A GOVERNMENT planning inspector has given the go-ahead for a development of seven new homes on land next to, and to the rear of, the Esso petrol station next to Lion Green.

The controversial planning application by CASA Developments was previously refused by members of Waverley southern area development control sub-committee despite a recommendation by Waverley planning officers that it should be allowed.

The proposed development includes the erection of a block of four two-bedroom flats and a terrace of three three-bedroom homes with access and parking.

Some costs, estimated at several thousands of pounds, have been awarded to the developers.

While planning inspector Gerry Hollington decided against awarding costs relating to design and noise issues concerning the development, he criticised planners over unsubstantiated claims that the development would cause traffic problems and a danger to pedestrians.

He said: "The council relied on its members' local knowledge, but my view is that this was not supported by the highway authority's position or by the council's own survey of pedestrian flows.

"The local planning authority, therefore, acted unreasonably because it failed to substantiate this part of the reason for refusal and to justify taking a decision contrary to officer advice."

Shottermill's Waverley borough councillor Neil Jackson, who represented the council at the two-day public inquiry, said: "I am exceedingly disappointed by the decision. Once again the highways department has failed to recognise the true extent of traffic problems within Shottermill and Haslemere."

Mr Jackson said "I still consider it an overdevelopment on a limited site. I will continue to fight for not only our residents but also for the undeveloped land around the town."

Waverley's development control and policy manger John Anderson said he had "some sympathy" with the planning committee's views.

"They are under a lot of pressure from local people who are very much concerned with safety and traffic issues. There are tensions between national policy and environments like ours," he added.

Mr Anderson said he hoped that a forthcoming Surrey Design Guide would help in designing homes to fit in with local settlements.

Waverley's refusal to allow a new home to be built on land opposite Weysprings in Haslemere was also overturned by an inspector at appeal.

The proposal was rejected in March on the grounds that it was out of character, risked causing environmental damage and was an over-development.

With a revised illustration of the siting at the appeal, the inspector said he saw "no reason why this development would look particularly out of place, or be a matter of especial harm".

Another appeal over a condition relating to the siting of a mobile home at The Chestnuts, Piggery Lane, Hindhead, was also allowed subject to a change of two conditions.