The Development Management Committee of Rushmoor Borough Council met on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, to discuss a range of planning applications and related reports. Key items on the agenda included the proposed development of a new leisure centre in Farnborough, an update on planning appeals, and a summary of the Development Management Section's performance and workload.

Proposed New Farnborough Leisure Centre

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to the consideration of a planning application for the Proposed New Farnborough Leisure Centre. The application, reference 25/00583/FULPP, located at Queensmead Car Park, Kingsmead, Farnborough, proposed the erection of a new leisure centre building. This would incorporate landscaping, a play area, public realm improvements, and car and cycle parking. Additionally, a new 130-space surface car park was proposed on the land within the Pinehurst Roundabout. The recommendation outlined in the report was to grant permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement.

The report detailed the proposed leisure centre building, which would include a 25-metre swimming pool, a learning pool, fitness suites, and changing facilities across two storeys. The external design was described as modern, featuring silver vertical profiled metal cladding and coloured glazing fins. The report also addressed numerous consultee responses, including those from Hampshire County Council Highways, the Environmental Health Team, the Arboricultural Officer, and the Ecology Team. Notably, Sport England raised an objection, considering the proposal not to be suitable replacement provision for the former Farnborough Leisure Centre, which was demolished in 2021. The report also detailed objections and support received from local residents and organisations, including the Rushmoor Artistic Swimming Club (RASC).

Appeals Progress Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of recent planning appeals, as detailed in Report No. PG2606. This included information on a new appeal lodged for 70 Guildford Road East, Farnborough, concerning the refusal of planning permission for the demolition of a workshop and the erection of three three-bedroom dwellings. The report outlined the reasons for the original refusal, which cited concerns regarding the design, size, impact on street scene, overlooking of neighbouring properties, insufficient off-road parking, potential impact on an amenity tree, and failure to address the impact on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. The report also noted that an appeal against a refusal of Advertisement Consent for a display board at 14 Victoria Road, Farnborough, had been allowed by the Inspector.

Planning (Development Management) Summary

Report No. PG2607 was scheduled to provide an update on the performance indicators for the Development Management Section of Planning and its overall workload for the period of October to December 2025. The report included tables and graphs detailing the determination times for major, minor, and other planning applications, as well as appeal decisions. It highlighted the percentage of applications determined within government targets and the total number of applications submitted and determined during the quarter. The report also provided figures on pre-application cases, enforcement cases, and planning contravention notices served. Additionally, it detailed the income received from planning fees and pre-application advice, as well as Section 106 contributions secured. Finally, the report included an update on progress at the Wellesley development site, including construction activity at Pennefather's Development Zone (Zone G) and Stanhope Lines West (Zone H) and School End (Zone I).

Other Items

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as declarations of interest and the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 19th November 2025. Sections A and B of the Executive Head of Property and Growth's Report No. PG2605 were to outline items to be considered at future meetings and any petitions received, respectively. Section D of the same report was to list planning applications already determined under the Council's scheme of delegation for information.