The Planning Inspectorate has dismissed an Appeal against the decision by Guildford Borough Council to refuse a change of use from retail and office use to residential use for the ground floor of 257 Guildford Road (premises next door to Sibley’s). Guildford Borough Council had refused the application: 18/P/01976, dated 13 October 2018, on 5 December 2018. Costs for Guildford Borough Council were also awarded against the developer, Bryden Homes.
The Inspector said: “that it has not been adequately demonstrated that the proposed change of use would not result in the loss of a viable shop or office use and that it would be contrary to policies” of the Guildford Borough Local Plan (2019) and the Effingham Neighbourhood Plan (2018), “which when read together seek to retain employment uses and ensure that local facilities and village shops are protected.”
The full decisions can be read here.
A Press Release from Effingham Parish Council can be read here.