HASLEMERE Town Council’s planning committee has backed a neighbour’s objection to two cottages being built at the back of Hampton Terrace, in Beacon Hill.

Planning permission is being sought for the one-bed cottages which would be built with basements on part of a garden and car park area.

But Mrs Sue Thwaites of Thwaites Butchers, in Beacon Hill Road made a representation to the committee when it met last month listing her objections.

She claimed the proposed development would take away existing parking used by existing residents and businesses and access to the site would be extremely difficult over the footpath while just two parking spaces were proposed. She said there wererconcerns over the legality of the right of way and whether the right of way for neighbouring businesses would continue while the work was under way.

Any additional vehicles forced to park on the highway would only exacerbate the worsening parking situation in Beacon Hill.

She also pointed out if the development were permitted there would be eight flats using a small access alley, adding it was “extreme overdevelopment”.

The committee unanimously objected to the application claiming it was contrary to Waverley parking guidelines, stating the location was becoming extremely overcrowded – with access for emergency vehicles also compromised.

Councillors also pointed out the nearest car park was full most of the time and expressed concens to the borough council that developers were relying on that car park to provide necessary residential parking in an area where there is not the capacity. Waverely planners will decide the plan’s fate.