UK: Naturists object to plans for flats in Warlingham,

[Danee]

Naturists object to plans for flats in Warlingham, because 'residents could see them naked'


Naturists in Warlingham fear plans to build flats next to their property could result in residents being able to see into their club.
An application was submitted on September 2 by Aventier Landbank Ltd to demolish the existing properties at 12 to 18 Southview Road and replace them with five buildings, comprised of a total of 24 flats.
However, neighbouring naturist group The White House Club is concerned the development would mean people could see their naked bodies from the windows of the flats.
The club, which was established in 1933 and has members aged from two to 80, hopes its privacy will be maintained.
An application had already been put in to erect dwellings with 36 flats but this was rejected by Tandridge District Council.

The club had previously negotiated that any buildings erected nearby would be put up under the condition they do not overlook the naturist club.
Club chairman Val Humfress said: "The council has generally been good with us in the past [in regards to privacy]. Recently they rejected an application to build a block of 36 flats. Aventier Landbank have since come back and wanted to make it 24 flats instead.
"We are particularly worried of the flats overlooking our tennis courts and the table tennis area but there are also a few other places on the grounds where people could look right through.
"There is a concern for everyone about privacy. Children will play on the tennis court or at the table tennis table as much as the adults."


Nick Mayhew-Smith, a 48-year-old naturist from South Wimbledon, who has attended the club for about 20 years, is as concerned about the greenery and wildlife that could be destroyed as about the privacy issues.
"That side of the valley is already quite a green corridor of lots of gardens and a low density property of development.
"I was in the club recently and I saw a deer roaming around on the edge of the grounds, in the corner, where these flats are going to be put and I think that kind of wildlife and landscape should be preserved and not just concreted over," he said.
Mr Mayhew-Smith said when the club was first created it was not surrounded by housing and they want it to stay that way.
"We (the club) has been there a very long time and is as much of the landscape as anything else." he said. "If you put high density housing around it, it runs the risk of jeopardising the privacy and tranquility of the club.
"No one in their right mind would choose to build a naturist club next to a high density set of housing blocks and I think that's a courtesy that ought to go both ways."
The application has also received opposing comments from the Warlingham Parish Council and Whytleafe Village Council on the grounds that the appearance of the flats would not fit in with the design of homes already in the street and wider area, and there would not be space for extra cars parking.

Warlingham Parish Council's letter said: "We strongly object to the application on the grounds that the scale and density of the proposed development does not reflect the existing pattern of housing in Warlingham as a whole and is, in particular, out of keeping with the existing character and street scene of Southview Road."

Whyteleafe Village Council wrote that they wished to object to the application on the basis that "the proposal can be considered an over-development and out of character for the location" and "the provision for on-site car parking is inadequate".
The consultation period for the application closed on October 20 and now the club are awaiting the Tandridge Council's decision.
The Surrey Mirror has tried to contact Aventier Landbank for a comment, but could not find contact details for the firm.
Read more at http://www.surreymirror.co.uk/naturist-club-in-warlingham-opposes-plans-to-build-flats/story-29846037-detail/story.html#8IEK5AGQwfxmMCRS.99

[cp]

Good Article @Danee

Should be rejected on common sense grounds, i think :-)