*Update 2nd Sept*
Waverley Design Officer Sarah Wells has objected to the plans on the grounds of bulk and scale, overdevelopment, conflict between car parking and pedestrians, and materials not being in keeping with the surrounding area.
Great news that so many people have been objecting to the demolition of The Old Fire Station. Significantly, Surrey County Council Highways have objected to the application recommending refusal as “drivers would have to manoeuvre with the public footway. The use of these [parking] spaces, where there is restricted visibility, could result in danger and inconvenience to pedestrians on the public footway” It would be difficult for the planners to argue against this.
Thanks to the Surrey Advertiser who covered the issue on their Godalming edition front page:
There are four Godalming businesses represented in this photo who have started up from the Fire Station over the years.
There has also been some political debate from Surrey County Councillor Steve Cosser on saving The Old Fire Station, in a letter (below) to the Surrey Advertiser.
Councillor Cosser bravely admits Surrey County Council were responsible for The Old Fire Station’s deteriorating condition, subsequent withdrawal of funding and consequent demise. The Council terminated their partnership with Farnham Malltings – that doesn’t seem to demonstrate successful partnership working, or a priority to support young people. The answer to every problem is not always developing flats. Indeed anybody who could afford one of these town centre flats won’t be working in Godalming; commuting to London most likely! With the huge amount of offices turning to flats in Godalming under the Conservatives ‘Prior Determination’ Policy (i.e. don’t need planning permission) their vision for the town is nothing but dormitory.
