The Development Management Committee of Rushmoor Borough Council met on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, to consider a range of planning applications and enforcement matters. Key decisions included the granting of planning permission for two applications at Columbia House, allowing for extended operating hours and the installation of an acoustic fence, and the determination of an application for Warwick House, which was granted subject to a Section 106 agreement. The committee also noted updates on enforcement actions and appeals progress.

Planning Applications

The committee considered several planning applications, with decisions made on three key items:

• Columbia House, No. 1 Apollo Rise, Farnborough (Applications 26/00300/REVPP and 26/00301/FULPP): Permission was granted for two applications relating to this site. The first application, 26/00300/REVPP, sought the removal of a condition that restricted deliveries, loading, and unloading to specific hours. The committee granted permission for 24-hour operations, subject to several conditions, including the implementation of a Noise Management Plan, the installation of an improved noise barrier, and details of any new external lighting. The second application, 26/00301/FULPP, for the erection of a 2.57-metre high acoustic fence within the HGV yard, was also granted. These decisions were made despite objections from local residents concerned about noise, pollution, and disturbance, with the committee balancing commercial needs against residential amenity through the imposition of stringent conditions.

• Warwick House, Lakeside Road, Farnborough (Application 26/00182/FULPP): This application for the redevelopment of the site for employment buildings within Use Classes E(g), B2, and B8, with associated works, was determined by the Executive Head of Property and Growth in consultation with the Chairman. Permission was granted subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and detailed conditions. The agreement will secure a Full Travel Plan, along with associated fees and a deposit, and requirements for the management and monitoring of biodiversity improvements.

• Applications Dealt With Under Scheme of Delegation: A list of planning applications determined by the Executive Head of Property and Growth under the Council's Scheme of Delegation was noted by the committee.

• Applications Pending Consideration: Several applications were noted as pending consideration at a future meeting, including those at Block 3 Queensmead, Manor Park Cottage, Farnborough Airport, Nos. 235-237 High Street, Discovery Place, and the Site of Former Geneva House.

Enforcement and Possible Unauthorised Development

The committee received an update on enforcement actions, noting two cases where no further action was deemed necessary:

• 28 The Topiary, Farnborough (Reference 26/00022/BOUND): A complaint regarding fencing erected to the front of the property was investigated. While a breach of planning control was identified, it was concluded that the fence did not cause unacceptable harm to highway safety, character, or appearance, and that planning permission would likely be granted retrospectively.

• 128 Ship Lane, Farnborough (Reference 26/00061/OUTBDG): A complaint about a shed erected in the rear garden was investigated. The shed, including a veranda, required planning permission. However, due to its modest dimensions and lack of material harm to neighbouring amenity, it was deemed unlikely to be refused planning permission retrospectively, and therefore no further action was taken.

Members discussed concerns regarding the cost of investigating retrospective cases and the perception that unauthorised development could proceed without consequence. They were advised that the enforcement process focuses on planning harm and expediency, and that in these instances, formal action was not considered justified.

Appeals Progress Report

The committee received a report on appeals progress.

• Farnborough Airport, Farnborough Road, Farnborough (Application 25/00615/REV): An appeal against the Council's non-determination of a planning application concerning aircraft movements and weight categories has commenced. The appeal is scheduled for a Public Inquiry in 2027. Officers' Statement of Case recommends that granting permission would currently be unlawful due to a breach of the Habitats Regulations, but that if this could be overcome, permission might be granted subject to conditions and mitigation.

• 248 Farnborough Road, Farnborough (Application 26/00393/ADVPP): A new appeal has started against the refusal of Advertisement Consent for a non-illuminated advertisement display billboard. The appeal is being considered under the Written Representations procedure, and the Inspector's decision is awaited.

Planning (Development Management) Summary

The committee received a summary report on the performance of the Development Management Section for the quarter from 1 April to 30 June 2026. The report indicated that performance targets continued to be exceeded across all application categories. Updates were provided on development progress at Wellesley, including ongoing construction and the consideration of outstanding details for various phases.

The committee also discussed ongoing enforcement investigations relating to Miller Homes and Bellway Homes concerning alleged breaches of construction conditions at the Wellesley development. Concerns were raised about delayed delivery of facilities, including the neighbourhood centre. Officers confirmed that discussions with developers were continuing, and the Council was considering formal enforcement action against Miller Homes.

Finally, members received an update on the implementation of the National Scheme of Delegation, which will come into effect from 31 October 2026, outlining the mandatory framework for determining planning applications.