News

Planning permission secured for Build-to-Rent tall building in Woking town centre

On behalf of Watkin Jones Group, Turley has helped to secure planning permission for a new landmark development in the centre of Woking.

The building, designed by CJCT, will provide 366 high-quality Build-to-Rent (BTR) homes, along with c.2,000 sq m of commercial and community space. The provision of purpose-built BTR homes will increase housing choice in Woking and contribute towards meeting the significant housing need in the borough. The proposals will provide a new community centre and commercial uses activating a new public square and pedestrian route, which will connect the site to the wider town centre.

Planning permission was secured at appeal, following a committee over-turn of a positive planning officer recommendation. An initial dismissal at appeal was quashed through legal challenge and the redetermination appeal was then upheld on the basis of the very significant planning benefits of the scheme and the quality of the proposed development. This latest tall building scheme adds to the emerging character of Woking town centre as a high-density and vibrant town centre.

The planning permission allows for redevelopment of a former supermarket building, latterly used as an entertainment facility and conference centre but now vacant, which offered a poor architectural response to its surroundings and very limited active frontages. The approved new building comprises a contextually sensitive approach, which optimises the provision of new homes, revitalises this part of the town centre, and responds sensitively to the surrounding conservation area, though a new Arts and Crafts inspired frontage along Chertsey Road, whilst creating a landmark tall building, which will mark a key route into the town centre from the north-east. The proposals will make an important contribution to the positive regeneration that has occurred to date within the town centre.

Director, Oliver Jefferson said:

“We are proud to have achieved planning permission for this high-quality redevelopment in Woking Town Centre. Turley has been involved in the regeneration of Woking for a number of years and this latest scheme will provide much needed new housing in the area.”

22 November 2022