Funeral directors shopfront at Unit 1 Midas House, 58 - 60 Goldsworth Road, Woking

“The proposal relates to a ground floor commercial unit within a large, modern office building in Woking Town Centre. The surrounding area is mixed in character and includes commercial and residential uses in buildings of varying ages.”

“PLAN/2022/0961 - Change of use from Restaurant (use class E), to two separate units, a Pizza Take Away (Sui Generis use) & an Undertaker (use class E) with associated internal alterations and new shopfronts – Not yet determined – Permitted 18.01.2023”

“PLAN/1999/0946 - Demolition of existing shops, offices and workshops. Construction of a new office building with associated car park; refurbishment of Scotia House with the retention of existing shops at No 66 & 68 – Permitted 24.02.2000”

“The proposal site is within Woking Town Centre, and the surrounding area features predominately commercial uses at ground floor level however there are residential units at ground floor level and above adjacent to the site at Spectrum House. Given the mixed commercial context of the surrounding area, the proposed non-illuminated signage is not considered to result in a harmful impact on neighbouring amenity.”

“Overall, the proposal is considered to have an acceptable impact on the character of the host building and surrounding area, and on the amenities of neighbours and in respect of other planning considerations as noted in this report. The proposal therefore accords with the relevant Development Plan policies, guidance and other…”

“No representations were received in connection with this proposal…”

“The Planning Committee is also requested to authorise the Strategic Director - Place and Digital (and their relevant authorised deputies/authorised officers) to determine advertisement consent application ref: PLAN/2026/0379 (which relates to the 2no non- illuminated Lodge Brothers fascia signs to the front elevation of the building) under delegated authority once the period for public consultation on that advertisement consent application has expired.”

“Members noted that the retrospective nature of the application did not alter the requirement to assess the proposal on its planning merits. No objections were raised during the discussion, and the Committee was satisfied that the development was acceptable.”