AN INFILL development of two five-bed mansions with detached garages on a ‘really dangerous’ stretch of Petworth Road – near the National Trust’s Swan Barn Farm – has been dismissed by Waverley planners.

More than 50 objections were triggered by the application to build on land behind Harscrosse on Petworth Road, opposite the Haste Hill junction.

The site has an eventful history. The latest proposal followed an application for three new homes, in 2017 which was withdrawn.

In 2011, planning consent was sought for a single detached house but was also withdrawn, and enforcement action was taken following the unauthorised creation of a new access that was dismissed on appeal.

Planning officers recommended to Waverley’s southern area committee the scheme should be granted as Surrey Highways Authority was satisfied it would not cause road safety problems.

But objectors and councillors disagreed.

Urging the committee to refuse the plan, neighbour Michael Bird, representing 16 other residents, addressed members saying: “The access onto Petworth Road is unsafe and the supporting speed survey of 30.5mph is incorrect.

“We commissioned our own and it was 37.6mph, as you might expect.

“The scheme is overdevelopment in an area of detached houses in spacious plots. The street scene will be fundamentally spoiled by houses that are out of keeping with the neighbourhood.”

Speaking for the applicant, Jane Terry said: “The two dwelling will be Arts and Crafts in style and set well back so they will not be prominent in the street scene.

“Highways officers have reconfirmed the access is acceptable and it meets the current standards.”

Committee members were concerned the access sightlines proposed were for speeds of 30mph and would not be fit for purpose if average speeds were 37mph.

Councillor Jim Edwards said: “I know how fast the traffic goes. This is a dangerous access.

“Do you believe the applicant’s survey or the thorough report commissioned by the objectors?

“I know we need more housing, but this would be an accident waiting to happen.”

Haslemere councillor Carole King, agreed, saying: “It’s incredibly difficult exiting those houses. This would be really dangerous.”

Concerns were also raised about the new development’s proximity to an area of ancient woodland and Swan Barn, but the committee heard there would be a 15-metre ‘buffer.’

Councillors agreed to overturn the officer’s recommendation and refuse the plan on road safety grounds and as overdevelopment out of character with the area.