Issue - meetings

The Committee considered an application for the erection of 3 x 3-4 storey blocks comprising a total of 72 x self-contained flats including; 2 x 3-4 storey buildings comprising a total of 51 x self-contained flats (25 x one-bedroom, 24 x two-bedroom, and 2 x three-bedroom) following demolition of existing buildings including Nos 25-31 Portugal Road and Lok N Store building on Marlborough Road and erection of a 3-4 storey building comprising 21 x self-contained flats (6x one-bedroom, 14 x two-bedroom and 1 x three-bedroom) following demolition of existing buildings including Nos 12-16 Portugal Road and provision of associated car parking, landscaping, bin and cycle storage.

Councillor T Aziz, Ward Councillor, commented that the application would provide a significant amount of affordable housing, including parking, which was very positive for Woking. Councillor T Aziz raised some concerns regarding the overbearing nature of the development and overlooking on the two neighbouring semi-detached properties – Hindover and Ramsey. The Planning Officer commented that the existing building wrapped around the garden of Hindover, it was also located immediately on the boundary and had windows that overlooked. The new building would be one storey taller than the existing, but would be located further away from the boundary with a window separation distance of 24m, which was considered an acceptable impact. Following a query regarding the impact of the side fenestration on Block B, it was noted that there was only one window planned which would only serve a corridor, with a condition in place for it to be obscurely glazed with restricted opening.

A number of Members commented that the affordable housing provision was very positive, although queried whether this would be reserved for Woking residents. The Planning Officer explained that there would be a legal nominations agreement in place where the Local Authority could nominate applicants from the Housing register.

Discussion ensued on the parking provision and some Members queried whether it was possible to prevent new residents acquiring CPZ on-street parking permits as there was sufficient parking provided as part of the development. Councillor T Aziz proposed, and it was duly seconded by Councillor S Hussain, that a condition be added to prevent residents applying for on-street parking permits. The Planning Officer commented that this additional condition would not be needed and advised that as the application had met the Parking Standards SPD (2018 ) then this additional condition would be considered unacceptable. A number of Members thought that the Parking Task Group would be the better route to consider whether any conditions regarding on-street parking permits were necessary for the site. Councillor T Aziz accepted the Planning Officer’s advice and withdrew his proposal to add an additional condition.

RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions and S106 Agreement.