Policy information sourced from the Tandridge Local Plan Part 2: Detailed Policies

DP7: General Policy for New Development

A. All new development will be expected to be of a high quality design. Development should integrate effectively with its surroundings, reinforcing local distinctiveness and landscape character. Innovative designs will be encouraged where appropriate.

B. Where the principle of the proposed new development – whether on a site that is previously developed or green field – is in accordance with other policies in the Development Plan, permission will be granted where the following matters are effectively addressed:

Design of Development

  1. Character & layout: The proposalrespects and contributes to the distinctive character, appearance and amenity of the area in which it is located with layouts that maximise opportunities for linkages (for example footpaths and cycle paths) to the surrounding area and local services;
  2. Built form: The proposal is in keeping with the prevailing landscape/streetscape, reflecting the variety of local building types by using complementary building materials and designs, and does not result in overdevelopment or unacceptable intensification by reason of scale, form, bulk, height, spacing, density and design. In the case of a residential extension, the proposal should not result in the creation of a terracing effect;
  3. Parking: The proposal has regard to the adopted Parking Standards SPD (2012) or successor documents; maintains existing off-street parking spaces (including garages) where they are considered necessary to serve the existing buildings or use; and does not result in additional on-street parking where this would cause congestion or harm to amenity or highway safety;
  4. Design Guidance: The proposal conforms with the guidelines as set out in adopted Conservation Area Appraisals, Village Design Statements, and Design Guidance in the form of Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPGs) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs);
  5. Safety: The proposal has regard to the Police ‘Secured by Design’ standards to create safe and secure environments that reduce the risk of crime. Where appropriate, a scheme should also incorporate advice contained in the government’s guidance on terrorism in the Planning Practice Guidance.

Safeguarding Amenity

  1. Amenity: The proposal does not significantly harm the amenity of neighbouring properties by reason of pollution (noise, air or light), traffic, or other general disturbance;
  2. Privacy: The proposal does not significantly harm the amenities and privacy of occupiers of neighbouring properties (including their private amenity space) by reason of overlooking or its overshadowing or overbearing effect. In most circumstances, where habitable rooms of properties would be in direct alignment, a minimum privacy distance of 22 metres will be required. This distance may need to be increased to protect those parts of gardens which immediately adjoin dwellings or where sites are sloping. In most circumstances, a minimum distance of 14 metres will be required between principal windows of existing dwellings and the walls of new buildings without windows;
  3. Environment: The proposals provide a satisfactory environment for the occupiers of both the existing and new development;
  4. Facilities: The proposal provides appropriate facilities for individual and communal use including bicycle storage, amenity areas and garden areas (proportionate to the size of the residential units and appropriate for the intended occupiers); as well as facilities for the storage and collection of refuse and recycling materials which are designed and sited in accordance with current Council standards, avoiding adverse impacts on the street scene and the amenities of the proposed and existing properties;

Safeguarding Assets, Resources & the Environment

  1. Assets: The proposal seeks to protect and, where opportunities exist, to enhance valuable environmental (including public open space) and heritage assets;
  2. Resource efficiency: The proposal promotes the use of sustainable design and construction that provides for efficient use of minerals and enables the incorporation of a proportion of recycled or secondary aggregates, in accordance with the Surrey Minerals Plan Core Strategy (2011);
  3. Landscaping: The proposal ensures that landscaping is an integral element in layout design, making provision for suitable new planting, trees and boundary treatments to enhance the appearance, character and amenity of the site from the outset. The proposal is also expected to retain existing important features such as trees, hedgerows and walls wherever possible. Where a new road is required, a suitably hard and/or soft landscaped gap will be required between any existing properties and the new carriageway; and
  4. Trees: Where trees are present on a proposed development site, a landscaping scheme should be submitted alongside the planning application which makes provision for the retention of existing trees that are important by virtue of their significance within the local landscape. Their significance may be as a result of their size, form and maturity, or because they are rare or unusual. Younger trees that have the potential to add significant value to the landscape character in the future should also be retained where possible. Their retention should be reflected in the proposed development layout, allowing sufficient space for new and young trees to grow to maturity, both above and below ground. Where existing trees are felled prior to permission for development being sought, the Council may require replacement planting as part of any permission granted.

For more information please see the Tandridge Local Plan Part 2: Detailed Policies