HASLEMERE Town Council agreed to recommend Waverley planners reject an ‘executive’ home proposed in the grounds of Longdene House, Haslemere, as “too large”.

Speaking on behalf of Longdene Action Group, Michael Barnes told the town council planning committee the appearance and design of the building, which replaces a greenhouse and sheds, was inappropriate to the Surrey Hills’ Area of Outstanding National Beauty.

Outline plans for the conversion of Longdene House from office to residential and for three new houses to be built in the grounds have already been approved.

Campaigners said an application has already been submitted to finalise the appearance of the two other houses, followed by the scheme for the third. They have called for the site to be determined as a whole.

The applicant’s planning consultant Ian Rhodes told town councillors that the scale and height of the third building in the second application submitted has been reduced.