Woking tower block plan wins approval on appeal

The plans have been given approval after initially being thrown out

A 25-storey building has been approved for Woking after it was ruled the high-rise block would fit with other developments in the town centre.

Developers Abri applied for planning permission in 2023, but Woking Borough Council rejected it on the grounds it could create a "ghetto” that would “segregate” people on lower incomes.

A planning inspector has now overturned the council's decision, saying the new building will fit in with the town's architecture.

Ann-Marie Barker, leader of Woking Borough Council, said she was disappointed by the decision.

Sam Stone, director of land and planning at Abri, said work still had to be done on the development, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He said: "We must make sure it’s still financially viable to deliver the homes and meet the needs of the local community.”

The original plans were to make every home in the block available at affordable rates, but Abri can now only guarantee 40%, or 90 units, although it said it would still aim for more.

According to the inspector, the town centre, including unbuilt plans, had a “substantial bearing” on the final decision.

The inspector said: “I have given most weight to what is already built and can be seen in the existing street scene, townscape, and landscape.”

A planning inspector ruled the proposed block would fit with Woking's current and future architecture

Ms Barker said while she was disappointed with the decision, she welcomed the new affordable housing it would bring.

She said: “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.”

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