Developer set to build in Spratts Lane

A developer is set to "cram" two bungalows and a house into an Ottershaw lane after being given planning permission on Wednesday August 27.

Councillors gave John Ebdon Homes Ltd permission to build the homes in Spratts Lane, Ottershaw, despite householders objections that they would lose privacy, suffer disturbance caused by lorries delivering building materials and that the land is a wildlife habitat.

At the planning committee meeting, chairman of a residents committee in Spratts Lane, Clive Nicholas, said: "The erection of a large house fronting Spratts Lane is not in keeping with the lane.

"Two bungalows crammed into the rear would be on land which would be on land which used to be gardens for bungalows which have now been demolished and replaced with three houses. This over development will compromise the character of the lane.

"This development will set a dangerous precedent. I say enough is enough."

The plans, recommended for approval by Runnymede officers, involve demolishing an exisiting bungalow on land to the rear of the properties of Firslea, Lanes End, Oaklea and Styger House, and include widening the access to Spratts Lane.

The development would use the existing driveway to these properties, which residents fear would encourage parents to use it as a rat run in the school rush to and from Ottershaw Infants and Ottershaw Junior schools.

Cllr Frances Barden, conservative for Foxhills, said: "I am not very happy with this application because it is a development that Ottershaw does not want or need.

"It is going to be cramped and we don't need it but I cannot see any planning reason to refuse it."

She added that the surface of the lane was in bad condition and would be further damaged by lorries delivering building materials.

A spokesman for John Ebdon Homes told the meeting: "I would refer you to the recommendation that this application is approved.

"It is interesting to note that there have been no objections from the existing users of the driveway."
Mr Nicholas said after the meeting that he was "very disappointed" by the councillors' decision and said delivery lorries would "totally destroy" the road.