Eashing Lane – A Test of Principles.

The recent Guildford Borough Planning Committee 27^th May discussed the planning application to provide 234 Dwellings on Eashing Lane in Godalming.  This application is just within the GBC boundary and abuts another site developed recently which is in Waverly.

The Planning Committee voted to turn down the application despite the officers report to recommend the application.  The Planning Committee felt the conditions to consider the land as Grey Belt has not been met.  This has resulted in the refusal being referred to the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) under new regulations which require Planning committee decisions to be reviewed if they refuse housing developments over 200 units that have been recommended by officers.  This is one of the first applications to be considered under this new regulation

It is probable that MHCLG may call in the application for consideration.

Green Belt vs Grey Belt

The application is important locally as it demonstrates the arguments around Green Belt and Grey Belt Land that may set a precedent at other sites in the borough. Local residents also highlighted in their objections lack of infrastructure provision, notably water supplies, and lack of sustainable transport links – it is circa 20 mins walk into Godalming and Cycling provision on the Godalming Roads is poor.

The Planning Committee discussion can be viewed on the GBC Website together with the Minutes of the meeting.

Below is the letter sent to MHCLG post the Planning Committee decision.  Note item 3 in the letter covers  many items, some but not all, that are normally agreed post agreement of the application e.g. Section 106 agreement.

The officers’ report with recommendation for approval can also be found below with its detailed case on Green Belt and Grey Belt.