HASLEMERE Mayor Malcolm Carter has taken up the cudgels on behalf of Beacon Hill residents landed with “human kennels”, due to what he says is a loophole in planning law.

The town council has already protested to Waverley Borough Council that Beacon Hill will become a dormitory town if permitted development orders permitting changes from commercial to residential use, continue to be agreed at the current rate.

Mr Carter went on the war path after another permitted development order was submitted for three very small apartments.

“There are three of these ‘human kennels’ proposed,” he said.

“I am told that Waverley may have no alternative under Government fast tracking but to allow it.

“I am raising this very strongly with Waverley and Haslemere MP Jeremy Hunt, who I hope will make a visit. I do not accept that substandard housing, bypassing all present regulations on space, privacy and rubbish disposal has to be accepted.

“The sheer density of the developments over the past seven years has been astounding.

“I calculate that there have been 19 new apartments built, in or on former retail premises, and none have parking provision.

“Many of these developments are now between shops so we no longer have a row of shops, but shops interspersed with housing, some of which have been for sale for the past 18 months.

“Residents always assure us that they value the village shops and a clear example is the support for the new Simply Fresh Post Office.

“I feel another petition coming on, so let’s hope reason prevails.

“Meanwhile, to all residents who feel strongly as me, please feel free to contact your local councillors and support the mayor.”

A Waverley spokesman said: “In response to the concerns raised by Haslemere Town Council, a report will be considered by the portfolio holder for planning and by the executive in April to determine whether an article four direction should be made, which allows the council to withdraw permitted development rights to a particular areas or sites, so that a planning application is needed for a change of use.