Too Few Councillors to Decide Future of Hilltop Kitchen

Published on: 5 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 7 Mar, 2026

Alldens Hill Hilltop Kitchen Google

By Chris Caulfield

local democracy reporter

The future of a Surrey Hills beauty spot that has split a community remains in limbo after a key decision was delayed.

Hilltop Kitchen in Alldens Lane near Godalming closed after four years of operations when it ran afoul of planning regulations.

The cafe had proved enormously popular, drawing visitors from across Surrey to its rural location – but many nearby residents found the added traffic on narrow single-track lanes that led to it made their lives a misery.

The owners had hoped to reopen as a restaurant about 10 metres from their original site and were expecting to learn their fate at the Tuesday, March 3, Waverley Borough Council licensing committee.

Their application had garnered 257 representations from the public with 68 in objection and 189 in support.

Those in favour said they wholehearted backed the licensing application. One wrote: “I was a regular patron of the original establishment and was deeply saddened when it closed.

“Its absence has left a significant gap in our community, as there are no other quality restaurants serving locally sourced, seasonal food for a considerable distance, particularly one that so perfectly complements the beauty of our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

Opponents submitted photos of road accidents on the approach as vehicles struggled to pass on the narrow lanes.

One wrote: “It is accessed by Alldens Lane, a narrow and predominantly single-track rural lane, with limited passing places and no pavements.

“It is used by walkers, cyclists and horse-riders, and by families with young children. There is no public transport serving the site. The practical consequence is that the great majority of patrons, staff and suppliers must travel by private vehicle.”

Both sides left the packed 10am meeting disappointed and confused when the hearing was postponed after not enough Waverley Borough Councillors were able to attend the crunch hearing.

A spokesperson for Waverley Borough Council said: “We understand the disappointment felt by those who attended today’s Licensing Sub‑Committee meeting, and we apologise for the inconvenience caused by the postponement.

“Sometimes councillors are unexpectedly unable to attend scheduled meetings despite everyone’s best efforts to plan ahead.

“It’s important to note that this does not happen often: it is extremely unusual for a committee meeting to be unable to proceed due to councillor availability, but it is sometimes unavoidable.

“For licensing hearings, a minimum number of councillors must be present in order for the committee to make lawful decisions.

“Unfortunately, that requirement was not met this morning, meaning the meeting could not proceed.

“The hearing has now been rescheduled for 16 March 2026, and all parties have been informed.

“We fully appreciate the time and preparation invested by attendees, representatives and legal teams, and we are sorry for any disruption caused by the delay.”