New homes above wine shop are approved

Elmbridge Borough Council planning committee says one-bed flats are "needed" in the borough

Plans for new homes above and next to a Surrey wine shop have been approved.

An extension will be built above Majestic Wines in Walton Road, Molesey, for seven new flats and a pair of semi-detached homes to the side.

Members of the Elmbridge Borough Council planning sub-committee approved the application on Wednesday.

Councillors agreed the scheme was "not perfect" but admitted one-bed flats were needed in the borough, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ward councillor Steve Bax said when he asked residents on social media about the proposals he was "surprised" many were in favour.

"They think it's a reasonable use of the space to add an extra storey on," he added.

The site already has two semi-detached properties fronting on to Walton Road with another 13 one-bed flats on the first floor.

This means after the approved development, a total of 20 flats will be provided in the Majestic Wines building.

Planning officers concluded the extension to the main building would enhance the character of the area and the existing building.

However, parking was raised as a key concern with 23 letters objecting to the scheme.

Neighbours said the development would increase parking pressure in Langton Road and would "worsen" existing road safety concerns.

"Langton Road is not an easy road to park in," Mr Bax said. "It's probably going to create a ripple effect onto the neighbouring roads and that is a concern."

Councillors supported the scheme as redeveloping a run-down part of Molesey and providing more homes.

Councillor Paul Hughes, representing Hersham Village ward, said: "It is a poorly proportioned building at the moment so [the development] might improve it."