2 Bulmer Cottages, Horsham Road, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking, RH5 6PD

Application Details

Applicant & Agent

Planning Application Dates

Planning Decision

Why it was refused

1. 1.The proposed development, by reason of its size, bulk, width, height and floor area, would result in a disproportionate addition over and above the size of the original building. The development would therefore constitute inappropriate development, which is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt. It would also cause some harm to the openness of the Green Belt. No very special circumstances have been demonstrated which would clearly outweigh the inherent harm that would be caused to the Green Belt. The development therefore fails to accord with Chapter 13 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024), policy P2 of the Guildford Borough Local Plan: Strategy and Sites (adopted by Council on 25 April 2019) and Green Belt SPD.
2. 2.The proposed two storey side extension, by virtue of its size, height, width, bulk, position and lack of subservience, would be prominent and changes the Arts and Crafts building's compact composition. This would distort and undermine the Arts and Crafts nature of the building by introducing a balanced symmetry. In regards to design, the proposal would have a completely blank front elevation with the exception of a ground floor level window. This lack of detailing/features on the very prominent front elevation would have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the existing building. With regard to the proposed side porch, the proposal would dilute the legibility of the historic front elevation by creating a new principal entrance to the side. Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4BB As such, the proposal would be confusing and disingenuous to the original architecture of the building. Consequently, the proposal would result in harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area. Neither the character nor appearance of the conservation area would be preserved or enhanced. The proposal would result in less than substantial harm to the significance of the designated heritage assets. No public benefit has been identified to outweigh the harm to the heritage asset and therefore permission should be refused. Due regard has been given to the provisions of Section 72 of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, Chapter 16 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2024), Policy D3: Historic Environment of the Guildford Borough Local Plan: Strategy and Sites (LPSS) 2015 - 2034, Policy D18: Designated Heritage Assets, Policy D20: Conservation Areas and Policy D23: Non-designated Heritage Assets of the Guildford Borough Local Plan: Development Management Policies (2023)

From the council's decision notice.

Publicity

Appeal

Additional Information