Planning and Regulatory Committee - Wednesday, 29 May 2024 10.30 am

May 29, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting
AI Generated

Summary

The meeting primarily focused on a minerals and waste application for land at Dorking West station yard, Remo Road, Dorking. The application was for the retention of a materials recovery facility for processing 7,500 tonnes per annum of imported skip waste. The council decided to refuse the application due to concerns about highway safety, noise, air quality, and the impact on the green belt.

Minerals and Waste Application for Dorking West Station Yard

David Maxwell introduced the report, noting two small updates. The application was for a materials recovery facility to process 7,500 tonnes of imported skip waste annually. The site is located near Dorking West station, surrounded by an equestrian centre, a scrap yard, a car body repair shop, and the North Downs line. The site is partly within the green belt and near the Surrey Hills national landscape.

139 letters of representation and two petitions were received, all objecting to the application. Mole Valley District Council expressed serious concerns about access and highway issues. The County Highway Authority and the Environment Agency recommended refusal due to access and highway safety concerns and the risk of pollution to controlled waters. The District Council Environmental Health Officer found the noise impact on the nearby sand school unacceptable, and the County Air Quality Consultant requested further information, which was outstanding.

The council concluded that the application was contrary to national and local planning policy requirements regarding highways access and safety, noise, air quality, the water environment, and the green belt. The application was recommended for refusal.

Public Speakers

Emily Hall spoke on behalf of the applicant, highlighting the need for the facility and its benefits, including increased recycling capacity and employment opportunities. She mentioned that the site was previously used by a skip company and is surrounded by industrial uses. She argued that the proposal would not impact the openness of the green belt and that pedestrian safety measures would be in place.

Hazel Watson, a local member, objected to the application, citing safety risks for children and pedestrians, dust and noise concerns, and potential impacts on water quality. She supported the council's recommendation to refuse the application.

Council Discussion and Decision

Council members discussed the application, with some expressing concerns about highway safety, noise, and the impact on the green belt. Others acknowledged the need for waste management facilities but ultimately agreed that the proposed site was not suitable. The council voted to refuse the application.

Other Items

The meeting also covered two other planning applications:

  1. Hurst Park Primary School: The council approved changes to the landscape planting, habitat creation, and maintenance scheme for the school, addressing concerns about vegetation encroachment and noise.

  2. Orchard Court Care Home: The council approved an outline planning application for the erection of a part two and three-story building comprising self-contained apartments, staff and communal facilities, and associated parking. The proposal aims to provide affordable extra care housing for the elderly in Lingfield.

Authority Monitoring Reports

The council reviewed two authority monitoring reports for the periods 2021/22 and 2022. The reports covered progress on the emerging local plan, cooperation activities with other councils, the efficacy of existing mineral and waste local plans, and the performance of the development management service. Key highlights included:

  • Sales of sand and gravel were below the rate set out in the 2011 minerals plan.
  • Surrey produced an estimated 3.48 million tonnes of waste in 2021 and 3.88 million tonnes in 2022.
  • Community recycling centers achieved a reuse and recycling rate of 53% and a landfill diversion rate of 93% in 2022.

The council noted the reports and discussed the need for better tracking of restoration progress on mineral workings and unauthorised site visits.