Former White Lion - Planning Sub-Committee. Mon 15th Dec 2014 7:45pm
UPDATE - 15 Dec 2014: The Planning Applications have been refused by the EBC West Area Planning Sub-Committee. Hopefully the applicant will take onboard the objections and comments made and will submit a revised application which provides better design, lower density, reduced height and takes into account the historically significance of the site and its buildings.
On the 15th December there is an important planning meeting at the Civic Centre which includes an item on a matter which affects Cobham. This concerns Planning Applications 2014/3417 and 2014/3752 - the former White Lion (Vermont Exchange - NY Bar, or as the Applicant chooses to call it, the Cobham Lodge Hotel). We have previously said that this development must not be allowed to go ahead, due to the bad design and the demolition of an 18th century building within the curtilege of the Grade II listed building. From the start we have emphasised that this site is one of the most prominent public sites in Cobham, and high quality design must be provided to make the same positive contribution to the built environment that the existing Inn makes.
Almost 100 residents, together with the Georgian Group, The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and The Surrey Archaeological Society have all sent in emails and letters to the Elmbridge Planning Department stating their objection and concerns. Sadly the Officers have chosen to recommend approval to both Applications. Early views expressed by many is that the planning process makes a mockery of the community's concerns. PLEASE take the opportunity to read the Officer's reports by clicking on these links: 2014/3417 and 2014/3752
However, all is not lost - it will now be the West Area Planning Sub-Committee who will consider the recommendation at its meeting on Monday 15th December at 7.45pm at the Civic Centre, High Street, Esher.
The Council Chamber can seat well over a hundred residents to listen to the debate. We can report that Sue Kilpatrick, Chairman of the CDRA and a member of our Trust, has agreed to put her name forward to speak on behalf of the Objectors. In view of the Officers decision we need to show some solidarity of support for the opposition and we do hope you can make this date and show your concern - this is vital! We can assure you that a good turnout of concerned residents is always noted by members of the Planning Committee.
If we don't show the planning committee that the residents of Cobham are serious about preserving their local architecture and having good design which compliments our historical buildings, we are likely to have other developments which will destroy the character of Cobham and the surrounding area.
