27/4/2006

Local News

Decision looms on plan for eight new homes

The application, by Newland Developments Ltd, was before Runnymede Borough Council’s planning committee.
Cambridge House, a two-storey building used as offices, stands on the site and the applicant proposes to demolish the building and eight garages.
The site forms a long rectangular piece of land in a location that fronts Woodham Lane with a return frontage on Limebush Close. Two studio apartments would be positioned at the north-western end of the block next to Woodham Lane. Six starter homes would form the rest of the block.
Six car parking spaces would be provided with access off Limebush Close.
The site lies within the urban area and is within 5km of the Thames Basin Heath’s Special Protection Area (SPA). This is a matter that has been discussed  in previous meetings of the planning committee.
Under new regulations, English Nature can object to new development on the grounds of its effect on the SPA. The purpose of the areas is to protect the habitats of birds from human interference,  notably from dog walkers.
The council has received 11 letters of objection. Points raised include pedestrian and highway safety in Limebush Close and loss of privacy for neighbouring properties.
The officers’ recommendation was to refuse the application for reasons that included a cramped and over-intensive form of development and the possible adverse affect on the SPA

First printed in: Byfleet News and Mail