The 'Prior Approval' application to convert the AC Court offices into 51 flats has been refused by Elmbridge Borough Council.  

Under the new Permitted Development rights brought in by the Government, this application (2021/2556) was not subject to the usual Planning Application procedures.  However, it was subject to national Material Planning Standards, and Elmbridge planning officers determined that it failed in not meeting minimum requirements for space and natural light for all the flats.  This was pointed out by RA Cllr Karen Randolph in our earlier news article. 

The decision statement from the Council read:

The proposed development would fail to comply with Schedule 2, Part 3, Class O of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. The proposed scheme would fail to provide adequate natural daylight in all habitable rooms and ensure all residential units meet Nationally Described Space Standards. The development would therefore not be consistent with the requirements of Schedule 2, Part 3, Class O of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.

Although the Residents' Association opposes the profiteering conversion of shops and business premises to residential use, it recognises there is a case for conversion when commercial premises are not being sufficiently utilised.  However it objected to this application due to the poor quality of many of the flats - as spelt out in its letter to the Council.