PLANS for a block of flats in Kings Road, Haslemere – rejected because they would restrict the “sunlight and daylight”of neighbouring properties – have both been allowed on appeal.

Strathmoor Developments has now got the green light for a development of either five flats or six flats at 12 Kings Road.

The smaller scheme was refused in August 2018 and the larger one was turned down in March 2018.

Both plans would see an existing property and a block of garages demolished to make way for the new development, which includes vehicular access, parking and landscaping.

Planning inspector Joanna Reid noted neither of the two schemes would have an “overbearing or oppressive” impact on neighbours enjoying their back garden.

But she observed the boundary for the larger plan, rising to one and a half storeys, would “harmfully enclose” much of the north-east side of the hard-surfaced area and have a “detrimental and overbearing and oppressive” effect on the neighbouring garden. The inspector advised Waverley would be able to control the height if the larger scheme was built.

Referring to the current planning guidance on daylight and sunlight, she noted bedrooms were less important than living rooms.

The bedroom window on one side would receive less light than the guidance recommends but she concluded it would not cause “unacceptable harm” because of the loss of daylight.

Waverley had claimed the proposals would conflict with its guidance on residential extensions – but the inspector said the two applications were not for residential extensions .

The inspector concluded: “I consider the proposals would not harm the living conditions of the occupiers of 14 Kings Road with regard to outlook, or the ground-floor flat at 10 Kings Road with regard to daylight and sunlight.”