Aerial photograph showing tennis court area which is proposed to be developed with new, single family house. GBC planning documents

By Emily Dalton

local democracy reporter

Surrey residents have railed against a proposal to build a three-bedroom home on land currently used for a private tennis court, claiming it would “destroy the unique ambiance of the area”.

Plans have been put forward for a family home to be built on the land that backs onto the garden of 15 Chantry View Road just south of Guildford, near the A281. The applicant owns the property and wants to create a new dwelling they and their family can enjoy into the future, planning documents state.

But people have slammed the scheme as “cramped and incongruous”, claiming it would change the character of the area with a “dense” design and modern aesthetic.

Photo of 15 Chantry View Road, view from the tennis courts. Sketch Architects/ GBC planning documents

Councillors will decide on whether the back-garden scheme can go ahead at a Guildford Borough Council Planning Committee meeting on May 21. Officers have recommended councillors approve the scheme, claiming it would not have a negative impact on the neighbours or the street’s character.

One couple complained the proposed house would “destroy the unique ambiance of the area”. The pair said the new development would “tower over what is now a pleasant area” and have a “devastating impact on surrounding neighbours’ privacy”.

The applicant envisions the relevant part of the front garden (0.32 hectare) site to be transformed into a two-storey home with an upper terrace. The house would be accessed via the existing driveway which serves both number 13 and 15 Chantry View Road.

With nearly 30 letters being sent in objection to the scheme, it is not a popular plan. A woman who has lived on Chantry View Road for 26 years said it is “ridiculous to squeeze three houses into one plot and will set a dangerous precedent” for future developments.

One resident said: “The proposed house remains excessively large for the site, creating a development that is cramped and incompatible with its surroundings.”

While another neighbour called it “garden cramming”, comparing the proposal to other houses on the street with large green backyards.

Characterised by large loose-knit residential villas which typically offer generous plots of land and views to the Surrey Hills, the average house price on Chantry View Road is around £2 million. However, developments have started to infill the open spaces, altering the density and bringing more contemporary architectural styles to the area.

No.15 is set back from the road by around 45m and sits as a prominent feature within the street scene as it is at a level higher than the road. According to planning documents, the steeply sloping front garden has already been subdivided through building no.13 Chantry View Road in the western corner.

Planning documents read: “Whilst the resulting development would occupy one of the smaller plots along Chantry View Road, when viewed in the context of the existing plot at no.13, it would not appear unduly cramped or out of character in the surrounding area.”

A second attempt, planning permission was first sought in April 2023 but was rejected on the grounds the proposed home would be too big, overbearing and the roof would look out of character.

Report: https://democracy.guildford.gov.uk/documents/s39579/24P01566%20-%2015%20Chantry%20View%20Road%20Guildford%20GU1%203XW.pdf

Planning portal: https://publicaccess.guildford.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=_GUILD_DCAPR_208453