Now that we have the Neighbourhood Plan in place, we are monitoring submitted Planning Applications to ensure they comply with it.
In particular, the Design Codes (part of the Neighbourhood Plan) are particularly important, as the provide guidance and good practice on the design of any proposed building- and this will shape the character of the village in the future.
The Neighbourhood Plan include a proposed list of Non Designated Heritage Assets, and it was agreed with Runnymede Council that this list be reviewed by independent experts, as they considered that their existing list was adequate. We are pleased to say the independent experts recommended that the majority of the properties on our list be accepted, a massive increase NDH Assets, and this is in the process of being ratified by RBC. It means that we now have a considerable number of properties noted as historically important, and whilst the designation does not affect owners rights to change their building or apply for planning permission, proposals for those buildings need to be sensitive to the architecture and features of the original.
Although obviously there are ongoing applications some of which are vehemently opposed by residents, two major building projects in the village are of concern regarding their style and sensitivity of their location.
The first is Barbara Clark House. this is the site on the corner of St Judes Road and Bagshot Road, next to Smiths. this (in our opinion) entirely inappropriate design was approved by RBC, who also own the site, in 2017. RBC have refused to change the design and are currently in the process of selling the site to aa developer. We are in contact with the Developer, and hope to be able to enter into a dialogue with him when the purchase is complete.
The second is Birchlands , owned by Surrey CC. Despite our pleas for the design to be modified to fit in more appropriately with the style of the rest of Barley Mow Road, Surrey CC have recently approved their own unmodified design. The only good thing to come from this is a commitment to install a crossing across St Judes Road, which will assist in redefining the National Cycle Route 4 (see Projects)