AN appeal has been lodged against Waverley’s rejection of a plan to convert a Hindhead restaurant into three flats.

Borough planners turned down the application for a change of use for Amalfi Trattoria, in Beacon Hill Road, in June, on the grounds it would provide a “poor standard of accommodation for future occupiers by reason of inadequate access, insufficient light, outlook and privacy”.

The council also objected it would result in the loss of a restaurant without demonstrating efforts had been made to market the premises unsuccessfully.

Appealing against the refusal, planning agent David Green said rights of light and access were not planning – but legal – matters and the premises had been unsuccessfully marketed for four years prior to the application.

“To conclude, this proposal provides much needed small residential units in an area that is sustainable and previously developed,” he said.

“The use as a restaurant is no longer viable, which is shown by the lack of interest when put up for sale.”