A ROW has erupted over an ‘eyesore’ frontage in Wey Hill – which was approved under a permitted development order (PDO) without the need for a full planning application.

Haslemere resident “Community Ken” Griffiths triggered a flood of agreement when he flagged up the frontage of 77-79 Wey Hill as a carbuncle on Haslemere community Facebook.

He posted: “What sort of planning regulations have allowed such an alteration to take place?

“There would appear to have been no effort ensuring the new frontage blends into the surrounding shops.

“And to have been permitted to position eight white utility boxes at the front rather than the back of the property just adds insult to injury.

“A lot of community effort has been put into this area – Wey Hill in Bloom is an example – and over the years there have been many improvements to the shops, restaurants and cafés. Even now, there is much work and investment being carried out in Wey Hill associated with the building previously occupied by Mirabelle’s and soon to become The Lion’s Den.

“Surely we can’t just ignore this eyesore. I don’t think walking by on the other side of the road is an option.”

Haslemere Town Council (HTC) is backing residents’ concerns.

Town clerk Lisa O’Sullivan said: “Despite what has been suggested in some quarters, the council has consistently objected to this development.

“Indeed, in June 2016, we were the only local body to do so when the application was circulated for stakeholder consultation by Waverley Borough Council (WBC).

“Residents should rest assured this issue is being taken very seriously by councillors, some of whom have already visited the site to make representations to the owner.

“WBC executive and planning officers are being canvassed on what can be done.

“The issue is developments under PDOs do not require the same level of permission as normal planning applications.

“HTC asked WBC to take action at Beacon Hill, Wey Hill and Haslemere town centre to prevent the systematic disintegration of our local high streets.

A WBC spokesman said: “PDOs are part of central government legislation and allow certain building work and changes of use to be carried out without having to make a full planning application.

“The council has the option of making an Article 4 direction on a specific area to restrict these rights.

“WBC agreed to pilot an Article 4 direction for Beacon Hill and work is progressing, though it is a very lengthy and complex process.

“We are aware of suggestions to use an Article 4 direction for other areas and the council will consider these once the outcome of the Beacon Hill pilot is known. ”