Woking co-living housing block gets the go-ahead

Plans have been submitted for 329 studios of co-living accommodation next to Woking station

A 17-storey housing block has been approved for Woking town centre despite fears it will be a "grand scale house of multiple occupancy (HMO)".

The block will house up to 329 people in co-living, rented accommodation.

It will include communal facilities including cooking stations, laundry, gyms and a cinema.

The High Street high rise has been given the green light by Woking Borough Council's planning committee.

The base of the building will also become the new home of the Lighthouse charity.

Developer Halcyon Development Partners' approved designs include roof gardens with panoramic views across Surrey.

Properties between 3 and 12 High Street will be cleared to make way for the new development.

'Living in a caravan'

Labour councillor Anila Javaid said: "It's in the best interest for our town of Woking."

She said the "innovative co-living development" catered to the single households seeking flexibility while "simultaneously alleviating the pressure on the existing housing stock".

"It not only meets the housing requirements but also enables us to keep our youngsters within the town of Woking, allowing them to contribute to our own town's prosperity without being forced to relocate due to housing supply shortage."

Liberal Democrat councillor Stephen Oades criticised the plans for their lack of car and cycling parking as well as outdated facilities.

He said: "The shared kitchen facilities, so one cooking station for 16.45 residents, not very good at all.

"In fact it's far worse than the facilities that I had in university."

Liberal Democrat councillor Tom Spenser said the development was "essentially just a very grand scale HMO", adding that per night it was just the same as staying in a hotel and that "it wouldn't be beneficial for young people".

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