Hersham Residents Association – Planning Principles

 HRA Planning Principles

1. Introduction

The HRA would like to maintain and improve the character of Hersham and will only support desirable development. The HRA has developed some planning principles to provide a useful guide for the committee when making occasional comments about planning proposals in Hersham.

2. The HRA would like to see applications which maintain and improve:

• Green space including trees and front gardens.
• Access (via footpaths / cycle paths etc) to existing green space which is currently not available to the public.
• The promotion of walking and safe cycling.
• Sustainable energy use.
• Standards of decent housing.
• Standards of adequate parking.
• Positive existing features and characteristics of the area.

3. The HRA would normally not support applications which:

• Represent ‘over massing’ – in other words insensitive overdevelopment or density which is not in line with the surrounding buildings.
• Clearly sets a precedent towards widespread incremental development of a similar type which could overall be harmful and undesirable.
• Involves infilling and cutting down gardens to provide building plots unless the proposals allow buildings which maintain the footprint density of the nearby properties and do not adversely affect the character of the area.
• Seem unlikely to maintain or enhance the charm and appeal of Hersham and involve for example knocking down existing characterful houses which are in good condition.
• Are unlikely to maintain or enhance the sense of community in Hersham for example, the development of gated communities that create boundaries and enclaves.