Martin Grant Homes has submitted two related planning applications to Woking Borough Council. They’re intent now on constructing 309 houses on Saunders Lane, Mayford. The proposed development site, located within the green belt, has raised questions regarding its classification and the potential impact on the area.
The second application would see 162 homes developed to the northwest of Saunders Lane. The second application would produce 147 homes to the northeast. The developer contends that this land does not meaningfully further the central purposes of the green belt. These often ambitious goals range from preventing urban sprawl and stopping neighboring towns from merging through annexation to protecting small historic towns. Based on their highest and best use evaluation, the property could support the development of over 350 homes.
“Whilst the site is currently located within the green belt, it is considered that the site comprises ‘grey belt’ land,” stated a representative from Martin Grant Homes. This statement is in line with the recently released federal guidance. It says land can be designated a grey belt if it doesn’t fulfill important green belt goals.
So we’re still figuring out the right balance of housing types. That said, the development should be required to include units with a mix of one through four bedrooms. Perhaps most prominently, 50% of the new homes would be affordable housing, mixed in among market-rate homes on each of the two sites. The government’s new planning statement makes clear that a mix of both house types and sizes is needed. Such an approach will better respond to localities’ needs and provide more options in the housing market.
The developer is just as concerned about the state of housing supply. They warn that Woking Borough Council would run out of appropriate space for new homes in just over two years. This urgency has translated into their commitments to produce new, affordable housing choices throughout the region.
As for location, the proposed development site is perfectly positioned within walking distance of many other important community assets. These consist of Mayford Village Hall, a paddock, playing fields and a play area. Sustainable residents, make your voices heard during the development planning stage! The deadline for commenting on these applications is early December, so act quickly!
“The benefits of the proposed development are wide-ranging and significant,” added Martin Grant Homes in their planning statement. The company thinks this project is a big step towards solving Woking’s housing shortage altogether. Importantly, it will do this while improving local infrastructure in the process.
