Issue - meetings

To receive questions from Members of the Public of which due notice has been given.

Seven questions had been received from members of public. The questions, together with the replies from the Leader of the Council, were presented as follows:

Question 1 – Bhushan Sharma

“What are your plans going forward regarding the plot of land by the Morrisons roundabout on Goldsworth Rd (where a pub use to be, since knocked down)?”

Reply from Councillor Liam Lyons

“The site on Goldsworth Road to which you refer is not owned by Woking Borough Council, and as such we do not know what the owner's plans for the site are.  The site is designated as being suitable for residential development under Policy UA8.”

Question 2 – Bhushan Sharma

“What is the latest plan going forward concerning the development of the triangle section of Guildford Rd (next to railway bridge) which has been mostly bulldozed and fenced off?”

Reply from Councillor Dale Roberts

“This legacy project was fundamentally flawed not least because it required Woking Borough Council to carry the risk for works to both the replacement bridge and highways.  A number of scaled-down, and lower-risk alternatives were considered with our partners but were ultimately considered unviable at that time.  Instead, the site has recently been subject to an initial marketing exercise undertaken on behalf of the authority by two local agents.  Whilst the Triangle site is predominately owned by Woking Borough Council and is over 80% cleared, there are remaining ownerships which are still subject to negotiation in order to secure the whole site for redevelopment.  In addition, the Council is also in discussion with Surrey County Council and Highways regarding the future approaches to both the Bridge widening and Highway re-routing schemes.  An initial marketing report is now being prepared by the joint agents and we anticipate that, as a result, a short list of parties will be agreed.  Those parties will be invited to submit proposals for the future redevelopment of this site in the New Year.”

Question 3 – Wade Pollard

“On what date will the Council make available to its residents the response it made to the recent NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) Consultation?”

Reply from Councillor Liam Lyons

“The Council’s response to the recent NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) consultation is available on request as are all Council consultation responses. We have passed your details to Planning Policy and they will provide a copy to you.  For future reference, please email planning.policy@woking.gov.uk in respect of any planning consultations.”

Question 4 – Bhushan Sharma

“What is the plan going forward regarding the future of the derelict shopping zone previously occupied by Debenhams in Town centre?”

Reply from Councillor Dale Roberts

“The Debenhams Department store is part of the Peacocks Shopping Centre which is owned by a third party, The Arora Group, and is not in the control of the Council. The Council therefore is not able to determine the plans for this site.

The Council does however have a role in the sustainability of the Town Centre and therefore has every interest in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6