PROMINENT opponents to the East Street regeneration scheme have urged those of a similar disposition to voice their displeasure. Currently, three separate applications for the development sit on the table: the original, received in September, a duplicate application and a further, updated planning application, submitted last month. Each separate application comprises three outline planning applications: one refers to the overall mixed use development, including 294 residential units, an underground car par and an eight-screen cinema. The other applications are concerned with the demolition of the Redgrave Theatre and the change of use of the listed Brightwell House. Brian Ellis, Waverley's portfolio holder for planning, explained: "To clarify, Waverley is now holding three sets of applications for the proposed East Street development. All of these applications are awaiting determination. We've been asked if Waverley can transfer the comments already received on the original East Street application to all the new applications received over the past few weeks. We're not allowed to do this for various legal reasons." "In legal terms, these are all distinct applications so we are legally bound to look afresh at these new applications. There are also some differences between the various applications so comments already made may not apply to the new applications, and residents may have new views on the fresh applications." He added: "That means, although it will inconvenience some people, we must ask individuals interested in the proposals to look at the new applications and, if they wish to, comment again." Further clarifying, WBC issued a press release, commenting: "The first new application, (WA/2007/ 1055) received on May 8, is an outline application for the redevelopment of East Street. It is a more detailed version of the original and also includes some differences, namely the demolition of the existing Gostry Centre, an additional building and changes to road and parking arrangements. The second (WA/2007/1056) is for a change of use to Brightwell House, building an extension and making alterations to the house. The application proposes a different extension and internal layout to the original application. The third (WA/2007/1057) is a listed building application for the extension and alterations to Brightwell House. However, Celia Sandars, secretary of East Street Action, said: "There are some serious omissions from the press release. "The wording primarily refers to applications WA/ 2007/1055, 1056 & 1057 and it fails to draw the public's attention to an extremely important aspect of those applications, namely that these involve demolition of the Redgrave Theatre. "The summaries commencing on Page 2, relating to all nine ongoing applications, use the wording 'including certain demolitions'. "This choice of words could be interpreted as an attempt to mislead the public and to hide the true content of the CNS planning applications. For whatever reason this wording has been released, there does seem to be a possible case for the Ombudsman to decide whether there has been maladministration. "It is also of major concern that the authority has failed to include details of the latest dates for comments on the six recent applications. These deadlines are June 8 for applications." Anne Thurston, vice-chairman of the The Farnham Society, also warned: "Many people will have written to WBC last year, objecting to the first application. "However, because of the way the new planning system works, objections cannot be transferred from one application to another, so a new letter of objection has to be submitted for the six new applications listed." Meanwhile, Crest Nicholson spoke of the changes to the proposals from the original application, pointing to several "minor amendments". These include "more detailed design of the buildings", "improvements to the design and layout of the restored Brightwell House" and "more cycle parking spaces. Crest Nicholson added that after the closure of the bowling club, the green will become a public park with new landscaping and tree planting. Terry Prescott, development director of Crest Nicholson, said: "The plans will make a tremendous difference to this neglected area of Farnham and the submission of this updated outline application moves the plans forward, adding a greater level of detail to the proposals and providing the relevant technical information to demonstrate that the proposals will work well. "We have had positive discussions with a number of stakeholders as a result of the previous application and the feedback received is included in the revised plans. This application still allows further amendments to the plans and we look to continue working with members and officers of the council to deliver these proposals." A display of the updated masterplan and visuals of the project is being produced and will be on display at the Farnham Locality Office and the borough council offices in Godalming. More information will also be made available on the scheme website: http://www.eaststreetregeneration.info">www.eaststreetregeneration.info. All comments for the application can be made by writing to The Chief Planning Officer, Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HR. Alternatively, people can email [email protected]">[email protected] or comment online at http://www.waverley.gov.uk">www.waverley.gov.uk.
