The Development Management Committee of Rushmoor Borough Council met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to discuss planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of Devereux House, No. 69 Albert Road, Farnborough, subject to a Section 106 agreement and revised conditions.

Devereux House, No. 69 Albert Road, Farnborough

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of the existing Devereux House, retaining its original façade, and the construction of a new part two/three-storey building to provide a 66-bedroom care home. This decision was made subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and a number of conditions.

The proposal had been deferred from a previous meeting to allow for a site visit. During the discussion, concerns were raised by councillors and a resident, Colin Atchison, regarding potential loss of privacy for neighbouring properties, particularly No. 73 Albert Road, badger activity on the site, and parking arrangements.

The committee agreed to amend the recommendation to include a revised condition for the obscure glazing of four bedroom windows on the eastern elevation of the new building, facing No. 73 Albert Road. An informative was also added to ensure the continued absence of badgers is confirmed before development starts, with steps outlined should badgers be identified.

The report detailed extensive consultation responses, including from Hampshire County Council Highways, who initially raised a holding objection but later withdrew it after further information was provided. They were satisfied that the proposed parking provision, despite a shortfall against council standards, was unlikely to result in harmful conditions on the public highway due to the site's accessibility and the proposed travel plan. The Lead Local Flood Authority also raised initial concerns about surface water drainage, which were subsequently addressed.

The redevelopment of the site was considered to provide a significant contribution to the need for specialist accommodation for older people in the borough, bringing a vacant site back into use. However, the demolition of the locally listed Devereux House was acknowledged as a harm to the heritage asset. The retention of the façade and the reinstallation of the Roll of Honour memorial board were seen as mitigating factors. The committee was advised that the development would not have an adverse effect on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, subject to the Section 106 agreement which would include restrictions on resident mobility and financial contributions for mitigation measures.

The Executive Head of Property and Growth, in consultation with the Chairman, was authorised to grant planning permission, subject to the Section 106 agreement being completed by 30 April 2026.

The meeting also included a vote of thanks for Councillor Jacqui Vosper, who was standing down at the forthcoming Borough elections.