Elmcroft - The Tilt, Planning Applications 2012/3880 & 2012/3876

UPDATE: We are pleased to report the application has been withdrawn but we expect there will be a further application made soon, so we must remain vigilent.

We have been working with some of the Tilt residents to help them object to a proposed development which involves replacing Elmcroft, a lovely house built around 1907 and replace it with a monstrosity of a dwelling. The details are as follows:

• • Planning Application: 2012/3880 – to demolish Elmcroft
  • Planning Application: 2012/3876 – to build a new house in it's place

Elmcroft is the lovely white house set back from the Tilt seen on the right as you go round the left hand bend after the Running Mare (see map below). It is one of the houses which define this important conservation area. To demolish it will damage the amenity and the feel of this important conservation area which comprises mainly dwellings of an unostentatious, understated yet attractive nature. To replace it with a "mansion" is quite simply an overdevelopment contrary to Green Belt and Conservation Area policies and of a design that bears no relation to the character of the Tilt Conservation Area. The site is right on the edge of open countryside, in a prominent location enjoying long ranging views. It makes a strong visible statement that compliments and sets the tone of the Tilt Conservation area. The proposal is to greatly increase the bulk and height of the building with a design akin to a style of house (garish and opulent) totally inappropriate and insensitive to this conservation area. There is a massive basement excavation proposed (described by the applicant as substantial in the Design and Access Statement) and this will have a detrimental impact on water absorption in an area adjacent to one which floods regularly as part of our flood plains.

If this were allowed to go ahead it would set a dangerous precedent for other such demolitions and developments.

Whilst we all find it difficult to believe this could go ahead we cannot take the risk of sitting back and feel we must encourage you, if you feel as strongly as we do, to have your say.

You can view these planning applications by visiting the Elmbridge Borough Council website via the following link and enter the planning application reference numbers 2012/3880 and 2012/3876. The plans and other documents can be found via the "View Attachments" link at the bottom of the Planning page.

Elmbridge Council Planning Search

The Planning Application attachments can be reached directly via the following links:-

Documents for Demolition 2012/3880

Documents for Development 2012/3876

Please send your views to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible and no later than the 19th Feb 2013 or by mail to Town Planning at Elmbridge Borough Council.

Thank you for your ongoing support; we need you to help keep Cobham a special place.