Kenley, Whyteleafe Hill, Whyteleafe, Surrey

Planning Status, Alternative Uses & Development

The site is bisected by the administrative boundaries of Tandridge District Council and the London Borough of Croydon in the County of Surrey . The relevant policies which guide development on the site are contained within the Surrey County Structure Plan (Adopted in 2004) and the Tandridge District Local Plan (Adopted in 2001). The LPA is currently undertaking a review of the local plan in accordance with the recent changes to planning legislation, as confirmed by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

The Local Plan Proposals Map identifies the entire site as being within the Metropolitan Green Belt (MGB). It is outside of a defined settlement boundary. The former Officers' Mess is confirmed as being a Grade II listed building. Current national planning and development guidance confirms that new development on this site would be considered as “inappropriate”, would be considered as a departure from policy and would only be supported as an exception if their was a robust justification demonstrating exceptional circumstances. In accordance with S.54 of the Town and Country Planning Act (1990), all, planning applications for new development will be determined in accordance with the policies contained in the adopted local plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

A full examination of relevant planning policies at national and local level, in addition to details of the planning history and informal comments made by Planning Officers at Tandridge District Council are included in a comprehensive Planning Statement prepared by Knight Frank LLP.

The LPA has confirmed that the current use of the main building is that of an office within Class B1 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) and a continued use would be acceptable in principle. Re-use of buildings in the Green Belt is not inappropriate development, provided that it does not have a materially greater impact upon the Green Belt than the present use and also does not have a detrimental impact upon the listed building.

Redevelopment opportunities could be acceptable as could changes of use. Prospective purchasers are advised to undertake their own investigations with the LPA in respect of proposals for changes of use and additional or alternative development on the site, although initial views are contained in the Planning Statement prepared by Knight Frank LLP. Please note the important notice contained within the Planning Statement.