A PROPOSAL for a detached house following the demolition of the existing property in Long Garden Walk, in Farnham, got the go-ahead, despite a number of objections – with six councillors in favour and five against.

The application site situated off Long Garden Walk, currently comprises a detached bungalow and detached single garage. This will be demolished as a new detached house, parking and association works takes its place.

A number of letters were received in objection to the application citing road congestio, its potential use as a business, danger to pedestrians and road users, amd that its size and scale is out of.

Waverley Borough councillor and member of the Western Planning Committee, Andy MacLeod, was against the application. He said: “I voted against the development as I felt that it was very little different in size from the previous refused application and out of character with neighbouring buildings. I did not agree with the argument that because there were other over-extended buildings nearby this was a reason to allow a nice bungalow to be demolished and another over-large building to be built in its place, I would have been happy with an appropriate sized extension or replacement building.”

Elizabeth Mills, who was a long-term resident of Farnham, has deep concerns over the development. “This is a conservation area and the impact of a house like this in the midst of the existing bungalows will change and impact upon the environment hugely. There were a large number of objections to this application and they seem to have been completely ignored.”

Another objector from an old Farnham family believes that it is disappointing to see the character of town slowly eroding. And that the proposed house will set a precedent in a little road which is among one of Farnham’s back waters.

In support of the application the applicant highlighted that the house is situated in a similar position on the site as the existing bungalow and the proposed materials, facing bricks and plain tiles are traditional in this part of Farnham.

The applicant further argued that the shape of the house has been reduced and the design simplified, which was one of the reasons the previous application was refused.

The recommendation put to councillors was that permission be granted subject to conditions, one of which was that no burning of any materials shall take place on site throughout the deconstruction and construction phase of development.

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The permitted hours of construction, including deliveries to and from the site. shall be limited to 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.