Call for clarity over affordability of new flats

Cherisse Dealtry said clarity is needed on the affordability of the new homes

The chief executive of a homeless charity is calling for more clarity on the affordability of new homes in a 25-storey tower block in Woking.

Plans for the building in Goldsworth Road were approved by a government inspector who overturned a Woking Borough Council decision to reject an application submitted by developer Abri.

The original plans were to make every home in the block available at affordable rates, but the developer can now only guarantee 90 affordable flats.

Cherisse Dealtry, chief executive of Woking-based homeless charity York Road Project, said: "We want to know what affordability means for people, especially from our charity's perspective."

The new tower block was approved after developers appealed against the council's refusal

The planning inspector said the high-rise block, which will include 224 flats, would fit with other developments in the town centre.

The original plans included provision of 124 homes at affordable rent and 100 available to buy through shared ownership.

Ms Dealtry said the new homes had to be affordable for those who need them.

She told BBC Radio Surrey: "I think my biggest concern is around affordability."

The York Road Project deals with a lot of single people who would be a lower priority than others on the housing list.

Ms Dealtry said she was concerned that many would still not be able to live in the new homes.

A government inspector said the new tower would fit with other developments in Woking.

Woking Borough Council leader Ann-Marie Barker said it was "disappointing" that the development had been permitted.

She added: "A four to six storey development would have been preferable for this location.

"However, I do welcome the new homes that the development will provide, particularly as there will be a high proportion of affordable homes."

An Abri spokesperson said there was "still work to be done" on the plans for the site.

They added: "We must make sure it's still financially viable to deliver the homes and meet the needs of the local community."