Planning Update - Backland Developments
The TWRA has noticed an increasing trend for backland development in our villages (i.e. the purchase of back gardens for the construction of new houses). This is happening because all regions are under pressure to create new homes.
Land for development of new housing does not appear as if by magic, but must generally come from brownfield sites (former industrial locations, schools, etc.), conversion of Green Belt land, or from people’s back gardens (which are also considered as brownfield land). But, the TWRA believes that back gardens in our villages are important social and ecological green corridors, housing wildlife and trees, which should be protected from development.
The following describes how the TWRA reacts, including what we do, and what you could do if this occurs near to you. This has been particularly prevalent in Shelvers Way in Tadworth, and we describe below what we have done there.
In the TWRA we have a sub-committee which looks at ALL local planning applications once per month, and comments on them if appropriate, including the placing of objections. We look, above all, at the impact on local residents and on local services; plus, we look at national and local planning policies, which can include impact on the street scene and highway issues.
Minutes from our meetings are available for review on our website. Our comments go to Reigate and Banstead Council, which reviews planning applications, and sometimes the Council comes to us for specific points or clarifications. After its review, applications are either approved or refused, sometimes with restrictions on certain aspects, such as tree protections. Unfortunately, decisions by the local Council to refuse planning permission are often overturned by the Planning Inspector in Bristol.
Taking the present Shelvers Way development as an example of our work, the TWRA objected strongly to the earlier application on a number of grounds including harm to the street scene, tree cover and drainage implications. We also expressed concern at the cumulative impact of parking and traffic on Shelvers Way and the lack of infrastructure in the area, such as schools, doctors, etc.
You will note that the previous application was withdrawn by the applicant, and we are now reiterating our concerns in relation to the current application. Although the formal period for consultation is just ending, the Council has confirmed late comments are accepted, so anyone wishing to comment should ensure they get their comments in to the Council as soon as possible.
Residents of Shelvers Way and adjacent roads are mounting a strong campaign against this development and we are supporting them on this.
Please note that our Council sets the policy for our borough, and this can impact on the sources of land for development. If you have any concerns, please do send your representations to the Council and our Councillors. We also ask you to keep an eye out for possible developments and to bring them to our attention as soon as possible so that we are alert to proposed developments, and in case there are trees which merit protection.
We would welcome more volunteers to help our efforts to preserve the character of our villages by joining our Committee, and please do note that we are all volunteers, and can only succeed with the goodwill and support of our residents.
Jeff Temple, Chairman TWRA – 13th January 2023
Chair@twra.org.uk
The TWRA has noticed an increasing trend for backland development in our villages (i.e. the purchase of back gardens for the construction of new houses). This is happening because all regions are under pressure to create new homes.
Land for development of new housing does not appear as if by magic, but must generally come from brownfield sites (former industrial locations, schools, etc.), conversion of Green Belt land, or from people’s back gardens (which are also considered as brownfield land). But, the TWRA believes that back gardens in our villages are important social and ecological green corridors, housing wildlife and trees, which should be protected from development.
The following describes how the TWRA reacts, including what we do, and what you could do if this occurs near to you. This has been particularly prevalent in Shelvers Way in Tadworth, and we describe below what we have done there.
In the TWRA we have a sub-committee which looks at ALL local planning applications once per month, and comments on them if appropriate, including the placing of objections. We look, above all, at the impact on local residents and on local services; plus, we look at national and local planning policies, which can include impact on the street scene and highway issues.
Minutes from our meetings are available for review on our website. Our comments go to Reigate and Banstead Council, which reviews planning applications, and sometimes the Council comes to us for specific points or clarifications. After its review, applications are either approved or refused, sometimes with restrictions on certain aspects, such as tree protections. Unfortunately, decisions by the local Council to refuse planning permission are often overturned by the Planning Inspector in Bristol.
Taking the present Shelvers Way development as an example of our work, the TWRA objected strongly to the earlier application on a number of grounds including harm to the street scene, tree cover and drainage implications. We also expressed concern at the cumulative impact of parking and traffic on Shelvers Way and the lack of infrastructure in the area, such as schools, doctors, etc.
You will note that the previous application was withdrawn by the applicant, and we are now reiterating our concerns in relation to the current application. Although the formal period for consultation is just ending, the Council has confirmed late comments are accepted, so anyone wishing to comment should ensure they get their comments in to the Council as soon as possible.
Residents of Shelvers Way and adjacent roads are mounting a strong campaign against this development and we are supporting them on this.
Please note that our Council sets the policy for our borough, and this can impact on the sources of land for development. If you have any concerns, please do send your representations to the Council and our Councillors. We also ask you to keep an eye out for possible developments and to bring them to our attention as soon as possible so that we are alert to proposed developments, and in case there are trees which merit protection.
We would welcome more volunteers to help our efforts to preserve the character of our villages by joining our Committee, and please do note that we are all volunteers, and can only succeed with the goodwill and support of our residents.
Jeff Temple, Chairman TWRA – 13th January 2023
Chair@twra.org.uk