 2025. According to the Minutes - NAPS - 090925, the sub-committee considered an application relating to Rear of 12 Sandy Lane, Walton-on-Thames.

The South Area Planning Sub-Committee met on 10 September 2025. According to the Minutes - SAPS - 100925, the sub-committee considered applications relating to Cedar House, Mill Road, Cobham.