Judo club faces closure after planning refusal

The club says it faces an uncertain future after its application for a new home was turned down

A judo club run by a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and her husband said it could face closure after its plans for a new dojo were denied.

Woking Borough Council turned down an application by Fighting Fitness UK to move into an empty site at Smarts Road, Woking, Surrey, at a meeting on 4 June.

The plan was turned down because of concerns it would prove too popular and result in over use of the surrounding green belt land.

The club, run by gold medallist Sam Skillcorn and her husband Vince, said the move was "crucial" to its survival.

The proposals attracted 62 letters, with 51 in favour, reported the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Residents living nearby warned against changing the isolated rural building to a “main town centre leisure use” and that there were other areas in the borough more suited to a sports company.

Speaking to the committee, Mr Skillcorn said: “Without a suitable venue we face the potential closure of our Woking facility which would be a significant loss to the community.

“This application is crucial for us to continue providing employment supporting local charities and offering life-changing classes.”

Officers had also recommended turning down the application.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.