Two-storey employment building at Unit 2 Woking Business Park, Sheerwater, Woking

“PROPOSAL: Erection of a detached two storey building for Class E(g)(ii), E(g)(iii), B2/B8 use, associated car parking and landscaping following the demolition of the existing building…”

“The application seeks planning permission for the erection of a detached two storey building for Class E(g)(ii), E(g)(iii), B2/B8 use, associated car parking and landscaping following the demolition of the sites existing building two storey building.”

“The application site is located on the northern side of Albert Drive and to the east most part of Woking Business Park within the developed area of Sheerwater, Woking. The east boundary of the site forms the rear boundary of the dwellings on Blackmore Crescent.”

“The site comprises a detached, 2 storey commercial building with a double pitched roof and newer elements to the south side which are also two storey, however encompass flat roofs. The site is accessed from Albert Drive, approximately 160 metres south of the existing building.”

“PLAN/2014/0702 - Change of use of all units within Woking Business Park from flexible B1 (Business) and B8 (Storage and Distribution) use to a flexible use of B1 (Business), B2 (General Industrial) and B8 (Storage and Distribution). (Note: Unit 23 already has a permitted use of B1(c), B2 and B8 but is still included within this application) – Permitted 19.12.2014”

“The proposed development delivers improved employment floorspace on an allocated safeguarded employment location. Overall, the proposed development is considered to result in a development which closely reflects the intentions of local and national planning policy. The proposal is considered to have an acceptable transportation impact and an acceptable impact on the highway and surface water flooding zones.”

“GRANT Planning Permission subject to the following condition(s):”

“Members queried the location and extent of the proposed biodiversity net gain, noting that the scheme would achieve a 12% increase, which was lower than a previous application considered by the Committee. The Planning Officer confirmed that the biodiversity net gain would be achieved through additional plantings along the eastern boundary of the site.”

“Members sought clarification regarding the change in office space compared to the existing building, specifically whether the new proposal would result in an increase or reduction in office accommodation and employment. The Planning Officer advised that the proposed building would be marginally smaller in footprint, being slightly deeper but not as wide as the existing structure.”