New tower block proposal in town centre approved

Planners have approved a proposal to build a 25-storey tower block in Woking, Surrey.

The building, on the site of the town's former BHS department store in Commercial Way, will include 272 flats.

The development had been previously rejected by Woking Borough Council in 2023 due to its impact on the town's character and appearance, lack of car parking and absence of affordable homes.

Developer Donard Real Estate appealed the refusal and submitted the same application.

The plans, backed by the Surrey Chambers of Commerce, featured retail and commercial zones on the ground floor.

Many of the objections focused on the new building's height.

Anne-Marie Barker, the leader of the council, said new government rules, putting local authorities under greater pressure to build housing, have definitely been a factor.

"We now have to deliver 794 homes a year, which is a huge increase," she told BBC Radio Surrey.

"It's more than doubled."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.