CONTROVERSIAL plans for six new homes in Haslemere are to be examined again later this month after they were put under the microscope by local councillors. Last Wednesday, members of Waverley Borough Council's southern area development control sub-committee discussed the plans to build six flats at Daybrook, Derby Road in Haslemere, following the demolition of the existing site. Mulberry Property Investment Ltd is proposing to redevelop the Daybrook site into a T- shaped two-storey building consisting of six two-bedroom flats, and parking spaces for eight cars on the west side of the building, along with a bin store and cycle rack. Members of the committee heard the building would be designed in keeping with the existing environment of Derby Road, with all building materials gaining prior approval by the local planning authority. However, the housing development is being strongly opposed by local residents. To date, the council has received 23 letters of objection. Residents fear the site is being overdeveloped which could cause increased problems of traffic congestion and danger to elderly residents and schoolchildren at St Bartholomew's Primary School. Those opposing the development plans are saying the plans disregard the site as a conservation area, adding it: "does not deserve the same treatment as a derelict site in a run-down urban location." Last July, a planning application by Mulberry to build eight flats on this site was rejected on grounds of overdevelopment. However, the revised application for six flats meets council guidelines of 46 dwellings per hectare, councillors heard. Churchgoers and parents have argued the potential impact the development would have on increasing local traffic and congestion. This may be especially apparent at the beginning and end of the school day and during church services. Surrey County Council does not see the development causing detriment to congestion or safety, because there will only be one access point to the site, as there is at present. Those in support of the application advocate that the development would make efficient use of the land available, which is currently making little contribution to the area. Its location near the town centre and railway station make it a prime site for housing development. Supporters are also saying that although some trees and vegetation would be removed from the area to allow building to commence, the "worthwhile trees" would be kept, adding the area could be enhanced by redevelopment that maintains the areas' existing character. Members of the southern area development control subcommittee have voted to refer the controversial application to the council's development control committee for a final decision.
