Effingham Planning Appeal Hearing Commences

Published on: 16 May, 2017
Updated on: 16 May, 2017

Effingham residents gathered at one of the proposed Berkeley Homes development sites just before the planning appeal hearing was about to commence. In the front row can be seen Paul Kennedy, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Mole Valley (left), next to him Vivien White chairman of Effingham Residents Association, newly elected Conservative county councillor Julie Iles (in yellow).

A planning appeal hearing for a major development proposal in Effingham commenced today (May 16, 2017).

Howard Partnership Trust and Berkeley Homes are appealing against Guildford Borough Council’s refusal to grant permission for nearly 300 houses and the redevelopment of Howard of Effingham school for 2,000 pupil places.

The appeal, covering three major development sites in Effingham on green belt land, was called in by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid.

The hearing is being held today at G Live, Guildford but on most other days at the council offices, Millmead, is expected to last three weeks.

Planning inspector David Morgan is presiding at the hearing. The appellants and GBC are represented respectively by barristers Timothy Corner QC and James Findlay QC. Scott Stemp is representing Effingham Parish Council.

The decision to refer the application to the Secretary of State was taken following a tour of the sites by a planning inspector. Another site visit for all those involved in the hearing is expected to be carried out tomorrow. The reason for the “call in” was that the appeal involves proposals for significant development in the green belt.