The Reigate and Banstead Planning Committee met to discuss planning applications and a performance report, ultimately granting permission for developments on Hooley Lane and Michael Crescent, while deferring a decision on St Mary's Road to consider reasons for refusal. The committee also noted the Development Management Q1 2025-26 Performance report.

Planning Decisions

Former Gas Holders, Hooley Lane, Redhill

The committee approved an application for the erection of 34 dwellings at the Former Gas Holders site on Hooley Lane, Redhill, subject to a Section 106 agreement¹ and conditions. A member of the committee expressed their gratitude to Belway, the developer, for addressing the concerns of residents. While there was disappointment regarding the absence of affordable housing within the scheme, it was clarified that its inclusion would have rendered the project unviable. The committee agreed that the current scheme represented a significant improvement compared to a previously refused proposal.

The committee resolved to grant planning permission, including an amendment to condition 6 ii) to include 'by' before 'the Local Planning Authority'. The planning officer was also instructed to consult with ward members and the chair on the details submitted in regard to condition 6.

This application followed a previously refused application for 70 dwellings under ref. 23/01119/F, which was dismissed at appeal on design and housing mix grounds.

Delta Bungalows & Delta House, Michael Crescent, Horley

The committee approved an application for the demolition of existing buildings and erection of 45 residential units at Delta Bungalows & Delta House, Michael Crescent, Horley, subject to a Section 106 agreement and conditions.

Concerns were raised regarding the loss of elderly persons accommodation at the site. However, the committee welcomed the inclusion of affordable housing in the scheme.

The committee resolved to grant planning permission, including an additional informative to encourage the applicant to work collaboratively with the Council's Housing Team in decanting existing residents occupying the site.

The proposed development would result in 22 apartments for social rent tenure, 12 Later Living apartments for social rent tenure and 11 houses for shared ownership.

Woodlands Chapel, St Mary's Road, Reigate

The committee considered an application for the demolition of the church hall and erection of 3 x 2 bedroom houses at Woodlands Chapel, St Mary's Road, Reigate.

Concerns were raised that the application was not significantly different from a previously refused scheme. There was also concern regarding the potential use of the study room as a bedroom and the significant pressure on parking in the area.

The committee resolved to defer the application to consider reasons for refusal.

Development Management Q1 2025-26 Performance

The Head of Planning and Regulatory Services reported on the Development Management performance for Q1 2025-26.

It was noted that there had been no major applications determined in quarter 1. There was a major appeal ongoing currently at Redhill Station.

Of the 8 non-major appeals in quarter 1, 4 were dismissed and 4 were allowed. There was no particular trend to this.

The number of applications on hand was 246, this was down considerably when compared to quarter 1 the previous year. The backlog officer that was brought in had helped reduce this considerably. Days to decision had also fallen to 73 days.

The committee agreed that the Planning Team had been making good decisions for delegated applications.

In terms of enforcement, it was stated that the 180 enforcement cases was a rolling figure. The 58 that were over 6 months old were a mixture of case types and these were outlined. They were not all major or all minor.

The committee resolved to note the performance of quarter 1 2025/26.