REVISED plans for a major development of 45 flats in Wey Hill have been recommended for approval by Haslemere Town Council.

Waverley borough planners refused a scheme for 55 flats in three separate blocks at the site, which extends from No. 5-21 Wey Hill, close to the railway bridge, last year.

At the town council’s planning committee meeting, members raised no objection to the revised plan, subject to safety assessments by Surrey County Council and Waverley Borough Council, and consideration of the installation of a pedestrian crossing to serve the site.

Natural England has objected, however, that the development will have an “adverse effect on the integrity of the Wealden Heath phase two special protection area” and has asked that suitable mitigation measures should be secured.

The design and access statement in support of the latest plan, submitted on behalf of Brettenwood Investment Holdings said: “The scheme is laid out in two separate buildings that are set back from the frontage of Wey Hill, with semi-basement parking. It has retained the principal of two separate blocks of accommodation, the larger located at the wider western end of the site and is virtually identical to the 2011 allowed appeal scheme.

“The scheme proposes residential development only in the form of 45 apartments in two detached blocks with joined basement parking. The apartments will be a mix of 23 one-bed, and 22 two-bed units.”

There will be room for 45 parking spaces in the basement and provision for cycle storage under each block.

“The proposed buildings are still of varied heights, stepping down the hill, incorporating two storeys (Block B) and three storeys (Block A) above the semi-basement car parking.

“An attractive green amenity space is proposed on the street frontage, which not only sets the development back into the site, thus creating a less imposing built form, but it will also soften this section of Wey Hill through the introduction of significant new landscaping.

“With regard to materials, we are proposing a traditional red brick and plain tile appearance with mock-Tudor elements to provide continuity with 27 to 37 Wey Hill and many other buildings in Haslemere with similar design features.

“These proposals take full account of the planning history, including the allowed appeal, which was based on previous officer discussions and the more recent refusal.

“Residential use on the site was deemed previously acceptable via appeal, under which 39 apartments were allowed.

“This scheme proposes an additional six in lieu of the commercial element, for which ongoing marketing has demonstrated no desire to be taken up.”