The Development Management Committee of Rushmoor Council met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. The primary focus of the meeting was the consideration of planning applications, with a significant portion of the discussion dedicated to a proposal for a new care home at Devereux House, Farnborough. A decision on this application was deferred to allow for a site visit.

Planning Applications

The committee considered a report detailing various planning applications.

Devereux House, 69 Albert Road, Farnborough (Application No. 25/00688/FULPP)

This application proposed 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. The proposal also included parking and landscaping.

Decision: Deferred for a site visit.

Discussion: The application generated significant public interest, with 30 representations received, 28 of which were objections. Key concerns raised by residents included the principle of the development, its design and scale, heritage impacts, and the effect on residential amenity. Specific objections related to the overdevelopment of the site, the visual dominance of the proposed building, potential overlooking and loss of privacy for neighbours, and the impact on local character. Concerns were also raised about the demolition of a locally listed building, the historical significance of Devereux House as a former war memorial hospital, and the adequacy of parking and drainage.

The council's officers assessed the proposal against various policies, including those relating to heritage, design, highways, drainage, and biodiversity. The report highlighted that the development would result in the substantial demolition of a locally listed building, which would harm its significance. However, the retention of the façade and the re-installation of the Roll of Honour memorial board were noted as mitigating factors. The report also acknowledged potential harm to the amenities of neighbouring properties through overlooking and an overbearing impact, and a shortfall in parking provision compared to council standards.

Despite these concerns, the report concluded that the benefits of providing new residential care bed spaces and bringing a vacant site back into use, along with economic benefits, would outweigh the identified harm. The proposal was also assessed as having no significant impact on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, subject to specific conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

During the meeting, members raised questions regarding the impact on neighbouring residents. Following a vote, the decision was deferred to enable a site visit by members. The meeting will be reconvened at a date to be determined following this visit.

Representations by the Public:

• Rebecca Burford (resident) spoke against the application.
• Susie Stephen (agent) spoke in support of the application.
• Charlie Heavens (from Rushmoor Borough Council – the landowner) spoke in support of the application.

Applications Dealt With Under the Scheme of Delegation

The committee noted a list of planning applications that had already been determined by the Executive Head of Property and Growth, in consultation with the Chairman, in accordance with the Council's Scheme of Delegation. These applications were for information only and included:

• 31 The Grove, Farnborough: Permission granted for demolition of an extension, erection of a single-storey extension, raising the roof of a garage, and a front porch.
• 124 Ash Road, Aldershot: Development deemed lawful for the conversion of a roof space with dormer windows.
• 108 Ash Road, Aldershot: Development deemed lawful for a single-storey rear extension and roof dormers.
• 10 Coriander Close, Farnborough: Permission granted for the placement of a converted shipping container for use as a domestic outbuilding.
• Blackwater Shopping Park, Farnborough Gate, Farnborough: Permission granted for the relaxation of conditions to facilitate the installation of an electric vehicle charging hub.
• 2 Whittle Crescent, Farnborough: Permission granted for the erection of a front porch.
• Headquarters Fourth Division Buildings, Steeles Road, Wellesley, Aldershot: Permission granted for the submission of details pursuant to conditions for windows and materials for a barracks building.
• 8 Langdale Close, Farnborough: Permission granted for a first-floor extension over an existing side extension.
• 79 Coronation Road, Aldershot: Development deemed lawful for a hip to gable roof extension with a dormer and front roof windows.
• Zone G - Pennefathers, Aldershot Urban Extension, Alisons Road, Aldershot: Permission granted for the submission of details pursuant to a condition for renewable energy.
• 11 Hinstock Close, Farnborough: Permission granted to remove three Sycamore Trees.
• 93 Park Road, Farnborough: Permission granted for a single-storey side extension, new tiled roof to a conservatory, and retention of a loft conversion.
• 3 Farnborough Road, Farnborough: Permission refused for the removal of an Oak Tree due to fungus.
• Ardwick Court, 190 Sycamore Road, Farnborough: Permission granted to reduce branches of an Oak Tree.
• 41 Lakeside Gardens, Farnborough: Permission granted to remove deadwood and crown reduce Oak trees.
• 90 Cambridge Road East, Farnborough: Split decision granted for re-pollarding a Horse Chestnut tree and removing a Pine and Sycamore tree.
• 42 St Johns Road, Farnborough: Permission granted for a non-material amendment to infill an open corner of a proposed bungalow.
• 62 Harvey Road, Farnborough: Permission granted for a crown reduction and lift of an Oak Tree.
• 79 Coronation Road, Aldershot: Permission granted for a single-storey rear extension.
• 86 Pierrefondes Avenue, Farnborough: Permission granted to reduce the crown of a Beech Tree.
• Telecommunication Mast, Gold Farm, Government Road, Aldershot: No objection for an upgrade to a radio base station.
• 9 The Chase, Farnborough: Permission granted for Silver Birch tree work.
• 31 The Crescent, Farnborough: Permission granted to remove and replace a Horse Chestnut Tree.
• Headquarters Fourth Division Buildings, Steeles Road, Wellesley, Aldershot: Permission granted for the submission of details pursuant to conditions for a listed building consent.
• 221 Weybourne Road, Aldershot: Conditions details approved for external materials.
• 1 Broomhill, Pennine Way, Farnborough: Permission granted for Yew tree work.
• Telecommunication Mast, Old Minley Road, Farnborough: No objection for the installation of a diesel generator and cabinet.

Applications Pending Consideration

The committee noted the current position with regard to several applications pending consideration at a future meeting:

• Block 3 Queensmead, Farnborough (Application No. 21/00271/FULPP)
• Manor Park Cottage, St Georges Road East, Aldershot (Application No. 23/00713/FUL)
• Farnborough Airport, Farnborough Road, Farnborough (Application No. 23/00794/REVPP)
• Nos. 235-237 High Street, Aldershot (Application No. 24/00237/FUL)
• Land at Cody Technology Park and Ball Hill, Farnborough (Application No. 25/00537/OUTPP)
• Farnborough Airport, Farnborough Road, Farnborough (Application No. 25/00615/REV)

Attendance at Meetings of the Committee

Councillor Peace Essien Igodifo had been absent from four consecutive meetings. Under the Council's Standing Orders, this could lead to a member ceasing to be a member of the committee unless reasonable grounds for absence are provided. The Chair confirmed they had been made aware of the reasons for Councillor Essien Igodifo's absence and were satisfied with the explanation. The wider committee also expressed satisfaction, and it was resolved that Councillor Essien Igodifo would continue to serve as a Member of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year.