Council seeks views on draft Conservation Area Appraisals

Published date
22 July 2026
Planning and building control

Residents, businesses and other interested parties are invited to share their views on proposed new Conservation Area Appraisal documents for three areas of the borough.

Stone war memorial with engraved names and a bronze winged figure on top, set in a paved square with a grass base and red poppy wreaths. A red-brick church with a tall spire is behind it under a clear blue sky.

The three appraisal documents cover Byfleet Corner/Rosemount Parade and Station Approach in West Byfleet, Woking town centre and Aviary Road in Pyrford.

The documents identify and describe the distinctive historic and architectural character of each area and will help inform future planning decisions affecting heritage assets. They form part of the council's ongoing programme to review and update its heritage evidence base.

Two of the appraisals, covering Woking town centre and Byfleet Corner/Rosemount Parade and Station Approach, have been prepared by Woking Borough Council. The Aviary Road appraisal has been produced by Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum in collaboration with the council.

Residents, businesses and other interested parties are encouraged to review the documents and provide feedback or any additional information that may help strengthen the final appraisals.

Cllr Louise Morales, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy, said: 

Conservation areas help protect the unique character and history of our specific communities whilst ensuring that change is carefully managed.

These draft appraisals provide an important record of what makes these areas special, and I would encourage residents, businesses and other interested parties to review the documents carefully and share their views. Local knowledge can play a valuable role in helping us ensure the final documents accurately reflect the heritage of these places.

The three Conservation Area Appraisal documents can be viewed online. 

In addition, the documents can be viewed at the following locations:

  • Byfleet Library
  • Knaphill Library
  • West Byfleet Library
  • Woking Library.

Comments should be submitted to planning.policy@woking.gov.uk using the subject line 'Conservation Area Appraisals'.

The consultation closes on Monday 31 August 2026.