St Johns Community Facility

The Council is working with St Johns Memorial Hall Trustees to develop a new community facility on common land at St Johns Lye which will replace the existing memorial hall and provide new changing rooms and a clubhouse in order to re-establish cricket and football at the site. Architect's plans and a colour illustration have been prepared for public consultation prior to a planning application which is likely to be submitted in May 2008.  The existing memorial hall will be demolished and it is the intention to develop this site for housing.  However, no proposals have been developed for this housing scheme at present.

 

The proposed new building and associated car park is within the St John's village conservation area and measures to reduce the visual impact of the scheme include careful siting, screen planting and the use of non-reflective building materials which are similar to those used locally.

 

Measures to mitigate against any impact on the ecology of the site, which is within a Site of Nature Conservation Importance, are also being developed and will include additional planting and the creation of new wildlife habitats where appropriate.

 

These factors, including the results of the public consultation and the case for building a community facility within the green belt will be considered as part of the planning decision process.  As a separate process, an application to the Secretary of State to allow building of the facilities on common land will be made.  This process will involve further consultation with local people.

 

The Council and Memorial Hall Trustees welcome comments regarding the proposal for the new community building.  Please email commservcountry@woking.gov.uk or write to Geoff Ward, Cultural and Community Development Manager, Woking Borough Council, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6YL or contact 01483 755855.