Derelict garages could become houses in new scheme

A row of derelict garages could be demolished to make way for new homes in a Surrey estate.

The 36 garages, accessed via a narrow road in Albert Drive in Sheerwater, Woking, are all vacant with many in a poor state of repair.

Now, following a Woking Borough Council planning committee meeting on Tuesday, the rundown site could soon be demolished to make way for seven new homes.

"The garages are all currently vacant and many are in a state of disrepair and would require significant investment before they could be brought back into use to provide secure parking or storage," papers presented to the committee read.

The papers added: "Currently, none of the garages are used for parking purposes.

"The loss of the garages on the site has previously been considered acceptable as a single storey building for use as a dental surgery was permitted in 2019."

Under the new plans, the houses will be split into two terraces - one with four homes with three in the other, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Woking councillor Tom Spenser said the potential project was "really positive and very encouraging to see".

Plans for the regeneration of Sheerwater have been left largely in limbo, with 1,100 new homes planned for the site left uncompleted due to Woking Borough Council's financial difficulties.

Buildings in the suburb still remain empty and fenced off due to the uncompleted works.

The council was, at its peak, facing £2bn of debt and declared itself effectively bankrupt in 2023.

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