The Development Management Committee of Rushmoor Council met on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, to discuss several planning applications and progress reports. The committee resolved to grant planning permission for a new leisure centre in Farnborough, subject to a Section 106 agreement, and noted reports on planning appeals and the performance of the Development Management Section.

Proposed New Farnborough Leisure Centre, Queensmead Car Park, Kingsmead, Farnborough - Application No. 25/00583/FULPP

The committee considered the application for the erection of a new leisure centre, incorporating landscaping, a play area, public realm, car and cycle parking, and associated works at Queensmead Car Park, Kingsmead, Farnborough. Ms Jenna Murray, the agent, and Mrs Karen Edwards, the applicant, made representations in support of the application.

The committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement. Amendments were made to the wording regarding a financial contribution towards Rushmoor LCWIP schemes in the vicinity of the site. Background documents, including air quality findings from Environmental Health, were requested to be shared with committee members before the next meeting.

The decision to grant permission was made after extensive consideration of various factors, including the principle of the development, visual impact, impact on neighbours, highways considerations, flood risk and drainage, ecology and biodiversity, and access for people with disabilities. Objections were raised by the Rushmoor Artistic Swimming Club (RASC) regarding the depth of the proposed swimming pool and the lack of spectator seating, and by Sport England, who maintained an objection on the grounds that the proposal did not represent suitable replacement provision for the former leisure centre. However, the committee concluded that the proposals were not inconsistent with the spirit of the Farnborough Civic Quarter regeneration proposals and supported the development of new and improved indoor and built sport and recreation facilities in a sustainable location.

The decision was subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement with Hampshire County Council to secure:

• Delivery of site access works prior to occupation.
• A financial contribution towards Rushmoor LCWIP schemes.
• A full Travel Plan, including approval and monitoring fees, and a cash deposit/bond.

A number of conditions were also imposed, covering aspects such as the commencement of development, approved drawings and documents, materials, ground levels, refuse storage, construction hours, noise control, external lighting, construction environmental management, skills and employment plans, electric car charging points, off-site coach parking, and surface water drainage.

Appeals Progress Report

The committee received a report detailing the progress of planning appeals. A new appeal had been lodged against the refusal of planning permission for the demolition of a workshop and the erection of three three-bedroom dwellings at 70 Guildford Road East, Farnborough. The original refusal cited reasons related to the design, siting, impact on neighbouring amenity, inadequate parking provision, harm to an amenity tree, impact on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, and insufficient provision for open space. The Inspector had agreed to a 'Written Representations' procedure, and the Council's Statement of Case had been submitted, with the Inspector's decision awaited.

The committee also noted that an appeal against the refusal of Advertisement Consent for a display board at 14 Victoria Road, Farnborough, had been allowed. The Inspector disagreed with the Council's conclusion that the advertisement would be detrimental to the locality or amenity, finding in favour of the proposal.

Planning (Development Management) Summary

The committee received an update on the performance indicators for the Development Management Section of the Planning Service for the quarter from 1st October to 31st December 2025 (Q3). The report detailed the determination times for major, minor, and other planning applications, showing that performance targets were generally met or exceeded. The percentage of major applications determined within target was 100%, minor applications at 92.5%, and other applications at 93.6%. Non-major applications combined achieved 93.3% within target.

The report also provided figures on appeals, with 25% of appeal decisions allowed in the financial year to date. Workload demand on the section was also outlined, with application submissions being lower than expected for the quarter. Pre-application cases and enforcement cases were also detailed.

Income received from planning fees for the third quarter was £226,487, exceeding the budget estimate of £139,749. Pre-application income was £8,126 against a budget estimate of £16,875. Information on Section 106 contributions received was also provided, totalling £7,072.83 for open space and SAMM contributions.

The report also included updates on the Wellesley development, noting progress on various zones and phases, including the delivery of new housing and the consideration of applications for approval of outstanding details.

The committee resolved to note the Planning (Development Management) Summary report.