One of the UK’s most important Grade II listed buildings could soon provide luxury homes
Planning Application WA/2023/02010 – Valid From 19/09/2023
The circa £30m development by St. John’s Development Limited at the former St John’s Seminary for 41 luxury houses and apartments has been approved by Waverley Planners.
However, there was concern that it is unlikely that there will be no what is termed as “affordable homes” built there unless the developer can make enough profit to provide some elsewhere.
The Catholic church decided to close St John’s in 2021, and the building was sold in 2022.
It was The principal seminary for the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and the Archdiocese of Southwark. It was a film set for many years for the filming of the popular television series Foyles War.
When Waverley’s planning committee members considered the application this week, they welcomed the conversion of the iconic building before it deteriorated.
Only one councillor voted against the application, saying he could not vote for any development that didn’t provide at least a few affordable homes urgently needed in the borough.
Said Cllr Spence.
“A development of this size should have at least 15 affordable homes, and there is not even one.”
He took little comfort in the possibility of a 106 legal agreement that could provide something if the developer “eventually” made enough profit.
There is some disquiet that the village dubbed ‘wealthy Wonersh’ is not taking its fair share of cheaper homes for rent and shared ownership—a village with nearby Bramley schools, Guildford train station, shops and medical services. In contrast, villages like Alfold are deluged with “affordable development” with little or no services.
The Chairman, Cllr Penny Rivers, was concerned that “the amazing parquet floors” wouldn’t be damaged by stiletto heels in the future.
Shame Councillor Penny Rivers doesn’t take her role as Chair of the Planning Committee seriously. I don’t think those who are waiting on Waverley’s housing register will find her remarks funny. But at least one member of the planning committee got their priorities right. Well done Councillor Spence
At last one councillor is raising the sustainable social development need for affordable homes. However it is unlikely that such developments could sustain affordable homes.