An appeal has been made against Waverley Borough Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Georgian House Hotel in Haslemere.

The plan would provide six residential dwellings and parking.

Waverley council refused the proposal on the grounds the dwellings would be a “poor standard of accommodation”, would result in “unacceptable harm” to the neighbours’ “visual amenity” and would fail to adequately protect trees.

Would-be developers Haslemere 20 Ltd has lodged an appeal as it feels the “brownfield” site is an “underutilised car park”.

Its plan seeks to “enhance the site and maximise the viable use, providing six new homes, designed in keeping with the setting of the listed building.”

Haslemere’s current housing stock is dominated by detached houses. The applicants have argued that new flats could help young professionals get on the housing ladder and would help meet the local planning authority’s housing supply targets.