Policy information sourced from The Woking Local Development Document - Core Strategy

CS20: Heritage and conservation

New development must respect and enhance the character and appearance of the area in which it is proposed whilst making the best use of the land available. New development should also make a positive contribution to the character, distinctiveness and significance of the historic environment, including heritage assets at risk through neglect, decay or other threats.

The heritage assets of the Borough will be protected and enhanced in accordance with relevant legislation and national guidance as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. The definition of what comprises the heritage assets of the Borough is included in the Glossary and also where relevant identified on the Proposals Map.

There will be a presumption against any development that will be harmful to a listed building. Alterations and extensions to listed buildings must respect the host building in terms of scale, design, use of materials, retention of the structure and any features of special historic or architectural importance. Planning applications will be refused for any alteration or extension to a listed building that will not preserve the building or its setting. A listed building consent will be required for any development that will affect a statutory listed building.

On all development sites over 0.4 hectares an archaeological evaluation and investigation will be necessary if, in the opinion of the County Archaeologist, an archaeological assessment demonstrates that the site has archaeological potential.

Within Areas of High Archaeological Potential (as illustrated on the Proposals Map), development will not be permitted unless the following are satisfied: