Retirement Villages has welcomed Woking Council planning committee’s decision to approve a key technical milestone in the planning process for the long-awaited redevelopment of the Sheer House site in West Byfleet.
The Section 73 application was presented to the full planning committee on Tuesday evening via Zoom. The amendments allow Retirement Villages to take a step forward in designing a new retirement community in the heart of West Byfleet.
Commenting on the decision immediately after last night’s meeting,
Retirement Villages’ planning director Guy Flintoft said, ‘Obviously, we are delighted that Woking Borough Council consent our Section 73 application. It’s an important milestone in the planning process. However, I should acknowledge the invaluable feedback and support that we have been getting from the West Byfleet community and local representatives.
“We only acquired the site in the summer. I doubt we would have made this much progress without the attention, and hard work put in by Woking’s planning officers.
‘It’s great to see the local community is excited to see the development come forward and Retirement Villages looks forward to continuing to consult with local residents and businesses as we move to Reserved Matters, the next stage of the planning process.’
Retirement Villages plans to deliver 200 apartments for retirement living, as well as new retail units, a community space, a replacement public library and car park and a village square to replace the former Sheer House office building in West Byfleet.
The project team is keen to hear from all members of the local community as they refine their designs. A public meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday 16 December at 6pm which will give residents the first opportunity to see the proposed designs. Register for the event at www.sheerhouseredevelopment.co.uk or by calling freephone 0800 061 4979.