Plans to redevelop a 19th century estate to become a hotel, golf course and spa have been quashed after a High Court judge decided that the initially approved plans were ‘flawed’.
The original plans for the Beaverbrook estate - the home of press baron Lord Beaverbrook, built in 1866 - would have seen the main house provide 20 rooms, with a further 28 rooms built to the grounds. A spa with eight treatment rooms, two couples rooms, a sauna, steamroom and ice room offering wet and dry treatments were also planned.
In addition, a restaurant, a fitness centre with training pool, an 18-hole golf course and a cookery school were proposed.
The plans were rejected by the High Court on the basis that a further golf course was unnecessary in Surrey.
Justice Haddon-cave said Mole Valley Council - who initially approved the plans - had misunderstood the meaning of ‘need’ when the plans were approved, with much of the decision based on the need for a further golf course in Surrey.
Campaigners had argued that the county is already home to 141 golf courses and that the plans would impact on the green belt.
Longshot, the property and leisure operator, which purchased the property in April 2011 and gained approval in 2012, has said it will appeal the decision.
The Council backed the plans because it would reopen the private house and create jobs for the area.
