The Development Management Committee of Rushmoor Borough Council met on Wednesday 15 July 2026 to consider a number of planning applications. The meeting's agenda included discussions on two specific planning applications for determination, as well as a list of future planning applications for information.

Planning Applications for Determination

The committee was scheduled to consider two planning applications for determination:

Variation of Condition for McDonald's Restaurant at 1 North Close, Aldershot

This application concerned a proposal to vary a condition on a previous planning permission for a McDonald's restaurant with a drive-through and takeaway facility. The variation sought to extend the permitted hours of operation from 07:00 to 23:00 to 06:00 to 23:00, seven days a week, on a permanent basis. The report pack detailed the site's planning history, including previous applications for extended hours, refusals, and temporary permissions granted to assess the impact of extended operations.

The application was supported by a Site Management Plan and a Site Management Parking Plan, which outlined measures to mitigate potential impacts on neighbouring residential properties. These measures included cordoning off most parking spaces during the extended early morning hours, adjusting drive-through intercom volumes, phased lighting switch-on, and restrictions on deliveries and waste collections. The report noted that the Environmental Health Officer had no objection, provided specific conditions were met, and that no complaints had been received during the most recent trial period. However, three representations were received from nearby residents objecting on grounds of noise disturbance, increased vehicle movements, congestion, and lighting. The report outlined three potential outcomes: granting permanent permission if mitigation measures were deemed effective, granting a further temporary period to trial other measures, or refusing permission if impacts were considered unacceptable. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions ensuring compliance with the approved management plans and additional controls.

Retention of Kings Moat Car Park, Westmead, Farnborough

This application sought the permanent retention of the existing 58-space hard-surfaced pay and display car park, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The car park is Council-owned and located within Farnborough Town Centre, adjacent to residential properties and public facilities. A succession of temporary permissions had been granted for its use since 2007. The current proposal was to retain the car park permanently, or until the land is re-developed as part of the Farnborough Civic Quarter regeneration project.

The report highlighted that the car park is popular with town centre shoppers and visitors, particularly those with mobility issues, due to its convenient location and lack of need to cross busy roads. It was noted that the land is allocated for redevelopment as part of the Civic Quarter, but ceasing the car park's use before it is needed for redevelopment would not be sensible. The report concluded that the continued use of the car park would not prejudice the wider Civic Quarter scheme and represented the best use of the land in the interim, especially with the nearby Queensmead Car Park being re-developed. The closest residents are in Dukes Court, approximately 5 metres away, and the car park has operated 24/7 since 2014 without complaint. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to a condition relating to the approved parking layout.

Future Planning Applications for Information

The committee was also scheduled to receive information on several planning applications that were not yet ready for determination. These included:

• Block 3 Queensmead, Farnborough (Reference: 21/00271/FULPP) - This application for an extension to the shopping centre, including apartments and parking, was subject to a request for an extension of time to consider further amendments.
• Manor Park Cottage, St Georges Road East, Aldershot (Reference: 23/00713/FUL) - Assessment of this application for four one-bedroom flats with parking was ongoing.
• Farnborough Airport, Farnborough Road, Farnborough (References: 23/00794/REVPP and 25/00615/REV) - Two applications related to variations of conditions concerning aircraft movements and weight categories at the airport. The assessment for the first was ongoing with an agreed extension of time, while the second had led to the applicant notifying the Planning Inspectorate of an intention to appeal against non-determination.
• Nos. 235-237 High Street, Aldershot (Reference: 24/00237/FUL) - This application for the demolition of existing buildings and construction of new flats and maisonettes was still under assessment.
• Site of Former Geneva House, No.1 Gladiator Way, Farnborough (Reference: 26/00181/FULPP) - This application for redevelopment for employment buildings was still under assessment.
• Warwick House, Lakeside Road, Farnborough (Reference: 26/00182/FULPP) - This application for redevelopment for employment buildings was also still under assessment.

The agenda also included standard items such as declarations of interest and the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting held on 17th June 2026.