Warlingham residents showing their support for Manor Park Garage, which is threatened with closure if planning permission is granted for a block of flats to go on the site.

A scheme to demolish Manor Park Garage in Westhall Road, Warlingham, and replace it with a block of flats is being strenuously opposed by local residents who do not want to see the closure of their popular local garage.

The planning application submitted to Tandridge District Council by the Trademark Group is for the “Demolition of the garage and erection of a three storey apartment building containing 14 residential units with associated landscaping and car parking for 16 vehicles.”

If planning permission is granted, the owners of Manor Park Garage, which has occupied the site for 34 years, will have three months’ notice to vacate the premises and re-open for business elsewhere. However, with the loss of so much commercial land in Tandridge in recent years to accommodate residential developments, it is highly unlikely the owners will find anywhere suitable in the area to relocate to.

At a Planning Meeting of Warlingham Parish Council held on Tuesday 10th May, Warlingham resident, Debbie Miles, expressed her concern about the proposed new development, saying: “I believe the new development will be out of character and not in keeping with the village. Manor Park Garage contributes to the local economy and is an employer of six staff, whose jobs will be lost if the development is approved. It has been proven that the site is not unsatisfactory as a commercial site as businesses have been thriving there for over 60 years.”

Warlingham Parish Council have submitted a formal objection to the planning application, details of which will be available to view on their website at www.warlinghampc.org.uk.

Summarising the Parish Council’s objection, Cllr. David Cooley said: “Warlingham Parish Council is very concerned about the potential loss of a highly regarded business, which is important to the community. We do not want to lose an important employment site nor do we believe that residential property at this location would be of benefit to Warlingham.”

In response to the concerns expressed by Warlingham Parish Council and the local residents, the Chief Planning Officer for Tandridge District Council, Piers Mason, said: “The application is still under consideration and we are carefully considering the proposal against the Council’s adopted policies, while taking account of the comments we have received. It is important to strike a healthy balance between keeping the existing stock of employment land within the district to help maintain its viability and vitality and allowing the release of land for alternative uses where that proves to be the most suitable option.

“We do have policies in the Development Plan which seek to keep suitably located commercial sites, particularly where they remain in use and are viable. It does not appear any research has been carried out to look at the viability of the site for either the existing use, or an alternative commercial use and we will have to consider whether the site is unsuitably located for commercial purposes as part of making a decision.”

To view the Planning Application and the comments made during the consultation period, go to www.tandridge.gov.uk, click on the link to ‘Planning’ and search for Planning Application No. 2016/554.

Brian and the team at Manor Park Garage would like to say a big “thank you” to the people of Warlingham for showing their support.