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Planning Application WA/2023/02010 – Valid From 19/09/2023
ST. JOHNS SEMINARY CRANLEIGH ROAD WONERSH GUILDFORD GU5 0QXThe circa £30m development by St. John’s Development Limited at the former St John’s Seminary for 41 luxury houses and apartments will be considered by Waverley Planners.
With an officer’s recommendation to APPROVE and backed by Wonersh Parish Council.
Initially, many more homes were planned on the entire development, a massive reduction from the owner’s initial intention. The new build elements are carbon-neutral.
Planning a new chapter for one of the country’s most iconic Grade 11 buildings The seminary was designed by prominent church architect Frederick Walters – whose work includes Buckfast Abbey and Ealing Abbey.St John’s is the only purpose-built seminary in the United Kingdom, which enhances its archaeological and historical importance. It was the principal seminary for the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and the Archdiocese of Southwark.Changing circumstances, especially a continued decline in the numbers of those seeking to study for the priesthood, meant that the building’s future has been periodically reviewed since the turn of the millennium.The Catholic church decided to close St John’s in 2021, and the building was sold in 2022.
A foot/cycle path across the development will accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. This will encourage new residents and the general public, who will have unfettered access to the facility, to walk and cycle into the village.New Entrance
The developers say they have devised a new entrance in a safer and more prominent position. Which will help reduce traffic speeds heading in and out of Wonersh. There is no objection from the Highway Authority provided the applicant provides £235,000 towards improvements between Barnett Lane and the site, Norley Lane and The Water Mill, and Wonersh Village highway safety improvements and speed reduction measures.
A stunning courtyard garden will be created within the built-up area of the development. The landscaping has been designed to support and encourage the existing ecology and wildlife. • The conversion of the existing building is in line with directions given by English Heritage and the conservation officer
Demolition of existing outbuildings and extensions and conversion of St John Seminary to create 18 houses and 23 dwellings, including alterations to the chapel to provide ancillary residents gym and spa facilities.
Gym and Spa facilities 
Typical interior 
For more information, St John’s Seminary document 8908099
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"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when once we practise to deceive.
Excellent project. Fine repurposing of a building that would otherwise end up as a hotel or mysteriously burn down.
Good. Yet more totally unaffordable housing and a shedload more Teslas and Rang Rovers on a raod that can’t support the current traffic loading. How very surrey.
Yes PJ. Perfect for all those high-worth individuals downsizing from their London piles.