Mike campaigns against Key Site Development in Godalming

12.00.00am GMT Sat 6th Feb 2010

Mike Simpson campaigns against the Key Site plans

Mike Simpson, Godalming's Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate submitted the following objection to Waverley:


"The proposed development of the 'Key Site' (No WA/2009/1674) is totally out of keeping with the character of Godalming and if approved would set a disastrous precedent for the town.

Although the number of units has reduced compared to the previous unsuccessful application, the sizes of units have increased so there are actually thirteen more two-bedroomed units. The eight storey tower is still in the plans and I wholeheartedly agree with local residents that it is totally inappropriate in scale for a town like Godalming.

Most damning is the complete failure to provide any affordable housing on the site. I was amazed to read in the application that the statement about the viability of affordable housing on the site is considered by the applicant to be 'commercially sensitive' and that it was therefore 'submitted on a private and confidential basis and is excluded from the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act'! 


The public have no way of scrutinising the applicant's contention that they cannot afford to provide anything other than luxury flats on the Key Site. This makes nonsense of public consultation".

¨ This is an inappropriate development for Godalming due to its design, scale and housing density.

¨ This would, if approved, provide a disastrous precedent for future development in the town.

¨ This does nothing to address the town's need for affordable housing for local families.