Issue - meetings

[NOTE 1: It was noted that an update sheet regarding the application had been circulated to the Committee in advance of the meeting.]

[NOTE 2: In accordance with the procedure for public speaking at Planning Committee, Ms Katie Bowes attended the meeting and spoke in objection to the application and Mr Ian Nicholson spoke in support.]

The Committee considered an application for the redevelopment of the site following demolition of all existing buildings and structures to provide a replacement stadium with ancillary facilities including flexible retail, hospitality and community spaces, independent retail floor space (Classes A1/A2/A3) and medical centre (Class D1) and vehicle parking plus residential accommodation comprising of 1,048 dwellings (Class C3) within 5 buildings of varying heights of between 3 and 11 storeys (plus lower ground floor and partial basement levels) on the south and west sides of the site together with hard and soft landscaping, highway works, vehicle parking, bin storage, cycle storage, plant and other ancillary works including ancillary structures and fencing/gates and provision of detached residential concierge building (Environmental Statement submitted).

Councillor D Hughes, Ward Councillor, spoke in objection to the application and raised the following concerns commenting that the application had generated a huge level of concern from residents with most objecting strongly to it. Councillor D Hughes commented that the development would have a detrimental effect on neighbouring residents in regards to light and noise pollution, overbearing impact, privacy and parking issues. The massing and density of the development was out of keeping in this village location and it was contrary to the prevailing character of the area/setting. As yet there had been no confirmation from the CCG that any healthcare providers wanted to occupy the medical centre, so the benefit to the local community was not yet known. Councillor D Hughes asked the Members of the Committee to refuse the application as it would lead to permanent harm to the area and the negative aspects of the development outweighed the few benefits.

Councillor W Forster, Ward Councillor, spoke in objection to the application and stated that the application was not suitable for the Kingfield and Westfield area; the height and density of this huge development within a village setting did not conform to national or local planning policy. Councillor W Forster commented that it was contrary to CS1, CS21 and the Woking Design SPD which was against high density buildings outside of a town centre location. The Planning Inspector recently reinforced this position on tall buildings in the Poole Road appeal; there was a fundamental policy obstacle for a development of this density and height outside of a town centre location. The proposed density was contrary to Policy CS2 and the housing mix did not satisfy Policy CS11 and the National Planning Policy Framework. The application failed to meet parking standards and Councillor W Forster commented that the Road Traffic Surveys undertaken in Apr/May 2019 were unrealistic as there were large roadworks in place in the area at that time. Councillor W  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6